In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz engages in an insightful conversation with Bill Block, a renowned agent, executive producer, and former studio head. As a producer, Block played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking success of The Blair Witch Project. Block’s other films include the Oscar-nominated The Holdovers, Bad Moms, the critically acclaimed Fury, and the upcoming film Here starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. The pair delve into Block's remarkable career, the critical role of audience research in filmmaking, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry.

Bill Block's background and early career (1:47)
Bill shares his journey from starting as a secretary at the Irv Schechter agency to becoming a successful agent then moving on to form Artisan Entertainment.

The acquisition of Live Entertainment and the success of The Blair Witch Project (7:12)
Block shares the story behind the acquisition and distribution of The Blair Witch Project, a groundbreaking film that defied traditional marketing strategies and became a massive success.

Using audience research to make decisions on the Halloween franchise reboot (15:37)
Kevin and Bill discuss how audience research played a crucial role in the decision-making process for the Halloween franchise reboot.

Navigating the complexities of film financing (24:37)
Kevin and Bill discuss the financial deals behind Oliver Stone’s W., Bad Moms, and Jason Statham action films.

Bill's insights on packaging and financing independent films (35:39)
Block discusses the importance of attaching talent, securing presales, and finding the right equity partners to fill the financing gap. Block touches on films he has been involved with like Bad Moms, Fury, and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentleman.

The potential impact of AI on the entertainment industry (41:19)
Bill and Kevin explore the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence and its potential to disrupt the entertainment industry.

Bill Block's extensive experience, combining financial expertise with respect for the audience, makes him an invaluable voice in the entertainment industry. His insights into the evolving landscape of film financing, distribution, and the integration of artificial intelligence demonstrate his ability to navigate the complexities of the business. His stories and observations, shared in this engaging conversation with Kevin, offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of filmmaking. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media.

Next Guest: Greg Foster, Former CEO of IMAX Entertainment

Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Bill Block
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano

For more information about Bill Block:
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1088848/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Block
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-block-ba3525104

For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

(Recorded December 2023)
In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with veteran producer Carol Baum, whose impressive career includes working with Hollywood icons such as Dolly Parton, Barbara Streisand, Robert De Niro, Zendaya, and Steve Martin. Carol shares stories and insights from her decades in the film industry, discussing her work on memorable films like "Father of the Bride," "The Good Girl," "Dead Ringers," and "Flyaway Home." She also shares candid experiences as a studio executive at Fox and Lorimar, where she developed classic films like "Officer and a Gentleman" and "The Dead Zone." With the recent release of her book, "Creative Producing," Carol provides a wealth of knowledge for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals.

Carol’s Early Career and Education (07:42)
Carol discusses her early career, how a girl from South Orange, New Jersey with no Hollywood connections landed a job in publishing at Bantam Books, where she discovered "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" and how she went on to produce classic movies.

Studio Executive Roles (24:28)
As a studio executive, Carol worked with Jon Peters' company, where she learned the importance of a positive work environment. She then moved on to Fox, working under Joe Wizan, and experienced a culture shift when Larry Gordon and Scott Rudin joined the studio. At Lorimar, Carol developed classic films such as "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "The Dead Zone."

Father of the Bride, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Sandollar Productions (30:17)
Carol shares stories of working with Sandy Gallin and Dolly Parton at Sandollar Productions where she produced successful films like "Father of the Bride" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" while collaborating with Howard Rosenman.

Creative Producing (38:10)
Carol discusses her book, Creative Producing, where she emphasizes the importance of the development process and working closely with writers to refine scripts and make them better.

Working with Stars Like Barbara Streisand, Steve Martin, and a Young Zendaya (42:53)
Carol shares her love for actors and their role in getting projects made. She considers Anthony Hopkins one of the greatest living actors and recounts her experiences working with Barbara Streisand, Steve Martin, and a young Zendaya.

Carol Baum's love for movies shines through and shows why she is so valuable to the film industry. Her willingness to share her experiences and lessons in this episode as well as in her book, Creative Producing, are sure to inspire and guide countless filmmakers If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!

Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Carol Baum
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano

For more information about Carol Baum:
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0062071/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Baum
Website: https://www.carolfriedlandbaum.com/

For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360
Linked In @Kevin Goetz
Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with Melva Benoit, founder and president of the Marian Dupree Group. A trailblazer in research and consumer insights, Benoit has held senior executive positions in major media companies including Viacom, Disney, Turner, NBC Universal, and Fox. Together, they delve into her rich background in television market research, discussing her unique insights and experiences in the entertainment industry.

Benoit's Early Career (06:01)
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Benoit developed a love for television and aspired to be in charge of Saturday morning cartoons. She attended Howard University and began her career in research at King World, eventually moving to Cartoon Network and Comedy Central.

The Role of Research in Television (09:55)
Benoit explains the three main functions of research within media institutions: keeping the lights on, taking requests, and anticipating stakeholders' needs. She emphasizes the importance of research teams contributing to meetings even when there isn't a direct need for research.

Analyzing Successful TV Shows – Seinfeld, Friends, and South Park (20:08)
Benoit discusses the testing and success of shows like Seinfeld (20:08), Friends (23:57), and South Park (40:26). She highlights the importance of understanding how audiences learn to watch and relate to characters in television shows.

The Changing Landscape of Media (27:47)
The pair discuss the importance of the audience and the challenges of targeted advertising and the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding audiences.

Reframing Audience Measurement (29:20)
Goetz and Benoit discuss a new way of looking at marketing to consumers, focusing on shared attitudes, behaviors, and values rather than solely relying on demographic information. They emphasize the importance of reaching diverse audiences and the need for the advertising industry to adapt to this new way of thinking.

Melva Benoit's insights into the world of television market research shed light on the complex relationship between content creators, audiences, and advertisers. By advocating for a more nuanced understanding of entertainment consumers and embracing the changing media landscape, Benoit and Goetz offer a unique vision for the future of the industry. This engaging conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, creativity, and audience-centric thinking in the changing media landscape. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!

Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Melva Benoit
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano

For more information about Melva Benoit:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvabenoit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelvagBenoit
The Marian Dupree Group, Inc. https://linkedin.com/company/the-marian-dupree-group-llc/

For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify