Hollywood Gold

Hollywood Gold

Hollywood Gold

Hollywood Gold is a talk show podcast that pulls back the curtain on the making of some of the industry’s most iconic movies, through interviews with notable producers and filmmakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

THE SUBSTANCE: The Journey to Creating Coralie Fargeat’s Genre-Defying Modern Masterpiece

THE SUBSTANCE: The Journey to Creating Coralie Fargeat’s Genre-Defying Modern Masterpiece

Executive Producer Alexandra Loewy dives deep into the making of 2025 Oscar-nominated horror film, The Substance. She shares how Writer/Director Coralie Fargeat meticulously crafted the film, spending two years writing what Loewy calls the most detailed script she had ever read, paired with an 80-page lookbook including striking visual references. With a very demanding filming process, Fargeat had stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley begin prep six weeks ahead of filming rather than the more co

Feb 19, • 1:07:53

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK: How David O. Russell's Incredible Direction Won Jennifer Lawrence Her First Oscar at 23

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK: How David O. Russell's Incredible Direction Won Jennifer Lawrence Her First Oscar at 23

Producer Bruce Cohen recounts the making of 2012’s Oscar winning Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell’s brilliant film about a bipolar man and the widow who changed his life. Not only did the film launch a young Jennifer Lawrence into a new... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 12, • 56:36

WAITRESS: Keri Russell's Heartfelt Performance that Stole Sundance Hearts

WAITRESS: Keri Russell's Heartfelt Performance that Stole Sundance Hearts

Producer Michael Roiff takes us behind the scenes of beloved romantic-comedy, Waitress. What started as an underdog project skyrocketed to success, thanks to a mix of luck, timing, and the passionate champions who believed in it. Roiff shares how they met Keri Russell and instantly knew she was the right choice, even delaying production six months to ensure her availability. Waitress not only leaves behind a lasting legacy as a heartfelt and impactful film, but also serves as a tribute to late D

Feb 5, • 59:04

2025 Oscar Nominations with Producer Riva Marker

2025 Oscar Nominations with Producer Riva Marker

On this special episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela and fellow producer Riva Marker dive deep into this year's Oscar nominations. From Kieran Culkin to Demi Moore, to The Brutalist to Wicked, Daniela and Riva explore each film and performer nominated, using both their personal taste and professional experience to cast their predictions. Tune in for this exciting episode and gear up for Hollywood's biggest night of the year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, • 52:54

MEET THE PARENTS: Robert De Niro's Hilarious Portrayal as Your Intimidating Father-in-Law

MEET THE PARENTS: Robert De Niro's Hilarious Portrayal as Your Intimidating Father-in-Law

Producer and the Co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises Jane Rosenthal joins us to discuss family comedy Meet the Parents and the successful franchise it inspired. What began as the simple yet wildly entertaining premise of meeting a tough, mobster-like father-in-law like the iconic Robert De Niro turned into a comedic phenomenon. Rosenthal reveals how De Niro's commitment to blending realism with laugh-out-loud absurdity created unforgettable moments for audiences everywhere. She shares how

Jan 22, • 46:31

SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Support LA Wildfire Relief Efforts

SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Support LA Wildfire Relief Efforts

In this episode, Daniela and Vanessa discuss their personal experience with the LA wildfires and share their support with the survivors who tragically lost their homes. For more information on how to help, see below for trusted resources:Mutual Aid Network LACalifornia Fire FoundationLAFDFriends in Deed

Jan 15, • 15:03

DUNE: PART ONE AND TWO: How Editing Helped Create an Oscar Winning Sci-Fi Epic

DUNE: PART ONE AND TWO: How Editing Helped Create an Oscar Winning Sci-Fi Epic

Editor Joe Walker takes us behind the scenes of the sci-fi epic, Dune: Part Two, and its Oscar-winning predecessor. In collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve, Walker shares how they worked together to balance intimate character moments with grand world-building and action, using his specialty in sound to create immersive environments and emotional depth. While Dune: Part One focused on introducing characters and setting the stage, Dune: Part Two adopted a faster pace to depict the main cha

Jan 8, • 59:45

A BEAUTIFUL MIND: How Akiva Goldsman Became an Oscar Winner Thanks to Ron Howard

A BEAUTIFUL MIND: How Akiva Goldsman Became an Oscar Winner Thanks to Ron Howard

Writer Akiva Goldsman guides us through the long and winding road to the production of 2001's Best Picture Oscar winner A BEAUTIFUL MIND. Inspired to take on the challenge of adapting the book by growing up in a house that fostered kids with mental... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 1, • 53:32

BONUS: Hollywood Gold's Holiday Favorites

BONUS: Hollywood Gold's Holiday Favorites

In this special bonus episode, Daniela and Vanessa share their favorite holiday movies. From Christmas classics such as Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life to modern holiday stories like Love, Actually and The Family Stone, these movies bring joy and comfort every winter season. This episode also brought a reflection of warm holiday traditions with loved ones, bonding over family movie nights and heartfelt stories that last a lifetime. Happy Holidays from Stay Gold and wishing you a

Dec 25, 2024 • 13:24

THE HOLIDAY: How Nancy Meyers’ Tale of Aspirational House Swapping Became a Christmas Classic

THE HOLIDAY: How Nancy Meyers’ Tale of Aspirational House Swapping Became a Christmas Classic

Writer/director/producer Nancy Meyers joins us to discuss her cozy holiday classic, The Holiday. Masterfully shifting between sunny LA and the charming countryside of England, she discusses how the dual storylines made the crew feel like they were creating two different movies. With a focus on crafting female characters with "gumption," Nancy ensured that stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet not only represented modern womanhood, but also found perfect love interests in Jude Law and Jack Black, w

Dec 18, 2024 • 55:44

A CONVERSATION WITH JOEY PANTS: The Fugitive, Midnight Run, and Other Great Stories

A CONVERSATION WITH JOEY PANTS: The Fugitive, Midnight Run, and Other Great Stories

Actor Joe Pantoliano, or "Joey Pants," pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary acting career, sharing captivating behind-the-scenes tales from iconic films like Risky Business, The Fugitive, and Midnight Run. Beginning his Hollywood journey in 1971, he worked as a waiter to make ends meet as a young actor. Rising to the star we know today, Joey offers insights into the lessons he’s learned about humility and building lasting relationships, illustrated through his unique bond with Steven Spie

Dec 11, 2024 • 1:03:01

THE STING: How Two Con Men Earned Seven Oscars

THE STING: How Two Con Men Earned Seven Oscars

Screenwriter David S. Ward delves into the fascinating origin of his Oscar-winning screenplay, The Sting. He recounts the behind-the-scenes story of how his agent pitched the idea to Robert Redford using a recorded six-minute pitch by David himself. Within two weeks, actor Paul Newman and director George Roy Hill were on board. Despite conflicts on set and mixed early reviews, the film became a sleeper hit, eventually winning seven Academy Awards. Tune in to discover the intricate balance of art

Dec 4, 2024 • 59:11

BONUS: Hollywood Gold's Top 4 Favorite Movies

BONUS: Hollywood Gold's Top 4 Favorite Movies

In this special bonus episode, Daniela and Vanessa dive into the almost impossible challenge of picking their top four movies. From iconic classics like The Graduate and Goodfellas to heartfelt dramas like Kramer vs. Kramer, the duo explores the delicate balance between personal favorites and critically acclaimed masterpieces. They also discuss their favorite hidden gems, the evolution of modern filmmaking, and a few must-watch TV series. To all those who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving and rememb

Nov 27, 2024 • 18:10

WICKED: Dressing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on a Big Screen Adaption of the Iconic Broadway Production

WICKED: Dressing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on a Big Screen Adaption of the Iconic Broadway Production

