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On the show
Recent episodes
No Trade Mag, No History Book. Logan Gruidl Is Fixing That.
Jun 3, 2026
Unknown duration
Monica Brady | Co-Founder & Exec. Producer, Golden Trailer Awards
May 20, 2026
Unknown duration
Kris McDonald: Cutting Trailers. Mentoring the Next Gen. Behind the Trailer.
May 12, 2026
Unknown duration
Stav Ozdoba on Indie Filmmaking, Editing, and Building Rubber Sole Creative
Apr 29, 2026
Unknown duration
Benj Thall: From Child Actor to Editor, Creative Director, Screenwriter
Apr 14, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/3/26 | No Trade Mag, No History Book. Logan Gruidl Is Fixing That. | Logan Gruidl is Senior Producer at Picture Head and the founder of The Trailer Brief, a bi-weekly newsletter covering trailer craft, industry news, and the campaigns shaping entertainment advertising. After coming up as an AE at Outpost and Grandson, Logan built his finishing expertise at Picturehead while quietly becoming one of the industry's most thoughtful new voices. Key Takeaways: The finishing side of the industry is poorly understood even by people in it. Logan breaks down how color, mix, versioning, and delivery work at a post house like Picture Head. The Trailer Brief was born from a need to stay engaged with the creative side of the industry while doing finishing work full-time. The journalism background helped. AI as editorial tool, not ghostwriter. Logan uses ChatGPT to round up trades and Claude to pressure-test his drafts, not write them. The Uncut Gems trailer was the piece that made him want to work in this industry. Grandson had it on their homepage when he was interviewing. Building community matters. Between Behind the Trailer, TWMT, Jules Levy's Tuesday roundups, and now The Trailer Brief, a real ecosystem of industry education and documentation is taking shape. Standout Quotes: "We're in a cool place right now where the people who founded the industry are still working, but there's also a whole new slate of editors who came up wanting to be trailer editors — and now they're working next to the people who cut the things that inspired them." "I felt like the way to keep accountable was to write about them." "If I can distill it down to four bullet points for someone who just got off a 12-hour shift, and they feel better about their knowledge of the industry — that's a win." "I don't think anyone my age really wants to be a finisher, aside from me." "I was like, okay, time to go to Picturehead — be a smaller fish in a bigger pond." Links: The Trailer Brief: the-trailer-brief.beehiiv.com Logan on LinkedIn: @Logan-Gruidl Thanks to our sponsor: The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com Join the Community Leave a rating and review Share the episode with a friend in the industry Subscribe for new episodes every week Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us. Now go do some inspired work. | — | ||||||
| 5/20/26 | Monica Brady | Co-Founder & Exec. Producer, Golden Trailer Awards | Monica Brady has spent 26 years doing something that didn't exist when she started: honoring the people who make movie trailers. Co-founded with her sister Evelyn on a boat to Fort Sumter in 1999, the Golden Trailer Awards grew from a scrappy DGA screening room show (running on two Avids, fingers crossed) into the industry's premier celebration of trailer craft. In this episode, Monica traces the full arc of the GTAs, from a pre-broadband era when trailer editors were essentially invisible, to a show that now spans dozens of categories and serves as a genuine career launchpad for aspiring creatives. 5 Key Takeaways The GTAs were born out of necessity, not ambition. Monica and Evelyn weren't trying to build an institution. They were trying to find a trailer editor for their student film and couldn't. No directory, no resource, no awards show existed. So they created one. What was meant to "run on autopilot" is now 26 years in. The show evolves as the industry evolves. From 23 categories in 1999 (including one they couldn't even explain) to dedicated tracks for streaming series, video games, and social trailer bites, the GTAs have always followed the craft. Categories don't get added by committee — they get added when the industry shows up and says "we cut these like theatrical trailers." Music is the most powerful recall tool in the trailer editor's kit. Monica keeps coming back to music as the thread connecting memory, emotion, and ticket sales. Editors who also play instruments aren't a coincidence — music is math, and the pattern recognition required for both is the same muscle. The trailer industry is uniquely positioned for the AI era. Most industries are bracing for an onslaught of AI-generated content. Monica's case: who better to make sense of a flood of footage than people who have spent decades being handed raw material with no script, no direction, and a tight deadline? The trailer editor's core skill is exactly what the moment will demand. Standout Quotes "We sent out some applications, and the rest will run on autopilot. And 26 years later, you're looking at the autopilots." "Who but the trailer industry have had a decades-long start at taking nonsensical footage about a topic they know nothing about — no script, no direction — and crafting a story together?" "These trailer editors are artists. And that is one of the things that sets the human being apart from whatever's coming at us right now." "Everybody help each other. We're here a very short amount of time on this planet. Let's just make the most of it." Links & Resources Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com GTA 26 — May 28, 2026 | Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills Join the Community Leave a rating and review Share the episode with a friend in the industry Subscribe for new episodes every week Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us. Now go do some inspired work. | — | ||||||
| 5/12/26 | Kris McDonald: Cutting Trailers. Mentoring the Next Gen. Behind the Trailer. | Kris McDonald is a Creative Director and Senior Editor at XAV, and the founder of Behind the Trailer — a free educational platform dedicated to helping aspiring trailer editors break into the business and level up their craft. He came up through Open Road and Trailer Park before landing at XAV (which was Project X at the time), where he's built a career cutting campaigns for major studio and streaming titles including The Chosen, The Big Cigar, and Deepwater Horizon. In this episode, Kris traces his path from runner to creative director, reflects on the mentors and moments that shaped him, and pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to cut a trailer that makes an audience stop breathing. Key Takeaways Say yes to everything — even the soccer video. Early in his career, Kris was asked to cut a highlight reel for a client's daughter's graduation party. He treated it like a studio campaign, stayed late, and poured everything into it. The client loved it, sat him down in the bay, and introduced him to the work of Nick Temple. The lesson: every cut is an audition. Set a goal, then chase it down. After learning that his mentor Adrian finished his first trailer at 25, Kris made it a personal mission to hit that same milestone. He cut constantly, studied obsessively, and hit the mark — finishing his first trailer on The Blind Side right around his 25th birthday. Emotion, story, rhythm — in that order. Kris breaks down the three pillars he builds every cut around, drawn from Walter Murch's In the Blink of an Eye. A trailer can be slick and fast and technically impressive, but without emotion, it doesn't land. Trial and error is the process. When asked about a gut-punch moment of silence in the Deepwater Horizon trailer, Kris was refreshingly honest: he knew what he wanted the audience to feel, but finding the right technique was pure experimentation. Knowing the destination and figuring out the route are two different skills. Behind the Trailer exists to pay it forward. Everything Kris knows, he learned because someone in a bay was willing to show him their sequences and give him notes. Behind the Trailer is his way of making that kind of mentorship available to anyone who wants it — for free. Standout Quotes "I want you to feel like you can't breathe. I know that this is the moment of the trailer where your breath is taken away. Now, how do I do that?" "I cut a lot of bad trailers. I got good at creating an open, but then it would just drag." "Any sort of information I can give back to people wanting to get into this industry — that's the number one goal." "This is my dream job. I'll never stop cutting." Find Kris & Behind the Trailer behindthetrailer.com Instagram: @behindthetrailer YouTube: @behindthetrailer Behind the Trailer Community Discord (free) — discord.gg/wRdGTFwhh2 For aspiring editors looking to break in, industry pros who want to give back, and anyone who just loves trailers Connect Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan Brought to you by... The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Join the Community Leave a rating and review Share the episode with a friend in the industry Subscribe for new episodes every week Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us. Now go do some inspired work. | — | ||||||
