PODCAST · arts
Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods
by SCAN Media, LLC
Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods... the podcast that honors the art of making movie trailers, teasers, key art, and all the strategic content that launched the movies, TV shows, and games you love.
-
168
Opening Weekend: EP-3: "The Glass Ceiling Breaker" - Barbara Glazer
Opening Weekend: Selling Hollywood with Jim Fredrick continues on the TG&TG feed. Barbara Glazer was one of our very first guests on this podcast, back in 2019. She's also one of the industry's true glass-ceiling breakers: co-founder of The Ant Farm, and the creative leader behind campaigns for Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Kill Bill among hundreds of others. She sits down with Jim Fredrick to trace a career that started by accident on a Moviola upright and ended up reshaping who gets to run a trailer house. Takeaways: A trailer she never meant to cut. Barbara started in documentaries. A client short on cash brought in a trailer for The Dead Zone as payment in 1982, and she ended up cutting it herself. She broke the glass ceiling without setting out to. She built a partnership at Silver/Glazer, then left after fifteen years to co-found The Ant Farm in 1997, one of the only women running a shop like it at the time. Culture was the whole strategy. She wanted to train and nurture people in a business that didn't always do that, and it's a big part of why Ant Farm grew as fast as it did. Just remember: "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke." — Barbara Glazer Our sponsor: The Golden Trailer Awards (goldentrailer.com) Opening Weekend now has its own feed. Follow the series on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-weekend-selling-hollywood-with-jim-fredrick/id6806323200 open.spotify.com/show/39EWkVdYbK7P4kNDWLzH0E
-
167
A Trailer Park Tribute, Chapter 2: "No Brilliant Jerks"
Trailer Park's doors are closed, but the tribute rolls on. Chapter 2 picks up as the shop outgrows Cahuenga, settles into the Santa Monica Boulevard building and then Ivar, and finally lands the industry rock star it had been courting for two years. Tim Nett, Benedict Coulter, Brett Winn, Ellie Speare, Charlotte Honess, and Charlie Austin trace how a scrappy comedy house grew into a full-service powerhouse without losing what made it fun. Part reunion, part masterclass in the culture that kept people around for decades. In this episode: The rock star joins the band. After seventeen years at Kaleidoscope and a stint at Aspect, Benny Coulter passed on a bigger offer to become an owner at the scrappy shop instead. His action and drama work alongside Tim's comedy turned Trailer Park into a true full-service house. Do three, send six. The signature move was over-delivering on purpose. Clients asked for three cuts and got six at no charge, and most of the shop's awards came from the spots nobody requested. No brilliant jerks. Talent alone never got you hired. Anyone who wouldn't fit the family stayed out, no matter how good, and that rule is a big reason Ellie Speare stayed twenty years. A few lines that landed: "It didn't matter how brilliant they were. If they weren't gonna fit in, they weren't welcome." (Tim Nett) "I was thinking about the money. Then I said, no, no, no. I'm going to Trailer Park." (Benedict Coulter, on turning down a bigger offer to become an owner) "Everyone said, 'You're a girl, you can't cut action.' Benny said, 'Absolutely you can.'" (Charlotte Honess) Brought to you by the Golden Trailer Awards and Audiomachine. goldentrailer.com audiomachine.com
-
166
Opening Weekend: EP-2: "The Mogul" – Alan Horn (Studio President)
Opening Weekend: Selling Hollywood with Jim Fredrick continues on the TG&TG feed. A soap marketer who'd never set foot in Los Angeles became the most successful studio head in movie history. Alan Horn ran Warner Brothers and then Disney, greenlighting Harry Potter, The Dark Knight, and the modern Marvel and Star Wars era. He sits down with Jim Fredrick to trace a 60-year career built on serendipity, and to talk honestly about what selling a movie takes now. Takeaways: Hired because he was perfect. A Procter & Gamble marketer working on Ivory soap, Alan got recruited by Jerry Perenchio precisely because he'd never watched much TV and never been to LA. "You're perfect. You're hired." Norman Lear backed him against a mutiny. Writers walked out of his first All in the Family table read. A month later Lear stood up in front of 40 people and told them to accept it or get out. The Blackwing 602 pencil made it official: "You are now qualified to give notes." Green light or nothing. Alan took the Warner Brothers presidency only with final say on what got made, then built the run that led Bob Iger to call him for Disney. You can't buy an opening weekend anymore. Social media broke the old playbook. Audiences text each other 20 minutes into a Friday screening, and marketing keeps getting treated as low-hanging fruit when studios need to cut. Pull quotes (social-ready): "Every problem that I've ever had in business is a people problem." — Alan Horn "Throw a hundred lines in the water, because all you need to do is catch one fish." — Alan Horn "It's not so easy to buy an opening weekend, because people start texting each other 20 minutes into a movie on a Friday." — Alan Horn "It isn't really pre-COVID anymore to me. It's pre-streaming dominance." — Alan Horn Sponsors: Golden Trailer Awards (goldentrailer.com) West One Music and Q Factory by Robert Etoll (westonemusic.com)
-
165
Opening Weekend: EP-1 "The Shawshank Redemption" – Liz Glotzer (Producer)
We're proud to introduce Opening Weekend: Selling Hollywood with Jim Fredrick, starting with episode one right here on TG&TG! The most beloved movie on IMDb was, on opening weekend, a flop. Jim Fredrick, who cut the original trailer at Castle Rock, reunites with producer Liz Glotzer to unpack how The Shawshank Redemption got left at the box office and found its audience anyway. Takeaways: The title took the blame. Trimming Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption down to The Shawshank Redemption was meant to play commercial. The press pinned the soft open on a title nobody could decode. No stars, an R rating, a prison. Jim walks through the marketing wall he faced, with Darabont sitting beside him guarding the cut so the trailer gave nothing away. Three million to walk away. Darabont turned down a big payday to not direct, and chose to helm his debut instead, one of several near-misses behind the finished film. Oscars, then Turner, then legacy. Seven nominations nudged theatrical, but the film truly found its audience through relentless TNT airings and a chart-topping home video run. Pull quotes (social-ready): "For 18 years, The Shawshank Redemption has been the number one movie on IMDb. So why wasn't I able to open the film?" — Jim Fredrick "We thought we were being commercial by changing it from Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption to The Shawshank Redemption. Probably that was our first mistake." — Liz Glotzer "The marketing perspective is always give as much away as possible." — Liz Glotzer "You pretty much couldn't turn on the channel and Shawshank wasn't playing." — Liz Glotzer Sponsors: Golden Trailer Awards (goldentrailer.com) West One Music and Q Factory by Robert Etoll (westonemusic.com)
-
164
Chris Daniel: SVP Global Creative Marketing at LionsGate (Best of)
It was so cool to get to hang out with Chris Daniel, the Senior Vice President of Global Creative Marketing at LionsGate. Prior to LionsGate, Chris led 360 marketing campaigns on some of Netflix's biggest films such as Red Notice, Glass Onion, Dayshift, To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, Dolemite Is My Name, and Over The Moon. Previously, he edited and produced trailers, digital-social, and brand campaigns at AV Squad where he was a part of a ton of award-winning work. Chris came up through the ranks at highly creative shops Mocean, Ignition and Seismic. Over his years on the agency side, he's been recognized with Clio Entertainment and Golden Trailer Awards (and even a CUTTER AWARD - y'all remember that?) for his campaigns for Red Notice, Dayshift, Bright, The 13th, Spy, Top 5, The Drop and many more. Be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors: Audiomachine - audiomachine.com The Golden Trailer Awards - goldentrailer.com Please leave us a rating and review: apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan.
-
163
A Trailer Park Tribute: "We Had No Business Starting a Company"
Trailer Park's theatrical division has closed its doors, so we gathered five of the people who were there at the very beginning. Tim Nett, Jim Hale, Ann Mugglebee, Mike Southerly, and Tommy Gargotta trace the company from a single rented edit bay on Cahuenga to a sign you could spot from miles away. Part origin story, part reunion, and a fitting tribute to where it all started. In this episode: One rented room, one Avid. The whole thing began when Tim rented a single bay from commercial editor Jacques Dury, back when an Avid ran around $150K. The crew grew room by room until they took over the building. Culture was the product. Before pleasing clients, the team's first job was making each other laugh. A building so small you could hear every bay (and shout notes through the wall) built a bond that outlasted the company. Scrappy beat safe. A handful of clients took a leap of faith on a brand-new shop run by people barely into their thirties, and that trust launched something that ran for decades. A few lines that landed: "We were all, like, kids. We had no business starting a company." (Tim Nett) "We were laying down train track that we didn't even realize we were laying down." (Ann Mugglebee) "Can you believe we were part of that?" (Tommy Gargotta, on spotting the Trailer Park sign from the freeway) Brought to you by the Golden Trailer Awards and APM Music. goldentrailer.com www.apmmusic.com
-
162
No Trade Mag, No History Book. Logan Gruidl Is Fixing That.
Logan Gruidl is Senior Producer at Picture Head and the founder of The Trailer Brief, a bi-weekly newsletter covering trailer craft, industry news, and the campaigns shaping entertainment advertising. After coming up as an AE at Outpost and Grandson, Logan built his finishing expertise at Picturehead while quietly becoming one of the industry's most thoughtful new voices. Key Takeaways: The finishing side of the industry is poorly understood even by people in it. Logan breaks down how color, mix, versioning, and delivery work at a post house like Picture Head. The Trailer Brief was born from a need to stay engaged with the creative side of the industry while doing finishing work full-time. The journalism background helped. AI as editorial tool, not ghostwriter. Logan uses ChatGPT to round up trades and Claude to pressure-test his drafts, not write them. The Uncut Gems trailer was the piece that made him want to work in this industry. Grandson had it on their homepage when he was interviewing. Building community matters. Between Behind the Trailer, TWMT, Jules Levy's Tuesday roundups, and now The Trailer Brief, a real ecosystem of industry education and documentation is taking shape. Standout Quotes: "We're in a cool place right now where the people who founded the industry are still working, but there's also a whole new slate of editors who came up wanting to be trailer editors — and now they're working next to the people who cut the things that inspired them." "I felt like the way to keep accountable was to write about them." "If I can distill it down to four bullet points for someone who just got off a 12-hour shift, and they feel better about their knowledge of the industry — that's a win." "I don't think anyone my age really wants to be a finisher, aside from me." "I was like, okay, time to go to Picturehead — be a smaller fish in a bigger pond." Links: The Trailer Brief: the-trailer-brief.beehiiv.com Logan on LinkedIn: @Logan-Gruidl Thanks to our sponsor: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com Join the Community Leave a rating and review Share the episode with a friend in the industry Subscribe for new episodes every week Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us. Now go do some inspired work.
-
161
Monica Brady | Co-Founder & Exec. Producer, Golden Trailer Awards
Monica Brady has spent 26 years doing something that didn't exist when she started: honoring the people who make movie trailers. Co-founded with her sister Evelyn on a boat to Fort Sumter in 1999, the Golden Trailer Awards grew from a scrappy DGA screening room show (running on two Avids, fingers crossed) into the industry's premier celebration of trailer craft. In this episode, Monica traces the full arc of the GTAs, from a pre-broadband era when trailer editors were essentially invisible, to a show that now spans dozens of categories and serves as a genuine career launchpad for aspiring creatives. 5 Key Takeaways The GTAs were born out of necessity, not ambition. Monica and Evelyn weren't trying to build an institution. They were trying to find a trailer editor for their student film and couldn't. No directory, no resource, no awards show existed. So they created one. What was meant to "run on autopilot" is now 26 years in. The show evolves as the industry evolves. From 23 categories in 1999 (including one they couldn't even explain) to dedicated tracks for streaming series, video games, and social trailer bites, the GTAs have always followed the craft. Categories don't get added by committee — they get added when the industry shows up and says "we cut these like theatrical trailers." Music is the most powerful recall tool in the trailer editor's kit. Monica keeps coming back to music as the thread connecting memory, emotion, and ticket sales. Editors who also play instruments aren't a coincidence — music is math, and the pattern recognition required for both is the same muscle. The trailer industry is uniquely positioned for the AI era. Most industries are bracing for an onslaught of AI-generated content. Monica's case: who better to make sense of a flood of footage than people who have spent decades being handed raw material with no script, no direction, and a tight deadline? The trailer editor's core skill is exactly what the moment will demand. Standout Quotes "We sent out some applications, and the rest will run on autopilot. And 26 years later, you're looking at the autopilots." "Who but the trailer industry have had a decades-long start at taking nonsensical footage about a topic they know nothing about — no script, no direction — and crafting a story together?" "These trailer editors are artists. And that is one of the things that sets the human being apart from whatever's coming at us right now." "Everybody help each other. We're here a very short amount of time on this planet. Let's just make the most of it." Links & Resources Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com GTA 26 — May 28, 2026 | Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills Join the Community Leave a rating and review Share the episode with a friend in the industry Subscribe for new episodes every week Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us. Now go do some inspired work.