Costume Designer Paul Tazewell takes us into the magical world of Wicked and his role in transforming beloved characters Glinda and Elphaba for the screen. Striving to honor the spirit of the original Broadway show while presenting a fresh, cinematic experience, Paul created looks inspired by nature, intricate textures, and dynamic character contrasts. He highlights how Cynthia Erivo’s physicality, emotional depth, and connection to the material made her an ideal choice, while Ariana Grande’s au

Nov 20, 2024 • 56:37

STEP UP: Channing Tatum Dances His Way into an Unexpected Film Franchise

STEP UP: Channing Tatum Dances His Way into an Unexpected Film Franchise

Producer Erik Feig reflects on the making of Step Up, the movie that launched one of the most iconic dance/romance film franchises in history. Inspired by classics like Footloose and Save the Last Dance, Erik set out to flip the script by creating a dance movie from a male perspective, transforming the genre from a "chick flick" into a compelling couple’s story. The game-changing decision to cast a fresh-faced Channing Tatum for his breakout role was just the beginning. What started as a small-b

Nov 13, 2024 • 57:30

SIDEWAYS: Why Paul Giamatti is an Editor's Best Friend in this 20-Year-Old Romantic Comedy

SIDEWAYS: Why Paul Giamatti is an Editor's Best Friend in this 20-Year-Old Romantic Comedy

Editor Kevin Tent takes us through the making of Sideways in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary. Kevin dives into his early days of mastering the editing process and his long-term collaboration with director Alexander Payne. He shares captivating insights on how Paul Giamatti, the film's star, was considered an editor’s best friend, making his job easy with his brilliant performances. From the unique perspective of the film's editor, Kevin shares how he was unsure of how the movie would

Nov 6, 2024 • 55:37

A REAL PAIN: How Jesse Eisenberg Wrote, Directed, and Starred in This Sundance Success Story

A REAL PAIN: How Jesse Eisenberg Wrote, Directed, and Starred in This Sundance Success Story

Executive Producer Ryan Heller takes us behind the scenes of A Real Pain and his collaboration with writer, director, and star Jesse Eisenberg. Described as both a captivating mix of oddball road movie and a personal story for Eisenberg, Ryan notes that this film's path to creation was clear thanks to its experienced team and casting choices. With only 25 days to shoot, the dynamic pairing of co-star Kieran Culkin and Eisenberg ignited the story with their combined lifetime acting experience and

Oct 30, 2024 • 58:44

ANORA: Sean Baker’s Rogue Approach to Filmmaking and the Creation of an Instant Classic

ANORA: Sean Baker’s Rogue Approach to Filmmaking and the Creation of an Instant Classic

Producer Alex Coco takes us behind the scenes of the making of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner, Anora. Alex reflects on his collaboration with director Sean Baker, revealing how flexibility with the script led to a more authentic and organic storytelling experience, including a spontaneous real-life double rainbow that was written its own scene. He also discusses one of the most important components behind Anora’s success: handpicking the right cast, focusing on who was truly suited f

Oct 23, 2024 • 1:07:39

GOODRICH: Michael Keaton's Return to Family Comedy

GOODRICH: Michael Keaton's Return to Family Comedy

Writer/director Hallie Meyers-Shyer reflects on the creation of Goodrich, set to release this Friday, October 18th. In this episode, she delves into the emotional and personal stories that inspired this heartwarming tale of a complex father-daughter relationship. Hallie discusses the casting process and how the legendary Michael Keaton, known for his talent in both comedy and drama, became an essential part of bringing this dramedy to life. The film was produced by Hollywood Gold host Daniela Ta

Oct 16, 2024 • 58:40

THE FLORIDA PROJECT: Sean Baker’s Exploration of Childhood Innocence in the Shadows of a Disney World "

THE FLORIDA PROJECT: Sean Baker’s Exploration of Childhood Innocence in the Shadows of a Disney World "

Producer Alex Saks walks us through the making of The Florida Project, revealing the countless unexpected twists that shaped its creation. Reflecting on her collaboration with director Sean Baker, Alex discusses how her unwavering trust in his vision brought this powerful story to life. From the chaos of helicopter interruptions to a lice outbreak on set, she dives into the challenges and hard work behind crafting this deeply powerful film on childhood innocence. This episode is a compelling tal

Oct 9, 2024 • 1:01:00

CONTAGION: How a Movie Predicted a Real-World Pandemic

CONTAGION: How a Movie Predicted a Real-World Pandemic

Screenwriter/Director/Producer Scott Z. Burns takes us behind the scenes of the gripping disaster film Contagion, revealing its chilling relevance during the global pandemic. In this episode, Burns reflects on his initial brainstorm with visionary director Steven Soderbergh, sharing how his father’s fascination with pandemics sparked the film’s haunting premise. From dissecting the cultural shockwaves of pandemics to navigating the delicate balance of tone in the face of disaster, Burns unpacks

Oct 2, 2024 • 1:09:11

RAY: Jamie Foxx’s Electrifying Transformation into Ray Charles

RAY: Jamie Foxx’s Electrifying Transformation into Ray Charles

Producer/Director Taylor Hackford shares his captivating journey of bringing the legendary Ray Charles to life on screen. From his pivotal meeting with Ray Charles Jr. to the critical casting of Jamie Foxx, Hackford shares untold stories of the creative process, the challenges of capturing Ray’s essence, and the dedication of a diverse team determined to authentically portray the iconic musician’s life. With the vibrant city of New Orleans as a backdrop and Ray Charles himself involved, this epi

Sep 25, 2024 • 1:15:38

WHIPLASH: Damien Chazelle’s Intense Ode to Jazz and the Price of Perfection

WHIPLASH: Damien Chazelle’s Intense Ode to Jazz and the Price of Perfection

Producer Helen Estebrook reflects on the making of Whiplash, Damien Chazelle’s intense, Oscar-winning drama, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Estebrook shares behind-the-scenes insights, including the film's production challenges, its journey from short to feature, and the creative collaboration that brought the film's powerful performances and electrifying energy to life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 18, 2024 • 54:25

GARDEN STATE: How Pam Abdy Relied on Her Roots to Make this Indie Gem

GARDEN STATE: How Pam Abdy Relied on Her Roots to Make this Indie Gem

Producer Pam Abdy takes us behind the scenes of the 2004 indie hit GARDEN STATE and recounts the trials and triumphs of the production. From the challenges of working with a first-time director, the creative risks that paid off, to the soundtrack—curated by Braff himself—that became a defining element of the movie and helped capture the essence of the millennial spirit. 20 years after the release of the film, she reminisces on the unexpected success of the film and why she thinks it became such

Sep 11, 2024 • 49:45

Hollywood Gold Fall 2024 Movie Preview

Hollywood Gold Fall 2024 Movie Preview

Listen to the Stay Gold team talk about all the hottest releases due out this fall including Joker 2, Gladiator 2, and of course, Goodrich! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 4, 2024 • 1:08:50

PITCH PERFECT: How Elizabeth Banks + Max Handelman Produced One of Universal’s Biggest Franchises

PITCH PERFECT: How Elizabeth Banks + Max Handelman Produced One of Universal’s Biggest Franchises

Producers Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman recount the making of their global hit PITCH PERFECT. The success of this film launched a franchise and made Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson household names. The concept wasn't an easy sell, so they used pitch pipes and performed songs during studio pitches. They knew they struck gold when Harvey Weinstein wanted the movie so much that he yelled at Elizabeth in the middle of the Met Ball. Thankfully for fans everywhere, she was not intimidated and the m