| 4/29/26 | Stav Ozdoba on Indie Filmmaking, Editing, and Building Rubber Sole Creative | Before founding Rubber Sole Creative, Stav Ozdoba came to the U.S. with one goal: become a filmmaker. Within months, he was in meetings to direct a feature. Not long after, he learned just how brutal that path could be. What followed wasn't a straight line. It was a pivot. From indie films to editing weddings. From teaching himself Final Cut to landing at Sony. From cutting sizzles and promos to leading teams and eventually building his own creative shop from the ground up. In this episode, Corey and Stav trace that journey and get into what actually sustains a career in this business. Not just passion, but craft. Not just ambition, but clarity around what you're truly good at. They also dig into how storytelling changes across platforms, why "added value" creative matters more than ever, and what it really takes to carve out space as an independent in a crowded, evolving industry. Calls to Action Follow Stav Ozdoba and Rubber Sole Creative on LinkedIn Visit: rubbersoleav.com Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review Follow Corey: @coreysnathan across platforms Subscribe for weekly conversations with the people behind the work Key Takeaways The path isn't linear, and that's the point Stav arrived in LA aiming to direct films, but the reality of the industry forced a pivot. Editing became the lane where his instincts and abilities aligned and ultimately opened more doors than chasing directing ever did. Follow what you're good at, not just what you love Passion alone isn't enough. Stav makes a clear distinction between what you enjoy and what you can consistently execute at a high level. The sweet spot is where skill and interest meet. The edit bay is the real classroom Early on, Stav learned by proximity. Watching other editors. Asking questions. Absorbing instincts. Not formal training, but immersion in the craft. Story is the constant, format is the variable Whether it's a trailer, a sizzle, or a social cut, the job is still storytelling. The platforms change. The audience behavior changes. The need to connect emotionally does not. Underserved work is often the biggest opportunity Rubber Sole was built around doing the work others overlook. Behind the scenes, sizzles, added value pieces. Done right, those pieces don't just support campaigns, they drive audience interest. Relationships still matter more than tools Even in an era of AI and rapid change, the business still runs on trust. When stakes are high, people call collaborators they know can deliver. Creative ownership requires risk tolerance Leaving Sony to start Rubber Sole wasn't a calculated leap with guarantees. It was a bet on craft, relationships, and the belief that great work would create opportunity. Standout Quotes "I stopped following my passion and started following what I'm good at." "You're always telling a story, no matter the platform." "If the work is undeniable, the room will open." "We're not competing on price. We're competing against average." "Sometimes if you don't get your dream job, you have to create it." Connect Stav Ozdoba – rubbersoleav.com Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan Sponsors The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Mesa Wealth Management – mezawealth.com Join the Community Leave a rating and review Share the episode with a friend in the industry Subscribe for new episodes every week Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us. Now go do some inspired work. | — | ||||||
| 4/14/26 | Benj Thall: From Child Actor to Editor, Creative Director, Screenwriter | Before Benj Thall was cutting trailers at some of the most influential shops in the business, he was a working child actor starring in Disney's Homeward Bound films alongside legends like Leslie Nielsen and Ned Beatty. That early life on film sets didn't just give him screen credits — it gave him a love for every corner of the craft that eventually led him behind the camera, through film school at USC, and into the edit bay. In this episode, Corey and Benj trace a career that spans Global Doghouse, Harley's House/Ignition, Mojo, and Monster, and dig into what it means to carry a trailer editor's sensibility into feature film cutting. Benj also shares the story behind Monument, the political thriller starring Jon Voight and Joe Mazzello that he edited — a deeply personal project that connects his love of storytelling, his actor's instincts, and his late father's memory. Key Takeaways The edit bay as classroom. Benj's early days at Global Doghouse meant literally knocking on Kevin Childress or Doug Brandt's door to make dubs — and using every excuse to watch them cut. Proximity to great editors, not formal training, was the real education. Emotional truth is the through line. Whether cutting a two-minute trailer or a two-hour feature, Benj is always hunting the same thing: the moment an audience doesn't know what comes next. That instinct, sharpened over decades of trailer work, is exactly what he argues trailer editors bring to features that classically trained film editors often don't. Shops shape artists. Global Doghouse and Harley's House weren't just workplaces — they were creative environments that challenged editors to push against convention. Benj credits the culture at both shops, as much as any individual mentor, for forming his aesthetic. Knowing when you're too close. On Monument, Benj cut his own trailer for the film he edited — then pressed the producers to bring in a second editor because he recognized he was too close to the material. That kind of self-awareness is rare, and he makes the case for why it matters. Trailer skills are transferable — and increasingly valued. From working with stems and sculpting music in the rough cut to getting creative out of under-covered scenes, Benj sees a real and growing appetite for trailer editors in feature post. The hustle is different, but the toolkit is more relevant than ever. Standout Quotes "It's gotta be those quick moments of emotional impact for me." "Different parts of a movie are gonna speak differently to everyone. You're looking for those universal moments that speak to all of our humanity." "I've fallen in love with cutting features. If you've got a two-actor scene, the third actor is the editor." "I pressed the production — we need to get another look. I am too close to the material." "To probably my financial detriment, I've never been locked down. But for a creative, it's about staying open to opportunities that might come." Connect Benj Thall — www.benjthalldirector.com MONUMENT, the movie — www.monument.film Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms Sponsors Meza Wealth Management — mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards — goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It really does help people find us. Now go do some inspired work. | — | ||||||
