Podcast Summary
Exploring emotional impact and generational trauma in horror: Successful horror projects focus on emotional connections and grounding in reality to resonate with audiences and break box office records.
Importance of emotional connection and grounding in reality in creating successful and innovative projects, as demonstrated by the reboot of the Halloween franchise. Jamie Lee Curtis and Jason Blum, key players behind the franchise, emphasized the significance of exploring the emotional impact of trauma and its effects on characters and their families. By focusing on the realities of trauma and its generational impact, they were able to create a new installment that resonated with audiences and broke box office records. This approach not only led to commercial success but also allowed for a deeper exploration of the human condition within the horror genre.
Embracing the brutality of violence on set: Authentic violence requires grounding in reality. Collaboration and communication among the creative team are crucial. Jamie Lee Curtis's producing abilities are multifaceted.
Creating authentic and brutal violence on screen requires a grounding in reality. During the filming of a notable scene, the speaker insisted on avoiding a choreographed look and instead embracing the brutality of violence. This approach was based on their personal experience and the understanding that violence is inherently brutal. Additionally, the speaker, who was also a producer, emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication among the creative team, as well as their role in marketing and promoting the project. They also praised Jamie Lee Curtis's multifaceted producing abilities and their own involvement in various aspects of filmmaking. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and a commitment to the audience in creating compelling and successful films.
Horror Industry's Evolution and Global Appeal: Horror movies evolve with changing times, providing a platform for subversive stories, and have a wide global appeal
The film industry, particularly the horror genre, is a dynamic business that requires actors and filmmakers to adapt to changing technologies and global audiences. Contrary to popular belief, even those who claim not to do press are still part of the promotional machine. Horror films have always been popular and export well, with supernatural horror doing particularly well overseas. The scares in horror movies are only effective due to the underlying drama, story, and acting. Horror provides a unique platform to tell subversive and unusual stories to a wide audience. Horror movies have evolved over the decades, from occult and satanic possession themes in the 70s to slasher films in the 80s, and more recently, with films like Get Out making horror more acceptable to a broader audience, which some see as a loss of its outsider status.
Horror movies with social messages: Horror films that tackle societal issues resonate with audiences when they prioritize the horror element, as seen in the works of David Gordon Green and Danny McBride, addressing themes like mob violence, bullying, and survival, in movies like 'Halloween,' 'Kill Team,' and upcoming adaptations.
The horror genre has evolved over the past decade to include social messages, but for these movies to resonate with audiences, the horror element must come first. Horror filmmakers like David Gordon Green and Danny McBride have shown an uncanny ability to tap into societal issues before they become mainstream, as seen in their movies "Halloween," "Kill Team," and the upcoming adaptation of the book about the 2018 campfire tragedy. These films, which deal with themes like mob violence, bullying, and survival, have gained significance in the context of social movements like Me Too, Black Lives Matter, and the COVID-19 pandemic. As indie filmmakers, they bring unique perspectives and push boundaries in the genre. By focusing on both the horror and the social message, they create movies that leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Integrating Creativity and Efficiency: Successfully balancing creativity and efficiency can lead to innovative business ideas and impressive results.
Being efficient and creative are not mutually exclusive. Jamie and Jason, both known for their successful careers in film production and entrepreneurship, shared that they approach their work with a mindset that integrates both aspects. For Jamie, her creativity is constantly applied to her business endeavors, from podcasting to e-commerce. Jason, with his reputation for producing micro-budget films with massive returns, emphasizes the importance of getting things done while maintaining a strong creative vision. They both believe that their creative and efficient sides are interconnected, not separate, and drive their success in their respective fields.
Pursue your passions with urgency: Successful filmmaker emphasizes the importance of not compartmentalizing life, pursuing creativity, and urgency to do so before it's too late
Happiness and creativity are interconnected, and it's essential to pursue your passions while you still can. The speaker, who is a successful filmmaker, emphasizes that she wouldn't be happy or good at what she does if she compartmentalized her life into separate categories of business, efficiency, and creativity. She shares that she's always been an "idea girl" and that she's come up with ideas constantly throughout her life. However, she didn't fully pursue her creative endeavors until she realized her mortality and that her creativity would die with her if she didn't get it out into the world. She also mentions that she and her partner, with whom she made the successful Halloween franchise, didn't have a relationship when they first worked together. However, the success of their low-budget movie allowed them to build a partnership and create more projects. In summary, the speaker's message is to not waste time and to pursue your passions with urgency, as you never know when your time will run out.
Creative differences in movie and TV making: Giving directors final cut and maintaining open dialogue fosters a healthier and more productive creative process in smaller productions, leading to better movies and shows.
Creative differences are an inherent part of the movie and TV making process, and they can lead to great art when handled effectively. However, the financial pressures and lack of creative control in expensive productions can hinder this creative freedom. By giving directors final cut and maintaining an open dialogue, smaller productions can foster a healthier and more productive creative process. This approach allows directors to feel secure in their vision while still benefiting from collaborative input, resulting in better movies and shows overall.
Jason Blum's Office: A Testament to Director's Creativity: Jason Blum values filmmakers' creativity, evidenced by his office decor, and collaborates with talented individuals in the industry, while larger budgets often distract filmmakers from their art.
Jason Blum values filmmakers and their creativity, as evidenced by the walls of his office adorned with pictures of directors instead of movie posters or actors. This shows his respect for the artistic process and his dedication to collaborating with talented individuals in the industry. Additionally, the actor shares his observation that as budgets increase, filmmakers often spend less time focusing on their creativity and more on politics and management. Blum's approach to filmmaking and his company culture sets him apart as a respected and influential figure in the industry. Both Jason and Jamie, with their unique approaches to connecting with audiences, have made significant contributions to film and media. Jason's production company, Blumhouse, is known for producing socially relevant films with strong viewpoints, while Jamie, an early advocate for transparency in photo retouching, paved the way for honest discussions about the industry.
Authenticity and vulnerability in action: Embracing vulnerability and authenticity can lead to powerful impacts and memorable moments, inspiring self-esteem and encouraging others to do the same.
Authenticity and vulnerability can have a powerful impact. Jamie Lee Curtis shared her experience of stripping down for a magazine spread with no makeup, no retouching, and in her underpants, which turned out to be the most beautiful and impactful photo spread in the magazine's history. She did this to promote her book about self-esteem and to encourage women to embrace their insecurities and build self-esteem through esteemable acts. This was a first in the media world, where everything is often fake and filtered. The risks involved in being authentic as a public figure can be significant, but the rewards can be immense. The impact of this authentic moment resonated deeply with readers and served as a reminder that being true to oneself is a valuable and powerful thing.
Navigating Honesty and Mindfulness in Media Relationships: Be honest and mindful in media interactions to avoid negative consequences and harmful effects of social media, particularly for teenagers.
Honesty and mindfulness are crucial in navigating relationships with the press and in using social media. The speaker expressed concerns about the potential negative consequences of dishonesty and the pressure to make mistakes in public. They also shared their experiences with the challenges of dealing with contentious relationships and the impact of social media on individuals, particularly teenagers. The speaker, who invented Instagram, acknowledged its benefits for artists but warned about its potential harm to young people. Ultimately, they emphasized the importance of being mindful and avoiding the "poisonous" aspects of media and social interactions.
