Hollywood Gold

Producer John Walker joins Hollywood Gold to revisit Pixar’s superhero adventure, The Incredibles. After beginning his career in theater, Walker teamed up with director Brad Bird to help usher in a new era of animated filmmaking. He reflects on the early-2000s challenges of animation, from the unprecedented task of bringing believable human characters to life to collaborating with Steve Jobs to develop the film’s groundbreaking technology. Over several years of production, Walker learned to balance creative perfectionism with forward momentum, guiding his team through an exacting process that ultimately produced a critically acclaimed, enduring family classic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer Bob Gale shares the story behind the iconic film Back to the Future following its 40-year anniversary. Gale traces his creative partnership with director Robert Zemeckis back to their USC days and a shared love of classic Hollywood storytelling and time-travel tales. The idea clicked in 1980 after Gale discovered his father’s 1940 high school yearbook and asked: What if you went to high school with your dad? Despite multiple rejections, a tumultuous casting process, grueling production challenges, and a tight schedule, Back to the Future ultimately came together to form a beloved franchise that instantly captured audiences worldwide.This episode is sponsored by Film Parliament, an online course that teaches filmmakers how to schedule and budget a feature film. Built by a working producer, the course is practical, hands-on, and designed to help you move your project forward with confidence.Get 10 percent off with code GOLD10 at filmparliament.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Director Gus Van Sant joins Hollywood Gold to revisit the making of Good Will Hunting, the breakout film that turned Matt Damon and Ben Affleck from unknowns into overnight stars. He reveals the story’s unlikely origins, tracing its evolution from a scrappy action script into one of the defining dramas of the 1990s. Van Sant reflects on the influence of Robin Williams’ early commitment to the film, the visual choices that kept its quiet, dialogue-driven scenes dynamic, and the role of improvisation in crafting some of its most iconic moments. Upon release, Good Will Hunting became both a commercial and critical success, cementing its status as an enduring modern classic.This episode is sponsored by Film Parliament, an online course that teaches filmmakers how to schedule and budget a feature film. Built by a working producer, the course is practical, hands-on, and designed to help you move your project forward with confidence.Get 10 percent off with code GOLD10 at filmparliament.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first new episode of the season, Producer Michael London takes us behind the scenes on beloved holiday film, The Family Stone. London goes through the film’s unlikely journey from a sharp, risky script (originally titled Fucking Hate Her) to a star-studded Christmas movie, including the pivotal push to cast A-list star Diane Keaton and the domino effect that followed. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about releasing the film at Christmas, the rare “family” atmosphere on set, and Keaton’s unforgettable presence as both onscreen and offscreen matriarch. The conversation builds to the story of the emotional test screening that convinced the studio to believe in the film despite shaky numbers, cementing it's future as a lasting audience favorite. About two decades later, London reflects on the movie’s evolution into a true holiday staple and offers a hopeful look into its future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another season of Hollywood Gold! 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, who shine as worthy partners. This lighthearted romantic comedy transformed into a holiday phenomenon, warming hearts across the world and becoming a must-watch holiday tradition nearly two decades later. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenneth Yu, a talented line producer known for his can-do attitude, shares fascinating insights from the making of 'Sinners,' directed by Ryan Coogler. He reveals the challenges of filming in Louisiana, including the onset chaos and building entire sets in remote locations. Yu discusses the technical wizardry involved in filming Michael B. Jordan as twins and the collaborative spirit on set. His stories highlight the film's journey, creativity, and the balance between commercial success and meaningful storytelling.

On this special episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela, Vanessa, and Andrew prepare for summer as they discuss the most anticipated movie releases of the season. From horror franchise additions such as Final Destination Bloodlines and 28 Years Later to family favorites like Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, there is no doubt that this summer will bring some of the year's greatest hits. Gear up for what is sure to be an amazing summer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maisonette Co-founder & CEO Sylvana Ward Durrett joins Hollywood Gold to share an inside look at her time as Director of Special Projects at Vogue, as captured in the documentary The First Monday in May. The film follows the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s stunning exhibition, China: Through the Looking Glass, and its transformation into the unforgettable 2015 Met Gala theme. Durrett reveals how every dazzling detail comes together under the leadership of fashion icon Anna Wintour, in addition to spilling a few jaw-dropping celebrity stories that you won’t want to miss with the 2025 Met Gala around the corner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NEON Chief Marketing Officer Christian Parkes pulls the curtain back on movie marketing, revealing the secrets behind some of NEON’s most daring campaigns. With a passion for film, Parkes shares how he approaches marketing with the filmmaker's vision as his priority, treating marketing not just as promotion, but as an extension of their artistry. Known for pushing boundaries and defying expectations, he believes marketing should challenge audiences and surprise them at every turn, making no two campaigns the same. He discusses how his success is largely due to his belief that marketing is an area to have fun in and be creative, as seen in his work promoting Longlegs, Anora, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Michael Roiff returns to Hollywood Gold to discuss how the hit romantic-comedy Waitress became a musical sensation. From the initial pitch in 2007 to its first opening night in 2016, Roiff shares how different theater is compared to film, taking years to find its creative and musical stride. While Roiff was disappointed after opening night in Cambridge, he took the opportunity to revamp the show prior to its Broadway debut, eventually earning four Tony nominations in 2016 with the help of lead, Sara Bareilles. He shares how, unlike film, each show, tour, and cast brought a different experience to the audience, speaking to both the film and the musical's long-lasting legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.