Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz

• Basil Iwanyk (Acclaimed Producer & Former Studio Exec) on Jersey Grit, Building Thunder Road Films, and Mastering Independent Producing at Scale

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Thunder Road Films founder Basil Iwanyk, the producer behind some of the most engaging films of the last two decades. From The Town and Sicario to the game-changing John Wick franchise, Basil's films have redefined modern action cinema while earning over $2 billion worldwide. He shares how his New Jersey roots, immigrant family values, and tireless work ethic shaped his approach to filmmaking.Jersey Roots and the Chip on His Shoulder (02:18) Basil reveals how growing up in Teaneck, New Jersey as a first-generation American gave him the work ethic that drives his career.Breaking Into Hollywood (06:33) Basil shares his unconventional path into the mailroom and promotion to Warner Bros executive.Warner Bros Years and Learning the Business (13:11) Basil discusses his six-year stint as a creative executive, working on films like Ocean's Eleven, Training Day, and the infamous Wild Wild West. He credits mentors like Courtenay Valenti and Lorenzo di Bonaventura for shaping his career.The Move to Producing (18:04) Basil shares his reasons for leaving Warner Brothers for the uncertainty of producing, first at Intermedia, where he learned international financing, then founding Thunder Road Films.Budgeting Disasters and Hard Lessons (23:10) Basil opens up about expensive mistakes like Seventh Son and Gods of Egypt, explaining how projects can spiral from modest concepts into bloated productions.The John Wick Phenomenon (33:36) The story of how a $15,000 script about a 75-year-old man became Keanu Reeves' career-defining franchise.Audience Testing The Town and Sicario (41:51) Kevin and Basil share how The Town found its stride by focusing on its core audience and owning its identity as a gangster tale, and how Sicario proved that a film’s most shocking moment can become an audience favorite.Moving Back Home and Thunder Road Books (48:37) Basil's decision to leave LA for Spring Lake, New Jersey, and open an independent bookstore as a way to give back to his community and inspire the next generation.Basil demonstrates how authentic storytelling, a relentless work ethic, and staying true to your vision can create lasting cinema.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share. We look forward to bringing you more behind-the-scenes revelations next time on Don't Kill the Messenger.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Basil IwanykProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Basil Iwanyk:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_IwanykIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0412588/Thunder Road Films: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Road_FilmsFor more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @Kev

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• Donald Petrie (Veteran Movie and Television Director) on Comedy Directing, Family Legacy, & the Power of Audience Testing

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes director Donald Petrie, the American Film Institute Fellow whose romantic comedies have grossed hundreds of millions worldwide. From launching Julia Roberts in Mystic Pizza to directing Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality and pairing Jack Lemmon with Walter Matthau in Grumpy Old Men, Donald has helmed some of Hollywood's most beloved films. Donald shares how he transformed from actor to director while maintaining the family tradition of integrity and craftsmanship.The Petrie Family Legacy (04:48) Donald reveals how his parents instilled respect for talent and collaboration, moving the family wherever his father was filming rather than using nannies. Discovering Julia Roberts (08:49) Three weeks before shooting Mystic Pizza, Donald found his perfect Daisy - a young actress who could be both brazen and vulnerable. He recalls the moment Julia Roberts auditioned and how he immediately knew she was the one.Emmy Nomination at 26 (13:13) Donald discusses how directing the famous "Venus Butterfly" episode of LA Law earned him an Emmy nomination and changed his career trajectory, leading to feature film offers.Grumpy Old Men Magic (18:16) Donald shares behind-the-scenes stories of directing Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, including Matthau's direction philosophy and how the legendary duo grounded each other's performances.The Test Screening Revelation (25:23) A crucial lesson from Grumpy Old Men: Donald explains how the original opening killed the comedy and why he learned to signal to audiences that "it's okay to laugh."Miss Congeniality's Secret Formula (35:33) Donald reveals his pitch that transformed the pageant comedy.The Power of Audience Testing (42:01) Donald advocates for test screenings, explaining how audience feedback helped him completely restructure Grumpy Old Men's opening and Miss Congeniality's ending.Donald demonstrates how family values, collaborative spirit, and respect for the audience can create lasting entertainment. His insights into comedy directing, star discovery, and the creative process offer valuable lessons.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share. We look forward to bringing you more behind-the-scenes revelations next time on Don't Kill the Messenger.Host: Kevin GoetzGuests: Donald PetrieProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Donald Petrie:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_PetrieIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0677953/For more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360LinkedIn @Kevin GoetzScreen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

