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Hollywood Gold

Hollywood Gold is a talk show podcast that pulls back the curtain on the making of some of the industry’s most iconic movies, through interviews with notable producers and filmmakers.

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

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23 episodes
weekly
Avg 54 min
English

Episodes 23

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S4 · E3
September 30 · 1 hr 6 min
BACKROOMS: How a 20-year-old's YouTube Series Became a Studio Blockbuster
Producers Dan Cohen and Michael Clear recall the development and subsequent production of horror hit BACKROOMS. Cohen and Clear take us through the discovery of Kane Parsons' Backrooms web series, their shock at his young age, and his incredible ability to learn what it means to direct a project of this scale. The two also break down the unique production challenges the film presented, including the practical construction of the seemingly infinite Backrooms. Take a listen to learn how a small internet project became one of the summer's biggest films. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E2
September 23 · 39 min
THE LAST EMPEROR: Remembering Legendary Producer Jeremy Thomas
Producer Jeremy Thomas remembers the making of 1987's legendary film The Last Emperor. Jeremy was a young indie producer with an eager spirit and a history of ingenuity when iconic director Bernardo Bertolucci approached him about making a film about the last Emperor of China. Jeremy knew it would be a feat to accomplish such an undertaking, but instead of shying away from the challenge, he leaned in and got the support of the Chinese government. A true international collobration, the film's authenticity is evident and it remains a classic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E1
September 16 · 38 min
2026 Summer Movie Recap with Producer Riva Marker
Welcome back to a brand-new season of Hollywood Gold! To kick things off, producer Riva Marker joins Daniela for a deep dive into the summer's biggest blockbusters. From sweeping epics like The Odyssey to horror box-office sensations such as Backrooms and Obsession, the two break down the hits, surprises, and industry trends that defined the season. Tune in for their candid takes on what worked, what didn't, and what this summer means for the future of Hollywood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E13
May 6 · 54 min
2026 Summer Movie Preview with Hollywood Gold
On this special episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela, Vanessa, and Andrew gear up for summer as they discuss the most anticipated movie releases of the season. From showstopping sequels like Toy Story 5 and The Devil Wears Prada 2 to tales like Disclosure Day and The Odyssey, there’s no doubt this summer will bring some of the year’s biggest hits. To our loyal listeners, have a wonderful summer, and we’ll see you in the fall! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 29 · 38 min
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: How Meryl Streep's Unexpected Comedic Turn Made Anna Wintour a Household Name
Producer Wendy Finerman discusses the making of 2006's Oscar-nominated classic The Devil Wears Prada. Wendy was confident in the unexpected casting of Meryl Streep in a role that many didn't think she would be funny in, and was proved right when Meryl truly embodied a role that immortalized Vogue's already famous Anna Wintour. Paired with the brilliance of Anne Hathaway and a young Emily Blunt in a role that would launch her career, the film went on to be nominated for two Oscars and become a critical and commercial success. Catch The Devil Wears Prada 2 out in theaters May 1st! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 22 · 53 min
JUNO: Diablo Cody's Journey from Exotic Dancing to the Oscar Stage
Producer Mason Novick recalls the making of 2007's unlikely cultural sensation Juno. Mason reached out to Wisconsin-based writer Diablo Cody whose edgy blog grabbed his attention. Diablo had written a book about her time as a stripper, but never a screenplay. A few years later, after securing huge stars Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman and the genius casting of Elliot Page and Michael Cera to star in Jason Reitman's groundbreaking film, Diablo and Mason found themselves at the Oscars. Juno resonates to this day and remains one of the only indie films to find massive success at both the box office and the Oscars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 15 · 58 min
THE HUNGER GAMES: How Jennifer Lawrence's Untouchable Audition Won Her a Career-Making Role
Producer Nina Jacobson recounts the making of 2012's wildly successful THE HUNGER GAMES, the adaptation of the hit book series that became a cultural phenomenon and catapulted Jennifer Lawrence to superstardom. Nina, fresh off a gig as the head of Disney, used her studio experience to navigate the tricky road to successfully launch the first film of a female-centered action franchise that is still putting out new installments over a decade later. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 8 · 56 min
LEGALLY BLONDE: How Reese Witherspoon Learned to Bend & Snap