| 3/25/26 | ![]() From Staples Center to The Shop: Jordan Hayman on Building a Career Without a Roadmap | Jordan Hayman has sat in almost every seat in this industry. Jumbotron editor for the Lakers during their championship run. Creative executive at Alkemi, working indie theatrical. Client-side at Lifetime under the legendary Bob and Lew. Broadcast division builder at AV Squad. And now, founder of The Shop, the boutique he always knew he'd build from the moment he was running packages around town for Tony Seiniger as a high schooler. This one goes deep on the career, the grind, and the decisions that don't have clean answers. Jordan talks about what it took to start a broadcast division from scratch, why building relationships from day one at Fox Sports in 1996 was the most important business strategy he never consciously planned, and how working both sides of the table made him a better vendor. We also get into The Last Dance and what it was like to cut over a hundred trailers for the most anticipated sports documentary in years, the Tyson-Paul Countdown for Netflix, and the theatrical sensibility that separates The Shop from most broadcast-focused competitors. Key Takeaways The Relationship Is the Portfolio From his first internship to founding The Shop, Jordan's career has run on relationships built with patience and maintained with consistent delivery. Creativity matters, but so does customer service, speed, and knowing what it feels like to be on the other side of the table. Working Both Sides Changes Everything Spending time as a network executive at Lifetime gave Jordan something most agency-side people don't have: a first-hand understanding of what clients actually need. When he went back to the agency side, he knew exactly what a room like Bob and Lew's expected to see. Build a Division Like You're Proving It's Possible Starting AV Squad's broadcast arm from nothing was terrifying. Jordan spent months with almost no work and nearly convinced himself he'd be fired. Scott Edwards told him to enjoy the calm before the storm. He was right. Theatrical Sensibility Is Non-Negotiable Now The line between broadcast, streaming, and theatrical has effectively collapsed. Jordan and his partner Nick Shakarian brought theatrical DNA into every network campaign they touched, and that cross-pollination is now the price of admission for anyone doing serious streaming work. Surround Yourself with All-Stars The hardest part of starting a company isn't the creative. It's everything else. Jordan's solution was simple: find the best people for every role and get out of their way. Notable Quotes "From day one, from Fox Sports, from 1996 — everybody I came in contact with, I tried to be good to them." "When I was done working for Bob and Lew, I thought to myself, I can do anything. Not everybody made it out of there alive." "That was definitely my master's degree." "I am not a business person. I'm a creative person." "My dad told me not to do it. But I wouldn't want to do anything else, man." Connect The Shop — theshoptrailers.com Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms Sponsors Meza Wealth Management — mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards — goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! Enjoying the show? Rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It really does help people find us. Now go do some inspired work. | — | ||||||
| 3/11/26 | Lauren Zoller, Lead Editor at X/AV | What does it sound like when a trailer editor thinks in rhythm, builds in silence, and treats every scene break like a musical beat? Lead editor Lauren Zoller of X/AV traces her path from a Chapman BFA to a Lionsgate internship, through Ignition (where she shadowed some of the greats) and nearly nine years at Mocean before landing at X/AV in 2021. She's become one of the most versatile editors in streaming, cutting The Punisher and Tulsa King alongside Peaky Blinders, DTF: St. Louis, and Poker Face — sometimes in the same week. The conversation digs into the sound design on the Peaky Blinders: The Mortal Man teaser, how a Crystal Method track set the structural DNA of the DTF trailer, and why a prominent commercial song changes how she shapes a piece. Lauren also talks about the industry's culture shift, mentorship in a remote-work world, and her role on the Soapbox advisory board. Key Takeaways Editing Is Solving a Puzzle Without the Picture Assembling pieces into a story without a finished image to guide you — it's what drew Lauren to the craft over directing or writing, and it still drives how she approaches every project. Rhythm Is Felt Before It's Measured Growing up playing drums gave Lauren a timing instinct that lives in her body as much as on the timeline. On the Peaky teaser, quiet and loud sections landed within four to six frames of each other in length — not because she mathd it out, but because she could feel it. Sound Design Is Storytelling Reverb, silence, a spinning coin — every sound element in the Peaky teaser was a narrative choice. On-camera dialogue got less reverb because that's the character's present-tense reality. Off-screen thoughts got more, because we're inside his head. Range Is Developed, Not Given Lauren's versatility is something she built at X/AV out of necessity. At larger shops, editors sometimes get typecast. At a smaller shop, you have to be able to do it all — and she's found she loves it. Soft Skills Are the Core of the Job The most durable skill in this industry is adaptive problem-solving: understanding what someone's asking for when the words don't quite match, being easy to work with under pressure, and knowing when to kill your darlings. Notable Quotes "It's like solving a puzzle without the picture." "We contain multitudes." "You can still do really good work and not get yelled at." "I just wanna keep making cool shit." Connect Lauren Zoller — www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-mckeithan-zoller-3b020016/ Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management — mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards — goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! | — | ||||||
| 2/25/26 | Eric Ladd on Brining Bleeding Edge Design to Hollywood's Trailer Industry | What happens when a technology-minded New Yorker stumbles into Hollywood and ends up reshaping how the industry makes trailers, title sequences, and motion graphics for the next three decades? This week, Eric Ladd joins the show to talk about his winding path from floppy disk drives and Bank of America to running Novocom, building Pittard Sullivan into a global powerhouse, and founding Picture Mill, one of the most influential design and motion graphics companies in entertainment marketing history. Now he's doing it again with Ignite XR, creating AR and social content tools contracted by TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Along the way, the conversation covers how Picture Mill got its name (in a single impulsive moment at a lunch meeting), the deal that fell apart and sent half of Pittard's leadership out the door to start their own companies, and how Eric pioneered digital before the industry even had a name for it. He also shares what it was like to shoot the Mandalay tiger in Hawaii, fly to Edwards Air Force Base with a first-time solo pilot to blow up a quarter-scale hotel, and pitch George Lucas on a Star Wars re-release trailer using a clip of Apocalypse Now on VHS. Key Takeaways Confidence Is a Skill Before leaving Pittard, Eric had already grown Novocom from two people to sixty. That track record gave him the credibility to walk into Aspect Ratio's Citrus lunch meeting with an $8.5M business plan he'd written in two hours — and walk out with a credit line and the name Picture Mill. The People You Work With Are the Real Portfolio When asked about favorite campaigns, Eric sidestepped the question entirely: "I have favorite people." The relationships formed in those early years, including editors, designers, producers, directors, are what he actually carries forward. Know When to Leave, and Who Should Replace You At Pittard, Eric not only knew when his time was up, he named Anne Epstein as the person who should take the job. Succession thinking and generosity with credit have been constants throughout his career. Bleeding Edge Requires a Tolerance for Uncertainty Whether it was scanning and comping an entire Spike Lee trailer in the early days of digital, pioneering AR filters on Snapchat before the platforms knew what to do with them, or landing a contract with ByteDance by simply delivering a working product without being asked, Eric's approach has always been to figure it out first and explain it later. AI Is a Tool, Not a Threat... If You Have Ideas The conversation about AI cuts to the heart of what this show is about. Eric's view: "It all comes down to ideas." AI can execute, but someone still has to direct it. The people who will struggle are those who were already functioning as tools themselves. Notable Quotes "I went over there at five o'clock and Ed and I were there till ten. We just clicked." "I said, 'You can't afford me.' He said, 'How much do you want?' Six months later my paycheck just went WHOOSH." "When we came back from lunch, we'd hired every one of those people in the waiting room." "It all comes down to ideas. AI can give you ideas, but it lacks what humans can do with them." "A lot of being successful has to do with wherewithal. If you can hang in there long enough, you can be successful doing anything." "When we're gone, those stories are gonna be gone with us." "Not anymore. They're on the record!" Connect Eric Ladd — ignitexr.com Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! | — | ||||||