-
160
Kris McDonald: Cutting Trailers. Mentoring the Next Gen. Behind the Trailer.
Kris McDonald is a Creative Director and Senior Editor at XAV, and the founder of Behind the Trailer — a free educational platform dedicated to helping aspiring trailer editors break into the business and level up their craft. He came up through Open Road and Trailer Park before landing at XAV (which was Project X at the time), where he's built a career cutting campaigns for major studio and streaming titles including The Chosen, The Big Cigar, and Deepwater Horizon. In this episode, Kris traces his path from runner to creative director, reflects on the mentors and moments that shaped him, and pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to cut a trailer that makes an audience stop breathing. Key Takeaways Say yes to everything — even the soccer video. Early in his career, Kris was asked to cut a highlight reel for a client's daughter's graduation party. He treated it like a studio campaign, stayed late, and poured everything into it. The client loved it, sat him down in the bay, and introduced him to the work of Nick Temple. The lesson: every cut is an audition. Set a goal, then chase it down. After learning that his mentor Adrian finished his first trailer at 25, Kris made it a personal mission to hit that same milestone. He cut constantly, studied obsessively, and hit the mark — finishing his first trailer on The Blind Side right around his 25th birthday. Emotion, story, rhythm — in that order. Kris breaks down the three pillars he builds every cut around, drawn from Walter Murch's In the Blink of an Eye. A trailer can be slick and fast and technically impressive, but without emotion, it doesn't land. Trial and error is the process. When asked about a gut-punch moment of silence in the Deepwater Horizon trailer, Kris was refreshingly honest: he knew what he wanted the audience to feel, but finding the right technique was pure experimentation. Knowing the destination and figuring out the route are two different skills. Behind the Trailer exists to pay it forward. Everything Kris knows, he learned because someone in a bay was willing to show him their sequences and give him notes. Behind the Trailer is his way of making that kind of mentorship available to anyone who wants it — for free. Standout Quotes "I want you to feel like you can't breathe. I know that this is the moment of the trailer where your breath is taken away. Now, how do I do that?" "I cut a lot of bad trailers. I got good at creating an open, but then it would just drag." "Any sort of information I can give back to people wanting to get into this industry — that's the number one goal." "This is my dream job. I'll never stop cutting." Find Kris & Behind the Trailer behindthetrailer.com Instagram: @behindthetrailer YouTube: @behindthetrailer Behind the Trailer Community Discord (free) — discord.gg/wRdGTFwhh2 For aspiring editors looking to break in, industry pros who want to give back, and anyone who just loves trailers Connect Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan Brought to you by... The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Join the Community Leave a rating and review Share the episode with a friend in the industry Subscribe for new episodes every week Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us. Now go do some inspired work.
-
159
Stav Ozdoba on Indie Filmmaking, Editing, and Building Rubber Sole Creative
Before founding Rubber Sole Creative, Stav Ozdoba came to the U.S. with one goal: become a filmmaker. Within months, he was in meetings to direct a feature. Not long after, he learned just how brutal that path could be. What followed wasn't a straight line. It was a pivot. From indie films to editing weddings. From teaching himself Final Cut to landing at Sony. From cutting sizzles and promos to leading teams and eventually building his own creative shop from the ground up. In this episode, Corey and Stav trace that journey and get into what actually sustains a career in this business. Not just passion, but craft. Not just ambition, but clarity around what you're truly good at. They also dig into how storytelling changes across platforms, why "added value" creative matters more than ever, and what it really takes to carve out space as an independent in a crowded, evolving industry. Calls to Action Follow Stav Ozdoba and Rubber Sole Creative on LinkedIn Visit: rubbersoleav.com Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review Follow Corey: @coreysnathan across platforms Subscribe for weekly conversations with the people behind the work Key Takeaways The path isn't linear, and that's the point Stav arrived in LA aiming to direct films, but the reality of the industry forced a pivot. Editing became the lane where his instincts and abilities aligned and ultimately opened more doors than chasing directing ever did. Follow what you're good at, not just what you love Passion alone isn't enough. Stav makes a clear distinction between what you enjoy and what you can consistently execute at a high level. The sweet spot is where skill and interest meet. The edit bay is the real classroom Early on, Stav learned by proximity. Watching other editors. Asking questions. Absorbing instincts. Not formal training, but immersion in the craft. Story is the constant, format is the variable Whether it's a trailer, a sizzle, or a social cut, the job is still storytelling. The platforms change. The audience behavior changes. The need to connect emotionally does not. Underserved work is often the biggest opportunity Rubber Sole was built around doing the work others overlook. Behind the scenes, sizzles, added value pieces. Done right, those pieces don't just support campaigns, they drive audience interest. Relationships still matter more than tools Even in an era of AI and rapid change, the business still runs on trust. When stakes are high, people call collaborators they know can deliver. Creative ownership requires risk tolerance Leaving Sony to start Rubber Sole wasn't a calculated leap with guarantees. It was a bet on craft, relationships, and the belief that great work would create opportunity. Standout Quotes "I stopped following my passion and started following what I'm good at." "You're always telling a story, no matter the platform." "If the work is undeniable, the room will open." "We're not competing on price. We're competing against average." "Sometimes if you don't get your dream job, you have to create it." Connect Stav Ozdoba – rubbersoleav.com Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan Sponsors The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Mesa Wealth Management – mezawealth.com Join the Community Leave a rating and review Share the episode with a friend in the industry Subscribe for new episodes every week Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us. Now go do some inspired work.
-
158
Benj Thall: From Child Actor to Editor, Creative Director, Screenwriter
Before Benj Thall was cutting trailers at some of the most influential shops in the business, he was a working child actor starring in Disney's Homeward Bound films alongside legends like Leslie Nielsen and Ned Beatty. That early life on film sets didn't just give him screen credits — it gave him a love for every corner of the craft that eventually led him behind the camera, through film school at USC, and into the edit bay. In this episode, Corey and Benj trace a career that spans Global Doghouse, Harley's House/Ignition, Mojo, and Monster, and dig into what it means to carry a trailer editor's sensibility into feature film cutting. Benj also shares the story behind Monument, the political thriller starring Jon Voight and Joe Mazzello that he edited — a deeply personal project that connects his love of storytelling, his actor's instincts, and his late father's memory. Key Takeaways The edit bay as classroom. Benj's early days at Global Doghouse meant literally knocking on Kevin Childress or Doug Brandt's door to make dubs — and using every excuse to watch them cut. Proximity to great editors, not formal training, was the real education. Emotional truth is the through line. Whether cutting a two-minute trailer or a two-hour feature, Benj is always hunting the same thing: the moment an audience doesn't know what comes next. That instinct, sharpened over decades of trailer work, is exactly what he argues trailer editors bring to features that classically trained film editors often don't. Shops shape artists. Global Doghouse and Harley's House weren't just workplaces — they were creative environments that challenged editors to push against convention. Benj credits the culture at both shops, as much as any individual mentor, for forming his aesthetic. Knowing when you're too close. On Monument, Benj cut his own trailer for the film he edited — then pressed the producers to bring in a second editor because he recognized he was too close to the material. That kind of self-awareness is rare, and he makes the case for why it matters. Trailer skills are transferable — and increasingly valued. From working with stems and sculpting music in the rough cut to getting creative out of under-covered scenes, Benj sees a real and growing appetite for trailer editors in feature post. The hustle is different, but the toolkit is more relevant than ever. Standout Quotes "It's gotta be those quick moments of emotional impact for me." "Different parts of a movie are gonna speak differently to everyone. You're looking for those universal moments that speak to all of our humanity." "I've fallen in love with cutting features. If you've got a two-actor scene, the third actor is the editor." "I pressed the production — we need to get another look. I am too close to the material." "To probably my financial detriment, I've never been locked down. But for a creative, it's about staying open to opportunities that might come." Connect Benj Thall — www.benjthalldirector.com MONUMENT, the movie — www.monument.film Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms Sponsors Meza Wealth Management — mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards — goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It really does help people find us. Now go do some inspired work.
-
157
From Staples Center to The Shop: Jordan Hayman on Building a Career Without a Roadmap
Jordan Hayman has sat in almost every seat in this industry. Jumbotron editor for the Lakers during their championship run. Creative executive at Alkemi, working indie theatrical. Client-side at Lifetime under the legendary Bob and Lew. Broadcast division builder at AV Squad. And now, founder of The Shop, the boutique he always knew he'd build from the moment he was running packages around town for Tony Seiniger as a high schooler. This one goes deep on the career, the grind, and the decisions that don't have clean answers. Jordan talks about what it took to start a broadcast division from scratch, why building relationships from day one at Fox Sports in 1996 was the most important business strategy he never consciously planned, and how working both sides of the table made him a better vendor. We also get into The Last Dance and what it was like to cut over a hundred trailers for the most anticipated sports documentary in years, the Tyson-Paul Countdown for Netflix, and the theatrical sensibility that separates The Shop from most broadcast-focused competitors. Key Takeaways The Relationship Is the Portfolio From his first internship to founding The Shop, Jordan's career has run on relationships built with patience and maintained with consistent delivery. Creativity matters, but so does customer service, speed, and knowing what it feels like to be on the other side of the table. Working Both Sides Changes Everything Spending time as a network executive at Lifetime gave Jordan something most agency-side people don't have: a first-hand understanding of what clients actually need. When he went back to the agency side, he knew exactly what a room like Bob and Lew's expected to see. Build a Division Like You're Proving It's Possible Starting AV Squad's broadcast arm from nothing was terrifying. Jordan spent months with almost no work and nearly convinced himself he'd be fired. Scott Edwards told him to enjoy the calm before the storm. He was right. Theatrical Sensibility Is Non-Negotiable Now The line between broadcast, streaming, and theatrical has effectively collapsed. Jordan and his partner Nick Shakarian brought theatrical DNA into every network campaign they touched, and that cross-pollination is now the price of admission for anyone doing serious streaming work. Surround Yourself with All-Stars The hardest part of starting a company isn't the creative. It's everything else. Jordan's solution was simple: find the best people for every role and get out of their way. Notable Quotes "From day one, from Fox Sports, from 1996 — everybody I came in contact with, I tried to be good to them." "When I was done working for Bob and Lew, I thought to myself, I can do anything. Not everybody made it out of there alive." "That was definitely my master's degree." "I am not a business person. I'm a creative person." "My dad told me not to do it. But I wouldn't want to do anything else, man." Connect The Shop — theshoptrailers.com Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms Sponsors Meza Wealth Management — mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards — goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It really does help people find us. Now go do some inspired work.
-
156
Lauren Zoller, Lead Editor at X/AV
What does it sound like when a trailer editor thinks in rhythm, builds in silence, and treats every scene break like a musical beat? Lead editor Lauren Zoller of X/AV traces her path from a Chapman BFA to a Lionsgate internship, through Ignition (where she shadowed some of the greats) and nearly nine years at Mocean before landing at X/AV in 2021. She's become one of the most versatile editors in streaming, cutting The Punisher and Tulsa King alongside Peaky Blinders, DTF: St. Louis, and Poker Face — sometimes in the same week. The conversation digs into the sound design on the Peaky Blinders: The Mortal Man teaser, how a Crystal Method track set the structural DNA of the DTF trailer, and why a prominent commercial song changes how she shapes a piece. Lauren also talks about the industry's culture shift, mentorship in a remote-work world, and her role on the Soapbox advisory board. Key Takeaways Editing Is Solving a Puzzle Without the Picture Assembling pieces into a story without a finished image to guide you — it's what drew Lauren to the craft over directing or writing, and it still drives how she approaches every project. Rhythm Is Felt Before It's Measured Growing up playing drums gave Lauren a timing instinct that lives in her body as much as on the timeline. On the Peaky teaser, quiet and loud sections landed within four to six frames of each other in length — not because she mathd it out, but because she could feel it. Sound Design Is Storytelling Reverb, silence, a spinning coin — every sound element in the Peaky teaser was a narrative choice. On-camera dialogue got less reverb because that's the character's present-tense reality. Off-screen thoughts got more, because we're inside his head. Range Is Developed, Not Given Lauren's versatility is something she built at X/AV out of necessity. At larger shops, editors sometimes get typecast. At a smaller shop, you have to be able to do it all — and she's found she loves it. Soft Skills Are the Core of the Job The most durable skill in this industry is adaptive problem-solving: understanding what someone's asking for when the words don't quite match, being easy to work with under pressure, and knowing when to kill your darlings. Notable Quotes "It's like solving a puzzle without the picture." "We contain multitudes." "You can still do really good work and not get yelled at." "I just wanna keep making cool shit." Connect Lauren Zoller — www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-mckeithan-zoller-3b020016/ Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management — mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards — goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!