Aug 28, 2024 • 1:02:38

SCREAM: Staring Down the Weinstein Brothers and Wes Craven’s Return to Horror

SCREAM: Staring Down the Weinstein Brothers and Wes Craven’s Return to Horror

During the production of Scream, producer Cathy Konrad received a late night call with a creepy voice saying, "Do you like scary movies?" Thankfully, it was just the film's director, legendary horror filmmaker Wes Craven, calling to discuss what to do about the Weinsteins being unhappy with the mask and the footage. Despite the studio roadblocks, Scream was finished and was a huge success, redefining the horror genre for a new generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati

Aug 21, 2024 • 1:02:38

ELECTION: Reese Witherspoon Goes Method and Alexander Payne’s Near Straight-to-Video Release

ELECTION: Reese Witherspoon Goes Method and Alexander Payne’s Near Straight-to-Video Release

Election, the brilliantly subversive film about an ambitious high school student's run for class president, launched director Alexander Payne's career. Producers Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa believed in Alex from the time they saw his UCLA short film, but the studio took some more convincing before he was hired. Albert and Ron take us inside the struggles that went into the making of Election, and how they expertly balanced the creative and business elements of filmmaking to launch a legacy. Host

Aug 14, 2024 • 58:46

THE PRINCESS DIARIES: Discovering Anne Hathaway and the Resurgence of Julie Andrews

THE PRINCESS DIARIES: Discovering Anne Hathaway and the Resurgence of Julie Andrews

Producer Debra Martin Chase has worked with some of the greatest talents of our time, including Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. In this episode, Debra talks about how her second career as a film producer began with the timeless classic The Princess Diaries. She explains how this special film inspired Julie Andrews' return to film after a 10 year hiatus and launched Anne Hathaway's career. Debra shares insights into breaking boundaries, forging your own path, what it means to be a leader,

Aug 7, 2024 • 58:25

MEMENTO: Christopher Nolan’s Breakout and Brad Pitt's Big Regret

MEMENTO: Christopher Nolan’s Breakout and Brad Pitt's Big Regret

In this episode, legendary producer Jennifer Todd recalls the production of one of the most ambitious independent films of all time - Christopher Nolan’s Memento. The film that launched the career of one of the most successful and innovative directors of our time struggled to find both buyers and an audience, but Nolan’s vision and perseverance prevailed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 31, 2024 • 44:19

AMERICAN BEAUTY: When Steven Spielberg Became a Fanboy

AMERICAN BEAUTY: When Steven Spielberg Became a Fanboy

Producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks recount the fateful moment that Steven Spielberg walked out of his office at the exact right time to seal the deal with American Beauty writer Alan Ball. Taking a chance on theater director Sam Mendes who had never directed a feature film, they brought together a stellar cast and made a film that went on to win 5 Oscars, including Best Picture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 24, 2024 • 1:01:07

ETERNAL SUNSHINE: How Innovative Camera Work and a Bold Jim Carrey Performance Made Movie Magic

ETERNAL SUNSHINE: How Innovative Camera Work and a Bold Jim Carrey Performance Made Movie Magic

This episode is brought to you by Arc Studio. Screenwriters, write your next script with Arc Studio—the collaboration-friendly screenwriting app with a distraction-free interface that helps you get in the writing zone and stay there. Arc Studio offers a completely free plan, or to take advantage of its full suite of powerful tools you can get $30 off a Pro subscription by visiting arcstudiopro.com/hollywoodgold.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind producer Anthony Bregman dishes all the behind

Jul 17, 2024 • 57:39

BULL DURHAM: Baseball, Shots with Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon’s Tube Dress

BULL DURHAM: Baseball, Shots with Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon’s Tube Dress

Filmmaker Ron Shelton discusses how his experience as a minor league baseball player inspired him to make one of the most authentic sports films of all time. Star Kevin Costner was an early believer in the film and helped secure a studio deal against all odds, while the biggest casting challenge was solved by Susan Sarandon herself with a bold move that convinced the studio heads she was the perfect choice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 10, 2024 • 1:06:34

 THELMA & LOUISE: Callie Khouri’s Feminist Fever Dream and the Movie Ridley Scott Almost Didn’t Direct

THELMA & LOUISE: Callie Khouri’s Feminist Fever Dream and the Movie Ridley Scott Almost Didn’t Direct

Producer and writer Callie Khouri takes us on the journey from script to screen of the beloved film Thelma and Louise. Equal parts inspiration (the story in its entirety just popped into her head one day), great timing (Ridley Scott was suddenly available to direct), and integrity (Callie refused to change the ending regardless of studio notes), the film is a remarkable success story that marks the revolutionary reinvention of female characters on screen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f

Jul 3, 2024 • 1:01:05

SECRETARY: How Maggie Gyllenhaal's Debut Shocked Sundance

SECRETARY: How Maggie Gyllenhaal's Debut Shocked Sundance

Director Steven Shainberg recalls the making of 2002's SECRETARY, a daring film that centers around a BDSM relationship between a lawyer and his new secretary. Inspired by the great filmmakers Jane Campion and Mike Lee, Steven decided to turn his short film into a feature, but knew it would be a challenge to get it made. Many of the executives and financiers who read the script were scared to take on such risky material, but Steven was persistent and secured independent financing. They went out

Jun 26, 2024 • 54:41

HARRIET: How Cynthia Erivo Helped Make a Superhero Origin Story for Harriet Tubman

HARRIET: How Cynthia Erivo Helped Make a Superhero Origin Story for Harriet Tubman

For the first time on the podcast, host Daniela Taplin Lundberg talks to her right-hand woman Becca Cammarata to discuss their own trials and tribulations when producing the historical biopic HARRIET. From the stress of pivoting from a indie film to convincing a studio to come on board to taking a risk on casting relatively unknown Cynthia Erivo, the two share spiritual stories from a muddy set with the goal of showcasitng how Harriet Tubman was a real life superhero. Previous guest and legendar

Jun 19, 2024 • 51:59

THE OUTSIDERS: Francis Ford Coppola Gets His Groove Back

THE OUTSIDERS: Francis Ford Coppola Gets His Groove Back

S.E. Hinton's classic book The Outsiders has influenced an entire generation of young people, and has inspired artists to create various adaptations. The most well-known of these is Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 film starring Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell, and Diane Lane. In this episode, producer Fred Roos recounts the story of how Coppola's intense and unique casting process allowed him to discover the perfect cast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.

Jun 12, 2024 • 39:23

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER: How John Travolta Learned to Disco

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER: How John Travolta Learned to Disco

Producer Kevin McCormick recalls the making of 1977's generation-defining SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. Based on a New York Magazine article about working class Italian Americans in Bay Ridge who let off steam by dancing at the local disco, the film became iconic for its bestselling soundtrack, courtesy of the BeeGees, and its incredible dance scenes. It also made a young John Travolta a bonafide movie star for his performance - a turn that was as dark as it was fun, and laid the groundwork for his star

Jun 5, 2024 • 55:38

I, TONYA: How Margot Robbie Learned to Skate While Allison Janney Needed an Oxygen Tank

I, TONYA: How Margot Robbie Learned to Skate While Allison Janney Needed an Oxygen Tank

Producer Bryan Unkeless recounts the making of 2017's smash I, TONYA. The script, floating around the industry as a spec, was about the incredible life and rise to fame of professional skater Tonya Harding, focusing on the events surrounding the attack on Nancy Kerrigan at the 1994 National Figure Skating Championships. Bryan knew it could be something special if he assembled the right team. Margot and Tom were the first pieces of the puzzle to fall into place and once Director Craig Gillespie c

May 29, 2024 • 53:56

THE PROPOSAL: How Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock’s Surprising Chemistry Reinvigorated the RomCom Genre

THE PROPOSAL: How Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock’s Surprising Chemistry Reinvigorated the RomCom Genre

