Hollywood Unscripted

Actress Noomi Rapace (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO) joins Host Jenny Curtis on Hollywood Unscripted in a passionate conversation about her career, characters and upcoming film, THE SECRETS WE KEEP. Through the conversation they discuss: 

0:51 - Traveling through summer and quarantining in London

2:38 - How THE SECRETS WE KEEP came to be and finding Yuval Adler. 

4:25 - Being able to see her film differently as a producer. 

5:31 - Finding how she was able to juggle the producer and actor role. 

7:09 - Being affected by the character of Maya. 

8:16 - Holding her characters close and getting lost in them. 

12:04 - Playing against herself when playing seven sisters in WHAT HAPPENED TO MONDAY. 

15:48 - Acting being about connection and the fear that sometimes goes along with it. 

18:03 - Her first part in a film at 7 years old instilling her with her dream of acting. 

19:18 - Leaving home at 15 to go to acting school and finding herself in a whole new world. 

22:24 - Finding freedom in art. 

24:27 - Playing the villain in BRIGHT. 

25:00 - Getting into character in THE DROP and her input on the story. 

27:45 - Going to bat for her characters

30:37 - Getting Chris Messina on board for THE SECRETS WE KEEP

31:55 - Amy Seimetz bringing collaboration to the project. 

33:06 - The challenges Noomi faced on set with THE SECRETS WE KEEP. 

36:50 - How she takes care of herself when she’s working on the intense roles she takes on. 

38:16 - Doing her own stunts. 

40:38 - Noomi’s take on a life in storytelling. 

Learn More: Hollywood Unscripted

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Hosted and Produced by: Jenny Curtis

Co-Producer and Editor: J Whiting

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Theme Music By: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showrunner Jason Katims (FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, PARENTHOOD, ROSWELL) joins host Jenny Curtis to talk about his new Netflix series AWAY, his upcoming Amazon series, ON THE SPECTRUM, and the incredible lessons he’s learned through his career. Throughout the conversation they discuss: 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:44 How AWAY came to be

2:04 Andrew Hinderaker’s involvement and creating a “real” sci-fi

4:49 What Jason is most proud of in AWAY

6:50 Gravitating to stories focused on youth

7:41 Bringing in a team that includes people Jason worked with throughout his career. 

13:09 Continuing to learn on every project

15:26 The intensive wirework and training. 

17:46 Connecting to the isolation in the story in a different way in quarantine. 

20:41 The length of the mission potentially correlating with the length of the show, and the evolving nature of streaming shows. 

23:22 ON THE SPECTRUM, Jason’s most recent show to have been green-lit

27:35 Why Jason wanted to do ON THE SPECTRUM and the nature of making a deeply personal project. 

31:19 How he finds a connection to source material. 

33:13 What Ron Howard liked about Jason’s pitch for PARENTHOOD

34:26 What it means to make work that deeply affects his audience. 

36:30 What Jason hopes the audience gets from AWAY. 

Learn More: Hollywood Unscripted

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Hosted and Produced by: Jenny Curtis

Co-Producer and Editor: J Whiting

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showrunner Liz Tigelaar joins host Jenny Curtis to talk about her illustrious career in television, from beginning as an intern on a hit show to creating LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. Throughout the conversation they discuss: 

• 0:38 - LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE being nominated for five Emmy awards. 
• 1:07 - Adventuring in quarantine. 
• 2:00 - Beginning her career in the industry on DAWSON’S CREEK. 
• 3:30 - Her first writing partner, Holly Henderson, and the value of starting out with a partner.
• 7:05 - The steps of the ladder of writers and producers and her path up the ladder on AMERICAN DREAMS.
• 8:41 - Her experiences from show to show as her titles changed. 
• 10:31 - Her first experience as a showrunner on LIFE UNEXPECTED.
• 12:10 - Being on the CW with MELROSE PLACE before LIFE UNEXPECTED
• 12:50 - Unintentionally putting herself in the story of her show. 
• 13:43 - Being in an overall deal with ABC
• 14:42 - Her takeaway from working on various shows and why she wasn’t the best fit for ONCE UPON A TIME. 
• 16:13 - Working as a team on CASUAL
• 17:52 - The difference she found between streaming and network shows. 
• 19:33 - Having LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE come to her from Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington
• 20:22 - Finding the show from what the book provided. 
• 22:05 - How she linked the themes and found her story arc. 
• 22:40 - The continuous process of finding your voice in your work
• 24:18 - The opening and closing moments of the show and how she put a twist in the show that was slightly different from 
• 25:50 - The complexities of the character of Elena and exploring the levels of her prejudice and privilege. 
• 28:20 - The collaboration between Liz, Reese and Kerry in bringing Elena and Mia to life. 
• 29:28 - The power of Mia being unapologetic. 
• 31:11 - The actors working to create Young Mia and Young Elena. 
• 32:18 - The famous photo differing from the actress who plays Young Mia. 
• 33:58 - Creating the photo that could believably be an extremely valuable work of art
• 36:05 - The adoption storyline and the conversations on what the right ruling would be in the court case. 
• 38:06 - The differing view on Pearl and Mia’s definition of belonging and the conversations of motherhood in the writers room.
• 39:45 - The scene in the show that Liz is proudest of. 
• 41:30 - The day on set Liz would live over and over if she could. 
• 42:40 - The set hawk
• 43:33 - Getting to create a life in storytelling. 