-
155
Eric Ladd on Brining Bleeding Edge Design to Hollywood's Trailer Industry
What happens when a technology-minded New Yorker stumbles into Hollywood and ends up reshaping how the industry makes trailers, title sequences, and motion graphics for the next three decades? This week, Eric Ladd joins the show to talk about his winding path from floppy disk drives and Bank of America to running Novocom, building Pittard Sullivan into a global powerhouse, and founding Picture Mill, one of the most influential design and motion graphics companies in entertainment marketing history. Now he's doing it again with Ignite XR, creating AR and social content tools contracted by TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Along the way, the conversation covers how Picture Mill got its name (in a single impulsive moment at a lunch meeting), the deal that fell apart and sent half of Pittard's leadership out the door to start their own companies, and how Eric pioneered digital before the industry even had a name for it. He also shares what it was like to shoot the Mandalay tiger in Hawaii, fly to Edwards Air Force Base with a first-time solo pilot to blow up a quarter-scale hotel, and pitch George Lucas on a Star Wars re-release trailer using a clip of Apocalypse Now on VHS. Key Takeaways Confidence Is a Skill Before leaving Pittard, Eric had already grown Novocom from two people to sixty. That track record gave him the credibility to walk into Aspect Ratio's Citrus lunch meeting with an $8.5M business plan he'd written in two hours — and walk out with a credit line and the name Picture Mill. The People You Work With Are the Real Portfolio When asked about favorite campaigns, Eric sidestepped the question entirely: "I have favorite people." The relationships formed in those early years, including editors, designers, producers, directors, are what he actually carries forward. Know When to Leave, and Who Should Replace You At Pittard, Eric not only knew when his time was up, he named Anne Epstein as the person who should take the job. Succession thinking and generosity with credit have been constants throughout his career. Bleeding Edge Requires a Tolerance for Uncertainty Whether it was scanning and comping an entire Spike Lee trailer in the early days of digital, pioneering AR filters on Snapchat before the platforms knew what to do with them, or landing a contract with ByteDance by simply delivering a working product without being asked, Eric's approach has always been to figure it out first and explain it later. AI Is a Tool, Not a Threat... If You Have Ideas The conversation about AI cuts to the heart of what this show is about. Eric's view: "It all comes down to ideas." AI can execute, but someone still has to direct it. The people who will struggle are those who were already functioning as tools themselves. Notable Quotes "I went over there at five o'clock and Ed and I were there till ten. We just clicked." "I said, 'You can't afford me.' He said, 'How much do you want?' Six months later my paycheck just went WHOOSH." "When we came back from lunch, we'd hired every one of those people in the waiting room." "It all comes down to ideas. AI can give you ideas, but it lacks what humans can do with them." "A lot of being successful has to do with wherewithal. If you can hang in there long enough, you can be successful doing anything." "When we're gone, those stories are gonna be gone with us." "Not anymore. They're on the record!" Connect Eric Ladd — ignitexr.com Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!
-
154
Kazadi Katambwa on From Runner to Hollywood Creative Executive
What does it take to break into the trailer business, survive the agency grind, and help shape campaigns for some of the biggest films of the last two decades? This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, we sit down with Creative Director, Producer and Creative Executive Kazadi Katambwa to discuss craft, career, and creative instinct. Kazadi walks through his journey from film-loving college student in the Midwest to runner at Wiser Post, to assistant editor at Intralink, and eventually to cutting and producing major theatrical campaigns for films like The Dark Knight, Inception, Dunkirk, Mad Max: Fury Road, and many more. Along the way, the conversation explores the realities of Hollywood career paths, the importance of mentorship, and the delicate art of marketing great movies without getting in their way. Kazadi shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Christopher Nolan, the challenge of distilling high-concept films into thirty seconds, and the creative leap from editor to producer to studio executive. From humble beginnings with a Thomas Guide in the passenger seat to shaping global campaigns at Amazon Studios, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and hard-earned wisdom for anyone who loves trailers or dreams of making them. Key Takeaways From Runner to Creative Voice Kazadi reflects on starting at the very bottom of post-production and learning the craft by watching great editors work. Patience, curiosity, and a willingness to say yes opened doors that formal plans never could. Reverse Engineering Great Trailers Early on, Kazadi studied timelines and cuts to understand how trailers were built. That hands-on education became the foundation of his editorial instincts. Working on The Dark Knight and Inception Marketing films of that caliber brought unique pressures. Great movies can be harder to market because the campaign must rise to the same level of excellence. Quiet Can Be Louder Than Loud On campaigns like Dunkirk, restraint and confidence became creative tools. Sometimes a simple heartbeat and the right image communicate more than any barrage of sound. The Power of Relationships Career moves from Intralink to Seismic to Buddha Jones happened through trust and collaboration. In trailer marketing, reputation and relationships remain everything. Evolving From Editor to Executive Moving from the editing chair to creative leadership required a new mindset. Protecting the creative while guiding teams became the next chapter of the journey. Understanding Filmmakers Working with directors like Christopher Nolan reinforced a crucial lesson. Great campaigns respect the filmmaker's vision and find ways to amplify it rather than replace it. Notable Quotes "Sometimes marketing a bad movie is hard. But marketing a great movie can be even harder." "Loud is not always the best thing. Quiet can be just as powerful." "Study the timeline. That's where the education really happens." "The best trailers feel confident. You can sense when a campaign is trying too hard." "Relationships are what move careers forward in this town." Connect Kazadi Katambwa – linkedin.com/in/kazadi-katambwa-819921123 Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!
-
153
Debi Struzan & Dana Flowers-Mitchell on Trust, Taste, and Why the Big Idea Still Matters
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:92a876fe-57e9-49d8-8917-802bb88aa3ae-16" data-testid= "conversation-turn-16" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What do trailers, legendary movie posters, streaming era strategy, and a deep love for theatrical storytelling have in common? This week on Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods, Corey is joined by Debi Struzan and Dana Flowers-Mitchell for a deeply personal conversation about careers shaped by creativity, collaboration, and conviction. From Debi's early days at Seiniger Advertising and her connection to the iconic Drew Struzan legacy, to Dana's journey from agency producer to studio and streaming executive, the conversation traces how great entertainment marketing is built at the intersection of story, trust, and human connection. Together, Debi and Dana reflect on mentorship, studio versus agency life, the evolution of theatrical and streaming windows, and what still matters most when crafting campaigns that resonate. Along the way, the discussion touches on everything from horror trailers and prestige dramas to boxing workouts, late night calls, and why picking up the phone still matters. Key Takeaways From Agency to Studio and Back Again Both guests share how starting on the agency side shaped the way they later partnered with creative teams once they moved into studio and streaming roles, fostering deeper empathy and stronger collaboration. The Legacy of Drew Struzan Debi reflects on the influence of her father-in-law, legendary illustrator Drew Struzan, and the enduring impact of handcrafted movie poster art in a rapidly changing industry. Why Relationships Still Win Dana and Debi emphasize that despite new tools, platforms, and pressures, strong relationships and direct communication remain essential to solving creative problems and building trust. Theatrical Is Not Dead The conversation challenges the idea that movie theaters are fading, pointing instead to evolving audience behaviors and the continued power of shared cinematic experiences. Creativity in an Era of Change From AI anxiety to shrinking budgets, the discussion explores how agencies and creatives can adapt while protecting the core value of original ideas and emotional storytelling. Notable Quotes "People still want to be moved together in a room. Theatrical is not dying. It's evolving." "You can solve a lot of problems just by picking up the phone." "The big idea still matters. Tools can change, but concept is everything." Connect Debi Struzan - www.linkedin.com/in/debistruzan Dana Flowers-Mitchell: www.linkedin.com/in/dana-flowers Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!
-
152
Best Of — Robert Walker (Buddha Jones): Craft, Emotion & the Art of the Trailer
What does it mean to truly feel a trailer—and how do you translate that feeling into something that moves an audience? In this Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods episode, Corey Nathan revisits his wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation with Robert Walker, one of the most influential and respected trailer editors working today. From his early experiments with cassette-tape collages and experimental music to shaping iconic campaigns at Intralink and Buddha Jones, Robert shares how a lifelong obsession with sound, rhythm, and emotion led him to a career defined not by formulas—but by feeling. This conversation spans decades of trailer history, touching on legendary campaigns for Batman Begins, Cinderella Man, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Social Network, The Book of Eli, Out of the Furnace, The Harder They Fall, and more. Along the way, Robert reflects on mentorship, artistic risk, industry shifts, and why unresolved emotion is the most powerful tool a trailer editor has. Whether you're a trailer editor, filmmaker, marketer, or creative of any kind, this episode is a masterclass in why craft matters—and why the best work starts with intuition, not templates. Key Takeaways Emotion Is the Job Robert explains that the ultimate goal of a trailer isn't explanation—it's feeling. A successful piece creates emotional tension that compels audiences to lean in and want more. Childhood Roots Shape Creative Voice From discovering Walkabout and Stockhausen records at the library to cutting cassette-tape collages, Robert traces how early experimentation laid the foundation for his editorial instincts. Short Form, Maximum Freedom Why trailers—rather than features—offered Robert the creative latitude he craved: non-linear storytelling, music-driven structure, and constant reinvention. Learning Through Repetition Cutting dozens of trailers at Roger Corman-adjacent companies gave Robert invaluable reps, sharpening both craft and judgment at speed. Mentorship & Creative Friction Stories from Intralink—including spirited debates with Anthony Goldschmidt—reveal how conflict, trust, and passion often lead to the strongest work. Teasers Aren't Ads—They're Invitations Robert reframes teasers as emotional groundwork, not sales pitches—particularly in franchise resets like Batman Begins. Adapting Without Betraying the Film From melancholy character studies (Out of the Furnace) to stylized genre pieces (The Harder They Fall), Robert discusses how to elevate a film while staying emotionally honest. Timing Can't Be Taught Comedy, horror, action—it all comes down to rhythm, anticipation, and release. And sometimes, knowing when to stop tweaking. Don't Cut the Same Way Twice Robert's advice to emerging editors: vary your approach. Start with music, dialogue, story, or even the ending—just don't get stuck in one process. Notable Quotes "The single most important thing we do is create a feeling—and leave it unresolved." "If you're thinking too much about how the audience will feel, you stop being emotionally open yourself." "You can't really teach timing. You know it when you feel it." "Teasers aren't always about selling the movie. Sometimes they're about demolishing expectations." "If you always approach a piece the same way, you're going to miss something." About Our Guest Robert Walker Trailer Editor — Buddha Jones Formerly Intralink Film Known for work on Batman Begins, Cinderella Man, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Book of Eli, The Social Network (TV), The Harder They Fall, and more. Robert is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally intuitive editors in the industry, blending experimental instincts with mainstream storytelling at the highest level. About the Host Corey Nathan Host & Executive Producer — Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods @coreysnathan on all platforms About This Episode This episode is part of our Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods series—encore conversations from across the show's history that remain timeless, insightful, and essential listening for anyone passionate about entertainment marketing and creative craft. Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review wherever you listen Follow Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes and conversations with the people shaping entertainment marketing
-
151
BEST OF: Dwight Caines on Story, Strategy, and Leading With Conscience
What does it take to market movies that shape culture—and to lead with integrity when the stakes are highest? In this Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods episode, Corey Nathan revisits his powerful conversation with Dwight Caines, President of Domestic Marketing at Universal Pictures and one of the most respected voices in modern film marketing. One of our "best of's" since we brought this program back, this episode remains as relevant—and resonant—as ever. Dwight reflects on a career spanning Sony Pictures and Universal, working on iconic franchises including Spider-Man, James Bond, Oppenheimer, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. But this conversation goes far beyond campaigns and box office numbers. Dwight opens up about leadership, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, the responsibility of storytellers, and what it means to be a steady presence in moments of industry—and societal—turbulence. It's a masterclass in how great marketing starts with understanding people. Whether you're a trailer creative, studio exec, marketer, or emerging storyteller, this episode is a reminder that how you lead matters just as much as what you ship. Key Takeaways Story Starts With Audience Dwight explains why every campaign begins with a deep understanding of who the movie is for—and what emotional response it needs to evoke to get audiences off the couch and into theaters. From Data to Instinct With roots in market research, Dwight shares how the best campaigns balance data with gut, and why "research be damned" can sometimes be the bravest—and smartest—call. Digital Before It Was Cool As an early digital pioneer at Sony, Dwight recounts building online communities around films like Spider-Man long before digital marketing was standard practice. Leadership in Crisis Dwight reflects on moments when the industry—and the country—felt unsteady, and why authenticity, calm, and moral clarity are essential leadership traits. Mentorship & Representation From teaching at Syracuse and UCLA to shaping DEI initiatives at Universal and the Academy, Dwight makes the case that representation isn't performative—it's foundational to better work and better culture. Notable Quotes "If you see me running for the emergency exit, then trouble's coming. Otherwise, take it as a good sign." "Marketing is about evoking emotion. If you don't know what you want people to feel, the campaign won't land." "If you see it, you can be it. I didn't see myself in front of the classroom—so I decided to become that person." "Diversity isn't invitation. It's allowing people to show up authentically and be heard." Connect Dwight Caines President, Domestic Marketing – Universal Pictures Mentor, Educator, Industry Leader Corey Nathan Host – Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods @coreysnathan on all platforms About This Episode This episode is part of our Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods series—encore conversations from across the show's history that remain timeless, insightful, and essential listening for anyone passionate about entertainment marketing. Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com 24/96 Sound & Music Design – 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Soundstripe – app.soundstripe.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!