| 2/11/26 | Kazadi Katambwa on From Runner to Hollywood Creative Executive | What does it take to break into the trailer business, survive the agency grind, and help shape campaigns for some of the biggest films of the last two decades? This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, we sit down with Creative Director, Producer and Creative Executive Kazadi Katambwa to discuss craft, career, and creative instinct. Kazadi walks through his journey from film-loving college student in the Midwest to runner at Wiser Post, to assistant editor at Intralink, and eventually to cutting and producing major theatrical campaigns for films like The Dark Knight, Inception, Dunkirk, Mad Max: Fury Road, and many more. Along the way, the conversation explores the realities of Hollywood career paths, the importance of mentorship, and the delicate art of marketing great movies without getting in their way. Kazadi shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Christopher Nolan, the challenge of distilling high-concept films into thirty seconds, and the creative leap from editor to producer to studio executive. From humble beginnings with a Thomas Guide in the passenger seat to shaping global campaigns at Amazon Studios, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and hard-earned wisdom for anyone who loves trailers or dreams of making them. Key Takeaways From Runner to Creative Voice Kazadi reflects on starting at the very bottom of post-production and learning the craft by watching great editors work. Patience, curiosity, and a willingness to say yes opened doors that formal plans never could. Reverse Engineering Great Trailers Early on, Kazadi studied timelines and cuts to understand how trailers were built. That hands-on education became the foundation of his editorial instincts. Working on The Dark Knight and Inception Marketing films of that caliber brought unique pressures. Great movies can be harder to market because the campaign must rise to the same level of excellence. Quiet Can Be Louder Than Loud On campaigns like Dunkirk, restraint and confidence became creative tools. Sometimes a simple heartbeat and the right image communicate more than any barrage of sound. The Power of Relationships Career moves from Intralink to Seismic to Buddha Jones happened through trust and collaboration. In trailer marketing, reputation and relationships remain everything. Evolving From Editor to Executive Moving from the editing chair to creative leadership required a new mindset. Protecting the creative while guiding teams became the next chapter of the journey. Understanding Filmmakers Working with directors like Christopher Nolan reinforced a crucial lesson. Great campaigns respect the filmmaker's vision and find ways to amplify it rather than replace it. Notable Quotes "Sometimes marketing a bad movie is hard. But marketing a great movie can be even harder." "Loud is not always the best thing. Quiet can be just as powerful." "Study the timeline. That's where the education really happens." "The best trailers feel confident. You can sense when a campaign is trying too hard." "Relationships are what move careers forward in this town." Connect Kazadi Katambwa – linkedin.com/in/kazadi-katambwa-819921123 Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! | — | ||||||
| 1/27/26 | ![]() Debi Struzan & Dana Flowers-Mitchell on Trust, Taste, and Why the Big Idea Still Matters | What do trailers, legendary movie posters, streaming era strategy, and a deep love for theatrical storytelling have in common? This week on Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods, Corey is joined by Debi Struzan and Dana Flowers-Mitchell for a deeply personal conversation about careers shaped by creativity, collaboration, and conviction. From Debi's early days at Seiniger Advertising and her connection to the iconic Drew Struzan legacy, to Dana's journey from agency producer to studio and streaming executive, the conversation traces how great entertainment marketing is built at the intersection of story, trust, and human connection. Together, Debi and Dana reflect on mentorship, studio versus agency life, the evolution of theatrical and streaming windows, and what still matters most when crafting campaigns that resonate. Along the way, the discussion touches on everything from horror trailers and prestige dramas to boxing workouts, late night calls, and why picking up the phone still matters. Key Takeaways From Agency to Studio and Back Again Both guests share how starting on the agency side shaped the way they later partnered with creative teams once they moved into studio and streaming roles, fostering deeper empathy and stronger collaboration. The Legacy of Drew Struzan Debi reflects on the influence of her father-in-law, legendary illustrator Drew Struzan, and the enduring impact of handcrafted movie poster art in a rapidly changing industry. Why Relationships Still Win Dana and Debi emphasize that despite new tools, platforms, and pressures, strong relationships and direct communication remain essential to solving creative problems and building trust. Theatrical Is Not Dead The conversation challenges the idea that movie theaters are fading, pointing instead to evolving audience behaviors and the continued power of shared cinematic experiences. Creativity in an Era of Change From AI anxiety to shrinking budgets, the discussion explores how agencies and creatives can adapt while protecting the core value of original ideas and emotional storytelling. Notable Quotes "People still want to be moved together in a room. Theatrical is not dying. It's evolving." "You can solve a lot of problems just by picking up the phone." "The big idea still matters. Tools can change, but concept is everything." Connect Debi Struzan - www.linkedin.com/in/debistruzan Dana Flowers-Mitchell: www.linkedin.com/in/dana-flowers Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! | — | ||||||
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| 1/5/26 | Best Of — Robert Walker (Buddha Jones): Craft, Emotion & the Art of the Trailer | What does it mean to truly feel a trailer—and how do you translate that feeling into something that moves an audience? In this Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods episode, Corey Nathan revisits his wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation with Robert Walker, one of the most influential and respected trailer editors working today. From his early experiments with cassette-tape collages and experimental music to shaping iconic campaigns at Intralink and Buddha Jones, Robert shares how a lifelong obsession with sound, rhythm, and emotion led him to a career defined not by formulas—but by feeling. This conversation spans decades of trailer history, touching on legendary campaigns for Batman Begins, Cinderella Man, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Social Network, The Book of Eli, Out of the Furnace, The Harder They Fall, and more. Along the way, Robert reflects on mentorship, artistic risk, industry shifts, and why unresolved emotion is the most powerful tool a trailer editor has. Whether you're a trailer editor, filmmaker, marketer, or creative of any kind, this episode is a masterclass in why craft matters—and why the best work starts with intuition, not templates. Key Takeaways Emotion Is the Job Robert explains that the ultimate goal of a trailer isn't explanation—it's feeling. A successful piece creates emotional tension that compels audiences to lean in and want more. Childhood Roots Shape Creative Voice From discovering Walkabout and Stockhausen records at the library to cutting cassette-tape collages, Robert traces how early experimentation laid the