   

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  Hosted and Produced by: Jenny Curtis

  Edited and Co-produced by: J Whiting

  Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

  Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick

  A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showrunner Tony McNamara joins host Jenny Curtis to talk about his career, his life in storytelling and his Emmy-nominated Hulu hit, THE GREAT. Throughout the conversation, they discuss: 

0:36 - Tony’s experience in quarantine in Australia. 

1:30 - His beginnings in finance and finding his path to writing

3:03 - His first play, which was produced by the Sydney Theatre Company. 

4:00 - His experience with film school. 

5:30 - Returning to work with STC. 

6:11 - His play, THE GREAT, and writing for Robyn Nevin. 

7:24 - Turning the play into a screenplay, which landed in the hands of Yorgos Lanthimos

7:45 - Coming on board THE FAVORITE to work on the screenplay and working off a script originally by Deborah Davis

9:09 - Knowing casting THE GREAT would be difficult, and finding his Peter in Nicholas Hoult.

10:26 - Elle Fanning’s involvement as lead actress and EP

12:20 - Finding an ensemble with the necessary comedic and dramatic skills. 

13:14 - Communicating style to the writers room and staffing the room with specific skills. 

14:22 - The interesting historical facts they found (including the pregnancy test used in the show)

15:28 - Finding the humor through his characters. 

16:36 - The casual violence in the show. 

16:47 - Elle’s nerves about her comedic experience. 

17:45 - The tool of sex throughout the story. 

20:18 - Tony’s favorite aspect of these characters. 

21:07 - The big job of the Production designer. 

21:50 - The first and last days of production on THE GREAT. 

24:13 - Getting picked up for season 2

25:25 - Handwriting the first draft. 

26:23 - Tony’s perspective on a life in storytelling. 

Learn More: Hollywood Unscripted

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Hosted and Produced by: Jenny Curtis

Edited and Co-produced by: J Whiting

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

O-T Fagbenle joins Jenny Curtis on Hollywood Unscripted to talk about THE HANDMAID’S TALE, being a new part of the marvel universe in BLACK WIDOW, and his new Hulu show MAXXX. Through the conversation they discuss: 

1:02 - creating MAXXX

2:09 - working with Second City improvisers when developing the show. 

4:23 - a hiccup in starting production and changes that C4 wanted changes

6:21 - bringing on more weight to the production team

7:31 - reflections of O-T in the character of Maxxx. 

8:16 - exploring the cultural phenomenon of social media in the show. 

9:20 - O-T seeing himself in his characters and leaning into different parts of himself. 

10:23 - really embodying the character

11:18 - working with his brother Luti and the gift of working with family. 

12:13 - Getting Christopher Meloni involved

13:16 - The struggle of working on a passion project and the blessing of hiring a diverse crew. 

14:45 - Finding believable extras for the party scene by casting from a real fetish community. 

15:44 - The two opposing songs in MAXXX. 

17:16 - learning to play drums, guitar and bass specifically for the show. 

18:05 - loving to play in the cringe-worthy moments and the British tradition of that style of comedy. 

18:57 - getting Jourdan Dunn on the show and expanding her role. 

20:40 - the development of the character of Tamzin and the talent of Pippa Bennet-Warner.

22:19 - Maxxx’s adopted son and the dynamic of the non-binary love affair. 

26:40 - The joy of experiencing Luke’s pain in THE HANDMAID’S TALE

27:45 - The crew of THE HANDMAID’S TALE helping O-T prepare for MAXXX. 

28:24 - The best advice showrunner Bruce Miller had for writing. 

29:18 - The funeral scene in MAXXX being the seed of the idea for his character. 

29:50 - Joining the Marvel Universe with BLACK WIDOW and the surreal path his career has taken. 

32:07 - Almost passing on the audition for BLACK WIDOW and his story of booking the role. 

35:47 - Trying to not care about accolades and focusing on what’s important. 

36:44 - His charity, ABC foundation (find more at www.abcfoundation.me)

38:24 - Choosing theater or film, the relationship with the audience, and the style of writing in theater. 

40:15 - Loving the language of Shakespeare and Jenny’s favorite Shakespearean insult. 

41:21 - Final thoughts on MAXXX and finding peace. 

Find more about O-T's charity ABC Foundation: https://www.abcfoundation.me 

Learn more: Hollywood Unscripted

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Hosted by: Jenny Curtis

Guest: O-T Fagbenle

Produced and Edited by: Jenny Curtis

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Catherine Hardwicke joins host, Jenny Curtis, and guest co-host, Dana Gourrier in a virtual sit-down on HOLLYWOOD UNSCRIPTED. Throughout the conversation they discuss:

0:50 - How Catherine has spent her time during Quarantine. 

1:28 - Catherine’s beginning as an architect and the advice on creativity from her professors. 

2:32 - Why animation was not the right path for her. 

3:20 - The fun of designing TANK GIRL

3:55 - Learning to direct not only from classes, but from working with big directors in production. 

5:06 - Being confident in the work through massive preparation. 

6:00 - Catherine’s memory of Dana’s knockout audition for DON’T LOOK DEEPER. As well as Dana’s memory of her audition experience with Catherine. 

7:20 - What Catherine looks for in auditions and how she creates an atmosphere of play in the audition room. 

9:30 - The process of creating THIRTEEN with Nikki Reed, based on Nikki’s real-life experiences as a form of therapy. 

11:39 - Evan Rachel Wood’s quote of needing to be sexual and not sexual as a teenager and how Catherine kept the young women safe and comfortable on set. 

14:15 - Once Catherine moved to directing, she was ready to leave production design behind. 