-
150
Cuts That Connect: Greg Krupka on Feel-First Storytelling
What do VHS edits, a childhood trumpet, and a passion for story-driven design have in common? This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, Corey Nathan sits down with Greg Krupka, Vice President and Creative Director at AV Squad, to unpack a path paved with relentless creativity, smart collaboration, and iconic trailer moments. From his early days at Emerson College to cutting theatrical campaigns that reverberate through pop culture, Greg shares a behind-the-scenes look at his philosophy, process, and passion for the craft. Whether guiding new creatives or breaking down a "popcorn moment" trailer cut, Greg brings sharp insight into what makes entertainment marketing truly memorable. Community Updates Support Skip's Heart Recovery Journey - gofund.me/9ef1ccfef Key Takeaways Early Roots in Storytelling From VHS-to-VHS edits at a public access station to film school at Emerson, Greg's storytelling instincts were honed through pure hustle and passion. The Art of the Tease Greg breaks down how theatrical trailers have evolved—from "What is the concept?" to "What's the vibe?"—and why feel is now as important as form. Creative Mentorship Shoutouts to key mentors who helped shape Greg's transition from editor to creative director. Intuition Over Ego Greg discusses the value of checking ego at the door, knowing when to pivot, and letting emotional resonance lead the creative. Notable Quotes "You get that little pit in your stomach when you see a trailer come together and realize—'We got something.' That's the juice." "The idea of 'popcorn moments'—those sticky, rewatchable bits—that's what we aim for. It's not just cuts and beats, it's memory fuel." "I don't ever want to be the smartest guy in the room. I want to be in the room that makes the smartest trailer." Connect AV Squad – @av_squad on Instagram Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com 24/96 Sound & Music Design – 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Soundstripe – app.soundstripe.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!
-
149
Aaron Gershman - Senior Vice President, Creative Advertising at Lionsgate
From Strings to Screens: Aaron Gershman's Journey Across AV, Digital, and Design How does a former rock guitarist with zero design training become a creative force behind some of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant film campaigns of our time? This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, Corey Nathan sits down with Aaron Gershman, SVP of Creative Advertising at Lionsgate, whose journey from teenage rocker to "Pope of Posters" is anything but ordinary. From working on cult classics like Scott Pilgrim to crafting mind-blowing illustrated campaigns for John Wick 4, Aaron shares a deep-dive into the intersections of music, design, AV, and storytelling. 🎨 Whether he's collaborating with international artists or building visceral trailers that mix gunshots with throat singing, Aaron reveals how emotional intelligence, personal roots, and artistic instincts create unforgettable marketing. Community Updates Support Skip's Heart Recovery Journey - gofund.me/9ef1ccfef A Very Vibrant Celebration 2 - www.wearevibrant.org/events Key Takeaways Music Meets Marketing: Aaron's background as a musician and producer continues to shape how he sees rhythm, timing, and emotional arc—especially in AV. Poster Power: Learn how an artist-led, globally-sourced poster series for John Wick 4 redefined collaboration and style. From Minivan DVDs to Collectible Art: Aaron traces the evolution of home entertainment from functional formats to curated collectibles. Mentorship Matters: Behind every pivot in Aaron's career is a creative leader who inspired him—from Tom Gundred to Damon Wolf to Adam Fogelson. Embracing Change: From studio shakeups to creative setbacks, Aaron's mantra is to stay focused on the joy of building. Notable Quotes "My dad was a producer through and through. Even when I was a kid in a garage band, he'd come down and tell us, 'This song needs dynamics—quiet moments, loud moments.' Then he'd play The Doors to show us what he meant." — Aaron Gershman "I used to track artists on Instagram the same way I used to find bands. Now I follow over 5,000 illustrators for inspiration." — Aaron Gershman "The work didn't scare me—learning the language of trailers did. Corey, your podcast was like my AV crash course." — Aaron Gershman Featured Campaigns Mentioned John Wick 4 – Artist series posters The Strangers: Chapter 1 – Friggin' Bill Neil! Silent Night – Ode to Joy meets tactical violence Clerks III – Collaborating with Kevin Smith Sisu – Tribal, percussive, primal, and punchy Connect Lionsgate - @lionsgate on Instagram and TikTok Corey - @coreysnathan on all the socials Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!
-
148
Shea Jones, Editor at X/AV
Between the Beats: From Texas Roots to Trailer Rhythms What does it take to edit trailers that breathe emotion, humor, tension, and awe—all in a few short minutes? This week, we sit down with Shea Jones, a self-proclaimed "rhythm cutter" whose musical instincts have defined some of the most memorable trailer moments of the last decade. Shea shares his origin story—from math-loving student in San Antonio to trailer editor at X/AV—along with insights into how he approaches genre, music, and storytelling. 🎵 Whether he's remixing action sequences with beat drops or building visual poetry around Taylor Swift lyrics, Shea reveals how the best trailers aren't just made—they're felt. This episode is a must-listen for creatives, editors, and trailer geeks alike. 💡 Key Takeaways Editing is Rhythmic: Shea describes himself as a "rhythm-based cutter," likening his editing flow to musical composition and even mathematics. Versatility is a Superpower: From horror and blockbuster action to emotional dramas, Shea's ability to pivot across genres comes from intuition and experimentation. Let the Music Speak: For projects like Daisy Jones & The Six and The Summer I Turned Pretty, lyrics drive narrative as much as visuals or dialogue. Compete with Yourself: In an industry full of talent, Shea's biggest rival is yesterday's version of himself. Culture Matters: A decade at XAV isn't just about work—it's about a team-first environment that nurtures people, not just projects. 🎤 Notable Quotes "There's a mathematics to trailers. It's not just beats—it's breathing, silence, and flow." — Shea Jones "The best finish is my next finish." — Shea Jones "Competing with others used to drive me. Now, I just want to keep getting better." — Shea Jones 🌐 Connect with X/AV Website: xav.la 🙌 Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Calls to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
147
Sonic Sculptor: Lenny Jones on Sound Design, Artistry & Adaptation
How a music-obsessed Midwesterner built a sonic legacy from the mix stages of Hollywood to the classrooms of tomorrow — and why the future of sound is still human. In this sound-rich episode, Corey sits down with Lenny Jones, a virtuoso in the trailer audio world and founder of 24/96 Sound & Music Design. With over 190 feature film campaigns under his belt and a teaching post at the New York Film Academy, Lenny shares his journey from humble beginnings in Indiana to becoming a go-to source for immersive sound design in trailers, TV spots, and features. This episode is a masterclass in navigating creative evolution, embracing new tech like AI, and maintaining human connection in an increasingly digital industry. ❤️ Featured Cause: A Place Called Home In this episode, we highlight A Place Called Home (APCH), a transformative nonprofit in South Central LA that provides a safe, nurturing environment for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. Through arts, education, counseling, and mentorship, APCH helps build brighter futures — and stronger communities. 🎉 Shoutout to Brett Winn, this year's honoree at the APCH Gala! 🎟️ Upcoming Event: 2025 Gala – October 23rd, 2025 👉 Learn more or donate: https://apch.org ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] 🎬 Welcome & Introduction: Corey introduces Lenny Jones, founder of 24/96 Sound [00:02:00] 🎓 Ball State to LA: Lenny's journey west & the Indiana trailer-maker pipeline [00:04:00] 🥁 From Drumming to Mixing: Music engineering roots & career pivots [00:05:00] 🧵 Soundproofing & Creativity: Inside Lenny's home studio (blankets, neon sculptures & Burning Man) [00:07:00] 🔊 Demystifying Mixing: What does a trailer mixer actually do? [00:10:00] 💽 Tech Transitions: From analog to Pro Tools to AI—how Lenny adapted [00:13:00] ⚙️ Staying Ahead: Tools, forums, and keeping sharp in a fast-moving field [00:16:00] 🚀 SSI to Entrepreneur: Why Lenny left a top post house to start 24/96 [00:19:00] 👨🏫 Teaching the Next Gen: Sound design at New York Film Academy [00:21:00] 🌍 Global Sound: Representing composers from Finland to Japan [00:24:00] 🎧 Case Study – Dave for FX: Breaking down a sound-rich launch trailer [00:29:00] 🥁 Travis Barker Spot: Behind-the-scenes with AV Squad & movieTickets.com [00:30:00] 🏢 Working with Studios vs. Agencies: Key differences & workflows [00:33:00] 🌪️ Navigating Industry Shifts: Covid, streaming slumps, AI & more [00:38:00] 🤖 AI in Audio: Helpful assistant or creative threat? Lenny weighs in [00:44:00] 🎨 Favorite Campaigns: Judas and the Black Messiah, TRON, & more [00:47:00] 🛠️ Career Advice: Build something you own + the people-first philosophy 🔑 Key Takeaways Balance Tech & People: Mastering tools like Pro Tools is essential, but relationships build lasting careers. Diversify Your Creative Income: Lenny juggles commercial work, a sound library, and teaching to stay adaptable. Leverage AI Carefully: Use tools like ChatGPT for metadata and titles, but don't let them replace human creativity. Keep Learning & Networking: Conferences, forums, and award shows remain vital for staying connected and inspired. 🎤 Notable Quotes "When you mix a trailer, you're sculpting the experience—balancing music, dialogue, and effects frame by frame." — Lenny Jones "The future of sound isn't AI replacing humans, it's AI empowering humans to do better, faster work." — Lenny Jones "Start your own company—even if you're working full-time. It's your safety net and your legacy." — Lenny Jones 🌐 Connect with Lenny & 24/96 Website: 2496soundandmusic.com Instagram: @2496soundandmusic LinkedIn: Lenny Jones 🙌 Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Calls to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
146
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 9) – with special guests Dawn Baillie and Clive Baillie and co-host Benedict Coulter
🎬 From Posters to Powerhouses: The Legacy of Andy Kuehn Through BLT's Origins 📌 Episode Summary In this edition of our tribute series to Andy Kuehn—widely regarded as the father of the modern trailer industry—we're joined by special co-host Benedict Coulter and iconic guests Dawn Baillie and Clive Baillie, two of the co-founders of BLT Communications. Together, they retrace the creative and entrepreneurial journey that shaped BLT, and honor the enormous influence Andy had in nurturing creative independence and cultivating Hollywood glamor. This conversation is a deep dive into the culture and mentorship Andy built at Kaleidoscope Films, and how that environment catalyzed the formation of one of the most successful creative shops in entertainment advertising. 🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights [00:00:00] Welcome & intro 🎙️ [00:01:00] Meet Dawn & Clive Baillie of BLT Communications [00:02:00] Why BLT was formed: reclaiming artistry with the advent of Macs 💻🎨 [00:04:00] Clive's journey: set carpenter on Masters of the Universe to key art designer [00:06:00] Working at Cannon Films, Seiniger and Dazu [00:08:00] Dawn's unconventional entry from movie extra to design star [00:10:00] Building BLT with Rick Lynch, and a pivotal meeting with Andy Kuehn 🤝 [00:14:00] The bold idea: artists using their own computers—pre-Photoshop! [00:16:00] First impressions of Andy: bronzed, elegant, and unforgettable [00:19:00] Portfolio meets passion: BLT's pitch wins over Andy & Kaleidoscope [00:21:00] Benedict's POV: how BLT raised the creative bar at Kaleidoscope [00:24:00] Cross-medium collaborations: from Natural Born Killers to AV-Print synergy [00:28:00] Culture as a cornerstone: open creativity at Kaleidoscope [00:30:00] Andy's Hollywood home and unforgettable holiday parties 🎄🏡 [00:32:00] The essence of Andy: glamor, grace, and supportiveness [00:36:00] BLT reflects on the culture Andy helped build and their growth since [00:40:00] Warm memories from Kaleidoscope's Seward Street days [00:43:00] Benny shares how Andy shaped his leadership style at Trailer Park [00:47:00] Departures, transitions, and keeping Andy's legacy alive [00:49:00] Final reflections, laughs, and why we need to bring back Ascots 📝 Notable Quotes "Andy embodied that old Hollywood mystique—you wanted to be around him. You felt elevated just being in the room." — Dawn Baillie "We learned that the most important thing in a company is culture—and Andy created that." — Clive Baillie "If you support me creatively, I'll fly. Andy gave me wings." — Benedict Coulter 📚 Related Links 🌐 AJK Foundation: ajkfoundation.org – Support film preservation & LGBTQ+ cinema history. Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Calls to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
145
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 8) – with special guest Jim Gibbons and co-host Benedict Coulter
From Madison Ave to Hollywood: The Birth of a Trailer Empire 📌 Episode Summary This week, we continue our heartfelt tribute to Andy Kuehn, a visionary often considered the father of the modern trailer industry. This week, Corey and special co-host Benedict Coulter of REBEL welcome longtime industry luminary Jim Gibbons (EVP of Paramount, founder of Flamingo Films) who takes us on a journey through the formative years of trailer creation—from New York's Madison Avenue to Hollywood's 7️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Santa Monica Blvd. In this edition, we explore the early days of Kaleidoscope, Andy's legendary influence, and how the art of trailers evolved into what it is today. From pioneering trailer edits to running parallel campaigns against studio execs, Andy's legacy looms large. 🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights [00:00:00] Welcome & intro by Corey Nathan [00:01:00] Greg McClatchy on Andy Kuehn's AJK Foundation and film preservation 🌈🎞️ [00:03:00] Enter Jim Gibbons: From liquor stores to Kaleidoscope in 1969 [00:06:00] The story of Andy defying studio orders with A/B testing campaigns 📊🔥 [00:08:00] Jim's memories of Andy's legendary NYC loft salons 🥂🎭 [00:10:00] Launching Kaleidoscope in LA, reunions at 7026 Santa Monica Blvd [00:14:00] From Kaleidoscope to Utopia, and starting Flamingo Films [00:20:00] The evolution of trailer shops—from National Screen Service to creative boutiques [00:25:00] Behind-the-scenes on Star Wars, lasers, and early VFX 💥🛸 [00:30:00] From competitor to client: Jim working with Andy at Paramount [00:34:00] Collaboration with Benedict at Trailer Park [00:40:00] Reflections on transitioning from indie shops to studio system [00:44:00] Modern-day trailer creation: Streamers, social, digital 🎥📱 [00:45:00] What Jim misses most about Andy Kuehn [00:47:00] History of Kanew-Manger-Deutsch, Geronimo, and the rise of trailer giants [00:48:00] Signature sounds, trailer style debates, and fun industry lore 🎧😂 [00:50:00] Final reflections & gratitude 🌟 Notable Quotes "Andy created a standard... the tone was: be innovative. Don't settle for the norm." — Jim Gibbons "He was always Andy. That smile, that mustache. You couldn't miss him. You felt him in the room." — Jim Gibbons "We all owe a lot to Jim... he was part of the original group that really started it all with Andy." — Benedict Coulter 📚 Related Links 🌐 AJK Foundation: ajkfoundation.org – Support film preservation & LGBTQ+ cinema history. Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