foundation for his editorial instincts. Short Form, Maximum Freedom Why trailers—rather than features—offered Robert the creative latitude he craved: non-linear storytelling, music-driven structure, and constant reinvention. Learning Through Repetition Cutting dozens of trailers at Roger Corman-adjacent companies gave Robert invaluable reps, sharpening both craft and judgment at speed. Mentorship & Creative Friction Stories from Intralink—including spirited debates with Anthony Goldschmidt—reveal how conflict, trust, and passion often lead to the strongest work. Teasers Aren't Ads—They're Invitations Robert reframes teasers as emotional groundwork, not sales pitches—particularly in franchise resets like Batman Begins. Adapting Without Betraying the Film From melancholy character studies (Out of the Furnace) to stylized genre pieces (The Harder They Fall), Robert discusses how to elevate a film while staying emotionally honest. Timing Can't Be Taught Comedy, horror, action—it all comes down to rhythm, anticipation, and release. And sometimes, knowing when to stop tweaking. Don't Cut the Same Way Twice Robert's advice to emerging editors: vary your approach. Start with music, dialogue, story, or even the ending—just don't get stuck in one process. Notable Quotes "The single most important thing we do is create a feeling—and leave it unresolved." "If you're thinking too much about how the audience will feel, you stop being emotionally open yourself." "You can't really teach timing. You know it when you feel it." "Teasers aren't always about selling the movie. Sometimes they're about demolishing expectations." "If you always approach a piece the same way, you're going to miss something." About Our Guest Robert Walker Trailer Editor — Buddha Jones Formerly Intralink Film Known for work on Batman Begins, Cinderella Man, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Book of Eli, The Social Network (TV), The Harder They Fall, and more. Robert is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally intuitive editors in the industry, blending experimental instincts with mainstream storytelling at the highest level. About the Host Corey Nathan Host & Executive Producer — Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods @coreysnathan on all platforms About This Episode This episode is part of our Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods series—encore conversations from across the show's history that remain timeless, insightful, and essential listening for anyone passionate about entertainment marketing and creative craft. Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management mezawealth.com The Golden Trailer Awards goldentrailer.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review wherever you listen Follow Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes and conversations with the people shaping entertainment marketing | — | ||||||
| 12/23/25 | BEST OF: Dwight Caines on Story, Strategy, and Leading With Conscience | What does it take to market movies that shape culture—and to lead with integrity when the stakes are highest? In this Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods episode, Corey Nathan revisits his powerful conversation with Dwight Caines, President of Domestic Marketing at Universal Pictures and one of the most respected voices in modern film marketing. One of our "best of's" since we brought this program back, this episode remains as relevant—and resonant—as ever. Dwight reflects on a career spanning Sony Pictures and Universal, working on iconic franchises including Spider-Man, James Bond, Oppenheimer, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. But this conversation goes far beyond campaigns and box office numbers. Dwight opens up about leadership, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, the responsibility of storytellers, and what it means to be a steady presence in moments of industry—and societal—turbulence. It's a masterclass in how great marketing starts with understanding people. Whether you're a trailer creative, studio exec, marketer, or emerging storyteller, this episode is a reminder that how you lead matters just as much as what you ship. Key Takeaways Story Starts With Audience Dwight explains why every campaign begins with a deep understanding of who the movie is for—and what emotional response it needs to evoke to get audiences off the couch and into theaters. From Data to Instinct With roots in market research, Dwight shares how the best campaigns balance data with gut, and why "research be damned" can sometimes be the bravest—and smartest—call. Digital Before It Was Cool As an early digital pioneer at Sony, Dwight recounts building online communities around films like Spider-Man long before digital marketing was standard practice. Leadership in Crisis Dwight reflects on moments when the industry—and the country—felt unsteady, and why authenticity, calm, and moral clarity are essential leadership traits. Mentorship & Representation From teaching at Syracuse and UCLA to shaping DEI initiatives at Universal and the Academy, Dwight makes the case that representation isn't performative—it's foundational to better work and better culture. Notable Quotes "If you see me running for the emergency exit, then trouble's coming. Otherwise, take it as a good sign." "Marketing is about evoking emotion. If you don't know what you want people to feel, the campaign won't land." "If you see it, you can be it. I didn't see myself in front of the classroom—so I decided to become that person." "Diversity isn't invitation. It's allowing people to show up authentically and be heard." Connect Dwight Caines President, Domestic Marketing – Universal Pictures Mentor, Educator, Industry Leader Corey Nathan Host – Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods @coreysnathan on all platforms About This Episode This episode is part of our Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods series—encore conversations from across the show's history that remain timeless, insightful, and essential listening for anyone passionate about entertainment marketing. Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com 24/96 Sound & Music Design – 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Soundstripe – app.soundstripe.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! | — | ||||||
| 12/10/25 | ![]() Cuts That Connect: Greg Krupka on Feel-First Storytelling | What do VHS edits, a childhood trumpet, and a passion for story-driven design have in common? This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, Corey Nathan sits down with Greg Krupka, Vice President and Creative Director at AV Squad, to unpack a path paved with relentless creativity, smart collaboration, and iconic trailer moments. From his early days at Emerson College to cutting theatrical campaigns that reverberate through pop culture, Greg shares a behind-the-scenes look at his philosophy, process, and passion for the craft. Whether guiding new creatives or breaking down a "popcorn moment" trailer cut, Greg brings sharp insight into what makes entertainment marketing truly memorable. Community Updates Support Skip's Heart Recovery Journey - gofund.me/9ef1ccfef Key Takeaways Early Roots in Storytelling From VHS-to-VHS edits at a public access station to film school at Emerson, Greg's storytelling instincts were honed through pure hustle and passion. The Art of the Tease Greg breaks down how theatrical trailers have evolved—from "What is the concept?" to "What's the vibe?"—and why feel is now as important as form. Creative Mentorship Shoutouts to key mentors who helped shape Greg's transition from editor to creative director. Intuition Over Ego Greg discusses the value of checking ego at the door, knowing when to pivot, and letting emotional resonance lead the creative. Notable Quotes "You get that little pit in your stomach when you see a trailer come together and realize—'We got something.' That's the juice." "The idea of 'popcorn moments'—those sticky, rewatchable bits—that's what we aim for. It's not just cuts and beats, it's memory fuel." "I don't ever want to be the smartest guy in the room. I want to be in the room that makes the smartest trailer." Connect AV Squad – @av_squad on Instagram Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com 24/96 Sound & Music Design – 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com Soundstripe – app.soundstripe.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! | — | ||||||