14:43 - LORDS OF DOGTOWN and how it was the male coming-of-age story version of THIRTEEN

16:08 - Nikki Reed’s character in LORDS OF DOGTOWN

16:37 - Catherine’s love of working with young actors, but also her work with established performers. 

17:07 - Jenny’s favorite scene with Heath Ledger and Catherine’s experience working with him and witnessing his process. 

18:52 - TWILIGHT and the surprising blockbuster success. 

20:07 - Male directors being hired for YA blockbusters after Catherine’s success with TWILIGHT. 

21:31 - Catherine’s approach to seeking work. 

22:13 - Catherine’s love of action and how she applies that to her films. 

23:55 - How Catherine’s approach to storytelling begins with relating to the characters and how the visuals come naturally to her. 

24:41 - The action sequences in MISS BALA and working with the actors, Gina Rodriguez and Ismael Cruz Cordova. 

24:40 - DON’T LOOK DEEPER and Catherine’s interest in getting involved. 

28:26 - The difference in working in short form content. 

29:03 - Jenny and Dana’s connection to CalArts and Don Cheadle’s addition to DON’T LOOK DEEPER

29:39 - Having to direct both for vertical and horizontal mode for Quibi. 

31:05 - Finding and working with Helena Howard
32:17 - Finding a character through costume and Dana’s distinct necklace for her character in DON’T LOOK DEEPER. 

33:38 - The leap of faith in hiring Helena as the lead of the show and the work before the shoot. 

34:41 - The different genres Catherine has worked in and how she doesn’t define the divisions between them. 

35:54 - Finding ways to put personal passions in her screenplays and how TWILIGHT had a bigger affect on the audience because of it. 

37:35 - The architecture featured in DON’T LOOK DEEPER. 

38:12 - Looking back on THIRTEEN and not having anything Catherine would change. 

38:59 - The creative relationship with cinematographer Elliot Davis. 

39:55 - The delight and privilege of a career in storytelling. 

Learn more: Hollywood Unscripted

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Hosted by: Jenny Curtis

Guest Host: Dana Gourrier

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker Oge Egbuonu joins Jenny Curtis on Hollywood Unscripted to talk about her powerful directorial debut, (IN)VISIBLE PORTRAITS. Through the conversation they discuss: 

TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:36 - The experience of the week after releasing the film 
• 1:06 - Meeting EP Michael Meyer and how the film came to be. 
• 3:15 - Why Oge hadn’t thought about being a director
• 3:48 - Creating the structure and flow of the film. 
• 7:27 - The artist Victoria Cassinova and the process of her involvement in the film. 
• 9:01 - The poet Jazmine Williams and the process of her involvement in the film. 
• 10:21 - The composer Jamey Heath and his process of creating the score. 
• 11:23 - The research phase of this project and the revelatory things she learned. 
• 13:32 - Dr. Joy Degruy’s introduction
• 13:54 - How Oge found and got to know the subjects in the film, from the scholars to everyday women and girls. 
• 15:38 - How she created an environment that allowed for true vulnerability and insisting upon an all-female crew. 
• 17:13 - The subjects of the film and the story of Helen Jones. 
• 20:55 - Having a variety of generations, careers and lifestyles in the film and remaining open to the process. 
• 21:51 - Moving the release date from fall to Juneteenth. 
• 23:47 - Facing rejection in the search of distribution and redirecting the approach. 
• 24:31 - The personal effect that the research had on Oge and how she was able to take care of her mental health in the process. 
• 26:36 - The choice of using parenthesis in the title, (In)Visible Portraits. 
• 27:48 - Oge feeling invisible as a child, and finding herself feeling seen now. 
• 29:29 - What she hopes to see happen in the next 20 years and the goal to have this film included in school curriculum. 
• 31:09 - Realizing after picture-lock that the film was something special. 
• 32:34 - Sitting with the film before being able to talk about it. 
• 34:19 - Oge’s gratitude for the support she’s received 

Learn More: Hollywood Unscripted

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Hosted by: Jenny Curtis

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer & Editor: Jenny Curtis

Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bruce Miller, showrunner of THE HANDMAID’S TALE joins Jenny Curtis in a “Stuck at Home” special of Hollywood Unscripted to discuss the show, his career, and the nature of the industry. Through the conversation they discuss: 

0:37 - Bruce’s experience during quarantine. 

1:10 - His early connection to the industry through his Dad, when he realized he was a writer and his first screenplay. 

3:03 - His path before success, getting fired several times and when he did and did not think about quitting. 

5:09 - Being drawn to stories about strong women, the strong women in his life, and being guided in how to properly tell those stories. 

6:26 - A time when the women thoroughly dissected an idea before it making it into the show. 

7:32 - The atmosphere of the writers room (and set) contrasting with the heaviness of the show. 

9:11 - How THE HANDMAID’S TALE series came to be, how Bruce got involved, and how long he’d been thinking about the project. 

11:24 - Meeting Margaret Atwood and working with her to make sure THE HANDMAID’S TALE series and the book THE TESTAMENTS fit together. 

15:17 - Navigating the characters survival in the danger set in the world of Gilead. 

17:13 - Elizabeth Moss; the effect she’s had on the character of June, her professionalism, and being an EP. 

19:05 - Creating a slower pace for the story and June/Offred’s internal conflict. 

22:09 - June’s mental state in season 3, favorite moments from the season and how pieces of dialogue can be very effective. 

23:07 - The character of Emily and the subtlety of Alexis Bledel. 

24:37 - The possible influence of society on the story and not inventing cruelties. 

26:27 - The absence of people of color in the book and why Bruce decided against using that story point in the show. 