Writer Kiwi Smith recalls the making of the 2001 classic LEGALLY BLONDE. Fresh off of her first hit 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, Kiwi and her writing partner Karen McCullah were eager to find a story centered on female empowerment that was fun, fresh, smart, and accessible. She found all that and more in an unpublished manuscript about a sorority girl going to Stanford Law. Kiwi remembers wearing pink to their studio pitch and being fully committed to bringing Elle's story to the screen in the right way. A huge part of that was the casting. Among many others, Britney Spears was floated as a possible idea, but it was undeniably Reese Witherspoon's part. Reese emerged as a true leader and her turn as Elle is the stuff of movie legend and inspired a generation of beautiful, smart, and successful women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 1 · 55 min
CRAZY RICH ASIANS: The Blockbuster Film That Broke Boundaries, Despite Studios Wanting the Lead to Be White
Producer Brad Simpson recalls the production of the hit romantic comedy that was groundbreaking in both its casting and concept. After one meeting where a studio exec pitched changing the lead character to white to appeal to a wider audience, the producers decided to finance the script independently. Authenticity was incredibly important to them, but it was hard to find support for a film set in Singapore. They struck gold with writers Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim alongside director Jon M. Chu, and multiple studios bid on the film that went on to gross over $200 million at the box office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E12
March 25 · 56 min
A CONVERSATION WITH DON THEERATHADA: The Matrix, John Wick, and Learning Stunts with Jackie Chan
Stunt Coordinator Don Theerathada joins Hollywood Gold to discuss his journey from action star in Thailand to working on major Hollywood productions. He shares how meeting Jackie Chan helped launch his career and reflects on his experiences on films like The Matrix, John Wick, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Don also breaks down the role of stunt coordinators, the importance of preparation and safety, and why top action stars like Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise stand out for their discipline and commitment to the craft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E11
March 18 · 38 min
2026 Oscar Recap with Producer Riva Marker
On this episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela and producer Riva Marker return for an Oscar recap, breaking down the biggest moments from the 98th Academy Awards. They discuss major wins for One Battle After Another, including Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, alongside standout victories for Sinners, with Michael B. Jordan taking Best Actor and Autumn Arkapaw making history with her cinematography win. They also unpack surprise wins, memorable speeches, and the overall vibe of a ceremony that felt like a warm celebration of filmmaking. Along the way, they touch on standout fashion, a nostalgic Bridesmaids reunion, and what the night’s results say about where the industry is heading next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 11 · 57 min
LA LA LAND: How Damien Chazelle's Unwavering Vision Ushered in a New Era of Movie Musicals
Producer Fred Berger guides us through the making of 2016's wildly popular musical LA LA LAND starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The film was the brainchild and passion project of director Damien Chazelle, but as a young and new filmmaker, no studio was willing to take a chance on his vision for a big movie musical that he wanted to be both nostalgic and incredibly modern. In order to prove himself, he made 2014's Oscar-winning WHIPLASH, and soon it was off to the races with producers Fred Berger and Jordan Horowitz, whose faith in him never wavered. This episode is sponsored by Film Parliament, an online course that teaches filmmakers how to schedule and budget a feature film. Built by a working producer, the course is practical, hands-on, and designed to help you move your project forward with confidence. Get 10 percent off with code GOLD10 at filmparliament.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E8
March 4 · 37 min
2026 Oscar Nominations with Producer Riva Marker
On this episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela and producer Riva Marker return for their annual Oscar predictions, breaking down the biggest categories from Best Picture to acting, directing, writing, and the newly added casting category. They debate the race between Sinners and One Battle After Another, share insider knowledge into what drives Academy voters, and make their final calls ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night. This episode is sponsored by Film Parliament, an online course that teaches filmmakers how to schedule and budget a feature film. Built by a working producer, the course is practical, hands-on, and designed to help you move your project forward with confidence. Get 10 percent off with code GOLD10 at filmparliament.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E7
February 25 · 53 min
SENTIMENTAL VALUE: Stellan Skarsgård, Friendship, and Playful Filmmaking
Editor Olivier Bugge Coutté joins us to reveal how he and Director Joachim Trier used nonlinear storytelling, formally playful filmmaking, and layered emotional arcs to craft the character-driven tapestry of Sentimental Value. Reflecting on their friendship, which began in film school, Coutté shares the kinds of films that shaped their sensibilities and explores why their intimate, international collaborations, including The Worst Person in the World, resonate so deeply with American audiences. He also discusses his approach to editing ensemble films, what the ending means to him as an artist, and offers insight into Gustav’s motivations, as portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård, throughout the film. Be sure to catch this nominated film before the 2026 Academy Awards! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E6