144
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 7) – with special guest Gregory McClatchy and co-host Benedict Coulter
🎬 Spielberg, Scott, Streisand & the Trailers Behind the Legends This week, we continue our heartfelt tribute to Andy Kuehn, the visionary known as the father of the modern trailer industry. In this episode, we're joined by Greg McClatchy, President of Motor Entertainment and longtime Kaleidoscope editor, along with returning guest Benedict Coulter, co-founder of REBEL and the original rock-star trailer editor. Together, they revisit their years at Kaleidoscope, the groundbreaking agency Andy Kuehn co-founded. From crafting trailers for The Omen and Top Gun to working with Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, and Tony Scott, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of modern trailer-making. 🎧 In this episode: The AJK Foundation and Andy's legacy work in film preservation How Kaleidoscope dominated the trailer industry in the 70s–90s Andy's unique style: part Clark Gable, part Don Draper What it was like working directly with legends like Spielberg and De Palma How Andy gave countless creatives their big break Reflections on Andy's mentorship, leadership, and generosity 💬 "Andy Kuehn wasn't just a boss. He was a mentor, a friend, and a creative force unlike any other." 🔗 Speecial Mention: AJK Foundation: ajkfoundation.org Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
143
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 6) – with special guest Margery Doppelt and co-host Benedict Coulter
The Words Behind the Magic – with special guest Margery Doppelt 🎙️ In this sixth installment of our special tribute to the legendary Andy Kuehn—founder of Kaleidoscope Films and godfather of the modern trailer—we're joined by a true industry icon: Margery Doppelt, one of the most influential and celebrated writers in motion picture advertising. 🎞️ Margery's iconic taglines and copy helped define decades of cinematic promotion—from Jurassic Park to Fatal Attraction and beyond. Her creative fingerprint is embedded in the DNA of trailer history. Joining us for this conversation is none other than Benedict Coulter, a legendary editor and co-founder of REBEL, who brings firsthand insight into Kaleidoscope's heyday and Andy's enduring legacy. Together, we share behind-the-scenes stories, reflect on a golden era of creativity, and celebrate the unique bond that made Kaleidoscope more than just a company—it was a creative home. 💫 🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights: [00:00:00] Welcome & remembering Andy Kuehn's impact through the AJK Foundation 🌈 [00:05:00] Introducing Margery Doppelt: writer behind the most iconic taglines [00:08:00] Her hilarious first taco at Lucy's El Adobe and surviving on $81/week 💵🌮 [00:10:00] How a missing script led to her first interaction with Andy [00:14:00] Margery's first big hits and her transition to writing 🎬 [00:18:00] Ryan O'Neal, outtakes, and the power of improvisation 😂 [00:25:00] Jurassic Park: the story behind "An adventure 65 million years in the making" 🦖 [00:29:00] Collaboration with editors and the lost art of copy in trailers [00:33:00] Why Andy's leadership created a golden age for creatives ✨ [00:37:00] The ripple effect: How Kaleidoscope alumni shaped the industry [00:45:00] Favorite campaigns, unforgettable lines, and why copy still matters [00:47:00] Parting reflections on Andy's legacy and what made him so special 💡 Key Takeaways: Margery's approach to copy was fearless, playful, and deeply intuitive. Andy's genius lay not just in his creative vision but in his ability to champion others. Kaleidoscope was more than a trailer house—it was a training ground for some of the industry's best. The collaboration between writer and editor was once a sacred space in trailer-making. The power of copy can still define a campaign—sometimes in just one unforgettable line. 📝 Notable Quotes: "Andy had this amazing gift—he was so talented and confident that he enjoyed other people's success." — Margery Doppelt "I know you f** her—anything else?"* — Margery, in a legendary moment with Ryan O'Neal 🤯 "A comedy and a drama—just like life." — Tagline from Nothing in Common "If adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones." — One of Margery's enduring classics 🏆 Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
142
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 5) – with special guest Vincent Arcaro and co-host Benedict Coulter
K-scope's Blueprint: Andy K. & The Architects of Modern Movie Advertising 🎙 Introduction: Joined by special guest Vincent Arcaro, President of Dark Light Pictures and a Kaleidoscope alum, and co-host Benedict Coulter. Together, they honor the legacy of Andy Kuehn, a creative force behind some of the most iconic trailers and a beloved mentor in the industry. Vince shares stories of his early days at Kaleidoscope, how Andy shaped the modern trailer business, and how deep personal bonds were formed through a shared love of movie magic. 📚 What We Discuss: How Andy Kuehn cultivated a culture of creative freedom and excellence at Kaleidoscope Vince Arcaro's journey from messenger to head of production and beyond The evolution of featurettes and their impact before EPKs Behind-the-scenes stories of major productions like Taxi Driver, Annie, and Smokey and the Bandit Why relationship-building and a producer's "black book" are still essential tools in the business 🎬 Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Vince Arcaro's start at Kaleidoscope in 1976 [00:03:00] Becoming a production manager "by fire" [00:06:00] Andy's management of creative "renegades" [00:12:00] Andy immerses himself as an extra on Eyes of Laura Mars [00:20:00] Vince's serendipitous hiring story [00:26:00] Kaleidoscope expands into titles and second unit work [00:35:00] Vince on hiring: "It's not about the degree—it's about the drive" [00:45:00] Favorite campaigns: Taxi Driver, Jaws, Annie PBS special [00:50:00] Final reflections on Andy's legacy 💬 Featured Quotes: "Andy had the perfect storm for creating movie advertising. He knew how to manage his creative staff... they were renegades." – Vincent Arcaro "Andy wasn't afraid to make a good mistake. He encouraged his editors to go for it." – Vincent Arcaro "Your most important asset as a producer is your black book." – Andy Kuehn (as shared by Vince) "He was like a big brother / father figure. I miss the stories, the dinners, the genuine interest in what we were doing." – Vincent Arcaro Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
141
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 4) – with special guest Mark Trugman and co-host Benedict Coulter
Andy's Nurturing Legacy and the Aura of Old Hollywood So cool to sit down with veteran entertainment advertising executive Mark Trugman to continue our tribute and honor the legacy of Andy Kuehn — a pioneer of the modern movie trailer industry and beloved founder of Kaleidoscope Films. And we're joined once again by our special co-host, Benedict Coulter. Mark shares his journey from graphic design and television promotion into the world of trailers, his first encounters with Andy, and the profound influence Andy's leadership style had on generations of creative talent. Together, they reflect on the culture Andy fostered, the careers he helped launch, and the personal memories that made him unforgettable. What We Discuss How Mark Trugman transitioned from television graphics to running one of the industry's most respected trailer companies. The leadership philosophy Andy Kuehn embodied — nurturing, non-proprietary, and deeply passionate. Inside stories about the unique culture at Kaleidoscope Films during its heyday. The ripple effect of Andy's mentorship on multiple generations of creative leaders in entertainment marketing. Anecdotes that reveal Andy's charisma, generosity, and larger-than-life presence both in and out of the office. Episode Highlights [00:02:00] Mark recalls his first job with Kaleidoscope Films — and a rookie mistake involving a "two-pop" that still makes him laugh. [00:09:00] The first meeting with Andy Kuehn, complete with a calf tan, a parrot, and quick-witted banter. [00:13:00] Life inside a small but mighty Kaleidoscope team — and the rite of passage that was Andy's 5 p.m. wine gatherings. [00:16:00] How Andy's and Steve's management styles gave editors room to create and clients reason to trust. [00:22:00] A vivid description of Andy's Moroccan villa and legendary holiday parties. [00:27:00] The last-minute speech Mark delivered at the Key Art Awards, honoring Andy after his passing. [00:36:00] Reflections on what Mark misses most about Andy and why his presence might have made the industry a kinder place. [00:42:00] The hilarious Academy Awards "seat switch" story that put Andy in Oliver Stone's spot on live television. Featured Quotes "Andy was the most passionate, supportive, enthusiastic person I've ever dealt with — there wasn't an ounce of cynicism in him." – Mark Trugman "It wasn't about heavy-handed management; it was about giving you the space to create and the encouragement to solve problems your way." – Mark Trugman "If you love doing something, why stop? It feeds your soul." – Benedict Coulter "The Beatles are always going to be the Beatles for a reason… Benedict, you're one of those rock stars." – Mark Trugman Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
140
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 3) – with special guest Deborah Luster and co-host Benedict Coulter
🎙Crafting Legends & Honoring the GOAT For the 3rd installment of our tribute to Andy Kuehn, we're joined by legendary trailer editor Deborah Luster as well as our special co-host Benedict Coulter. We reflect on Deborah's incredible career in the film industry—and offer her memories and all the ways she was inspired by the late, great Andy Kuehn, the pioneering force behind Kaleidoscope Films. From working on iconic trailers like Jaws, Star Wars, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, Deb shares her journey from history major to senior trailer editor, offering behind-the-scenes stories that shaped a generation of movie marketing. 📚 What We Discuss: How Deborah Luster transitioned from history major to trailblazing trailer editor Why Jaws revolutionized the trailer industry—and Deb's role in its creation Andy Kuehn's lasting influence on Hollywood and the editors he mentored The culture and camaraderie of Kaleidoscope Films in the '70s and '80s How the trailer industry evolved from analog to digital—and what was lost ⏱ Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Deborah Luster shares how she transitioned from aspiring history teacher to trailer editing at Kaleidoscope [00:03:30] Working on the groundbreaking Jaws campaign and what made it such a shift in the industry [00:06:30] How hard it was to explain what a trailer editor did in the 1970s [00:08:00] First impressions of Andy Kuehn—his movie-star looks, big cigar, and magnetic presence [00:10:00] Andy's unique mentorship style: encouraging assistants to cut and giving them credit [00:11:00] Deb's work on iconic campaigns like Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Karate Kid, and War Games [00:15:00] The collaborative, non-competitive environment at Kaleidoscope and how it fostered growth [00:17:30] What production life was like before digital—three-martini lunches and slow film processes [00:19:00] Substance use in the 1970s–80s industry culture and how creativity evolved through it [00:21:30] Kaleidoscope's lasting influence through its alumni and standards of excellence [00:24:00] Remembering Andy's graciousness and leadership—even years after Deb left Kaleidoscope [00:29:00] Bill Cox's mentorship and the value of old-school editing rigor [00:37:00] Favorite trailers ever: Life of Brian, Alien, Taxi Driver, and more [00:41:00] How working with Andy opened doors to working with legends like Clint Eastwood 💬 Featured Quotes: "He was like the GOAT of trailers. Let's face it." – Deborah Luster "Andy wanted you to shine and be acknowledged for your work." – Benedict Coulter "It's basically like you're paying a studio to cut a movie for them because you want that prestige on your website." – Deborah Luster "Everybody participated in the Kaleidoscope of it all." – Benedict Coulter 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Jaws Trailer (1975) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1fu_sA7XhE Star Wars Original Teaser (1977) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ734NWnAHA Raiders of the Lost Ark Trailer (1981) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkkzKHCx154 The Life of Brian Trailer (1979) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKPmGjVFbrY Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
139
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 2) – with special guest Mike Camp and co-host Benedict Coulter