28:49 - Creating the look of the show and how all departments work together in the development of it. 

30:20 - The purposeful detail in the art design and not explaining decisions to the audience. 

33:10 - Bradley Whitford coming on the show and the development of his character,  Commander Lawrence. 

34:43 - The character of Nick and Jenny’s misunderstanding of his story. 

36:36 - Taking the mystery out of an anticipated confrontation scene. 

37:32 - The status of season 4 and how quarantine has changed the writing process for the better. 

38:23 - The difficulty in scheduling and the benefit to having table reads. 

40:24 - Sharing some insights into the coming season

42:12 - Two things in Bruce’s past that he would revisit to change and the part of the industry that shouldn’t be indulged. 

44:55 - The job of a showrunner.  

Learn more: Hollywood Unscripted

Hosted By: Jenny Curtis

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Theme Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media Production

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Writer and producer Mark Bomback (Live Free or Die Hard, Wolverine, War for the Planet of the Apes) joins host Jenny Curtis with special co-host Dana Gourrier for a Hollywood Unscripted ‘Stuck at Home Special’ to discuss his illustrious career as a screenwriter and his first time as a showrunner with Apple TV plus series Defending Jacob.

Jenny, Dana and Mark discuss how being at home during quarantine has affected and influenced them as artists. (1:00) Mark shares his experiences in Westchester, NY – as it was a Coronavirus epicenter – and how life is becoming ‘the new normal’. (3:15) They share experiences on how you have to include these new experiences and current events when shows go back into production and how you tackle these new challenges to stay relevant.

They move on to discuss Mark’s newest endeavor: being showrunner for Defending Jacob (4:37). Mark shares what brought him to the project, how ‘It’s not the kind of movie we make anymore - it’s more in the train of television.’  And how reading the book drew him in and made him want to work on it. (6:13) Mark expands on this sharing how he develops a screenplay from a book, and how he makes the changes and how when you retell the story in the most cinematic way possible , it sometimes results in changes to really experience the story and characters.

Dana asks Mark who his biggest influences are (9:36) and Mark explains why he’s been influenced by these people and what he believe the role of the writer is.

Mark explains his experiences and change when you become the showrunner (from the writer) writer and the challenge of being both roles at the same time. From casting to crew, you’re involved in every decision(13:20), the evolution of the show from the beginning of being hired to creating the cast, including how Chris Evans became part of the project (15:55).

The conversation goes back to Defending Jacob (20:00) as the hosts ask Mark if he believes - Jacob did it?

Mark shares his experiences of how he started in the film world (25:00), including his first job and how his perseverance and determination – along with taking a few free jobs, and making the right connections – kept him working and his experiences working on a multitude of projects helped him truly develop his skills. He explains that on Live Free or Die Hard it helped develop relationships for a long-lasting career.

Jenny asks mark about part of his job as a writer – doing rewrites (34:47) - and what it’s like not being recognized for a lot of his work. Mark answers with what he loves about those jobs and the most important job of the screenwriter - how you make everyone happy, the joy in rewriting versus your own ideas (39:33), and the privilege of objectivity.

Before ending, they discuss a shared connection between host Dana and Mark (43:00), having both worked The United States vs Billie Holiday. Mark explains how he evolved to Executive Producer role on this film and bringing on Suzan-Lori Parks.

They wrap the show with Mark sharing his favorite memories from the production of Defending Jacob (47:03).

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn More: Hollywood Unscripted

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Produced and Hosted by: Jenny Curtis

Co-Hosted by: Dana Gourrier

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media Production 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Dergarabedian, Senior Media Analyst and Box Office Analyst for Comscore, joins Hollywood Unscripted's Executive Producer Stuart Halperin for a 'Stuck at Home Special' to share recommendations of great movies to catch up on while staying inside, including the movies they fell in love with, fun facts, and more.

TIMESTAMPS:

2:20 - What inspires them both to watch movies.

2:30 - Roman Holiday (1953)  with Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck. They also discuss the range in directorial style for director William Wyler.

3:44 - Moonstruck (1987) with Cher and how the musical based film made almost $80 million dollars because it was a romantic film that men and women could both enjoy. 

5:12 - The power ofThe Shawshank Redemption  because you can’t stop watching it, although it never got the love from the box office in its time. But a total favorite for both Stuart & Paul because of the great performances.

6:24 - Purple Rain (1984) - Starring Prince, and how the movie helped make the song Purple Rain iconic.

7:52 - The Social Network -  starring Jessie Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, directed by David Fincher, and with an incredible score from Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor. They discuss how the music was a big part of the film. 

9:00 - The two share their love for Aaron Sorkin - his writing in both screenplays (A Few Good Men, Enemy of the State, Charlie Wilson’s War, Steve Jobs, Molly’s Game) and historic television show.

10:17 - Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - Paul & Stuart delve into the iconic impact of the opening scene and how it set the tone for the Summer movies, how it captured people’s imagination with great performances from Harrison Ford & Karen Allen. They agree that this one of those special movies worth seeing on the big screen, and it was the first use of PG-13 film rating.

12:37 - Goodfellas (1990) - Paul’s top movie of all time. Directed by Martin Scorsese, with Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco. They discuss the brilliant, untraditional ending. They continue the discussion with how this movie relates to the Irishman (14:30) and Scorsese's other iconic films including Taxi Driver and Raging bull. 

16:50 - True Grit - They discuss the differences between the John Wayne version vs Coen Brothers version and the special memories it holds for Stuart, because ti was the last of the true 'Westerns' film style. 

