Podcast · Film & TV

Hollywood Gold

by Hollywood Gold · English · Film & TV

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.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 56 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 10 minNew

TONY: The Summer That Changed Anthony Bourdain Forever

Writers Todd Bartels and Lou Howe join us to explore the ingredients that went into bringing Anthony Bourdain's story to the screen in TONY. Howe and Bartels take us through their writing process, including the monumental decision to hyperfocus on a single summer in Bourdain's life, rather than a sweeping coverage of his legacy. Howe and Bartels also recall the additions of Matt Johnson as director and Dominic Sessa & Antonio Banderas as actors, which added the metaphorical salt, pepper, and cumin that the film needed. Take a listen to hear the story of telling the story of a pivotal summer…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S4 · E4 · 7 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD: Tarantino Recaptures a Bygone Era
Producers David Heyman and Shannon McIntosh take us through the wild world of working with Quentin Tarentino on Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood. From secretive, no-copy script reads to Tarentino making an appearance at a city council meeting, production of the film required the kind of drive and eccentricity that can only come from a project like this. Heyman and McIntosh reflect on the rush to get the film to Cannes in time, the necessity to have physical film prints delivered in order to make the deadline, and the success that followed. Listen now to hear just what it takes to make a…
S4 · E3 · 30 Sep 2026 · 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…
S4 · E2 · 23 Sep 2026 · 40 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…
S4 · E1 · 16 Sep 2026 · 39 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 · 6 May 2026 · 55 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.
29 Apr 2026 · 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…
22 Apr 2026 · 54 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…
15 Apr 2026 · 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.
8 Apr 2026 · 57 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…
1 Apr 2026 · 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.…
S4 · E12 · 25 Mar 2026 · 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 · 18 Mar 2026 · 39 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…
11 Mar 2026 · 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…
S3 · E8 · 4 Mar 2026 · 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…
S4 · E7 · 25 Feb 2026 · 54 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…
S4 · E6 · 18 Feb 2026 · 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:…
11 Feb 2026 · 52 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!…
S4 · E5 · 4 Feb 2026 · 56 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…
S4 · E4 · 28 Jan 2026 · 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…
S4 · E3 · 21 Jan 2026 · 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…
S4 · E2 · 14 Jan 2026 · 49 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…
S4 · E1 · 9 Jan 2026 · 58 min
THE FAMILY STONE: The Legendary Diane Keaton and How a Dysfunctional Family Became a Holiday Tradition
In our first new episode of the season, Producer Michael London takes us behind the scenes on beloved holiday film, The Family Stone. London goes through the film’s unlikely journey from a sharp, risky script (originally titled Fucking Hate Her) to a star-studded Christmas movie, including the pivotal push to cast A-list star Diane Keaton and the domino effect that followed. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about releasing the film at Christmas, the rare “family” atmosphere on set, and Keaton’s unforgettable presence as both onscreen and offscreen matriarch. The conversation builds to the…
31 Dec 2025 · 57 min
THE HOLIDAY: How Nancy Meyers’ Tale of Aspirational House Swapping Became a Christmas Classic
Welcome back to another season of Hollywood Gold! Writer/director/producer Nancy Meyers joins us to discuss her cozy holiday classic, The Holiday. Masterfully shifting between sunny LA and the charming countryside of England, she discusses how the dual storylines made the crew feel like they were creating two different movies. With a focus on crafting female characters with "gumption," Nancy ensured that stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet not only represented modern womanhood, but also found perfect love interests in Jude Law and Jack Black, who shine as worthy partners. This lighthearted…
S3 · E36 · 21 May 2025 · 54 min
SINNERS: How Ryan Coogler Gave Michael B. Jordan a Twin
Line Producer Kenneth Yu joins Hollywood Gold in our final episode of the season to discuss recently released 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. Thank you for an amazing season…
S3 · E35 · 7 May 2025 · 45 min
BONUS: Summer Movie Preview with Hollywood Gold
On this special episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela, Vanessa, and Andrew prepare for summer as they discuss the most anticipated movie releases of the season. From horror franchise additions such as Final Destination Bloodlines and 28 Years Later to family favorites like Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, there is no doubt that this summer will bring some of the year's greatest hits. Gear up for what is sure to be an amazing summer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E34 · 30 Apr 2025 · 51 min
THE FIRST MONDAY IN MAY: The Genius of Anna Wintour and Creating the Legendary Met Gala
Maisonette Co-founder & CEO Sylvana Ward Durrett joins Hollywood Gold to share an inside look at her time as Director of Special Projects at Vogue, as captured in the documentary The First Monday in May. The film follows the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s stunning exhibition, China: Through the Looking Glass, and its transformation into the unforgettable 2015 Met Gala theme. Durrett reveals how every dazzling detail comes together under the leadership of fashion icon Anna Wintour, in addition to spilling a few jaw-dropping celebrity stories that you won’t want to miss with the…
S3 · E33 · 23 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
A CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTIAN PARKES: Longlegs, Anora, and Innovation within Movie Marketing
NEON Chief Marketing Officer Christian Parkes pulls the curtain back on movie marketing, revealing the secrets behind some of NEON’s most daring campaigns. With a passion for film, Parkes shares how he approaches marketing with the filmmaker's vision as his priority, treating marketing not just as promotion, but as an extension of their artistry. Known for pushing boundaries and defying expectations, he believes marketing should challenge audiences and surprise them at every turn, making no two campaigns the same. He discusses how his success is largely due to his belief that marketing is an…
S3 · E32 · 16 Apr 2025 · 57 min
WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL: Sara Bareilles and the Journey of Bringing a Beloved Story to Broadway
Producer Michael Roiff returns to Hollywood Gold to discuss how the hit romantic-comedy Waitress became a musical sensation. From the initial pitch in 2007 to its first opening night in 2016, Roiff shares how different theater is compared to film, taking years to find its creative and musical stride. While Roiff was disappointed after opening night in Cambridge, he took the opportunity to revamp the show prior to its Broadway debut, eventually earning four Tony nominations in 2016 with the help of lead, Sara Bareilles. He shares how, unlike film, each show, tour, and cast brought a different…
S3 · E31 · 9 Apr 2025 · 52 min
THE FIGHTER: How David O. Russell Combined Comedy, Crack Cocaine, and Christian Bale into Oscar Gold
Producer Todd Lieberman, founder of production company Hidden Pictures, recounts the making of one of the most iconic and lauded boxing movies of all time. It had been a dream of Todd's to make a boxing movie, and he knew The Fighter was the one as soon as it came across his desk, but the process from script to screen wasn't an easy one. There were multiple cast and director changes, and the original studio pulled out of the project. But the challenges were blessings in disguise as they allowed director David O. Russell the freedom to bring his trademark dark humor to the film, and actors…

About Hollywood Gold

Hollywood Gold is a English film & tv podcast from Hollywood Gold. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Hollywood Gold
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 56 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1646283677
Rights: Copyright Hollywood Gold

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