"Kaleidoscope University" - The Trailer Industry's Wild Beginnings Continuing our Tribute to Andy Kuehn, we're joined by Mike Camp, who got his start at Kaleidoscope Films under Andy, went on to serve as EVP at Paramount, EVP at Fox on the International side, and ulitmately was co-founder of the boutique agency ACME. And we're once again fortunate to have special co-host Benedict Coulter—often thought of as "the original rock star editor of the trailer industry" and now co-founder and owner of REBEL. What We Discuss: How Andy Kuehn inspired a generation of trailer editors and producers What it was like working at Kaleidoscope Films during its golden era Mike Camp's role in shaping campaigns for classics like Top Gun, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Titanic What it takes to launch a successful creative agency in Hollywood The art and philosophy of trailer-making, from the analog days to now Episode Highlights: [00:02:45] – Mike Camp reflects on how a favor for a college friend landed him at Kaleidoscope Films, launching a decades-long career in trailers. [00:07:10] – The unique, rowdy, and creatively explosive culture at Kaleidoscope: office wine tastings, horse racing bets, and midnight brainstorms. [00:14:30] – A pivotal phone call from Dawn Steel brings Mike to Paramount, where he joins a dream team at just 27 years old. [00:17:55] – The legendary 1986 Paramount slate: Top Gun, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Crocodile Dundee, and Star Trek IV. [00:23:20] – Andy Kuehn's distinctive trailer sensibility and how he elevated the artform by focusing on mood, music, and emotion. [00:28:40] – The creation of ACME: how Mike and his partners went all-in to build a new agency, and what set them apart. [00:36:50] – Mentoring and collaborating with a new generation, including the rising talent of Skip and his revolutionary graphics work. [00:49:15] – Reflections on Andy's enduring impact on trailer culture and how he empowered creatives with freedom and trust. [01:02:00] – The legacy continues: why Mike and Benny remain passionate about storytelling and honoring the roots of the craft. Featured Quotes: "A trailer is a song—it's meant to give you emotion. You're not selling the movie; you're selling a feeling." – Mike Camp "Andy championed us. He never said no to a wild idea. He always said: try it." – Benedict Coulter "The trailer's job is to get asses in seats. If the film does its job, they'll stay there." – Mike Camp "Andy was the heart of Kaleidoscope. He made you feel like you were truly in the movie business." – Mike Camp Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
138
🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn – with special guest Skip Chaisson and co-host Benedict Coulter
Unearthing the Craft of Trailer Making In this special episode, we kick off a heartfelt tribute honoring Andy Kuehn—the father of the modern trailer industry and founder of Kaleidoscope Films. Corey is joined by two legendary figures: Skip Chaisson and Benedict Coulter. Together, they reflect on Andy's creative legacy, leadership style, and lasting influence on the art of trailer-making. 🔑 What We Discuss: The origin story of Kaleidoscope Films and Andy Kuehn's role in building the trailer industry Skip and Benny's personal experiences working under Andy's leadership How Andy's creative instincts elevated the craft of trailer editing Insights on leading through uncertainty and uplifting your creative community The evolution of trailer companies into full-service creative content studios ⏱️ Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Tribute Series kickoff – Why Andy Kuehn still matters [00:03:00] Skip Chaisson's incredible legacy in trailers [00:06:00] Corey shares a moving message on inclusion and supporting each other [00:13:00] Skip's journey from Columbia intern to Kaleidoscope to Skip Film to Wild Card [00:23:00] First impressions of Andy – "like a 1940s movie star" [00:30:00] Andy's 1000-foot view – how his feedback sharpened creative vision [00:37:00] A story about Andy recommending the perfect piece of trailer music [00:46:00] How Andy built a culture that empowered talent and community [00:52:00] Skip's dance scholarship and how it inspired his music choices 💬 Quotes to Remember: "Andy had this ability to look at a cut once and hone in on exactly what it needed." – Skip Chaisson "Some men need to succeed in order to belong. Some women need to belong in order to succeed." – Andy Kuehn (as remembered by Benedict Coulter) "He unearthed the talent in us... and championed it." – Benedict Coulter "We're going to need each other." – Corey Nathan Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
137
(ICYMI) Chad Misner: LITTLE CHILDREN trailer, THE SOCIAL NETWORK trailer editor, creative director
Thought folks would enjoy hearing this one from all-time great, Chad Misner. So many of the pieces Chad's been involved with still get mentioned among the best trailers ever made. Enjoy... Chad Misner, is well known and well loved as one of the most respected editors and creative directors of the entire trailer industry. Most recently Chad was the SVP of Creative Advertising at Focus Features and, prior to that was responsible for 2 of the greatest trailers of all time Little Children and The Social Network, among dozens, if not hundreds of other brilliant contributions. Some other favs: The Wrestler - https://vimeo.com/82565290 Biutiful - https://vimeo.com/57498175 Burn After Reading - https://vimeo.com/57433705 Our Sponsors: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
136
Andrea Weeks, Executive Creative Director at AV Squad: LONGLEGS, ANORA, CUCKOO, THE NIGHTINGALE (and more!)
In this episode, host Corey Nathan sits down with Andrea Weeks, Executive Creative Director at AV Squad. A lifelong creative, Andrea brings a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing in Maine, a background in theater and film, and an impressive trajectory in the world of trailers and creative marketing. From her early days at Sony Pictures Classics to pioneering campaigns at AV Squad, Andrea shares her journey through the indie and mainstream worlds of film marketing. What We Discuss: How AV Squad became 100% employee-owned and what that means culturally Andrea's transition from theater to film and trailers The importance of mentorship and collaborative creativity Behind-the-scenes insights into trailers for major campaigns like Longlegs How Andrea's artistic upbringing informs her creative leadership Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] AV Squad becomes employee-owned: the announcement and cultural impact [00:04:00] Growing up in a Maine artist colony with a creative family [00:12:00] Andrea's first exposure to film and passion for political theater [00:18:00] Interning at Sony Pictures Classics and finding a way into film [00:27:00] Spotting the rise of Netflix and seizing new opportunities [00:34:00] Transitioning from New York to LA and joining AV Squad [00:49:00] Crafting the Longlegs campaign and fostering company-wide collaboration [00:54:00] Mentorship and developing young talent in the creative industry Featured Quotes: "The arts are a way to help shift the world." – Andrea Weeks "Being invited into the creative space of a film is a privilege—and building trust is everything." – Andrea Weeks "Everyone knows I'm a huge admirer of AV Squad… it's the spirit of the company that really stands out." – Corey Nathan Resources Mentioned: AV Squad – https://www.avsquad.com/ Ghetto Film School – https://www.ghettofilm.org/ Our Sponsors: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
135
"This Week in Movie Trailers" - Jonny Elwyn on Freelance Creativity, Trailer Data, and Building TWIMT
This episode is definitely for "trailer geeks" because host Corey Nathan and this week's guest Jonny Elwyn totally geek out over some great trailers. So on this edition, we sit down with Jonny Elwyn—a freelance editor and writer based in London—to explore the creative freelance lifestyle, the trailer industry, and Jonny's popular newsletter This Week in Movie Trailers (TWIMT). Jonny shares his journey through film editing and writing, his strategies for staying productive, and how he built a data-driven trailer newsletter that's catching the attention of the industry. What We Discuss: How Jonny Elwyn built a successful freelance career Insights into balancing parenting, editing, and side hustles Why collaboration beats competition in creative industries The origin and purpose of This Week in Movie Trailers Trends Jonny has uncovered from trailer viewership data Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Meet Jonny Elwyn – editor, writer, and creator of TWIMT [00:04:00] Choosing editing over directing in film school [00:06:00] Why fellow freelancers can be your best asset [00:10:00] Monetizing blogs and building a writing income [00:30:00] How Jonny built the TWIMT trailer tracking system [00:38:00] Surprising data insights about trailer performance [00:44:00] Why trailer editors deserve more credit [00:50:00] What's next for TWIMT—and how the industry can help shape it Featured Quotes: "Your competition is actually your best community." – Jonny Elwyn "It doesn't matter how slow you go, as long as you don't give up." – Jonny Elwyn "People just want to see the trailers. No filler—just the good stuff." – Jonny Elwyn Resources Mentioned: This Week in Movie Trailers (TWIMT): movietrailers.pro/ Jonny's Newletter on Post: www.cut-daily.com Jonny's Blog: jonnyelwyn.co.uk Our Sponsors: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
134
Robert Hyams: From Film Reels to Avid – A Legendary Journey Through the Golden Age of Trailers
In this nostalgic episode of Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, host Corey Nathan sits down with the legendary Robert Hyams, a pivotal figure in the evolution of movie marketing. From his start in the mailroom at Kaleidoscope to his influential role in both trailers and studio post-production, Rob shares fascinating stories of the people, technologies, and transitions that shaped the industry. With over four decades in the business and a reputation for never missing a deadline or going over budget, Rob offers unmatched insight into the trailer world's past and future. What We Discuss: How the trailer industry evolved from physical film to digital workflows What it was like working at Kaleidoscope, Picture Mill, and on the studio side The creative and technical challenges behind finishing trailers Why certain people in post became icons in the field Advice for the next generation entering the film and entertainment industry Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Rob and Corey reflect on how they met — a chance call that launched a career [00:07:00] Rob's early days at Kaleidoscope and the family legacy that brought him to Hollywood [00:15:00] The revolutionary shift from film to video editing and Rob's role in the transition [00:24:00] Working with Hollywood legends like Ralph E. Winters and lessons learned in the cutting room [00:31:00] The introduction of Avid and how trailer editors embraced new tech faster than studios [00:39:00] Founding Picture Mill and the birth of a new kind of graphics/post company [00:44:00] Insights into the decline of film labs and the rise of digital intermediate [00:50:00] Rob's thoughts on the future of post-production and storytelling in the age of AI and streaming [00:56:00] The stories behind iconic trailer copy lines and Rob's gratitude for the community Featured Quotes: "You could take a 10-pound bag of crap and cut it down to a five-pound bag of crap. Still a bag of crap." — Robert Hyams, quoting Ralph E. Winters "We weren't just adapting to change—we were the change." — Robert Hyams "Working union? Live better. You get health benefits and a pension. It's huge." — Robert Hyams Resources Mentioned: Coming Attractions - A History of the Movie Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FA3lgVcwFc Night on the Town (Rick Goldstein's film): www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzOsRBjtrLQ Our Sponsors: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
133
Pete Campbell, Creative Director at Wild Card Creative Group
In this episode, host Corey Nathan sits down with Pete Campbell, Creative Director at Wild Card Creative Group and one of the most respected editors and mentors in the trailer industry. From his humble beginnings as a student and babysitter to cutting award-winning trailers and mentoring the next generation of creatives, Pete shares his journey and the craft behind some of the most iconic trailers in Hollywood. What We Discuss: How Pete transitioned from screenwriter to editor to creative director Why WDA was a launching pad for so many successful creatives What it takes to make a trailer that resonates emotionally and commercially Behind-the-scenes insights into campaigns like The Martian, The Post, and Severance How Pete balances creative intuition with collaboration and leadership Episode Highlights: 1:00 – Pete talks about his Mad Men namesake and early days in advertising 4:00 – From Loyola Marymount to babysitting Kevin Williamson's twins 11:00 – Cutting a spec trailer for Kung Fu Hustle and launching a career 16:00 – Why Pete joined AV Squad and how it shaped his creative evolution 26:00 – Creative directing as mentorship, not micromanagement 34:00 – The story behind The Martian trailer and how quiet moments amplify impact 45:00 – Editing The Post and Nick Temple's critical advice 51:00 – The joy of working on The Studio and blending highbrow and madcap comedy 60:00 – Pete's favorite trailers by other editors and what he learned from them Featured Quotes: "Your job as a creative director is to see that 85% and not put your thumbprints all over it." – Pete Campbell "I've had so many moments where I think I'm terrible, and then I pray, and somehow an idea comes that saves the day." – Pete Campbell "Think different. It sounds so easy, but it's one of the hardest things to do in this industry." – Pete Campbell Resources Mentioned: Dead Island Game Trailer: https://youtu.be/2mi5bH0fIxE?si=RMH12502ZTzhMEZV Pete Campbell on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pete-campbell-19629a21 Wild Card Creative Group: www.wildcardcreativegroup.com Our Sponsors: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
132
The Creative Advertising Career of Dana Precious – From Sony to Marvel and Beyond
On this episode, we sit down with the brilliant and dynamic Dana Precious. From her humble start as a receptionist to holding top marketing positions at Sony, Marvel, and Relativity, Dana shares a story filled with humor, grit, and wisdom. Alongside her accomplishments in entertainment marketing, Dana is also a successful author of several novels, and in this episode, she reflects on creativity, leadership, industry changes, and personal evolution. What We Discuss: How Dana Precious transitioned from receptionist to CMO Lessons in navigating creative careers and studio politics Dana's insights on writing, brand strategy, and staying creatively inspired Her take on recent brilliant campaigns that others have done like Barbie and Oppenheimer Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Dana's quirky entry into the industry and discovering copywriting [00:08:00] The power move (accidentally) that got her hired at Sony [00:28:00] Adjusting from agency life to studio marketing [00:46:00] Dana's writing career and genre-hopping storytelling [00:56:00] Why Barbie and Oppenheimer were marketing masterclasses [01:00:00] Her honest advice to young creatives trying to break in Featured Quotes: "Some of the best careers in this industry were started by people who were just terrible as receptionists." – Corey Nathan "I discovered I was good at copywriting, and when people are good at something, they often discount it." – Dana Precious "I always thought working hard and doing a good job was enough. But I didn't spend enough time making friends." – Dana Precious Resources Mentioned: www.danapreciouswrites.com Our Sponsors: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
131
Yuhei Ogawa | Editor, CD and Host of CREATIVE. KIND.
