Episodes

  • A Filmmaker-Driven Focus with Peter Kujawski

    A Filmmaker-Driven Focus with Peter Kujawski
    Nov 13 2024
    Bringing movies to the big screen takes passion and expertise. In this episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Peter Kujawski, Chairman of Focus Features, to talk about his path from intern to head of a studio known for award-winning, auteur-driven films. Peter shares an inside perspective on Focus’s commitment to unique, culturally relevant stories—from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to NOSFERATU and beyond. Hear how Peter’s lifelong love of cinema shapes his vision for films and inspires the distinctive culture he’s built at Focus Features.
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    33 mins
  • Opening the Aperture of WICKED with Director of Photography Alice Brooks

    Opening the Aperture of WICKED with Director of Photography Alice Brooks
    Oct 23 2024
    As the Director of Photography for WICKED, Alice Brooks shaped the film’s visual identity, bringing Director Jon M. Chu’s vision to life with a vibrant and immersive cinematic experience. In this episode, Alice joins Jacqueline Coley to share her journey working in entertainment, from growing up in a creative family to discovering her passion for cinematography. Learn how Alice’s early college film projects were all leading up to bringing the massive production of WICKED to life. Discover how she balanced technical precision and creative intuition to capture the stunning sets and incredible performances of this cultural phenomenon.

    Hear how the deep personal connection Alice formed with the magical world of WICKED created a special bond between her and her daughter during filming, and how it has already begun to inspire a new generation of creatives.
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    27 mins
  • Defying Gravity with WICKED Director Jon M. Chu

    Defying Gravity with WICKED Director Jon M. Chu
    Oct 9 2024
    How do you bring a cultural phenomenon like WICKED to the big screen? In this episode, Jacqueline Coley joins director Jon M. Chu in Oz to talk about his work on his generation-defining cinematic event and how his personal connection to the stage musical inspired him to take on the project.

    We’ll explore Chu’s special connection to WICKED, his creative process, the film’s grand spectacle, and the key character moments that deliver WICKED's narrative and emotional impact. Hear how Chu’s collaboration with stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with the film’s talented crew, resulted in show-stopping musical numbers, stunning sets and meticulously crafted details that will enchant audiences worldwide.
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    30 mins
  • Bringing THE WILD ROBOT to Life with Chris Sanders

    Bringing THE WILD ROBOT to Life with Chris Sanders
    Sep 25 2024
    How do you bring a beloved book series to life on the big screen? In this episode, we chat with Chris Sanders, the writer and director behind DreamWorks Animation's THE WILD ROBOT. Chris shares how he first discovered the project and what drew him to adapt Peter Brown’s popular book series, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

    We’ll learn how Chris and his team crafted the film’s unique hand-painted, analog-inspired look and the challenges of blending traditional animation techniques with modern CGI. Plus, we’ll get insight into the casting process and how Lupita Nyong'o brought the character Roz to life with remarkable depth and transformation.
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    30 mins
  • How Passion Powers Film Production with Ryan Jones

    How Passion Powers Film Production with Ryan Jones
    Sep 11 2024
    How do you turn an idea into a box office hit? Meet Ryan Jones, Senior Vice President of Production at Universal Pictures, who has a built a career on tackling just that! In this episode, Ryan takes us into the world of creative development and reveals what has inspired him to work on some of the most talked-about films and how they take shape. From action blockbusters to heartfelt dramas, to horror movies and beyond - Ryan has been at the forefront of bringing movies to life that not only entertain but also push the boundaries of storytelling.

    Learn how taking bold risks—like making Deadpool an R-rated sensation or leaning into the virality of a killer doll in M3GAN—can lead to major rewards. Join us as Ryan provides a sneak peek into what life is like on the iconic Universal lot, where Hollywood history meets the thrill of creating the next cinematic sensation.
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    28 mins
  • From Parks to Pictures with Arnold Klein

    From Parks to Pictures with Arnold Klein
    Aug 28 2024
    Imagine if your high school job sparked a successful career in entertainment. For Arnold Klein, Senior Director of Digital Marketing at Universal Pictures, a part-time gig at Universal Studios Hollywood evolved into a role where he now contributes to the success of global digital marketing campaigns for major film releases. In this episode, Arnold shares insights into the strategy behind campaigns like the viral Blumhouse sensation M3GAN and the surprising sense of belonging he experienced while witnessing Dev Patel promote his film MONKEY MAN. Join us to learn how the personal connections made over the years are what truly enrich a professional journey. From working at the park to, shaping global campaigns, to developing a meaningful friendship with one of Hollywood’s most iconic Actors, Arnold’s story is a testament to how passion and determination can carve a unique path in the entertainment industry.
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    26 mins
  • Making Movie Music with Angela Leus

    Making Movie Music with Angela Leus
    Aug 14 2024
    What’s your favorite movie music moment? Angela Leus, Senior Vice President of Film Music at Universal Film Entertainment Group, is one of the people who helps make those magical moments happen and today, she takes us behind the scenes of her dynamic role. Angela’s journey from a classically trained pianist to a key player in the film industry is a testament to her unique ability to merge musical vision with cinematic storytelling. Discover how she navigates nuance, curates unforgettable soundtracks, and manages the intricacies of bringing music to life on screen.
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    26 mins
  • When Animation Meets Collaboration with Morenike Dosu

    When Animation Meets Collaboration with Morenike Dosu
    Jul 31 2024
    What happens when a love of animation meets a passion for collaboration? Meet Morenike Dosu, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at DreamWorks Animation. Nike's lifelong appreciation for animation began as a kid rushing home from school to watch Darkwing Duck to now working in her pivotal role at DreamWorks where she helps foster inclusive and collaborative environments. From unpacking how cultural curiosity and celebration can unlock authentic storytelling, to seeing her kids discover her name in the credits of their favorite movie, learn how one career can take you from animation productions in Australia to the Kingdom of Far Far Away and everywhere in between.
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    26 mins