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• Special Episode: The Art of Audience Test Screening Focus Groups in the Filmmaking Process

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz brings together three of his top focus group moderators from Screen Engine to reveal the secrets behind their craft during the filmmaking stage of movie testing. Terri Cavanaugh (VP of Qualitative Insights), Ari Virgil-Paige (Executive VP of the Movie Group), and Aaron Feuer (VP of the Movie Group) reveal how honest audience feedback helps filmmakers perfect their vision.What Makes Focus Groups Essential (01:43) The moderators explain why there's no substitute for hearing verbally from audiences and how focus groups add crucial nuance beyond quantitative data.The Magic First Question (02:27) Aaron reveals the power of asking "Can you give me a word or phrase to describe what you just saw?" and how those initial responses catalyze entire conversations.What Makes a Great Moderator (06:33) The team discusses essential qualities, including curiosity, intuition that can't be taught, and the ability to read a room while multitasking through multiple layers of observation.The Most Important Question (14:04) Each moderator shares their approach to the one question they'd ask if limited to just one, revealing different philosophies about serving the client versus finding truth.Dealing with Naysayers (18:51) The moderators address criticism head-on, explaining why they're advocates for the audience, not critics looking to serve their agendas.Handling Difficult Respondents (27:29) Practical advice on managing disruptive participants, from body language techniques to knowing when to remove someone entirely.Building Trust Quickly (30:42) Techniques for engaging audiences immediately, from working with shy kids to using strategic authenticity to create safe spaces for honest feedback.Filmmaker Appreciation (35:12) Stories of working with receptive movie directors like Peter Farrelly, Paul Feig, Matt Damon, and the Russo Brothers, who embrace the process and see research as a valuable tool.The Art of the Nugget (41:22) How one small audience insight can crack the code and solve major story problems, with examples of breakthrough moments that transformed films.These moderators demonstrate that great focus group leadership combines theatrical instincts, detective curiosity, and empathy for both audiences and filmmakers. Their stories reveal the delicate balance of extracting truth while respecting the creative process.Please leave us a review and share our podcast with others. Host: Kevin GoetzGuests: Terri Cavanaugh, Ari Virgil-Paige, and Aaron FeuerProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Screen Engine: Website: https://www.screenengineasi.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/screen-engine-asiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenengineasi/?hl=en For more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @KevinGoetz360LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz

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• Michael Uslan (Originator & Executive Producer of the Batman movie franchise) on his role as Batman’s Batman and his journey