In this episode of Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, host Corey Nathan welcomes Yuhei Ogawa, an accomplished editor, creative director, and host of the new podcast Creative. Kind. Yuhei shares his creative journey, reflecting on his career in film marketing, the inspiration behind his podcast, and the importance of kindness and emotional reflection in the creative industry. Together, Corey and Yuhei dive into the nuances of maintaining mental health, building community, and sustaining creativity in an ever-evolving and demanding entertainment landscape. What You Will Learn: How Yuhei Ogawa transitioned from hip-hop dancing and unscripted TV editing into creative advertising. The personal and emotional inspiration behind the Creative. Kind. podcast. The challenges and importance of sustaining creative endeavors over time. The role of kindness and vulnerability in the creative industries. How Yuhei's experiences during the pandemic reshaped his outlook on community and mental health. Insights into Yuhei's creative process and reflections on the future of the industry, including AI's role. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Corey introduces Yuhei and dives straight into discussing Creative. Kind. and Yuhei's creative motivations. [00:04:00] Corey and Yuhei reflect on the struggles of sustaining creative work and staying patient with oneself. [00:09:00] Yuhei shares how the pandemic spurred him to reassess his career and the importance of in-person connections. [00:14:00] Yuhei discusses discovering his daughter's emotional world through family therapy and how it changed his understanding of empathy. [00:27:00] Corey shares his journey with meditation and mental health, emphasizing the life-changing power of mindfulness. [00:35:00] Yuhei recounts his path from hip-hop dancer to becoming a respected trailer editor. [00:49:00] Working with international talent on Tokyo Vice and how creative collaboration across borders enriched his work. [01:01:00] Yuhei reflects on the impact of AI on the creative industry and philosophical questions about the nature of art. Featured Quotes: "The important thing is to just do it for yourself and keep pushing, no matter how little by little." – Yuhei Ogawa "Kindness is a practice about thinking about other people and how that permeates what we do day in and day out." – Yuhei Ogawa "It's okay that this is happening. Just be present with it." – Yuhei Ogawa (on the power of meditation and noting emotions) "If there's no process, no human interaction, no struggle—then I don't think it's art." – Yuhei Ogawa Resources Mentioned: Creative. Kind. Podcast - instagram.com/creativekindpod Headspace Meditation App Yuhei's Website Greg Harrison's Substack on AI Our Sponsors: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Make It Universal and Rotten Tomatoes presents SEEN on the SCREEN: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuq_rgCzEP_Ne0W0nk6R66sYFGr1Jrzqe Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
130
Brett Winn and Ben Andron of RAVE Collective
In this episode of Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, host Corey Nathan welcomes two industry powerhouses: Brett Winn, owner and CEO of RAVE Collective, and partner, Ben Andron, Head of Creative Advertising. Brett returns to the show, while Ben is taking his maiden voyage on the TG&TG cruise ship. From humble beginnings to big screen brilliance, this episode traces their unique career paths, shared philosophies, and the launch of their exciting new venture. What We Discuss: The unexpected origin stories of two trailer industry leaders How early career decisions shape creative leadership The importance of culture and kindness in a creative agency Why now was the right time to launch RAVE The role of humility, mentorship, and tenacity in business growth Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Brett recalls the early days of starting Refinery AV and feeling unsure about the leap [00:05:00] Ben shares his unconventional journey from Florida to LA, and how a teaching connection got him his first gig [00:08:00] Serendipitous paths: Ben and Brett worked at the same place (Trailer Park) without knowing it [00:11:00] Ben's evolution from copywriting to producing, and eventually, writing a successful Off-Broadway play [00:21:00] Brett's leap into trailer editing and reflections on early leadership roles at Trailer Park [00:33:00] The pivotal moment of recognizing that leadership is about cultivating culture [00:40:00] The inside story of how Brett and Ben decided to partner [00:45:00] How their aligned values made the transition smooth and created a new, exciting chapter for their team Featured Quotes: "I remember we had margaritas every Friday… because I was like, we made it another week." – Brett Winn "Having other creative outlets—writing, running, martial arts—makes me better at my job." – Ben Andron "What are people going to say to my kids about me? That's always been my moral compass." – Brett Winn "Happy people are creative people. You can't do this job if you're not having fun." – Ben Andron Our Sponsors: Make It Universal and Rotten Tomatoes presents SEEN on the SCREEN: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuq_rgCzEP_Ne0W0nk6R66sYFGr1Jrzqe The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Check out RAVE Collective: www.ravecollective.com Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
129
Kevin Childress and Craig Hagedorn, Award Winning Trailer Editors, on Storytelling, Sound Design, and Creative Collaboration
On this episode, we sit down with Kevin Childress, award-winning editor, producer, and creative director, and Craig Hagedorn, editor and creative director at Wild Card Creative Group. Together, they explore the craft of movie trailer editing, from storytelling and music selection to navigating industry changes. What We Discuss: How Kevin and Craig broke into the trailer industry through unconventional paths. The impact of early influences and collaborations on their creative development. The importance of storytelling, rhythm, and music in crafting compelling trailers. The challenges and opportunities in working remotely vs. in-office collaboration. Behind-the-scenes stories on iconic trailers, including Memento, Detroit, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, King Richard, and Bike Riders. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] – Kevin Childress' journey from MTV commercials and music videos to cutting some of the most iconic trailers of all time. [00:05:00] – How Memento's innovative trailer structure was developed, including the idea behind its unique graphic treatment. [00:09:00] – Craig Hagedorn's transition from long-form marketing content to trailer editing, including his early work at New Wave Entertainment. [00:14:00] – The impact of working at Trailer Park and later Wild Card, learning from some of the best in the industry. [00:25:00] – Advice for young editors: the importance of collaboration, learning from experienced creatives, and staying open to feedback. [00:42:00] – The making of Detroit: how a minimalistic approach created maximum tension. [00:55:00] – How King Richard's trailer evolved with the addition of Beyoncé's song, transforming the emotional impact. [01:03:00] – The use of unexpected music in Amsterdam and how it shaped the final piece. [01:04:00] – The process of discovering the perfect "button" for Bike Riders and why it worked so well. Featured Quotes: "We're all in this together. Success for one of us is success for all of us." – Kevin Childress "Music is the rocket fuel of a great trailer." – Craig Hagedorn "Being in a creative space with others pushes you to think differently and get better at your craft." – Kevin Childress "The right music can unlock a trailer and change everything." – Craig Hagedorn References Mentioned: Kevin Childress: www.kevinchildresscreative.com Craig Hagedorn: www.instagram.com/craigh55 Wild Card Creative Group: www.wildcardcreativegroup.com Our Sponsors: Make It Universal and Rotten Tomatoes presents SEEN on the SCREEN: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuq_rgCzEP_Ne0W0nk6R66sYFGr1Jrzqe The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 Now go do some inspired work! 🎬🎧
-
128
ICYMI - Barbara Glazer: Lord of the Rings, Kill Bill, Pirates of the Caribbean
This was one of our first episodes. So if you haven't had a chance to hear the magnificent Barbara Glazer, now's your chance! Barbara is not only an inspiration, she's been a mentor to so many others in this industry. On this episode, Barbara Glazer, co-founder of the Ant Farm, widely known for their campaigns for Lord of the Rings, The 6th Sense, Pirates of the Caribbean and many more. In 2000, Barbara co-founded Picture Head, a leading post-production company that works in all areas and formats of post-production. Barbara's a member of the Academy, continues to consult as a creative exec at various studios and is Board Chair for the non-profit organization A Place Called Home.
-
127
The V.O. Episode with Brent Allen Hagel
In this episode, host Corey Nathan sits down with Brent Allen Hagel, a professional voiceover artist known for his work in movie trailers, network promos, and commercials. Brent shares his journey into the competitive world of voiceover, the evolution of trailer narration, and the craft behind delivering compelling voiceovers that captivate audiences. What We Discuss: How Brent transitioned from working in kitchens to becoming a full-time voiceover artist. The importance of training, mentorship, and workshops in voice acting. The history and evolution of trailer narration in Hollywood. How voiceover plays a role in storytelling and marketing. Insights into the business side of trailer voiceover work. Episode Highlights: ⏳ [00:01:00] – Brent shares his early love for voiceover, inspired by radio programs and old-time announcers. 🎭 [00:03:00] – The art of narration: method acting vs. technical delivery. 🎤 [00:07:00] – Breaking into the voiceover industry and the challenges of making a name for yourself. 📢 [00:15:00] – The impact of legendary trailer voices like Don LaFontaine and Percy Rodriguez. 🎬 [00:26:00] – The shift from narration-driven trailers to modern storytelling techniques. 🧑🎤 [00:37:00] – The rise of diverse voices in voiceover and how AI is beginning to impact the industry. 🎙 [00:52:00] – Brent performs a live promo read for Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 💡 [00:58:00] – Advice for aspiring voiceover artists and breaking into the industry. Featured Quotes: 🎙 "Trailer narration is the fastest way to tell an audience what a movie is about." – Brent Allen Hagel 🎙 "I trained for seven years before I got my first gig with NBC. It's a long game, not a quick hustle." – Brent Allen Hagel 🎙 "Editors work until 2 AM; if they need VO, I knock it out in 15 minutes—because they need it now." – Brent Allen Hagel 🎙 "Find your five heroes in voiceover. Study them. Learn from them. But don't just copy them—make it your own." – Brent Allen Hagel Resources Mentioned: Voiceover Workshops (Real Voice LA) – https://www.realvoicela.com Our Wonderful Sponsors: Make It Universal and Rotten Tomatoes presents SEEN on the SCREEN: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuq_rgCzEP_Ne0W0nk6R66sYFGr1Jrzqe The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. And Brent can be found at www.brentallenhagel.com. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤
-
126
Benedict Coulter (Part Deux) | Owner / Editor at REBEL and the Original Rock Star of the Trailer Industry!