Producer Todd Lieberman joins Hollywood Gold to discuss 2009’s romantic comedy classic THE PROPOSAL. Having been a huge fan of romcoms and an admirer of Sandra Bullock’s versatility as an actor, the prospect of Bullock returning to the genre was incredibly exciting to Todd. A match made in comedy heaven was made when a young Ryan Reynolds joined the project, and the cast became the stuff of legend once Betty White, who insisted on auditioning, signed on. Although not initially a hit with critics

May 22, 2024 • 49:32

Summer Movie Preview Presented by Kalshi

Summer Movie Preview Presented by Kalshi

Daniela, Vanessa and Rachel go over what are sure to be some of the biggest movies of the summer including Furiosa, Inside Out 2, and Kinds of Kindness. What movies will be box office successes? We make our best guesses, and thanks to Kalshi you can get in on the action as well.  Place your first bet now by going to Kalshi.com/hollywoodgoldBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hollywood-gold--5670584/support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat

May 20, 2024 • 45:46

GIRL, INTERRUPTED: How Winona Ryder's Passion Led to Angelina Jolie's Oscar

GIRL, INTERRUPTED: How Winona Ryder's Passion Led to Angelina Jolie's Oscar

Producer Cathy Konrad returns to Hollywood Gold to discuss the making of 1999's GIRL, INTERRUPTED. The film's champion from the start was star Winona Ryder, who had read Susanna Kaysen's memoir about her time in a mental institution, and was compelled to translate it to the screen. Not only was the film unique in the female-led team that was leading the charge behind the scenes, it also offered vastly different and more complex roles for actresses. Many of the day's top actresses, including Rees

May 15, 2024 • 57:45

THE IDEA OF YOU: How Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway Created a New Kind of Romantic Comedy

THE IDEA OF YOU: How Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway Created a New Kind of Romantic Comedy

Writer/Director/Producer Michael Showalter recounts the journey of this year's romance THE IDEA OF YOU, recently released on Amazon and making waves for its grounded but fantastical portrayal of a 40 year old woman embarking on a whirlwind romance with a 24 year old pop star (Nicholas Galitzine). Showalter was a huge fan of both Anne Hathaway and romcoms, so when the book was presented to him to adapt and direct, he jumped at the opportunity. It was important to him to depict a confident woman w

May 8, 2024 • 41:32

CHALLENGERS: How Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist Make Tennis Sexy in Luca Guadagino's Unabashed Film

CHALLENGERS: How Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist Make Tennis Sexy in Luca Guadagino's Unabashed Film

[WARNING: This content contains spoilers]When Producer Rachel O'Connor first read the script for CHALLENGERS, she was immediately intrigued. The character of Tashi, brought to life brilliantly by Zendaya, captivated her attention, as did a movie set in the world of tennis with an unabashedly sexy subplot. Once she got the writer on board with the producing team and approached Zendaya, the star knew this script would need a visionary filmmaker at the helm. Enter Luca Guadagino, the Italian direct

May 1, 2024 • 51:34

FATHER OF THE BRIDE: How Steve Martin and Martin Short's Improv Led to Comedy Gold

FATHER OF THE BRIDE: How Steve Martin and Martin Short's Improv Led to Comedy Gold

When Steve Martin first approached Charles Shyer and Nancy Meyers about rewriting the script for a modern take on the 1950 Spencer Tracy film FATHER OF THE BRIDE, Charles wasn't sure. He thought the script was truly awful, but he took the meeting and told Steve the script wasn't good enough for him. Charles and Nancy proved a dynamic duo behind the scenes, creating scenes full of heart and humor for the dynamic duo of Steve and Martin on screen. Their comedy chops were matched by the wits of Kim

Apr 24, 2024 • 33:36

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD: How an Oscar Nominated Hit Was Crafted By a Team of Industry Outsiders

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD: How an Oscar Nominated Hit Was Crafted By a Team of Industry Outsiders

Producer Josh Penn recalls leaving the Obama campaign to try his hand at movie producing, and striking gold with 2012's BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD. Not only was the film nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, it grossed nearly 10x its budget at the box office. Not having much film experience served the filmmaking team well because their optimism, ingenuity, and confidence is what lended an air of true grit and authenticity to the film. From writer/director Ben Zeitlin writing a scri

Apr 17, 2024 • 55:48

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE: How Ziggy Marley and the People of Jamaica Blessed the Film

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE: How Ziggy Marley and the People of Jamaica Blessed the Film

Director Reinaldo Marcus Green recalls the challenges of making a film about the legendary Bob Marley. One of the hardest tasks was finding the right actor to embody Marley mind, body, and soul. Rei and the producers reviewed many audition tapes and almost lost hope when Kingsley Ben-Adir entered the picture. Not only did he look like Marley, he dedicated himself to learning to sing in Bob's accent, play his songs on the guitar, and speak Patois. The production, shot in both the UK and Jamaica,

Apr 10, 2024 • 54:00

BLADES OF GLORY: How Ben Stiller Passed the Baton to Will Ferrell and Jon Heder Broke His Ankle

BLADES OF GLORY: How Ben Stiller Passed the Baton to Will Ferrell and Jon Heder Broke His Ankle

Directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon glide us through the making of 2007's hit comedy BLADES OF GLORY. Having made their mark directing a few iconic commercial campaigns, the duo went into directing their first feature film with a little too much confidence, and hit their first big challenge when Ben Stiller decided the role felt too repetitive for him and stepped away from the leading role. Will and Josh flew the script to Will Ferrell since he was shooting another movie, and he signed on. A fu

Apr 3, 2024 • 57:51

MAJOR LEAGUE: How Producers Didn't Need to Give Away a Car to Get 27,000 People to Fill the Stands

MAJOR LEAGUE: How Producers Didn't Need to Give Away a Car to Get 27,000 People to Fill the Stands

Writer/Director (and Daniela's stepdad) David Ward recounts how he hit a box office home run with 1989's MAJOR LEAGUE. At a time when both baseball movies and baseball as a sport were struggling, he managed to create the perfect formula for a sports underdog story. Performances from Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, and Tom Berenger combined to make the perfect cast of quirky characters that everyone wanted to see beat the odds. Add in a will they/won't they romance and a delicious villian, and a sp

Mar 27, 2024 • 55:12

LEGALLY BLONDE: How Reese Witherspoon Learned to Bend & Snap

LEGALLY BLONDE: How Reese Witherspoon Learned to Bend & Snap

Writer Kiwi Smith recalls the making of the 2001 classic LEGALLY BLONDE. Fresh off of her first hit 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, Kiwi and her writing partner Karen McCullah were eager to find a story centered on female empowerment that was fun, fresh, smart, and accessible. She found all that and more in an unpublished manuscript about a sorority girl going to Stanford Law. Kiwi remembers wearing pink to their studio pitch and being fully committed to bringing Elle's story to the screen in the ri

Mar 20, 2024 • 56:48

Hollywood Gold 2024 Oscars Post Mortem with Riva Marker

Hollywood Gold 2024 Oscars Post Mortem with Riva Marker

In this special edition of Hollywood Gold, we give you a post mortem of all the biggest moments from the 2024 Academy Awards! From the Emma Stone win to the epic Ryan Gosling "I'm Just Ken" moment, Daniela, Becca and special guest, Riva Marker, discuss it all! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hollywood-gold--5670584/support.

