Hollywood Gold

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 to cinematically portray the intricacies of schizophrenia. Star Russell Crowe, who had to leave in the middle of filming to accept his Oscar for GLADIATOR, was particular and precise in a role that helped define his career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Berger and Jordan Horowitz, whose faith in him never wavered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 resonates to this day and remains one of the only indie films to find massive success at both the box office and the Oscars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 legendary producer Debra Martin Chase is the real hero of this story, having been with the project for years and never wavering on her belief that the world had to be ready before this movie could be made. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 and won 4 Oscars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, and multiple studios bid on the film that went on to gross over $200 million at the box office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 franchises. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 reality in which everything happens on an ambitious precipice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hillary's incredible performance led to a film that resonates to this day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 as they allowed director David O. Russell the freedom to bring his trademark dark humor to the film, and actors Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, Melissa Leo, and Amy Adams to fully embody their characters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 films get made and sold today, and also includes some fun festival stories from Stay Gold's own Daniela and Becca. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the blob falling out of Neil Young's nose was a booger and not cocaine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-screen magic. The film premiered at Sundance where it sold for a record-breaking number, and remains a culturally important film that asks what it means to be an American. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 movie found its perfect home in Universal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 information.

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.

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.

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 for more information.

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, and provides glimpses into some of the behind the scenes magic from set. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Harriet, Honey Boy, Beasts of No Nation, and The Kids Are All Right, Daniela created this podcast to allow producers to share the stories of all the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making Hollywood Gold. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.