In this follow-up conversation, Corey welcomes back Benedict Coulter, co-founder and (still) editor of REBEL, a creative boutique powerhouse in the entertainment advertising industry. Benny shares stories from his illustrious career in the trailer world, going back to the early days at Kaleidoscope working alongside legends. We also delve into his passion for mentorship. Plus we go deeper into this latest chapter in his creative life as an author of 30 children's books and counting. With fascinating anecdotes about working with Spielberg, Paul McCartney, and Oliver Stone, this episode is a masterclass in creativity and collaboration. What We Discussed: The challenges and triumphs of creating trailers for iconic films like Forrest Gump and Gremlins. How Benedict developed The Brilliant Kid, a platform for meaningful children's content. The art of blending music and visuals in trailer-making, including stories of working with The Beatles anthology. Insights into Benedict's approach to mentorship and nurturing young talent in the industry. Why taking risks and betting on yourself is vital in building a successful career. Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Benedict shares his personal experience with recent challenges in Los Angeles, including evacuating during wildfires. [00:04:00] The genesis of The Brilliant Kid and its mission to provide children with comfort and understanding during uncertain times. [00:15:00] Behind-the-scenes of Forrest Gump: From initial reactions to crafting one of the most memorable trailers in movie history. [00:23:00] Benedict's meeting with Paul McCartney and creating the trailer for The Beatles anthology – a dream come true for a lifelong fan. [00:37:00] Crafting avant-garde teasers like Natural Born Killers and navigating creative differences. [00:42:00] Founding Trailer Park: The leap of faith and the journey to build one of Hollywood's most iconic creative agencies. [00:53:00] Mentoring the next generation: Discovering talent and supporting programs like Film2Future. [01:02:00] The joy of building a small, tight-knit creative team again at REBEL and continuing the legacy of collaboration. Featured Quotes: "There's nothing better than getting to collaborate with Spielberg, McCartney, and so many brilliant creatives. It's like a dream come true." "You don't keep it unless you give it away." – Benedict on the importance of mentoring young talent. "Cutting The Beatles anthology was a blast—it was a perfect blend of storytelling and the greatest music ever made." "Starting Trailer Park was terrifying, but you never look back. It's those leaps that make all the difference." Resources Mentioned: The Brilliant Kid App: YouTube Content (free access to children's educational videos). Film2Future: Official Website Good City Mentors: Official Website Call to Action: Enjoying Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods? Be sure to subscribe, share the episode with fellow creatives, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps bring these incredible stories to light! Our wonderful sponsors: Make It Universal and Rotten Tomatoes presents SEEN on the SCREEN: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuq_rgCzEP_Ne0W0nk6R66sYFGr1Jrzqe The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. https://rebelav.com/ linkedin.com/in/benedict-coulter-8982b438
-
125
Benedict Coulter (Part 1) | Owner / Editor at REBEL and the Original Rock Star of the Trailer Industry!
In this episode, we're joined by Benedict Coulter, co-founder of Rebel and the original "rock star" of the trailer industry. Benny shares stories of his early days at Kaleidoscope, his tumultuous journey through addiction and sobriety, his unique approach to trailer editing, and his collaborations with legendary filmmakers like Steven Spielberg. We discuss the evolution of cutting trailers from physical film to digital editing, the role of music in marketing, and Benny's ground-breaking career, which includes iconic trailers for 'Top Gun,' 'Beverly Hills Cop,' and more. Benny also reflects on his transition from musician to trailblazing trailer editor and his mentoring roles in recent years. 01:18 Benedict's Early Life and Career 02:31 The Impact of Cocaine in the Industry 05:34 Journey to Sobriety 07:11 Musical Beginnings in Paris 14:06 Transition to the Trailer Industry 17:37 First Steps in Trailer Editing 26:26 Breakthrough with Beverly Hills Cop 30:52 Collaboration with Spielberg 33:48 On Set with Spielberg: The ET Experience 37:32 Maintaining Composure with Big Names 40:05 Advice for Aspiring Editors 42:37 Taking Over the Empire Strikes Back Teaser 43:51 Innovative Editing Techniques 52:47 Evolution of the Editing Industry 57:10 Reflecting on Iconic Trailers 59:04 Navigating Professional Relationships Be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors: Make It Universal and Rotten Tomatoes presents SEEN on the SCREEN: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuq_rgCzEP_Ne0W0nk6R66sYFGr1Jrzqe The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. https://rebelav.com/ linkedin.com/in/benedict-coulter-8982b438
-
124
Bettina Sherick | Founder, Hollywood in Pixels - Pioneering Digital Marketing from Retail to Rings of Power
Pioneering Digital Marketing with Bettina Sherick: From Retail to Rings of Power In this episode, we're joined by Bettina Sherick, founder of Hollywood in Pixels and a visionary in the realm of digital marketing. Bettina shares her storied career journey, from her early days in retail and the revolutionary moment she first bought a book on Amazon, to her impactful work at Fox, Warner Bros., and Amazon. We delve into Bettina's innovative contributions to digital campaigns for movies like Avatar and exploring her endeavors in preserving digital marketing history through Hollywood in Pixels. The episode also covers insights into her career transitions, challenges faced with racial bias in the workplace, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Tune in to hear about Bettina's fascinating experiences and forward-thinking vision for the future of digital content preservation. 01:04 Meet Bettina Sherick 01:34 Early Career and Education 02:34 First Encounter with E-commerce 04:26 Launching E-commerce in Retail 07:04 Challenges and Successes at Strouds 18:52 Transition to Warner Brothers Studio Stores 20:44 Digital Marketing Evolution 34:24 McBeard Media's Rise 35:29 Hollywood in Pixels: The Beginning 39:09 The Silver Pixels Events 43:21 Impact of the Pandemic 51:03 Favorite Campaigns and Industry Insights 57:33 Words of Wisdom Be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors: Make It Universal and Rotten Tomatoes presents SEEN on the SCREEN: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuq_rgCzEP_Ne0W0nk6R66sYFGr1Jrzqe The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. hollywoodinpixels.org www.instagram.com/hollywoodinpixels
-
123
Taymar Cox, Producer at Mocean | REZ BALL, SPIDERMAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, GLASS ONION, THE GRAY MAN, THE ELECTRIC STATE
In this episode, we're joined by rising star trailer producer Taymar Cox from Mocean. We explore the making of iconic trailers like SPIDERMAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, EXTRACTION 2, RENFIELD, THE GRAY MAN and so many more; mentorship in the industry; and the evolution of how agencies work on campaigns. We also get into Taymar's journey in her career so far, the challenges faced by women and underrepresented groups in the industry, and how Taymar's unique past, including some really cool internships, shapes her approach to her work. 02:11 Taymar's Industry Background 03:13 Internships at Ignition and Marvel 09:38 Choosing the Producer Path 15:13 Mentorship and Diversity in Internships 21:21 Early Career at Heartsleeve 28:23 Impact of COVID on the Industry 39:16 The Challenges of Remote Work 41:49 Generational Differences in the Workplace 44:37 The Importance of Community in the Industry 50:00 Navigating Industry Exclusion and Inclusion 51:39 Advice for Aspiring Trailer Editors 55:25 The Evolution of Industry Networking 01:02:19 The Art of Crafting Trailers 01:20:53 Working with the Russo Brothers 01:23:22 Unexpected Podcast Guest: Mom 01:26:27 Murder Mystery and Career Growth 01:30:29 Renfield and the Perfect Music Choice 01:34:05 Favorite Campaigns and Trailers 01:51:58 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements Be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors: Brent Allen Hagel - www.brentallenhagel.com/ The Golden Trailer Awards - goldentrailer.com/ Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. https://www.moceanla.com/
-
122
ICYMI: Seth Gaven, Founder of AV Squad | Star Trek, Fast & Furious, James Bond, Marvel
This was episode 3 of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods! In case you missed it, it's definitely worth checking out our convo with Seth Gaven, the Founder of AV Squad (among other notable contributions to our industry). Seth Gaven, Founder & Prez of AV Squad, has been editor, Creative Director & studio executive over the years. As an editor he worked on trailers like Terminator, Home Alone, My Cousin Vinny & more. Later, as EVP of Creative Advertising at MGM, he had campaigns incl. Legally Blond, Hannibal & James Bond. Seth takes great pride in the whole team at AV Squad. Fans of trailers for movies like Mission Impossible, several Marvel trailers, Star Trek, the Fast & Furious franchise & many more enjoy AV Squad's work.
-
121
The Art and Evolution of Trailer Editing with Robert Walker
In this episode, we sit down with the legendary trailer editor Robert Walker. Robert takes us through his career journey, from the early days at Roger Corman's Concorde Pictures to his impactful work at Intralink, Ignition and Buddha Jones. We explore key projects such as 'Cinderella Man,' 'AI,' 'The Dark Knight,' and 'The Social Network,' highlighting Robert's unique approach to different genres; how to incorporate notes from creative execs and filmmakers; and evolving marketing strategies based on audience tastes. We also delve into how trailer editing has changed over time and the importance of staying creatively fresh and open to new art forms. 01:13 Meet Robert Walker: Legendary Trailer Editor 02:36 Early Influences and Inspirations 09:02 Working with Roger Corman 18:04 Joining Intralink Film 20:06 Mentorship and Learning at Intralink 28:43 Adapting to Different Film Genres 40:17 The Evolution of Trailer Narration and Dialogue 44:54 Working on Spielberg's AI 48:26 Batman Begins Teaser Challenges 51:56 The Social Network TV Spots 56:54 Cutting Comedy and Timing 01:02:00 Stylized Editing for The Harder They Fall 01:06:13 Reflections on Trailer Craft Be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors: Brent Allen Hagel - www.brentallenhagel.com/ The Golden Trailer Awards - goldentrailer.com/ Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Madeline's Madeline trailer: https://youtu.be/S_ezPTjSSPw?si=o6EtPA1sISQ2nsqg Buddha Jones: www.buddha-jones.com
-
120
Navigating Mental Health Amidst Election Stress: Practical Tools and Personal Insights
This is a special episode about mental health. It's a talk that was shared on our sister show TP&R a couple months ago. We're hoping that in a moment like this one, our Trailer Geeks community will find it helpful. Perhaps this whole election season has been overwhelming. So we figured it's worthwhile to emphasize the importance of stepping back from all the chaos for mental well-being. The tools that are discussed include how meditation has been a transformative practice for many people, alongside other valuable "arrows in our quiver" like writing / prayer, physical exercise, nourishing the mind with great literature (fiction and non-fiction), fostering human connections, getting a healthy amount of rest and establishing helpful boundaries and rules of engagement. 00:36 Personal Journey and Struggles 03:06 Meditation: A Life-Changing Practice 10:56 The Power of Writing and Prayer 15:52 Exercise: Moving for Mental Health 18:16 Feeding Your Mind with Good Literature 21:43 The Importance of Fellowship 25:15 The Necessity of Rest 29:07 Setting Boundaries and Rules of Engagement 34:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talkin-politics-religion-without-killin-each-other/id1536169792 TP&R is on Patreon! Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/politicsandreligion It would mean so much if you could leave us a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics Let us know what you think. You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.threads.net/@coreysnathan. Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.
-
119
Christine Birch, The Hollywood Unicorn, on Navigating Culture, Politics, and Hollywood
How similar is opening a movie to getting a candidate elected? How much is opening weekend like Election Day? Christine Birch - who's worked on hundreds of movies, generated billions in box office receipts, and is the first and only W.O.C. to run marketing for 3 movie studios - has some thoughts. In this special crossover episode of TG&TG with Corey's other show, TALKIN' POLITICS & RELIGION WITHOUT KILLIN' EACH OTHER, we're joined by Christine Birch, a renowned Hollywood marketing executive with a storied career involving icons like Steven Spielberg and Will Smith. We delve into political campaigns, the impact of media misinformation, book bans targeting authors like Toni Morrison, and cultural shifts in storytelling. We get into Birchy's experiences in the film industry, the challenges of adapting black stories, her candid advice for empowering women of color, and the complexities of navigating hard discussions. We also discuss the role of black women in society, the moral dynamics influencing voter behavior in the Trump era, and the need for innovation in both the political and film industries. With personal anecdotes, social critiques, and reflections on American identity, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of how culture, politics, and Hollywood intersect in shaping societal narratives. 01:12 Introducing Christine Birch: A Hollywood Unicorn 02:02 Meeting a Literary Legend: Toni Morrison 09:49 Banning Books and Personal Responsibility 14:48 The Power of Shared Stories in Culture 17:53 Writing THE HOLLYWOOD UNICORN: A Heart-to-Heart 27:09 The Role of Black Women in Today's Historical Context 36:28 Analyzing Political Campaigns: Lessons from Hollywood 40:44 Marketing Strategies: Putting Lipstick on a Pig 47:02 Comparing Political Polling and Market Research 53:45 The 2024 Election: A Battle for Democracy 57:24 The Immigration Debate and American Identity 59:23 The Impact of Social Media and Disinformation 01:13:42 Hollywood's Role in Shaping American Culture 01:23:43 The Importance of Diversity in the Film Industry [email protected] Be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors: Brent Allen Hagel - www.brentallenhagel.com/ The Golden Trailer Awards - goldentrailer.com/ ALIBI Music - alibimusic.com/ Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan. Check out, subscribe, like and review TALKIN' POLITICS & RELIGION WITHOUT KILLIN' EACH OTHER: https://bit.ly/TPandRPod
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...