Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Research Expert Kevin Goetz

• Mike Medavoy (Legendary Agent, Producer, & Studio Executive) on an Extraordinary Hollywood Journey

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes an industry titan-- film producer and studio executive Mike Medavoy. With a career spanning over five decades, Medavoy has been closely involved with over 300 feature films, with seven winning Best Picture Oscars. From agent to studio chief to producer, his remarkable journey from Shanghai to Hollywood has shaped some of cinema's most important films, including Rocky, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Apocalypse Now, Platoon, and Silence of the Lambs. With characteristic humility and wisdom, Medavoy shares fascinating stories from his illustrious career.Early Life and Global Upbringing (03:12)Born in Shanghai in 1941 to Russian-Ukrainian Jewish parents, Medavoy moved to Chile in 1947 before settling in California, speaking Shanghai-nese, Russian, Spanish, and English.Breaking into Hollywood (07:40)After UCLA and the US Army Reserve, Medavoy started in Universal's mailroom in 1964, making industry friendships that became the foundation of his career.From Agent to Studio Executive (11:15)Medavoy recounts transitioning from talent agent to Senior VP of Production at United Artists, where his first major film was One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.United Artists and an Unprecedented Oscar Run (16:26)At UA, Medavoy helped shepherd three consecutive Best Picture winners: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Rocky, and Annie Hall.Formation of Orion Pictures (19:43)Medavoy discusses co-founding Orion Pictures, which produced classics like Amadeus, Platoon, and The Silence of the Lambs.Stories Behind the Classics (24:26)Fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about iconic films including Platoon, Terminator, and Apocalypse Now.Advice for the Next Generation (38:56) For emerging filmmakers, Medavoy recommends "The Story of Film" as essential viewing.Throughout this conversation, Medavoy reveals himself as not just an industry treasure but a thoughtful observer of both cinema and life. His journey from immigrant roots to Hollywood exemplifies the dream many pursue but few achieve. With remarkable candor, he discusses both triumphs and regrets, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the mind of someone who has truly shaped modern cinema while remaining, as Kevin notes, "a very charming and decent human being."If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Mike MedavoyProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Mike Medavoy:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_MedavoyIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005219/Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Only-Good-Your-Next/dp/0743400550For more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram: @KevinGoetz360Linked In @Kevin GoetzScreen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

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• Chris Landon (Writer, Director, Producer) on Growing Up in Hollywood & Creating "Feel-Good Horror"

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Chris Landon, the acclaimed writer, director, and producer known for films like Happy Death Day, Freaky, Disturbia, and most recently, Heart Eyes. Son of television legend Michael Landon, Chris has carved his own path in Hollywood, specializing in horror comedy or what he calls "feel-good horror." He candidly shares personal stories about his Hollywood upbringing, coming out, surviving kidney cancer, and the creative approaches that have defined his successful career.Growing Up as Michael Landon's Son (05:04)Landon discusses his childhood as the son of a famous father, his parents' divorce, and how his mother's sudden religious conversion impacted his youth.Facing Personal Challenges (10:56)Chris opens up about his father's untimely death from pancreatic cancer when Chris was just 16, and his own journey as a cancer survivor, sharing an important message about health vigilance.Early Film Influences and Career Beginnings (12:07)Landon talks about his early love for horror films, how watching his father's fulfillment at work influenced him, and his introduction to both horror and emotional films like Terms of Endearment.From Writer to Director's Jail (24:41)Chris details his path from writing Disturbia to joining the Paranormal Activity franchise after boldly speaking up in a meeting, his experience with residuals, and eventually facing "director's jail" after Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.Breaking through with Happy Death Day (38:38)Landon shares the story of how he resurrected a shelved script called Half to Death that became Happy Death Day, a $5 million film that grossed around $150 million and revitalized his career.Learning from Test Screenings (43:17)Landon explains key insights gained from audience screenings, including respecting the audience's intelligence and never betraying the rules established in a film.Upcoming Film: Drop (46:48)Landon previews his new edge-of-your-seat thriller Drop (releasing April 11), calling it his "grown-up movie" and a modern-day Hitchcock thriller starring Meagan Fahy.Throughout the conversation, Chris Landon demonstrates his resilience, creative vision, and commitment to authentic storytelling. From navigating Hollywood as the son of a legend to creating his own distinct voice in the horror genre, his journey offers insights into filmmaking, audience engagement, and personal growth.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Chris LandonProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Chris Landon:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Landon_(filmmaker)IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0484907/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrislandon/?hl=en For more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360Link

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• David Permut (Oscar® & Emmy® Nominated Producer) on Movie Maps, Making Movies That Matter, and Discovering New Talent

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with acclaimed producer David Permut, the visionary behind films like Face/Off, Hacksaw Ridge (Academy Award nominee for Best Picture), Dragnet, and most recently, Rustin. His films have garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, and he is known for his exceptional ability to discover new talent and bring challenging stories to the screen. From selling star maps as a teenager to executive producing with Barack and Michelle Obama, Permut shares candid stories about his remarkable journey in Hollywood.Early Beginnings and Star Maps (02:15)Permut discusses his start as the publisher of Beverly Hills Map Company, selling maps to celebrity homes while meeting stars like Fred Astaire, Elvis Presley, and Katherine Hepburn.Learning from Bill Sargent (09:17)The producer shares how meeting promoter Bill Sargent led to his first major projects, including Give 'em Hell, Harry! starring James Whitmore.Richard Pryor Live in Concert (16:30)Permut reveals the story behind producing Richard Pryor's groundbreaking concert film, which grossed $32.5 million.Face/Off: From Shelf to Screen (24:33)Details the fascinating journey of acquiring Face/Off from Warner Brothers, investing his own money for the option, and bringing John Woo on board to direct what would become a major hit.The Making of Hacksaw Ridge (30:04)Permut talks about the 17-year journey to bring Desmond Doss's story to screen, culminating in six Oscar nominations and working with Mel Gibson.Rustin and Working with the Obamas (36:05)Permut discusses collaborating with Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions on Rustin and the importance of telling meaningful stories.Current Projects and Future Vision (41:27)The producer shares his excitement about discovering new talent and his upcoming projects, including Twinless with James Sweeney and Being Heumann, the story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann.Throughout this engaging conversation, David Permut embodies his own philosophy: "Die with your memories, not your dreams." From selling star maps to producing Oscar-nominated films, his journey demonstrates the power of passion and persistence in Hollywood. Whether creating blockbusters or meaningful dramas, Permut's enthusiasm for discovering new talent and telling important stories remains as strong as ever.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: David PermutProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about David Permut:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_PermutIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0674303/Variety: https://variety.com/exec/david-permut/ For more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360Linked In @Kevin Goetz

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  46:47
• Elizabeth Gabler (President of Sony 3000 Pictures) on the Art of Book-to-Screen Movie Magic

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Elizabeth Gabler, known for transforming literary works into cinematic successes. From her early days as an agent's assistant to becoming president of Fox 2000 and now Sony 3000 Pictures, Gabler shares insights from her remarkable career developing hit films like Life of Pi, The Devil Wears Prada, Mrs. Doubtfire, Marley and Me, and Where the Crawdads Sing.Early Career and Love of Reading (01:43)Gabler discusses her background in English literature and unexpected entry into entertainment, influenced by her early love of reading and her mother's influence as a librarian.United Artists and Early Development (10:12)The conversation explores her time at United Artists, working with industry legends like Jerry Weintraub and Billy Wilder, and developing projects like Roadhouse and Presumed Innocent that would later become successful films.Mrs. Doubtfire Development (13:30)Gabler shares the fascinating story of bringing Mrs. Doubtfire to the screen, including working with Robin Williams and director Chris Columbus, and overcoming initial skepticism about the project.Cast Away and Production Innovation (23:22)Discussion of the unique production process of Cast Away, including Tom Hanks' physical transformation and Robert Zemeckis making an entire other film during the production break.Life of Pi Journey (29:43)Elizabeth offers a detailed look at the challenging journey to bring Life of Pi to the screen, including Ang Lee's involvement and the innovative technical approaches required.Devil Wears Prada Casting (36:48)The pair discuss the casting process for The Devil Wears Prada, including securing Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, and the discovery of Emily Blunt.Current Projects and Personal Life (46:20)Gabler discusses her current project Klara and the Sun with director Taika Waititi and stars Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams, while also touching on personal aspects including the recent loss of her husband Lee.This intimate conversation reveals not just the mechanics of bringing books to screen, but the passion, persistence, and vision required to create lasting cinema. Gabler's deep love for storytelling and family themes runs throughout her work and this discussion, offering insights into how personal values can shape professional success.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind-the-scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Elizabeth GablerProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Elizabeth Gabler:Variety: https://variety.com/exec/elizabeth-gabler/IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1992894/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-gabler-7b030a19 For more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360Linked In @Kevin Goetz

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  52:04
• Brad Furman (Director/Producer/Writer) on his Journey from the Basketball Court to Film Sets

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes director and producer Brad Furman, known for films like The Lincoln Lawyer, The Infiltrator, Runner Runner, The Take, and City of Lies. The episode opens with Furman reading a touching tribute letter he wrote after the passing of his friend, filmmaker John Singleton, setting the tone for an intimate conversation about perseverance, mentorship, and the evolution of his career.From Basketball to Film School (03:48)Furman shares his transition from college basketball at Emory to pursuing film at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, discussing how his competitive sports background shaped his approach to filmmaking.Early Career and Notable Mentors (17:22)The conversation explores Furman's early career experiences, including working as Julia Roberts' assistant for three years, and learning from industry veterans like Cis Corman at Barbara Streisand's production company.A Family Affair with Shirley MacLaine (29:24)Furman discusses People Not Places, a project 12 years in the making that began with his mother Ellen Furman's screenplay specifically written for Shirley MacLaine. The film, starring MacLaine and Stephen Dorff, became Furman's "most beautiful experience" in filmmaking.City of Lies and Perseverance (33:05)Furman talks about getting City of Lies (starring Johnny Depp) released despite numerous obstacles, including corporate bankruptcies, the pandemic, and industry challenges.The Lincoln Lawyer Journey (37:33)Furman shares his regret about leaving Lakeshore Entertainment after the success of The Lincoln Lawyer. He reflects on lessons learned from working with Tom Rosenberg and the challenges of navigating studio politics.Current Projects (45:30)The episode concludes with Furman reflecting on his growth as both a filmmaker and father. He shares how his experiences have brought him to what he calls his "Michael Jordan years" - his prime as a filmmaker.From his early days making The Take with John Leguizamo, through the breakthrough success of The Lincoln Lawyerwith Matthew McConaughey, to battling to release City of Lies with Johnny Depp, and now creating intimate character studies like People Not Places with Shirley MacLaine, Brad Furman’s career demonstrates remarkable range and resilience.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind-the-scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Brad FurmanProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Brad Furman:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_FurmanIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1026778/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfurman/?hl=enFor more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360Linked In @Kevin GoetzScreen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

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