18:53 - Jerry Maguire (1996) - The show hits a nostalgic peak in remembering this movie. They talk about Tom Cruise aligning himself with great directors (including Cameron Crowe in this movie) and a phenomenal cast of Renee Zelleweger, Jonathan Lipnicki, and Cuba Gooding Jr.

20:54 - Minority Report - The topic changes to director Steven Spielberg and how the scenes in this movie really pushed the envelope for what they had seen so far.

22:33 - Tootsie - How Sydney Pollack is one of the greatest directors of all time and although this film didn't do well initially, it stretched out for a long time in the box office.

23:56 -  Stuart & Paul shift to talking about the James Bond series. They start with Goldfinger (1964) and how it was a 'quintessential Bond/ film and that it was the debut of Aston Martin for James Bond.

25:44 - They continue the conversation to Skyfall - directed by Sam Mendes - and the premier of Daniel Craig as James Bond that won an Academy Award for the title song written by Adele. They discuss the future of Bond movies with No Time to Die set to be released in November 2020.

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more: Hollywood Unscripted

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James D. Stern joins host Scott Tallal for another special episode of “Hollywood Unscripted: Stuck at Home”. Throughout the conversation, James discusses: 

0:44 - Missing sports during quarantine

1:11 - the IMAX film on Michael Jordan (MICHAEL JORDAN TO THE MAX), and its affect on THE LAST DANCE. 

1:52 - Staying busy at home during the quarantine and the impact on some filmmakers

2:44 - The distribution of GIVING VOICE and the challenges of coming back from the pandemic for film and Broadway. 

4:24 - Directing and GIVING VOICE came to be. 

7:16 - His star-studded first movie, ALL THE RAGE and the steep learning curve of transitioning from stage to film. 

9:00 - The compassion and skill of the actors in ALL THE RAGE. 

10:06 - The founding of his company, Endgame Entertainment and carving his own creative path. 

13:59 - The challenges and changes in the cast of AN EDUCATION. 

16:56 - His predictions of streaming and the future of media. 

18:45 - His documentary, …SO GOES THE NATION, and ingesting news. 

20:18 - The movie that got away, THE KING’S SPEECH

21:21 - How his perspective has changed on what he says ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to and following his gut. 

23:27 - Working with Robert Redford. 

24:05 - The upcoming film, BLISS. 

24:46 - Thoughts on getting back into production during quarantine and the future of movie releases. 

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more: Hollywood Unscripted

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A CurtCo Media Production

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Jim Sturgess joins host Jenny Curtis in another “Stuck At Home” special of Hollywood Unscripted. Throughout the conversation, Jim discusses - 

0:35 - Life in quarantine away from home. 

2:49 - The real events behind HOME BEFORE DARK and the process behind creating characters from a real family. 

4:43 - Brooklyn Prince, who stars as Hilde in HOME BEFORE DARK. Developing the father/daughter relationship for the show and Jim’s real life friendship with Brooklyn. 

7:09 - Working with children, how that changes the regular energy of being on set, and how the kids on this show inspire him. 

9:45 - Shooting out of order and learning about character as the show progresses. 

10:26 - The choices behind the moments of animation on the show. 

11:06 - How HARD SUN added to wanting to play a father role. 

12:26 - The cyclical nature of the family dynamic in HOME BEFORE DARK and his relationship with his own father. 

15:06 - The day that production halted and a deeper dive into his experience in quarantine.

20:56 - How his passions inform who he is and how the path ahead of him rarely follows his plans. 

22:58 - Having somewhat of a dual life; being a recognizable star in the US and being anonymous at home in the UK. 

24:08 - The films in his career that were based in true stories and what the challenges can be in playing a real person. 

26:18 - His early years, from music to education and how he ended up on his path. 

30:20 - The process of learning on set and lessons he gathered from being on set. 

32:51 - Breaking down staying in character in FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING and why that can’t be the experience on every set. 

34:31 - Why some of your characters stick with you. 

35:49 - Taking a moment on every set to acknowledge the experience. 

36:20 - Being star-struck, nerves before meetings and how the work takes over once on set. 

37:39 - The Vegas lifestyle during the shoot of 21. 

39:18 - Getting injured during fight scenes. 

40:41 - The unappreciated practical effects in UPSIDE DOWN. 

41:40 - Not having a plan and the incredible variety between projects.  

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

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Catalina Sandino Moreno joins host Scott Tallal in a discussion about her career, quarantine and her new film, THE QUARRY in this special episode of “Hollywood Unscripted: Stuck at Home”. 

0:35 - Catalina discusses how her time in quarantine has evolved from week to week and how her lack creative energy has turned to an increased focus on family. 

2:41 - Catalina describes why LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA or any other movie couldn’t have prepared her for the experience of Covid-19. 

3:22 - They discuss what drew Catalina to THE QUARRY and how the script was different from the finished film. 

4:13 - Catalina explains how she approached the role of Celia. 

5:15 - She reviews the restrained performances of Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham and how they stayed on the same level versus the explosive performance of Bobby Soto. 

6:21 - Catalina discusses the ability to express through physical movement. 

6:55 - She describes what she learned from Shea and Michael’s relationship and how they treated her on set, a scene that she felt their guidance and protection in particular, and how there was no ‘boys club’ feeling on set. 

10:27 - Catalina talks about how Michael Shannon’s intensity in his performance changed the arc of a scene. 

12:22 - Catalina discusses the hope and forgiveness that she saw reflected in the script. 

13:32 - She opens up about how she thinks people’s views and priorities will change after quarantine ends, including her own. 