Mar 15, 2024 • 38:31

THE LAST EMPEROR: How a Meeting in a Chinese Restaurant Led to A Film that Won 9 Oscars

THE LAST EMPEROR: How a Meeting in a Chinese Restaurant Led to A Film that Won 9 Oscars

Producer Jeremy Thomas remembers the making of 1987's legendary film THE LAST EMPEROR. Jeremy was a young indie producer with an eager spirit and a history of ingenuity when iconic director Bernardo Bertolucci approached him about making a film about the last Emperor of China. Jeremy knew it would be a feat to accomplish such an undertaking, but instead of shying away from the challenge, he leaned in and got the support of the Chinese government. A true international collobration, the film's aut

Mar 13, 2024 • 40:57

Hollywood Gold 2024 Oscars Preview Presented by Kalshi

Hollywood Gold 2024 Oscars Preview Presented by Kalshi

On this week's episode of the Hollywood Gold Podcast sponsored by Kalshi, Daniela, Becca, and Vanessa discuss the 2024 Oscars race and give their predictions. For more information on how you can participate in all the fun, head to Kalshi.com/HollywoodGold and place your first $10 bet today!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hollywood-gold--5670584/support.

Mar 6, 2024 • 54:31

PAST LIVES: How a Match Made in Indie Film Heaven Led to an Oscar Bet Picture Nominee

PAST LIVES: How a Match Made in Indie Film Heaven Led to an Oscar Bet Picture Nominee

Producers David Hinojosa and Pamela Koffler discuss the making of last year's powerful film PAST LIVES. From first time feature director Celine Song, the film explores the themes of love and destiny through a story of immigration and reconnection. It was recently nominated for two Oscars, including Best Picture, thanks in part to the performances from leads Greta Lee and Teo Yoo. The film's path to production also speaks to the themes of destiny and timing, as the fates aligned to bring the righ

Feb 28, 2024 • 56:28

THE HOLDOVERS: How Paul Giamatti's Dad Brought Authenticity to Alexander Payne's Oscar Nominated Film

THE HOLDOVERS: How Paul Giamatti's Dad Brought Authenticity to Alexander Payne's Oscar Nominated Film

Writer/producer David Hemingson reflects on the making of 2023's THE HOLDOVERS, which is nominated for 5 Oscars. An established TV writer, David didn't take it seriously at first when iconic director Alexander Payne called him about the film. Once he realized the film was going to get made and Alex suggested Paul Giamatti, David recalled how his father and Giamatti's father were friends at Yale. Together, they crafted an authentic, moving, and funny film about generational divides and finding co

Feb 21, 2024 • 58:58

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: How the Iconic RomCom Made Sandra Bullock a Star

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: How the Iconic RomCom Made Sandra Bullock a Star

Producer Jonathan Glickman joins Hollywood Gold again to discuss the making of 1995's classic romantic comedy WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING. Made at a time when a good romcom could launch the career of an unknown actress, Sandra Bullock's star turn put her into a category alongside the likes of Julia Roberts and Demi Moore, both of whom were offered the part. As a young producer in charge of running a set for the first time, Jon Glickman had a scare when the table read was a disaster and his lead acto

Feb 14, 2024 • 52:23

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS: How Blake Lively's Accidental First Acting Gig Created the Perfect Ensemble

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS: How Blake Lively's Accidental First Acting Gig Created the Perfect Ensemble

Producer Debra Martin Chase returns to Hollywood Gold to talk about the making of 2005's THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS, a film that resonated (and still resonates) with countless women as it showcases the enduring value of female friendship. Based on the popular novel by Ann Brashares, Debra knew the film would need an incredible director and cast to portray the multitude of emotions within several storylines. She found that director in Ken Kwapis, but the casting was trickier as every

Feb 7, 2024 • 53:46

COCAINE BEAR: How Elizabeth Banks Shocked the Industry with the Wild Tale of a Coked Out Bear

COCAINE BEAR: How Elizabeth Banks Shocked the Industry with the Wild Tale of a Coked Out Bear

Director/Producer Elizabeth Banks, who always impresses us with her vast array of talents, joins Hollywood Gold for a second time to discuss one of 2023's most talked about movies, COCAINE BEAR. Banks responded to the script as soon as she read it as she was looking for an unexpected follow up to CHARLIE'S ANGELS. The myriad difficulties of having a CGI bear as the main character were amplified by the restrictions of a film shoot in the middle of COVID. Shot in Ireland, the film has a unique fee

Jan 31, 2024 • 59:16

POOR THINGS: How the Power of Emma Stone Got the Year's Oscar Darling Made

POOR THINGS: How the Power of Emma Stone Got the Year's Oscar Darling Made

Producers Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe discuss the long and winding road to production for Yorgos Lanthimos' fantastical POOR THINGS, which was just nominated for a mind-blowing 11 Oscars. The producing pair had been fans of Yorgos' Greek films, and helped him successfully navigate the transition to English language films beginning with 2015's breakout THE LOBSTER. Having worked with Emma Stone on hit THE FAVORITE, Yorgos knew she would be perfect for this unconventional story of a brought back to

Jan 24, 2024 • 42:55

THE JOY LUCK CLUB: How a Barrier-Breaking Film Paved the Way for Asian Content in Hollywood

THE JOY LUCK CLUB: How a Barrier-Breaking Film Paved the Way for Asian Content in Hollywood

Producer Janet Yang recounts the making of 1993's groundbreaking adaptation of Amy Tan's THE JOY LUCK CLUB. After trailblazing a career path bridging the gap between American movies and Chinese audiences, Janet got her first taste of producing with Spielberg's EMPIRE OF THE SUN. Her initial experience of THE JOY LUCK CLUB was reading three chapters of the unpublished manuscript, but she knew right away that she wanted to make it into a film. An intimate tale of immigrant experiences told within

Jan 17, 2024 • 47:58

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE'S 20th Anniversary: How a Movie No One Believed In Became a Cult Classic

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE'S 20th Anniversary: How a Movie No One Believed In Became a Cult Classic

Producer Sean Covel details the making of 2004's surprise box office smash NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. In contrast to the poppy, feel-good films of the early 2000s, Sean saw genius in the offbeat humor of the film's unlikely hero. Despite being difficult to cast with the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, Jack Black, and Bruce Campbell all passing on the project, the filmmakers eventually found movie magic and a standing ovation at Sundance. After grossing $45 million at the box office, the film remains a cult cl

Jan 10, 2024 • 59:00

THE LITTLE MERMAID: How Lin-Manuel Miranda Helped Modernize a Disney Classic

THE LITTLE MERMAID: How Lin-Manuel Miranda Helped Modernize a Disney Classic

Editor Wyatt Smith guides us through the making of the most ambitious Disney live action remake to date. Wyatt, fresh off the remake of another Disney classic (Mary Poppins Returns), was involved in THE LITTLE MERMAID from day one with his frequent collaborator, director Rob Marshall. The filmmaker faced numerous challenges from updating the music, lyrics, and characters to modernize the story, to finding new and innovative ways to make a VFX heavy film feel organic for the actors.

Dec 20, 2023 • 46:17

THE HUNGER GAMES: How Jennifer Lawrence's Untouchable Audition Won Her a Career-Making Role

THE HUNGER GAMES: How Jennifer Lawrence's Untouchable Audition Won Her a Career-Making Role

Producer Nina Jacobson recounts the making of 2012's wildly successful THE HUNGER GAMES, the adaptation of the hit book series that became a cultural phenomenon and catapulted Jennifer Lawrence to superstardom. Nina, fresh off a gig as the head of Disney, used her studio experience to navigate the tricky road to successfully launch the first film of a female-centered action franchise that is still putting out new installments over a decade later.

