Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods

Latest Episodes:

ICYMI: Seth Gaven, Founder of AV Squad | Star Trek, Fast & Furious, James Bond, Marvel Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

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.

The Art and Evolution of Trailer Editing with Robert Walker Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

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

Navigating Mental Health Amidst Election Stress: Practical Tools and Personal Insights Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

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.

Christine Birch, The Hollywood Unicorn, on Navigating Culture, Politics, and Hollywood Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

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

advice@hollywoodunicorn.com

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

"The British Invasion" of the Trailer Biz with Paul Cartlich, VP | Creative Director of Intermission Film Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we're joined by Paul Cartlich, VP and Creative Director of Intermission Film. Paul shares personal experiences of imposter syndrome and the influence of music on his editing career, detailing his non-traditional journey into the world of film trailers. The episode explores the history and evolution of the trailer industry, with insights into its development particularly in London and its expansion into the US market. Paul discusses working with iconic editors, adapting to remote work, and the potential impact of AI on the industry. He highlights memorable campaigns (see below for some links) and the challenges of maintaining creative quality amidst technological advancements. Additionally, our conversation honors industry pioneers and we discuss key figures like Hitchcock and Kubrick, underscoring the continuous evolution of the industry while inviting admiration towards its legendary contributors.

https://intermissionfilm.com/

https://www.paulcartlich.com/

THE BOYS - https://www.paulcartlich.com/the-boys

RUST AND BONE - https://www.paulcartlich.com/rust-and-bone

DUNE PT 2 - https://www.paulcartlich.com/dune

THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT - https://www.paulcartlich.com/boba

FARGO S4 - https://www.paulcartlich.com/fargo-s4

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.

Jim Fredrick: Marketing Prez at Castle Rock; SVP at Warner; and EVP at Screen Gems Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we're joined by Jim Fredrick, trailer editor, creative executive, and film professor and now… author of the new book OPENING WEEKEND. Jim shares his journey from his early sports aspirations to his pivotal roles in the film and marketing industries, working with icons like Steven Spielberg, Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson and Rob Reiner among so many others. We dive into the evolution of movie marketing, navigating challenging personalities, and the influence of Rotten Tomatoes. Jim also discusses motivational styles in the workplace, choosing passion over money, building a strong portfolio, and the transformative power of mentorship and hands-on education. We also get into the impact of Jim's teaching, his work with young trailer makers, and his upcoming book filled with personal industry insights and stories.

02:28 Meet Jim Fredrick: A Journey in Film Marketing

03:57 From Sports Dreams to Movie Magic

10:30 The Path to Becoming a Trailer Editor

14:36 Joining Intralink and Working with Legends

24:11 Creating the Teaser for THE COLOR PURPLE

28:49 Brushes with Fame: Main Title Design

38:17 A Week at Stanley Kubrick's Estate

42:28 The Unique Challenge of Creating the EYES WIDE SHUT Trailer

46:45 Castle Rock: A Unique Chapter in Editing and Heading Up Marketing

54:21 Transitioning to Warner Brothers

01:11:14 The Role of Rotten Tomatoes and Influencers

01:14:29 Dealing with Difficult Personalities in the Industry

01:18:46 Advice for Aspiring Trailer Editors

https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/O/Opening-Weekend

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.

Michael Carr, Owner/CEO of Carrma: Creative Post, Sound and Picture Finishing Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we're joined by Michael Carr, the owner and CEO of Carrma, entertainment advertising's unique boutique creative post destination, specializing in both sound and picture finishing for theatrical, broadcast, streaming, radio and digital. Michael shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small town in Florida, where his passion for music and film began, to establishing himself in the bustling heart of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Alongside his various roles in audio engineering, long form at Tyler Perry Studios, creative editing for sports, and starting a new company among other stops along the way, Michael discusses the challenges he faced and the importance of relationships and adaptability in his career. Michael also touches on industry trends and memorable campaigns, as well as his commitment to community support through initiatives like Project Possible. This episode offers deep insights into Michael's career and valuable advice for navigating and succeeding in the entertainment advertising post-production landscape.

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.

https://www.carrma.com/

https://projectpossible.org/

Alan Toomayan, Legendary Trailer Editor Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we have an all-time great trailer editor and an even better person, Alan Toomayan. We delve into Alan's significant journey from his academic roots at the University of Bridgeport, his early struggles in Hollywood, and pivotal career moments at New World Pictures and Cimarron. We discuss his hand in iconic projects like 'American Beauty' and 'Road to Perdition,' his tenure at Mob Scene starting in 2009, and his adaptation to technological advances like Avid, Final Cut and Premiere. Alan emphasizes the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and maintaining professional relationships for enduring success. We wrap up with advice for listeners on integrity and business longevity... and yes that was a real earthquake!

03:29 Alan's Early Career and Education

06:02 First Steps in Hollywood

08:16 Holy Sh!t! That's an Earthquake!

12:04 Breaking into Editing

17:46 Transition to Trailer Editing

26:40 Technological Evolution in Editing

33:06 Collaborations and Notable Projects

36:37 Reimagining the Trailer: From Comedy to Dark Elements

37:49 The Impact of Great Music and the Studio's Strategy

52:14 Adapting to Industry Changes: From Cimarron to Mob Scene

56:51 The Art of Featurettes and Behind-the-Scenes Content

59:30 Reflections on a Dynamic Career and Industry Insights

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.

www.toomayan.com

Jon Berkowitz, Creative Director and Head of Motion Graphics, and Brad Colwell, Creative Director, at Aspect Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

Unlocking Motion Design Magic: Deep Dive with the Minds behind 'The Color Purple' and 'She-Hulk'

In this edition of Trailer Geeks, we sit down with Jon Berkowitz and Brad Colwell from Aspect to explore the fascinating world of high-end motion graphics for trailers as well as opening title sequences. We cover their unique journeys into the industry, from Brad's relocation from Georgia to LA, and Jon's switch from international basketball to the film industry. They delve into the creation of iconic title sequences for projects like 'The Color Purple' and 'She-Hulk', the creative challenges of remote work, and the dynamic relationship between motion design and film marketing. Additionally, the episode highlights the impact of legendary title sequences, the importance of curiosity, writing, and graphic design in their careers, and Corey's reflections on mental health and authentic connections.

www.teamaspect.com/motion-design

Opening Title Sequence for Se7en: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BJkDyCdw0c

Be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors:

Carrma - www.carrma.com/

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.

Chris Daniel: SVP Film Marketing at LionsGate Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

It was so cool to get to hang out with Chris Daniel, the Senior Vice President of 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:

Carrma - www.carrma.com/

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.