15:42 - The discussion turns to Catalina’s path to MARIA FULL OF GRACE and how she got involved in her first movie role that earned her an Oscar nomination. 

18:45 - She talks about her move to her dream city, New York, followed by her move to Los Angeles. 

19:56 - Catalina opens up about how it feels when work is inconsistent, and taking a break to focus on her kid. 

21:23 - She discusses seeing Bruno Bichir on the set of THE QUARRY. 

21:55 - Catalina explains how the community of actors on CHE was larger than she realized. 

22:40 - Catalina tells some ‘pinch me’ moments in her career. 

23:22 - Catalina reveals what she takes away from independent movies. 

24:40 - The discussion turns to the similarities and differences in priest storylines. 

25:40 - Catalina describes the air between takes on THE QUARRY. 

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more : Hollywood Unscripted

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Award-winning Choreographer, Mandy Moore joins host Scott Tallal in a discussion of the art of dance, creativity and working on ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST in this special episode of “Hollywood Unscripted: Stuck at Home”. 

0:40 - Mandy discusses her time home during quarantine

2:04 - Mandy explains how she got involved with ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST and the journey through to the filming of the pilot. 

5:49 - Scott and Mandy talk about the volume of numbers they created in the season, working closely with the showrunner, and the rapid turnaround. 

8:12 - Mandy discusses her process starting with the “why”. 

10:09 - Mandy opens up about her support system from a young age through her career. 

12:07 - Mandy reveals what she has learned in working with actors, how the beauty of ZOEY’S is in the ‘imperfections’, and the delight in working with Mary Steenburgen, Peter Gallagher and Lauren Graham. 

16:01 - They dive deeper into Peter Gallagher’s character in the show, who in reality suffers from a degenerative disease but in ‘Zoeality’ can sing and dance through his emotions. 

16:53 - Mandy discusses working with the talented Alex Newell 

17:20 - Mandy dives into the creation, production and reception of the American Sign Language number in episode nine. 

23:03 - Mandy discusses how her process evolved throughout the first season of ZOEY’S. 

24:16 - She explains how a career in dance shifted from the 1990s to today and how SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and DANCING WITH THE STARS changed the perception of choreographers. 

 25:42 - Mandy talks about being a producer as well as choreographer on ZOEY’S and working with the directors on the episodes. 

27:44 - Scott and Mandy discuss her work on LA LA LAND; particularly the monumental opening number. 

29:56 - Mandy breaks down locations and how the space informs the design of the dance. 

31:19 - Mandy moves on to discuss set design and how communication is vital. 

32:03 - Mandy tells a story of how one small set design change changed one of Skylar Astin’s numbers for the worse. 

34:28 - Mandy reminisces on the joy in working with Jane Levy on the episode ‘The Glitch’ and with Peter Gallagher on his number ‘It’s Your Thing’. 

36:18 - Mandy reveals how this project has changed her and her approach to the art. 

37:21 - Mandy admits there may be a future in which she tries her hand at directing. 

38:15 - Mandy talks about her early dance inspirations and her current inspirations. 

39:58 - She wraps up looking back at the wide array or work she’s done and forward to the work she’s most excited about. 

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

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An incredible career retrospective with prolific producer Stacey Sher, hosted by Jenny Curtis with special guest co-host Dana Gourrier. In a conversation focused on connection, passion, and the love of filmmaking, we hear stories and advice from Stacey and Dana.

:24 - The introductions of our co-host and guest. We learn that in this special, we are joined by actress Dana Gourrier, who has previously worked with our guest for this episode, producer Stacey Sher.

2:04 - Stacey discusses her current life at home during Quarantine

2:54 - Dana describes what Stacey’s producing style is from her perspective, having worked with her on and .Django Unchained The Hateful Eight

4:17 - Starting at the beginning, Stacey explains her college years and how she ended up at USC.

5:59 - Stacey describes how she ended up with her first two credits ( and ) and the importance of getting to know your peers.Adventures in BabysittingHeartbreak Hotel

9:04 - Stacey talks about working repeatedly with talented people, treating people well, and connecting people in the industry.

10:32 - Stacey discusses a crossroad in her life and how she ended up at Jersey Films.

14:23 - Stacey talks about films being ahead of their time, such as and and receiving a revised review from Roger Ebert.Gattaca Reality Bites,

15:05 - Stacey discusses how Erin Brockovich came to be and the journey in getting the movie made.

18:52 - The conversation turns to and Stacey explains how the movie was born in passion and belief in Zach Braff’s vision.Garden State

21:09 - Stacey explains how all films are “your baby”, feelings on how a film is received, and reveals a comment from Quentin Tarantino that stuck with her through her career.

23:28 - The conversation moves to what was expected in this current pandemic, and what they could not have predicted.Contagion,

26:21 - Jenny and Dana discuss how they’ve been connected previously and how that connection includes Stacey.

27:12 - Stacey reveals that she doesn’t have a formula for her career, and how belief and love for what you do is the only way to survive in the industry.

27:55 - Stacey discusses still not having an ending while the shoot was in progress, and her “mind-meld” relationship with Tarantino.Django Unchained

29:31 - Stacey discusses treating the filmmaking team as partners and working together as a team and reveals how constraints can inspire new ideas.

30:30 - Dana and Stacey remember struggling to shoot with a lack of snow and other challenges on set.

32:29 - The conversation moves to and the incredible story being told in the upcoming series, the motivation behind the creation of the story, the amazing cast and crew and the environment on set.Mrs. America

37:48 - Stacey discusses the similar approach to film vs series.