Dec 13, 2023 • 58:21

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: How Meryl Streep's Unexpected Comedic Turn Made Anna Wintour a Household Name

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: How Meryl Streep's Unexpected Comedic Turn Made Anna Wintour a Household Name

Producer Wendy Finerman discusses the making of 2006's Oscar-nominated classic THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. Wendy was confident in the unexpected casting of Meryl Streep in a role that many didn't think she would be funny in, and was proved right when Meryl truly embodied a role that immortalized Vogue's already famous Anna Wintour. Paired with the brilliance of Anne Hathaway and a young Emily Blunt in a role that would launch her career, the film went on to be nominated for two Oscars and become a cr

Dec 6, 2023 • 38:23

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK: How David O. Russell's Incredible Direction Won Jennifer Lawrence Her First Oscar at 23

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK: How David O. Russell's Incredible Direction Won Jennifer Lawrence Her First Oscar at 23

Producer Bruce Cohen recounts the making of 2012’s Oscar winning Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell’s brilliant film about a bipolar man and the widow who changed his life. Not only did the film launch a young Jennifer Lawrence into a new career stratosphere and encourage Bradley Cooper’s interest in directing, it remains one of the few films to be nominated for the Big Five Oscars. David O. Russell’s penchant for improv helped him realize the magic in his cast and solidified the film’s i

Nov 29, 2023 • 51:59

ARRIVAL: The Genius of Denis Villeneuve and His First Foray Into Sci-Fi

ARRIVAL: The Genius of Denis Villeneuve and His First Foray Into Sci-Fi

Producer Dan Levine recalls the making of 2016's iconic ARRIVAL. From the moment he read Ted Chiang's STORY OF YOUR LIFE, Dan knew he had to find a way to bring it to the screen. Director Denis Villeneuve, an incredible talent but still relatively unknown, was the perfect choice. Producers had to wait until Denis wrapped SICARiO, but things moved quickly once Amy Adams came on board and suggested Jeremy Renner as her co-star. Production went smoothly, although the material presented endless chal

Nov 22, 2023 • 51:55

DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN: How Madonna Went From Unknown to Superstar While Filming Her Feature Debut

DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN: How Madonna Went From Unknown to Superstar While Filming Her Feature Debut

Producer Sarah Pillsbury details the Superstar women both in front of and behind the screen who made1985's iconic film DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN. Taking a risk on newcomer Madonna, an emerging musician who would walk the streets of New York with a boombox on her shoulder, turned out to be a genius bet. "Like a Virgin" was released during production and Madonna suddenly became a superstar in need of security. Her newfound popularity and pairing her with the brilliant Rosanna Arquette made for mov

Nov 15, 2023 • 50:55

SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE: How Nancy Meyers Turned an Unwanted Romcom Into an Oscar-Nominated Success

SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE: How Nancy Meyers Turned an Unwanted Romcom Into an Oscar-Nominated Success

Multi-hyphanate writer, director, and producer Nancy Meyers shares how studios initially rejected her idea for a romantic film about an older couple. No one wanted to see people of a certain age be sexy, but Meyers believed in the value and impact of telling a non-traditional love story. Meyers' brilliant writing and masterful production design found their perfect match in stars Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Nicholson, who always wanted to star in a "tuxedo comedy", brought life to the charac

Nov 8, 2023 • 50:05

AIR: How Michael Jordan Got Viola Davis to Play His Mom

AIR: How Michael Jordan Got Viola Davis to Play His Mom

Producers Jason Michael Berman and Jordan Moldo talk about the kismet involved in assembling the perfect team to tell Sonny Vaccaro's story in AIR. From the marriage of sports, movies, and aritst equity in the production comapnies, to Ben Affleck boarding as director, to securing the dream cast and the blessings of Sonny, Michael Jordan, and Nike, the producers describe a production that felt like walking on air. Ben Affleck was a true leader, taking it upon himself to meet Michael Jordan, and t

Nov 1, 2023 • 53:15

A BEAUTIFUL MIND: How Akiva Goldsman Became an Oscar Winner Thanks to Ron Howard

A BEAUTIFUL MIND: How Akiva Goldsman Became an Oscar Winner Thanks to Ron Howard

Writer Akiva Goldsman guides us through the long and winding road to the production of 2001's Best Picture Oscar winner A BEAUTIFUL MIND. Inspired to take on the challenge of adapting the book by growing up in a house that fostered kids with mental illness, Akiva's connection to the material was evident in his first pitch to Ron Howard's partner Brian Grazer. He knew the subject had to be handled with the appropiate respect and sensitivity, but was also incredibly creative in his vision for how

Oct 25, 2023 • 55:07

Hollywood Gold Trailer

Hollywood Gold Trailer

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Oct 20, 2023 • 4:23

Hollywood Gold Announcement

Hollywood Gold Announcement

Hey Pod Fam - sorry we have been absent! We will be back very soon with all new episodes. Be sure to like, review and listen to past episodes. Follow us @staygoldfeatures. Thank you for listening and STAY GOLD!

May 24, 2023 • 5:01

LA LA LAND: Damien Chazelle's Unwavering Vision Ushered in a New Era of Movie Musicals

LA LA LAND: Damien Chazelle's Unwavering Vision Ushered in a New Era of Movie Musicals

Producer Fred Berger guides us through the making of 2016's wildly popular musical LA LA LAND starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The film was the brainchild and passion project of director Damien Chazelle, but as a young and new filmmaker, no studio was willing to take a chance on his vision for a big movie musical that he wanted to be both nostalgic and incredibly modern. In order to prove himself, he made 2014's Oscar-winning WHIPLASH, and soon it was off to the races with producers Fred Be

May 10, 2023 • 55:58

JUNO: Diablo Cody's Journey from Exotic Dancing to the Oscar Stage

JUNO: Diablo Cody's Journey from Exotic Dancing to the Oscar Stage

Producer Mason Novick recalls the making of 2007's unlikely cultural sensation Juno. Mason reached out to Wisconsin-based writer Diablo Cody whose edgy blog grabbed his attention. Diablo had written a book about her time as a stripper, but never a screenplay. A few years later, after securing huge stars Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman and the genius casting of Elliot Page and Michael Cera to star in Jason Reitman's groundbreaking film, Diablo and Mason found themselves at the Oscars. Juno reso

May 3, 2023 • 53:56

KNIVES OUT: How Rian Johnson’s Island Vacation Was Interrupted by a Meeting With Daniel Craig

KNIVES OUT: How Rian Johnson’s Island Vacation Was Interrupted by a Meeting With Daniel Craig

Producer Ram Bergman recounts the magical making of Rian Johnson's Knives Out, a film that defied box office odds by grossing over $300 million. Hot off the success of The Last Jedi, the duo took a huge risk on an idea Rian had for a film and started investing money before there was even a completed script. Their faith and determination paid off and soon the likes of Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis were on board, and the hugely successful film became the start of a franchise.

Apr 26, 2023 • 56:22

HARRIET: How Cynthia Erivo Helped Make a Superhero Origin Story for Harriet Tubman

HARRIET: How Cynthia Erivo Helped Make a Superhero Origin Story for Harriet Tubman

For the first time on the podcast, host Daniela Taplin Lundberg talks to her right-hand woman Becca Cammarata to discuss their own trials and tribulations when producing the historical biopic HARRIET. From the stress of pivoting from a indie film to convincing a studio to come on board to taking a risk on casting relatively unknown Cynthia Erivo, the two share spiritual stories from a muddy set with the goal of showcasitng how Harriet Tubman was a real life superhero. Previous guest and legendar

Apr 19, 2023 • 46:20

THE RIGHT STUFF: How the Exit of Hollywoods Biggest Writer Led to 8 Academy Award Nominations

THE RIGHT STUFF: How the Exit of Hollywoods Biggest Writer Led to 8 Academy Award Nominations

Writer, director, and producer Phil Kaufman recalls the scary moment when the hottest writer in Hollywood walked out of a meeting with the studio because they wanted to change his script. That fateful moment changed the course of the film. Phil Kaufman took a stab at his own draft of the script, but wasn't sure if he wanted to direct the film until the legendary Jean-Luc Godard told him he would direct it if Phil passed. It was a hard shoot, but a magical one launched the career of Sam Shepard a

Apr 12, 2023 • 51:56

GLORY: How Ed Zwick Refused to Make a White Savior Movie and Denzel Washington Won His First Oscar

GLORY: How Ed Zwick Refused to Make a White Savior Movie and Denzel Washington Won His First Oscar

Legendary Director and Producer Ed Zwick recalls the making of 1989's triple Oscar winner Glory. Fresh off of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the studio wanted the young Matthew Broderick to be the star in a film about the U.S. Army's first all-Black regiment. Zwick had to fight to ensure the movie told the right story, relying on his ingenuity to convince the studio of his vision from start to finish, and inventing the sizzle reel in the process.