| 11/24/25 | ![]() Aaron Gershman - Senior Vice President, Creative Advertising at Lionsgate | From Strings to Screens: Aaron Gershman's Journey Across AV, Digital, and Design How does a former rock guitarist with zero design training become a creative force behind some of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant film campaigns of our time? This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, Corey Nathan sits down with Aaron Gershman, SVP of Creative Advertising at Lionsgate, whose journey from teenage rocker to "Pope of Posters" is anything but ordinary. From working on cult classics like Scott Pilgrim to crafting mind-blowing illustrated campaigns for John Wick 4, Aaron shares a deep-dive into the intersections of music, design, AV, and storytelling. 🎨 Whether he's collaborating with international artists or building visceral trailers that mix gunshots with throat singing, Aaron reveals how emotional intelligence, personal roots, and artistic instincts create unforgettable marketing. Community Updates Support Skip's Heart Recovery Journey - gofund.me/9ef1ccfef A Very Vibrant Celebration 2 - www.wearevibrant.org/events Key Takeaways Music Meets Marketing: Aaron's background as a musician and producer continues to shape how he sees rhythm, timing, and emotional arc—especially in AV. Poster Power: Learn how an artist-led, globally-sourced poster series for John Wick 4 redefined collaboration and style. From Minivan DVDs to Collectible Art: Aaron traces the evolution of home entertainment from functional formats to curated collectibles. Mentorship Matters: Behind every pivot in Aaron's career is a creative leader who inspired him—from Tom Gundred to Damon Wolf to Adam Fogelson. Embracing Change: From studio shakeups to creative setbacks, Aaron's mantra is to stay focused on the joy of building. Notable Quotes "My dad was a producer through and through. Even when I was a kid in a garage band, he'd come down and tell us, 'This song needs dynamics—quiet moments, loud moments.' Then he'd play The Doors to show us what he meant." — Aaron Gershman "I used to track artists on Instagram the same way I used to find bands. Now I follow over 5,000 illustrators for inspiration." — Aaron Gershman "The work didn't scare me—learning the language of trailers did. Corey, your podcast was like my AV crash course." — Aaron Gershman Featured Campaigns Mentioned John Wick 4 – Artist series posters The Strangers: Chapter 1 – Friggin' Bill Neil! Silent Night – Ode to Joy meets tactical violence Clerks III – Collaborating with Kevin Smith Sisu – Tribal, percussive, primal, and punchy Connect Lionsgate - @lionsgate on Instagram and TikTok Corey - @coreysnathan on all the socials Our Sponsors: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Join the Community Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review! Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives! | — | ||||||
| 11/10/25 | ![]() Shea Jones, Editor at X/AV | Between the Beats: From Texas Roots to Trailer Rhythms What does it take to edit trailers that breathe emotion, humor, tension, and awe—all in a few short minutes? This week, we sit down with Shea Jones, a self-proclaimed "rhythm cutter" whose musical instincts have defined some of the most memorable trailer moments of the last decade. Shea shares his origin story—from math-loving student in San Antonio to trailer editor at X/AV—along with insights into how he approaches genre, music, and storytelling. 🎵 Whether he's remixing action sequences with beat drops or building visual poetry around Taylor Swift lyrics, Shea reveals how the best trailers aren't just made—they're felt. This episode is a must-listen for creatives, editors, and trailer geeks alike. 💡 Key Takeaways Editing is Rhythmic: Shea describes himself as a "rhythm-based cutter," likening his editing flow to musical composition and even mathematics. Versatility is a Superpower: From horror and blockbuster action to emotional dramas, Shea's ability to pivot across genres comes from intuition and experimentation. Let the Music Speak: For projects like Daisy Jones & The Six and The Summer I Turned Pretty, lyrics drive narrative as much as visuals or dialogue. Compete with Yourself: In an industry full of talent, Shea's biggest rival is yesterday's version of himself. Culture Matters: A decade at XAV isn't just about work—it's about a team-first environment that nurtures people, not just projects. 🎤 Notable Quotes "There's a mathematics to trailers. It's not just beats—it's breathing, silence, and flow." — Shea Jones "The best finish is my next finish." — Shea Jones "Competing with others used to drive me. Now, I just want to keep getting better." — Shea Jones 🌐 Connect with X/AV Website: xav.la 🙌 Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Calls to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 10/23/25 | ![]() Sonic Sculptor: Lenny Jones on Sound Design, Artistry & Adaptation | How a music-obsessed Midwesterner built a sonic legacy from the mix stages of Hollywood to the classrooms of tomorrow — and why the future of sound is still human. In this sound-rich episode, Corey sits down with Lenny Jones, a virtuoso in the trailer audio world and founder of 24/96 Sound & Music Design. With over 190 feature film campaigns under his belt and a teaching post at the New York Film Academy, Lenny shares his journey from humble beginnings in Indiana to becoming a go-to source for immersive sound design in trailers, TV spots, and features. This episode is a masterclass in navigating creative evolution, embracing new tech like AI, and maintaining human connection in an increasingly digital industry. ❤️ Featured Cause: A Place Called Home In this episode, we highlight A Place Called Home (APCH), a transformative nonprofit in South Central LA that provides a safe, nurturing environment for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. Through arts, education, counseling, and mentorship, APCH helps build brighter futures — and stronger communities. 🎉 Shoutout to Brett Winn, this year's honoree at the APCH Gala! 🎟️ Upcoming Event: 2025 Gala – October 23rd, 2025 👉 Learn more or donate: https://apch.org ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics [00:00:00] 🎬 Welcome & Introduction: Corey introduces Lenny Jones, founder of 24/96 Sound [00:02:00] 🎓 Ball State to LA: Lenny's journey west & the Indiana trailer-maker pipeline [00:04:00] 🥁 From Drumming to Mixing: Music engineering roots & career pivots [00:05:00] 🧵 Soundproofing & Creativity: Inside Lenny's home studio (blankets, neon sculptures & Burning Man) [00:07:00] 🔊 Demystifying Mixing: What does a trailer mixer actually do? [00:10:00] 💽 Tech Transitions: From analog to Pro Tools to AI—how Lenny adapted [00:13:00] ⚙️ Staying Ahead: Tools, forums, and keeping sharp in a fast-moving field [00:16:00] 🚀 SSI to Entrepreneur: Why Lenny left a top post house to start 24/96 [00:19:00] 👨🏫 Teaching the Next Gen: Sound design at New York Film Academy [00:21:00] 🌍 Global Sound: Representing composers from Finland to Japan [00:24:00] 🎧 Case Study – Dave for FX: Breaking down a sound-rich launch trailer [00:29:00] 🥁 Travis Barker Spot: Behind-the-scenes with AV Squad & movieTickets.com [00:30:00] 🏢 Working with Studios vs. Agencies: Key differences & workflows [00:33:00] 🌪️ Navigating Industry Shifts: Covid, streaming slumps, AI & more [00:38:00] 🤖 AI in Audio: Helpful assistant or creative threat? Lenny weighs in [00:44:00] 🎨 Favorite Campaigns: Judas and the Black Messiah, TRON, & more [00:47:00] 🛠️ Career Advice: Build something you own + the people-first philosophy 🔑 Key Takeaways Balance Tech & People: Mastering tools like Pro Tools is essential, but relationships build lasting careers. Diversify Your Creative Income: Lenny juggles commercial work, a sound library, and teaching to stay adaptable. Leverage AI Carefully: Use tools like ChatGPT for metadata and titles, but don't let them replace human creativity. Keep Learning & Networking: Conferences, forums, and award shows remain vital for staying connected and inspired. 🎤 Notable Quotes "When you mix a trailer, you're sculpting the experience—balancing music, dialogue, and effects frame by frame." — Lenny Jones "The future of sound isn't AI replacing humans, it's AI empowering humans to do better, faster work." — Lenny Jones "Start your own company—even if you're working full-time. It's your safety net and your legacy." — Lenny Jones 🌐 Connect with Lenny & 24/96 Website: 2496soundandmusic.com Instagram: @2496soundandmusic LinkedIn: Lenny Jones 🙌 Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Calls to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 10/9/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 9) – with special guests Dawn Baillie and Clive Baillie and co-host Benedict Coulter | 🎬 From Posters to Powerhouses: The Legacy of Andy Kuehn Through BLT's Origins 📌 Episode Summary In this edition of our tribute series to Andy Kuehn—widely regarded as the father of the modern trailer industry—we're joined by special co-host Benedict Coulter and iconic guests Dawn Baillie and Clive Baillie, two of the co-founders of BLT Communications. Together, they retrace the creative and entrepreneurial journey that shaped BLT, and honor the enormous influence Andy had in nurturing creative independence and cultivating Hollywood glamor. This conversation is a deep dive into the culture and mentorship Andy built at Kaleidoscope Films, and how that environment catalyzed the formation of one of the most successful creative shops in entertainment advertising. 🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights [00:00:00] Welcome & intro 🎙️ [00:01:00] Meet Dawn & Clive Baillie of BLT Communications [00:02:00] Why BLT was formed: reclaiming artistry with the advent of Macs 💻🎨 [00:04:00] Clive's journey: set carpenter on Masters of the Universe to key art designer [00:06:00] Working at Cannon Films, Seiniger and Dazu [00:08:00] Dawn's unconventional entry from movie extra to design star [00:10:00] Building BLT with Rick Lynch, and a pivotal meeting with Andy Kuehn 🤝 [00:14:00] The bold idea: artists using their own computers—pre-Photoshop! [00:16:00] First impressions of Andy: bronzed, elegant, and unforgettable [00:19:00] Portfolio meets passion: BLT's pitch wins over Andy & Kaleidoscope [00:21:00] Benedict's POV: how BLT raised the creative bar at Kaleidoscope [00:24:00] Cross-medium collaborations: from Natural Born Killers to AV-Print synergy [00:28:00] Culture as a cornerstone: open creativity at Kaleidoscope [00:30:00] Andy's Hollywood home and unforgettable holiday parties 🎄🏡 [00:32:00] The essence of Andy: glamor, grace, and supportiveness [00:36:00] BLT reflects on the culture Andy helped build and their growth since [00:40:00] Warm memories from Kaleidoscope's Seward Street days [00:43:00] Benny shares how Andy shaped his leadership style at Trailer Park [00:47:00] Departures, transitions, and keeping Andy's legacy alive [00:49:00] Final reflections, laughs, and why we need to bring back Ascots 📝 Notable Quotes "Andy embodied that old Hollywood mystique—you wanted to be around him. You felt elevated just being in the room." — Dawn Baillie "We learned that the most important thing in a company is culture—and Andy created that." — Clive Baillie "If you support me creatively, I'll fly. Andy gave me wings." — Benedict Coulter 📚 Related Links 🌐 AJK Foundation: ajkfoundation.org – Support film preservation & LGBTQ+ cinema history. Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Calls to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 9/25/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 8) – with special guest Jim Gibbons and co-host Benedict Coulter | From Madison Ave to Hollywood: The Birth of a Trailer Empire 📌 Episode Summary This week, we continue our heartfelt tribute to Andy Kuehn, a visionary often considered the father of the modern trailer industry. This week, Corey and special co-host Benedict Coulter of REBEL welcome longtime industry luminary Jim Gibbons (EVP of Paramount, founder of Flamingo Films) who takes us on a journey through the formative years of trailer creation—from New York's Madison Avenue to Hollywood's 7️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Santa Monica Blvd. In this edition, we explore the early days of Kaleidoscope, Andy's legendary influence, and how the art of trailers evolved into what it is today. From pioneering trailer edits to running parallel campaigns against studio execs, Andy's legacy looms large. 🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights [00:00:00] Welcome & intro by Corey Nathan [00:01:00] Greg McClatchy on Andy Kuehn's AJK Foundation and film preservation 🌈🎞️ [00:03:00] Enter Jim Gibbons: From liquor stores to Kaleidoscope in 1969 [00:06:00] The story of Andy defying studio orders with A/B testing campaigns 📊🔥 [00:08:00] Jim's memories of Andy's legendary NYC loft salons 🥂🎭 [00:10:00] Launching Kaleidoscope in LA, reunions at 7026 Santa Monica Blvd [00:14:00] From Kaleidoscope to Utopia, and starting Flamingo Films [00:20:00] The evolution of trailer shops—from National Screen Service to creative boutiques [00:25:00] Behind-the-scenes on Star Wars, lasers, and early VFX 💥🛸 [00:30:00] From competitor to client: Jim working with Andy at Paramount [00:34:00] Collaboration with Benedict at Trailer Park [00:40:00] Reflections on transitioning from indie shops to studio system [00:44:00] Modern-day trailer creation: Streamers, social, digital 🎥📱 [00:45:00] What Jim misses most about Andy Kuehn [00:47:00] History of Kanew-Manger-Deutsch, Geronimo, and the rise of trailer giants [00:48:00] Signature sounds, trailer style debates, and fun industry lore 🎧😂 [00:50:00] Final reflections & gratitude 🌟 Notable Quotes "Andy created a standard... the tone was: be innovative. Don't settle for the norm." — Jim Gibbons "He was always Andy. That smile, that mustache. You couldn't miss him. You felt him in the room." — Jim Gibbons "We all owe a lot to Jim... he was part of the original group that really started it all with Andy." — Benedict Coulter 📚 Related Links 🌐 AJK Foundation: ajkfoundation.org – Support film preservation & LGBTQ+ cinema history. Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 9/11/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 7) – with special guest Gregory McClatchy and co-host Benedict Coulter | 🎬 Spielberg, Scott, Streisand & the Trailers Behind the Legends This week, we continue our heartfelt tribute to Andy Kuehn, the visionary known as the father of the modern trailer industry. In this episode, we're joined by Greg McClatchy, President of Motor Entertainment and longtime Kaleidoscope editor, along with returning guest Benedict Coulter, co-founder of REBEL and the original rock-star trailer editor. Together, they revisit their years at Kaleidoscope, the groundbreaking agency Andy Kuehn co-founded. From crafting trailers for The Omen and Top Gun to working with Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, and Tony Scott, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of modern trailer-making. 🎧 In this episode: The AJK Foundation and Andy's legacy work in film preservation How Kaleidoscope dominated the trailer industry in the 70s–90s Andy's unique style: part Clark Gable, part Don Draper What it was like working directly with legends like Spielberg and De Palma How Andy gave countless creatives their big break Reflections on Andy's mentorship, leadership, and generosity 💬 "Andy Kuehn wasn't just a boss. He was a mentor, a friend, and a creative force unlike any other." 🔗 Speecial Mention: AJK Foundation: ajkfoundation.org Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 8/29/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 6) – with special guest Margery Doppelt and co-host Benedict Coulter | The Words Behind the Magic – with special guest Margery Doppelt 🎙️ In this sixth installment of our special tribute to the legendary Andy Kuehn—founder of Kaleidoscope Films and godfather of the modern trailer—we're joined by a true industry icon: Margery Doppelt, one of the most influential and celebrated writers in motion picture advertising. 🎞️ Margery's iconic taglines and copy helped define decades of cinematic promotion—from Jurassic Park to Fatal Attraction and beyond. Her creative fingerprint is embedded in the DNA of trailer history. Joining us for this conversation is none other than Benedict Coulter, a legendary editor and co-founder of REBEL, who brings firsthand insight into Kaleidoscope's heyday and Andy's enduring legacy. Together, we share behind-the-scenes stories, reflect on a golden era of creativity, and celebrate the unique bond that made Kaleidoscope more than just a company—it was a creative home. 