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Michael Uslan, the originator and executive producer of the Batman and Batman-related movie universe, who turned his childhood passion for comic books into Hollywood gold. As an avid comic book collector and Batman superfan, Uslan is proof that following your passion pays off. He shares the story of his decade-long journey to bring a dark, serious Batman to the big screen after being horrified by the campy 1960s TV show.The Origin of Michael Uslan’s Passion (07:47)Uslan reveals his "secret origin" moment: watching the first episode of the 1966 Batman TV series and making a vow like young Bruce Wayne to someday show the world the true, dark Batman.Ten Years of Hollywood Rejection (09:53)From October 1979 to the first Batman movie's release, Uslan shares how he and partner Ben Melnicker faced rejection from every studio in Hollywood.Batman's Batman (15:12)When offered the chance to make a campy Batman movie, Uslan said no. His partner Ben called him "Batman's Batman," the character's defender who would stand by his initial vision.Peter Guber Says Yes (16:15)Uslan details how former 20th Century Fox president Peter Guber became the first executive excited about his dark Batman vision, leading to a nine-and-a-half-year journey to production.Financing the Dream (22:43)Uslan explains how he quit his job when his wife was nine months pregnant and raised money by selling project shares to his network, who invested in him, not Batman.Comic Book Academic Pioneer (25:16)Uslan recounts becoming the first person to teach an accredited college course on comic books at Indiana University as a Junior, leading to national publicity and a life-changing phone call from Stan Lee.Stan Lee's Mentorship and Marvel's Debt to Batman (39:54)Uslan shares Stan Lee's revelation that the Marvel Cinematic Universe wouldn't exist without his Batman, which proved superhero movies should focus on the person.Tim Burton and Michael Keaton (40:58)Uslan describes discovering Tim Burton through Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and Burton's genius decision to cast Michael Keaton, initially against Uslan's wishes.Uslan demonstrates persistence, vision, and the courage to say no when protecting something he believed in. His journey from comic book collector to Hollywood producer offers insights into passion-driven success, handling rejection, and the importance of having people who believe in you.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share. We look forward to bringing you more behind-the-scenes revelations next time on Don't Kill the Messenger. Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Michael UslanProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more info about Michael Uslan:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_E._UslanIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0882388/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeluslan/?hl=en For more info about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, & Substack : @KevinGoetz360LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz

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• Jerry Bruckheimer (Producer) on Making Blockbusters, Audience Testing, and 50+ Years in Hollywood

  Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the mastermind behind billion-dollar blockbusters, including Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, Bad Boys, Beverly Hills Cop, and the television shows CSI, The Amazing Race, and Fire Country. Bruckheimer shares insights into his detailed approach to filmmaking, the power of test screenings, and what it takes to consistently deliver crowd-pleasing entertainment.The Power of Audience Testing (01:22)Bruckheimer emphasizes the crucial role audience research has played in his success, citing examples like Armageddon and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which both saw significant improvements in test screening scores.The Origins of Top Gun and Casting Tom Cruise (08:49)Bruckheimer reveals how Top Gun almost didn't get made due to studio concerns about airplane movies, and his brilliant strategy of arranging for Tom Cruise to fly with the Blue Angels, which sealed Cruise's commitment to the project.Learning from The Lone Ranger (18:05)Goetz and Bruckheimer analyze why The Lone Ranger didn't connect with audiences, emphasizing how budget discussions overshadowed the creative vision and the importance of early concept testing.F1: The Upcoming Blockbuster (24:20)Bruckheimer details the three-year process of making F1, from convincing Formula 1 teams to participate to achieving record-breaking test screening scores.Working with Hollywood Legends (29:22)Bruckheimer shares personal stories about collaborating with icons like Gene Hackman, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, and Johnny Depp.Television Empire and The Amazing Race (40:01)With 10 Emmy wins for The Amazing Race and over 2000 episodes across franchises like CSI and Fire Country, Bruckheimer discusses his approach to television and how he maintains the quality across multiple projects.Over the course of the interview, Bruckheimer shares how his pursuit of perfection, genuine respect for audiences, and ability to adapt while maintaining his core philosophy, "I don't make movies for anybody but the audience," contributed to his mega success. His insights reveal the strategic thinking and collaborative spirit behind some of Hollywood's biggest franchises.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Jerry BruckheimerProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Jerry Bruckheimer:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_BruckheimerIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000988/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrybruckheimer/?hl=en For more information about Kevin Goetz:Website: www.KevinGoetz360.comAudienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-to-Score-in-Hollywood/Kevin-Goetz/9781982189860Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Substack: @KevinGoetz360Linked In @Kevin Goetz

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