Apr 5, 2023 • 52:42

CRAZY RICH ASIANS: The Blockbuster Film That Broke Boundaries, Despite Studios Wanting the Lead to Be White

CRAZY RICH ASIANS: The Blockbuster Film That Broke Boundaries, Despite Studios Wanting the Lead to Be White

Producer Brad Simpson recalls the production of the hit romantic comedy that was groundbreaking in both its casting and concept. After one meeting where a studio exec pitched changing the lead character to white to appeal to a wider audience, the producers decided to finance the script independently. Authenticity was incredibly important to them, but it was hard to find support for a film set in Singapore. They struck gold with writers Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim alongside director Jon M. Chu,

Mar 29, 2023 • 55:33

ETERNAL SUNSHINE: How Innovative Camera Work and a Bold Jim Carrey Performance Made Movie Magic

ETERNAL SUNSHINE: How Innovative Camera Work and a Bold Jim Carrey Performance Made Movie Magic

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind producer Anthony Bregman dishes all the behind the scenes movie magic on this iconic film. From having to find a new editor three days into filming, to some little white lies about the daily’s when asked by Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, this movie had no shortage of drama both on and off camera. But, beyond that, its incredible camera work and unique sets helped push the boundaries of what was possible at the time making it one of the 2000s finest films.

Mar 22, 2023 • 58:50

AUSTIN POWERS: How Mike Myers’ Gamble Went From Failed Test Screening to Successful Franchise

AUSTIN POWERS: How Mike Myers’ Gamble Went From Failed Test Screening to Successful Franchise

Producer Jennifer Todd returns to the podcast to discuss 1997's Mike Myers led comedy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Inspired by his dad's distinctly British humor and the James Bond films, Mike and Jenn took a risk on both the concept and first time feature director Jay Roach. Initially, it was a hard sell with audiences who didn't know how to react to the film's satirical and raunchy nature, but it went on to become the legendary launch of one of comedy's most successful franchis

Mar 15, 2023 • 42:38

APOCALYPSE NOW: How Typhoons, Heart Attacks and an Overweight Marlon Brando Made an All Time Great Film

APOCALYPSE NOW: How Typhoons, Heart Attacks and an Overweight Marlon Brando Made an All Time Great Film

Apocalypse Now is known for its behind the scenes drama, now, iconic producer Fred Roos tells the background of how the film was initially greenlit in the early 1970s, pre-production lasting almost 5 years, drama in picking a set location, and the almost four years of editing the film down to its final 1979 cut.

Mar 8, 2023 • 50:58

THE ICE STORM: Tobey Maguire’s Terrible Audition and the Film That Saved Katie Holmes’ Career

THE ICE STORM: Tobey Maguire’s Terrible Audition and the Film That Saved Katie Holmes’ Career

Producers James Schamus and Ted Hope recount the making of the movie that almost wasn't....until Ang Lee had the brilliant vision to bring this impossible-to-adapt book to the screen. The film went from "unmakeable" to competing for the Palme d'Or at Cannes where multi-hyphenate James Schamus won Best Screenplay. Ang Lee has an intimate understand of acting, so worked organically with the cast to allow them room to play with the script and create the film's unique feeling of fantasy meets realit

Mar 1, 2023 • 57:26

BOYS DON’T CRY: The Boundary Breaking Film That Catapulted Hilary Swank to Stardom

BOYS DON’T CRY: The Boundary Breaking Film That Catapulted Hilary Swank to Stardom

Legendary New York producer Christine Vachon takes us on the journey of the controversial 1999 film Boys Don't Cry. At the time, films about trans people were rare and very few trans actors were comfortable being out, which led to the casting of Hillary Swank in an Oscar-winning performance. The film took seven years to come to fruition and that time was fraught with legal battles, lack of money, and competing projects from more established filmmakers, but Kimberly Pierce's exacting vision and H

Feb 22, 2023 • 46:44

THE FIGHTER: How David O. Russell Combined Comedy, Crack Cocaine and Christian Bale into Oscar Gold

THE FIGHTER: How David O. Russell Combined Comedy, Crack Cocaine and Christian Bale into Oscar Gold

Producer Todd Lieberman, who has just launched new production company Hidden Pictures, recounts the making of one of the most iconic and lauded boxing movies of all time. It had been a dream of Todd's to make a boxing movie, and he knew The Fighter was the one as soon as it came across his desk, but the process from script to screen wasn't an easy one. There were multiple cast and director changes, and the original studio pulled out of the project. But the challenges were blessings in disguise a

Feb 15, 2023 • 51:31

FESTIVAL DIARIES - THEATER CAMP: How Ben Platt & Molly Gordon's friendship led to this year's Sundance hit!

FESTIVAL DIARIES - THEATER CAMP: How Ben Platt & Molly Gordon's friendship led to this year's Sundance hit!

In this special festival edition of Hollywood Gold, Daniela speaks with producers Erik Feig and Ryan Heller about their soon to be released film THEATER CAMP. Written by best friends and theater camp alums Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman, and Noah Galvin, the film explores the comedic absurdities of summer theater camps, as well as the passion and dedication of those who run them.While slightly different than the normal Hollywood Gold fare, this episode provides insight into how indie fi

Feb 8, 2023 • 48:37

THE LAST WALTZ: Scorsese’s Late Nights, Neil Young’s Coke Booger, and the Band’s Epic Last Hoorah

THE LAST WALTZ: Scorsese’s Late Nights, Neil Young’s Coke Booger, and the Band’s Epic Last Hoorah

Producer and Professor Jonathan Taplin returns with more stories from a wild era in Hollywood. This time, he takes us on the journey of one of the greatest concert films of all time - Martin Scorsese's THE LAST WALTZ. Scorsese employed feature film techniques to document The Band's final concert, leading to some moments of true movie magic - like when the camera operator ran out of tape 4 seconds after Muddy Waters' iconic performance ended, or when Taplin convinced a fledging VFX company that t

Feb 1, 2023 • 56:46

THE BIG SICK: How a Chance Encounter With Judd Apatow Led to Michael Showalter’s Sundance Hit

THE BIG SICK: How a Chance Encounter With Judd Apatow Led to Michael Showalter’s Sundance Hit

Director Michael Showalter recounts the path to Sundance history with The Big Sick. After working with comedian Kumail Nanjiani on his previous film, Showalter read the script Kumail and his wife Emily V. Gordon wrote about how their relationship overcame both cultural clashes and a mysterious illness, and knew he had to direct it. Encouraging honest and organic performances from his actors is a Showalter specialty, and the combination of a great script with brilliant improvisation made for on-s

Jan 25, 2023 • 50:34

RUSH HOUR: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker Reinvent the Buddy Comedy and Create Box Office Magic

RUSH HOUR: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker Reinvent the Buddy Comedy and Create Box Office Magic

Producer Jon Glickman noticed the star quality in Jackie Chan early on, but his decision to cast him as a co-lead in RUSH HOUR with rising comedian Chris Tucker was a huge risk. The two had amazing chemistry, but also a very hard time understanding each other, a hilarious reality that inspired the famous line "do you understand any of the words coming out of my mouth?" The pairing proved to be magic and led to a hugely successful and much beloved franchise.