February 18 · 1 hr 11 min
MONEYBALL: Brad Pitt's Billy Beane and the Team That Rewrote Baseball
Producer Rachael Horowitz joins Hollywood Gold to talk about the making of Moneyball, the underdog baseball story that became one of the defining sports films of the era. Horowitz traces her unconventional path into producing and walks listeners through the film’s long, high-stakes development, from surviving a bidding war to optioning Michael Lewis’s book, an abrupt director change that ultimately brought Bennett Miller on board, and major shifts in post-production that helped define the final film. In this episode, she reveals how Moneyball evolved into something more than a sports movie: a deeply personal story about devotion, identity, and the love affair between a man and his work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 11 · 51 min
SINNERS: Ryan Coogler, Vampires, the Record-Breaking 2026 Oscar Nominee
Line Producer Kenneth Yu joins Hollywood Gold discuss the record breaking, Oscar-nominated film, Sinners. From the challenges of shooting in Louisiana to working with acclaimed director Ryan Coogler, Yu shares the highs and lows of the adventure that was creating this groundbreaking film. Diving into behind-the-scenes stories about building entire sets in the middle of nowhere, the technical magic behind filming Michael B. Jordan as twins, and the unpredictable chaos of shooting on location, this episode will be sure to leave you surprised. Be sure to watch before the 2026 Academy Awards! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E5
February 4 · 55 min
MIRACLE: Team USA, Olympic Hockey, and the Movie Behind the Miracle
Producer Mark Ciardi joins us to discuss Miracle, the rousing 2004 ice hockey drama, in anticipation of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. A former professional athlete himself, Ciardi shares how he came to develop the film, from shaping the screenplay to taking a chance on up-and-coming director Gavin O’Connor. He also recounts the challenge of balancing dramatic storytelling with authentic on-ice action, casting real hockey players and filming live crowds at college games. Miracle ultimately emerged as an enduring and beloved American sports film, delivering an unforgettable underdog story through the triumph of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E4
January 28 · 1 hr 4 min
THE INCREDIBLES: How Pixar, Clever Animators, and Steve Jobs Made a Superhero Classic
Producer John Walker joins Hollywood Gold to revisit Pixar’s superhero adventure, The Incredibles. After beginning his career in theater, Walker teamed up with director Brad Bird to help usher in a new era of animated filmmaking. He reflects on the early-2000s challenges of animation, from the unprecedented task of bringing believable human characters to life to collaborating with Steve Jobs to develop the film’s groundbreaking technology. Over several years of production, Walker learned to balance creative perfectionism with forward momentum, guiding his team through an exacting process that ultimately produced a critically acclaimed, enduring family classic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E3
January 21 · 1 hr 17 min
BACK TO THE FUTURE: Marty McFly, Robert Zemeckis, and Time Travel Magic
Writer Bob Gale shares the story behind the iconic film Back to the Future following its 40-year anniversary. Gale traces his creative partnership with director Robert Zemeckis back to their USC days and a shared love of classic Hollywood storytelling and time-travel tales. The idea clicked in 1980 after Gale discovered his father’s 1940 high school yearbook and asked: What if you went to high school with your dad? Despite multiple rejections, a tumultuous casting process, grueling production challenges, and a tight schedule, Back to the Future ultimately came together to form a beloved franchise that instantly captured audiences worldwide. This episode is sponsored by Film Parliament, an online course that teaches filmmakers how to schedule and budget a feature film. Built by a working producer, the course is practical, hands-on, and designed to help you move your project forward with confidence. Get 10 percent off with code GOLD10 at filmparliament.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E2
January 14 · 48 min
GOOD WILL HUNTING: How Gus Van Sant and Robin Williams Helped Launch Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as Hollywood Powerhouses
Director Gus Van Sant joins Hollywood Gold to revisit the making of Good Will Hunting, the breakout film that turned Matt Damon and Ben Affleck from unknowns into overnight stars. He reveals the story’s unlikely origins, tracing its evolution from a scrappy action script into one of the defining dramas of the 1990s. Van Sant reflects on the influence of Robin Williams’ early commitment to the film, the visual choices that kept its quiet, dialogue-driven scenes dynamic, and the role of improvisation in crafting some of its most iconic moments. Upon release, Good Will Hunting became both a commercial and critical success, cementing its status as an enduring modern classic. This episode is sponsored by Film Parliament, an online course that teaches filmmakers how to schedule and budget a feature film. Built by a working producer, the course is practical, hands-on, and designed to help you move your project forward with confidence. Get 10 percent off with code GOLD10 at filmparliament.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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