38:39 - When asked which moment she would re-live from her career, Stacey gives an array of inspiring, moving, funny stories from set.

43:20 - Stacey describes feelings and behavior after wrapping a shoot.

44:38 - Stacey closes the episode describing the challenges, the passion, and what the love of filmmaking really is.

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more about Hollywood Unscripted: https://www.curtco.com/hollywoodunscripted

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Actor Don Cheadle and show runners Jordan Cahan & David Caspe join us from home, for a special 'Stuck at Home' edition of Hollywood Unscripted to share inside stories from Showtime’s 'Black Monday'.

1:21 - Don, David and Jordan share their experiences of staying at home how they are practicing social distancing.

3:30 - The three discuss the irony of doing Black Monday with the current stock market situation and how it evolves and relates to today.

4:50 - Don expresses how is working from home and the change in his work schedule on current projects, including having children at home and how that affects their daily routines.

6:50 - Jordan and David share how this pandemic and working from home changes their perspective on their daily routines and the realities (good and bad) of being at home and the gratitude for both long days and the time they now get to spend with their families.

8:40 - What it's like being on set with 'a big happy, family' that has genuine chemistry and the importance of surrounding yourself with people you know and love and who are so immensely talented.

11:17 - David and Jordan talk about how the show began in 2007 and selling it to Showtime and what they though the impact of 'Billions' would be on their show. They elaborate with the experience of having executives producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg join the project.

12:38 - What is the real Black Monday and how it influenced the story: where could they make the stakes higher in their own story, but also keep the ridiculousness of the truth of this era?

15:00 - The showrunners talk about previous comparisons to the 'Wolf of Wall Street' and the fun they have including those comparisons in their own show. 

17:30 - Don shares his experiences of coming from a previous Showtime series, 'House of Lies' and what the comparisons are between these two characters.

20:00 - The three laugh about the opener of season 2, in which Don has to wear a long hair wig and his reaction to the journey of his character, Mo.

23:52 - David and Jordan share their thoughts on the responsibility of the show and where to land the responsibility  for the crash of Wall Street in the 1980s and the real Black Monday - and who will suffer the consequences for it in season 2.

25:50 - David and Jordan express how fortunate they feel with their incredible writing team.

26:25 - Don reacts to reading to the crazy things that happen to his character in the script, including some absurd things he is asked to say, and the importance of leaning into the time period .

30:40 - Don shares his passion for the organizations he is involved with, including The Solutions Project with Mark Ruffalo, and the importance of finding the right way to draw attention to these issues unless there is a national disaster.

32:00 - The three discuss their views on if there is there an obligation to use their celebrity platform to give back?

35:00 - Final words from our guests: gratitude for those working on the frontlines during this pandemic, and to remind listeners that 'Black Monday' is a comedy!

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more about Hollywood Unscripted: https://www.curtco.com/hollywoodunscripted

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Sally Potter joins Scott Tallal and Jenny Curtis on to discuss her new film, Sally explains what her goal was for exploring this subject matter (0:53) and her personal experience with dementia (1:50).Hollywood Unscripted The Roads Not Taken.

They discuss the character of Molly (4:16) and the character’s similarities to Sally’s work-caretaker balance (4:57). Sally reveals the challenge of finding investors versus the ease of signing on actors (5:46). Sally reviews her process of casting and developing the characters further (7:13). She reveals how Selma Hayek and Javier Bardem’s friendship affected their behavior on set (8:26). She raves about Elle Fanning, having worked with her as a child and an adult (9:25). Sally then reveals why she does not write with specific actors in mind for roles (10:00).

Sally dissects the feelings behind her personal experiences in grief and loss (11:09), how that did or did not affect her during the making of the film (12:22) and how she does not use her work to process those feelings (13:22).

Sally describes her collaboration with cinematographer Robbie Ryan (15:25) and the production designer of the film, Carlos Conti (17:06). She discusses the transitional gestures written into the script (18:08). She explains how she came to be credited as an editor on the film (18:54) and how she faced challenges in communicating the story to audiences (19:54).

She reviews her process in composing the music for the film (22:10) and then explains why she changed from the original title, Molly (23:44). Sally also explains her takeaway from (25:19) and how she lets her films reveal to her how they need to be told (28:10).The Roads Not Taken

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more about Hollywood Unscripted: https://www.curtco.com/hollywoodunscripted

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In a special edition of Hollywood Unscripted, we celebrate one of the funniest movies of all time, Airplane! Host Scott Tallal is joined by producer, director and writer, David Zucker and star Robert Hays.

(0:48) They discuss how it all came together through the development of suburb north of Milwaukee, from starting an improv group at University of Wisconsin and how they moved it to LA 

David discusses how the first idea took a year to write the script and that they had no budget (1:38) but John Landis came to see the improv show and how listening to and learning from John changed the direction of the movie

How a meeting at Paramount with Michael Eisner and Jeff Katzenberg ultimately was the key to getting the movie made.

David shares how their improv show inspired the movie and what types of ideas they were looking to spoof (2:54). And how Zero Hour shaped the direction and truly inspired the crafting of the script, including the importance of a character arc and a 3 act structure (4:30). 

David continues to share how the movie came to being including how they finally got the rights (4:52) from Zero Hour and what a surprise it becoming a hit really was. David and Robert dicuss their thoughts on why it’s still a hit, including the jokes which are still funny today (6:05).

The truly team effort from Paramount and the help they received from the executives (6:45).