Dec 21, 2022 • 56:26

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE: How a Yellow VW and an Unknown Steve Carell Won the Sundance Lottery

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE: How a Yellow VW and an Unknown Steve Carell Won the Sundance Lottery

Producer Peter Saraf takes us on the journey of one of the biggest independent hits of all time. He tool a bold risk on an R-rated ensemble comedy about a beauty pageant and a dysfunctional family’s journey to achieve a moment of greatness. With pitch perfect casting that included a then unknown Steve Carrell and an unforgettable dance sequence to Rick James’ Super Freak, this small but mighty film grossed over a $100 million worldwide.

Dec 15, 2022 • 55:05

SELENA: How an Iconic Singers Legacy Was Made and Jennifer Lopez Became a Superstar

SELENA: How an Iconic Singers Legacy Was Made and Jennifer Lopez Became a Superstar

Producer Moctesuma Esparza explains how Jennifer Lopez beat out 80,000 young women who auditioned to portray the now iconic pop star and, in true diva fashion, made the producers wait 6 months for her. But first, Moctesuma had to win the trust of Selena’s family who were understandably wary to trust someone in entertainment.

Dec 7, 2022 • 44:26

PITCH PERFECT: How Elizabeth Banks + Max Handelman Produced One of Universal’s Biggest Franchises

PITCH PERFECT: How Elizabeth Banks + Max Handelman Produced One of Universal’s Biggest Franchises

Producers Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman recount the making of their global hit PITCH PERFECT. The success of this film launched a franchise and made Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson household names. The concept wasn't an easy sell, so they used pitch pipes and performed songs during studio pitches. They knew they struck gold when Harvey Weinstein wanted the movie so much that he yelled at Elizabeth in the middle of the Met Ball. Thankfully for fans everywhere, she was not intimidated and the m

Nov 30, 2022 • 1:02:21

AMERICAN BEAUTY: When Steven Spielberg Became a Fanboy

AMERICAN BEAUTY: When Steven Spielberg Became a Fanboy

Producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks recount the fateful moment that Steven Spielberg walked out of his office at the exact right time to seal the deal with American Beauty writer Alan Ball. Taking a chance on theater director Sam Mendes who had never directed a feature film, they brought together a stellar cast and made a film that went on to win 5 Oscars, including Best Picture.

Nov 23, 2022 • 1:02:37

THE OUTSIDERS: Francis Ford Coppola Gets His Groove Back

THE OUTSIDERS: Francis Ford Coppola Gets His Groove Back

S.E. Hinton's classic book The Outsiders has influenced an entire generation of young people, and has inspired artists to create various adaptations. The most well-known of these is Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 film starring Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell, and Diane Lane. In this episode, producer Fred Roos recounts the story of how Coppola's intense and unique casting process allowed him to discover the perfect cast.

Nov 16, 2022 • 47:16

LA BAMBA:  Rock n’ Roll, Coca-Cola and Joey Pants Losing His Toupee

LA BAMBA: Rock n’ Roll, Coca-Cola and Joey Pants Losing His Toupee

Producer Taylor Hackford recounts how buying the rights to Richie Valens's entire catalog from his mom was the smartest way to get his movie made. Star Lou Diamond Phillips had to be convinced to take on the leading role in this story about brotherly competition and ambition.

Nov 9, 2022 • 58:58

ELECTION: Reese Witherspoon Goes Method and Alexander Payne’s Near Straight-to-Video Release

ELECTION: Reese Witherspoon Goes Method and Alexander Payne’s Near Straight-to-Video Release

Election, the brilliantly subversive film about an ambitious high school student's run for class president, launched director Alexander Payne's career. Producers Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa believed in Alex from the time they saw his UCLA short film, but the studio took some more convincing before he was hired. Albert and Ron take us inside the struggles that went into the making of Election, and how they expertly balanced the creative and business elements of filmmaking to launch a legacy.

Nov 2, 2022 • 1:00:20

SCREAM: Staring Down the Weinstein Brothers and Wes Craven’s Return to Horror

SCREAM: Staring Down the Weinstein Brothers and Wes Craven’s Return to Horror

During the production of Scream, producer Cathy Konrad received a late night call with a creepy voice saying, "Do you like scary movies?" Thankfully, it was just the film's director, legendary horror filmmaker Wes Craven, calling to discuss what to do about the Weinsteins being unhappy with the mask and the footage. Despite the studio roadblocks, Scream was finished and was a huge success, redefining the horror genre for a new generation.

Oct 26, 2022 • 1:02:48

MEMENTO: Christopher Nolan’s Breakout and Brad Pitt's Big Regret

MEMENTO: Christopher Nolan’s Breakout and Brad Pitt's Big Regret

In this episode, legendary producer Jennifer Todd recalls the production of one of the most ambitious independent films of all time - Christopher Nolan’s Memento. The film that launched the career of one of the most successful and innovative directors of our time struggled to find both buyers and an audience, but Nolan’s vision and perseverance prevailed.

Oct 19, 2022 • 47:25

BULL DURHAM: Baseball, Shots with Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon’s Tube Dress

BULL DURHAM: Baseball, Shots with Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon’s Tube Dress

Filmmaker Ron Shelton discusses how his experience as a minor league baseball player inspired him to make one of the most authentic sports films of all time. Star Kevin Costner was an early believer in the film and helped secure a studio deal against all odds, while the biggest casting challenge was solved by Susan Sarandon herself with a bold move that convinced the studio heads she was the perfect choice.

Oct 12, 2022 • 1:07:52

THELMA & LOUISE: Callie Khouri’s Feminist Fever Dream and the Movie Ridley Scott Almost Didn’t Direct

THELMA & LOUISE: Callie Khouri’s Feminist Fever Dream and the Movie Ridley Scott Almost Didn’t Direct

Producer and writer Callie Khouri takes us on the journey from script to screen of the beloved film Thelma and Louise. Equal parts inspiration (the story in its entirety just popped into her head one day), great timing (Ridley Scott was suddenly available to direct), and integrity (Callie refused to change the ending regardless of studio notes), the film is a remarkable success story that marks the revolutionary reinvention of female characters on screen.

Oct 5, 2022 • 1:00:35

THE PRINCESS DIARIES: Discovering Anne Hathaway and the Resurgence of Julie Andrews

THE PRINCESS DIARIES: Discovering Anne Hathaway and the Resurgence of Julie Andrews

Producer Debra Martin Chase has worked with some of the greatest talents of our time, including Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. In this episode, Debra talks about how her second career as a film producer began with the timeless classic The Princess Diaries. She explains how this special film inspired Julie Andrews' return to film after a 10 year hiatus and launched Anne Hathaway's career. Debra shares insights into breaking boundaries, forging your own path, what it means to be a leader,

Sep 28, 2022 • 58:28

MEAN STREETS: Martin Scorsese’s Launch and the birth of the Modern Mafia Film

MEAN STREETS: Martin Scorsese’s Launch and the birth of the Modern Mafia Film

In this episode, Daniela's personal and professional lives intertwine as she interviews her father Jonathan Taplin. A producer, manager, writer, and professor, Jonathan began his career in film by producing Martin Scorsese's iconic Mean Streets. Having sunk his entire life savings into financing this film by a then unknown filmmaker, a combination of passion, ingenuity, talent, and luck led to the success of the film that would launch Scorsese's long and storied career.

Sep 21, 2022 • 1:03:39

What is Hollywood Gold?

What is Hollywood Gold?

Producer Daniela Taplin Lundberg, who runs the all-female film and television production company Stay Gold Features, shares the inspiration behind the podcast. Growing up in Hollywood, Daniela watched her father learn how to produce from scratch during Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets, saw her mother become a successful actress, and witnessed movie magic for the first time on the set of her stepfather's film Major League. Now a successful producer having made magic of her own with films such as Ha

Sep 21, 2022 • 7:27

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