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

• Tony Sella (Marketing Executive and Producer) on Creating Unforgettable Movie Campaigns

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Tony Sella, the legendary marketing executive behind some of Hollywood's most iconic movie campaigns. During his decades at 20th Century Fox, Sella was the creative force behind unforgettable posters, trailers, taglines, and promotions for films including Avatar, X-Men, Independence Day, Bohemian Rhapsody, and nearly 1,000 others. He shares insights into his creative process, memorable marketing moments, and the philosophy that guided his extraordinary career.Research as the Foundation for Creative Solutions (01:55) Sella emphasizes that research is only as valuable as the questions asked, highlighting how audience feedback helped solve marketing challenges for films like The Happening and Life of Pi. He and Goetz discuss their long collaboration using qualitative research to refine marketing approaches for hundreds of successful campaigns.Finding the "Essential Idea" in Marketing (03:56) Sella explains his unique ability to identify a film's core marketing hook, as demonstrated with the Devil Wears Prada campaign featuring the iconic Prada shoe as a trident.Balancing Trailer Impact with Movie Quality (11:35) Sella reveals a crucial marketing principle about the relationship between trailers and the films they promote, using examples from both Avatar and The Simpsons Movie. For good movies, the trailer must be exceptional, while for truly great films, the trailer must match the emotional impact of the film itself.Groundbreaking Campaigns: Independence Day (15:49) Describing the legendary Super Bowl spot featuring the White House explosion, Sella explains how they created a cultural phenomenon with the tagline "Enjoy the Super Bowl. It may be your last."From Disney to Fox: Career Evolution (21:12) Sella recalls getting his "PhD" at Disney, working on hits like Good Morning Vietnam before moving to Fox, where he helped transform films like Taken through innovative marketing approaches and identifying powerful campaign hooks.The Three Pillars of Creative Success (43:55) Reflecting on campaigns for Walk the Line and Bohemian Rhapsody, Sella shares his philosophy that the most important elements in creative work are passion, talent, and taste—innate qualities that cannot be acquired.During this lively discussion, Sella showcases the creative intuition that made him a marketing legend while acknowledging the collaborative nature of his success. His story offers helpful insights for anyone interested in film marketing, promotion, or the art of connecting with audiences.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: Tony SellaProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Tony Sella: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2523305/ 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 GoetzScreen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

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  48:39
• Shane Black (Writer, Director) on Redefining Action Movies and Embracing Authenticity

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Shane Black, one of Hollywood's highest-paid screenwriters, who redefined action films with witty dialogue, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. From Lethal Weapon to The Nice Guys, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Iron Man 3, Shane discusses his journey from a self-described "oddball" to a filmmaking powerhouse.Pittsburgh Roots and Early Influences (02:55)Born in Pittsburgh, Black shares how his father's printing business and bookshelf of detective novels sparked his love for "tough guy literature" that would later influence his writing style.Overcoming Personal Struggles (08:00)Black candidly discusses his battles with OCD and alcoholism. He reveals how he transformed these challenges into creative strengths and encourages others to "just lean into being weird."The Psychology Behind His Characters (12:04)Black explains how his characters often represent different aspects of his own psychology. He emphasizes that truly compelling writing comes from creating characters with authentic emotional DNA that resonates with the writer's own experiences.The Creation of Lethal Weapon (15:32)Black describes Lethal Weapon as "an urban western" with Mel Gibson's character representing "a Frankenstein kept in a cage" - a Vietnam veteran reviled by society but needed when violence intrudes on everyday life.Working with Hollywood Icons (27:13)Black shares insights about working with legends like Richard Donner, Tony Scott, Joel Silver, and Robert Downey Jr.From Writer to Director (40:06)Black explains his transition to directing to have more creative control over his work. Black adds that directing allows him to move beyond returning to the blank page and into a more collaborative aspect of filmmaking.Latest Project: Play Dirty (52:01)Black discusses working with Mark Wahlberg, and adapting Donald Westlake's Parker series for Amazon, calling Westlake "the king" among mystery writers and explaining his lifelong admiration for these stories he first read at age 12.Throughout the conversation, Black offers a masterclass on screenwriting in Hollywood. Black and Kevin Goetz discover numerous personal connections, creating an unusually intimate portrait of a filmmaker who transformed Hollywood's action genre. His journey from a bookish child to acclaimed filmmaker serves as proof that leaning into one's unique perspective can lead to extraordinary creative achievements.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: Shane BlackProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Shane Black:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_BlackIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000948/Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/director/shane-black/ For more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

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  55:50
• 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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  40:23
• 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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  50:26
• 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

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