David shares the moment he found out the movie was greenlit and how Jerry and Jim also reacted (8:00) and the dramatic name changing of Jerry (11:00) to get the Director Guild of America to allow three people to direct a film. 

Robert and David share what the first day of filming was like and how three white Jewish guys tried to write a joke about ‘speaking jive’ (12:08).

Is the movie and are the jokes over the line? (13:15).

(14:08) David shares stories about the actors ‘that got away,’ – from the ones who really wanted it to those who threw the script in the trash, including: David Letterman, Barry Manilow, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Bruce Jenner, Sigourney Weaver, Jack Webb, Harriet Nelson, and Peter Graves.

The two reminisce about the joy of being on set (19:19) and what it was like making a film that had the crew laughing during every scene, including the antics Leslie Nielsen played on Robert Hays (19:45).

David shares how the most shocking lines made it into the script (21:10). 

Robert describes his crazy days while filming the disco scenes and running across the lot on his lunch breaks (21:45) and the craziness of filming in LAX airport.

They share the irony of casting the actual airport announcers to read  the red and white zone announcements (25:24) and the surprise of casting Ethel Merman in what was her final role (26:25).

The two laugh about the fact that–no planes will air the movie and share their experiences being on an airplane, how they get recognized and their parents reactions (28:25). 

They continue on to discuss other casting choices such as how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became involved in the film (30:55) and how it changed his public persona and how Jonathan Banks got involved in the movie (32:46).

Robert shares what it was like filming on a cold Malibu beach (33:23).

David talks about what it was like adding jokes in the credits for the first time (35:13), the importance and beauty of Elmer Bernstein’s score (36:01) and the origin of the film’s poster – the iconic twisted plane (36:24).

Scott asks how the movie relaunched Leslie Neilsen’s career and how he went from serious tv and films to wanting to do very funny comedies (37:18).

They all laugh about how Universal fought them on the name against the name Airplane (40:25) and how it had to be called something different internationally.

The three discuss if the film could be made today and would the jokes work (42:00)

David and Robert share their favorite memories since the movie released including the funniest thing that’s happened at a Q & A (43:30), if they knew it would last 40 years (44:46), their families reactions to the film (50:30) and finally how it’s affected their careers (54:01).

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more about Hollywood Unscripted and host Scott Tallal: https://www.curtco.com/hollywoodunscripted

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Matt Kaplan, Principal Producer of Ace Entertainment joins Hollywood Unscripted to discuss the young adult market.

The conversation with Matt and Scott Tallal begins with Matt’s two passions, football and movies (0:34). They then discuss Matt’s early internships and jobs (0:58) and what he learned from them (2:14). They discuss his move to a position at Lionsgate that led him to YA films (2:39).

Matt talks about working with Jason Blum (4:22), moving to Dreamworks and Awesomeness (4:52), and then landing at his company, Ace Entertainment (6:14).

Matt mentions how came about (7:43) and reveals how developing talent was a priority of the company (8:38). He talks about how they make films that stand out (9:40) and how they pursue success (10:26). Matt explains how he stays connected to the younger audience (11:21) and how the company is making a variety of different types of content (12:58).To All The Boys

He opens up about what he’s looking for in people he works with (14:02) and the goals for Ace Entertainment (14:24). Matt then discusses the potential of pushing to theatrical releases (16:26).

Matt discusses Michael Fimognari’s jump from cinematographer to director on (18:38) and the how the overnight fame of Noah Centineo and Lana Condor did not affect their focus (19:15). He discusses another movie, , and working with a YouTube star (20:13).To All the Boys 2Before I Fall

Jenny Curtis chimes into the conversation (20:49) and Matt dives deeper into finding the style of (20:58). Matt discusses being content to stay in his current niche (23:36) and reveals upcoming projects (24:20). He give a peak into the focus of (28:40) before closing out with what he learns from his movies (29:08).To All The Boys To All The Boys 3

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more about Hollywood Unscripted: https://www.curtco.com/hollywoodunscripted

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Dave Holstein, creator and showrunner of “Kiddingjoins Scott Tallal to discuss this Showtime series.”

Dave starts off by explaining how the world was looking for a Fred Rogers-style character who is innately good (1:05) and the differences between the various biographical projects and the inspiration for this fictional character (1:58). He explains his personal reasoning for giving his lead character, Jeff Pickles, so many dramatic hurdles (3:05).

Dave delves into how “Kidding” came about, starting with his job as a writer on “Weeds” (3:56). Searching for another satisfying project, he ended up writing something for himself (4:24) with Jim Carrey in mind (4:52). Dave describes the journey “Kidding” went on as it was developed, passed around town, green-lit, and paused (5:24) before finding a unique way to get the script into Jim Carrey’s orbit (8:04).

Now in season 2, Dave explains how the show has grown and found its footing (9:32). He reviews plot points and the magic in making them (11:12). Dave discusses how in season 2 the backstories of the characters are deepened (13:03) and dives into Catherine Keener’s role (14:32). He talks about the creative ways the writers found to  explore the themes of the season (15:07).

Dave gives a rundown of the writers room (17:45) and reveals their creative process (18:36). He describes the atmosphere on set (20:58) and explains a particularly interesting shoot day (22:57).

He admits that he prefers television as a writer’s medium (26:08) and revels in the creative opportunity he has found himself in (27:28)

Executive Producer: Stuart Halperin

Producer: Jenny Curtis

Music By: Celleste & Eric Dick

Learn more about Hollywood Unscripted and host Scott Tallal: https://www.curtco.com/hollywoodunscripted

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