💫 🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights: [00:00:00] Welcome & remembering Andy Kuehn's impact through the AJK Foundation 🌈 [00:05:00] Introducing Margery Doppelt: writer behind the most iconic taglines [00:08:00] Her hilarious first taco at Lucy's El Adobe and surviving on $81/week 💵🌮 [00:10:00] How a missing script led to her first interaction with Andy [00:14:00] Margery's first big hits and her transition to writing 🎬 [00:18:00] Ryan O'Neal, outtakes, and the power of improvisation 😂 [00:25:00] Jurassic Park: the story behind "An adventure 65 million years in the making" 🦖 [00:29:00] Collaboration with editors and the lost art of copy in trailers [00:33:00] Why Andy's leadership created a golden age for creatives ✨ [00:37:00] The ripple effect: How Kaleidoscope alumni shaped the industry [00:45:00] Favorite campaigns, unforgettable lines, and why copy still matters [00:47:00] Parting reflections on Andy's legacy and what made him so special 💡 Key Takeaways: Margery's approach to copy was fearless, playful, and deeply intuitive. Andy's genius lay not just in his creative vision but in his ability to champion others. Kaleidoscope was more than a trailer house—it was a training ground for some of the industry's best. The collaboration between writer and editor was once a sacred space in trailer-making. The power of copy can still define a campaign—sometimes in just one unforgettable line. 📝 Notable Quotes: "Andy had this amazing gift—he was so talented and confident that he enjoyed other people's success." — Margery Doppelt "I know you f** her—anything else?"* — Margery, in a legendary moment with Ryan O'Neal 🤯 "A comedy and a drama—just like life." — Tagline from Nothing in Common "If adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones." — One of Margery's enduring classics 🏆 Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 8/20/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 5) – with special guest Vincent Arcaro and co-host Benedict Coulter | K-scope's Blueprint: Andy K. & The Architects of Modern Movie Advertising 🎙 Introduction: Joined by special guest Vincent Arcaro, President of Dark Light Pictures and a Kaleidoscope alum, and co-host Benedict Coulter. Together, they honor the legacy of Andy Kuehn, a creative force behind some of the most iconic trailers and a beloved mentor in the industry. Vince shares stories of his early days at Kaleidoscope, how Andy shaped the modern trailer business, and how deep personal bonds were formed through a shared love of movie magic. 📚 What We Discuss: How Andy Kuehn cultivated a culture of creative freedom and excellence at Kaleidoscope Vince Arcaro's journey from messenger to head of production and beyond The evolution of featurettes and their impact before EPKs Behind-the-scenes stories of major productions like Taxi Driver, Annie, and Smokey and the Bandit Why relationship-building and a producer's "black book" are still essential tools in the business 🎬 Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Vince Arcaro's start at Kaleidoscope in 1976 [00:03:00] Becoming a production manager "by fire" [00:06:00] Andy's management of creative "renegades" [00:12:00] Andy immerses himself as an extra on Eyes of Laura Mars [00:20:00] Vince's serendipitous hiring story [00:26:00] Kaleidoscope expands into titles and second unit work [00:35:00] Vince on hiring: "It's not about the degree—it's about the drive" [00:45:00] Favorite campaigns: Taxi Driver, Jaws, Annie PBS special [00:50:00] Final reflections on Andy's legacy 💬 Featured Quotes: "Andy had the perfect storm for creating movie advertising. He knew how to manage his creative staff... they were renegades." – Vincent Arcaro "Andy wasn't afraid to make a good mistake. He encouraged his editors to go for it." – Vincent Arcaro "Your most important asset as a producer is your black book." – Andy Kuehn (as shared by Vince) "He was like a big brother / father figure. I miss the stories, the dinners, the genuine interest in what we were doing." – Vincent Arcaro Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 8/11/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 4) – with special guest Mark Trugman and co-host Benedict Coulter | Andy's Nurturing Legacy and the Aura of Old Hollywood So cool to sit down with veteran entertainment advertising executive Mark Trugman to continue our tribute and honor the legacy of Andy Kuehn — a pioneer of the modern movie trailer industry and beloved founder of Kaleidoscope Films. And we're joined once again by our special co-host, Benedict Coulter. Mark shares his journey from graphic design and television promotion into the world of trailers, his first encounters with Andy, and the profound influence Andy's leadership style had on generations of creative talent. Together, they reflect on the culture Andy fostered, the careers he helped launch, and the personal memories that made him unforgettable. What We Discuss How Mark Trugman transitioned from television graphics to running one of the industry's most respected trailer companies. The leadership philosophy Andy Kuehn embodied — nurturing, non-proprietary, and deeply passionate. Inside stories about the unique culture at Kaleidoscope Films during its heyday. The ripple effect of Andy's mentorship on multiple generations of creative leaders in entertainment marketing. Anecdotes that reveal Andy's charisma, generosity, and larger-than-life presence both in and out of the office. Episode Highlights [00:02:00] Mark recalls his first job with Kaleidoscope Films — and a rookie mistake involving a "two-pop" that still makes him laugh. [00:09:00] The first meeting with Andy Kuehn, complete with a calf tan, a parrot, and quick-witted banter. [00:13:00] Life inside a small but mighty Kaleidoscope team — and the rite of passage that was Andy's 5 p.m. wine gatherings. [00:16:00] How Andy's and Steve's management styles gave editors room to create and clients reason to trust. [00:22:00] A vivid description of Andy's Moroccan villa and legendary holiday parties. [00:27:00] The last-minute speech Mark delivered at the Key Art Awards, honoring Andy after his passing. [00:36:00] Reflections on what Mark misses most about Andy and why his presence might have made the industry a kinder place. [00:42:00] The hilarious Academy Awards "seat switch" story that put Andy in Oliver Stone's spot on live television. Featured Quotes "Andy was the most passionate, supportive, enthusiastic person I've ever dealt with — there wasn't an ounce of cynicism in him." – Mark Trugman "It wasn't about heavy-handed management; it was about giving you the space to create and the encouragement to solve problems your way." – Mark Trugman "If you love doing something, why stop? It feeds your soul." – Benedict Coulter "The Beatles are always going to be the Beatles for a reason… Benedict, you're one of those rock stars." – Mark Trugman Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 8/4/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 3) – with special guest Deborah Luster and co-host Benedict Coulter | 🎙Crafting Legends & Honoring the GOAT For the 3rd installment of our tribute to Andy Kuehn, we're joined by legendary trailer editor Deborah Luster as well as our special co-host Benedict Coulter. We reflect on Deborah's incredible career in the film industry—and offer her memories and all the ways she was inspired by the late, great Andy Kuehn, the pioneering force behind Kaleidoscope Films. From working on iconic trailers like Jaws, Star Wars, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, Deb shares her journey from history major to senior trailer editor, offering behind-the-scenes stories that shaped a generation of movie marketing. 📚 What We Discuss: How Deborah Luster transitioned from history major to trailblazing trailer editor Why Jaws revolutionized the trailer industry—and Deb's role in its creation Andy Kuehn's lasting influence on Hollywood and the editors he mentored The culture and camaraderie of Kaleidoscope Films in the '70s and '80s How the trailer industry evolved from analog to digital—and what was lost ⏱ Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Deborah Luster shares how she transitioned from aspiring history teacher to trailer editing at Kaleidoscope [00:03:30] Working on the groundbreaking Jaws campaign and what made it such a shift in the industry [00:06:30] How hard it was to explain what a trailer editor did in the 1970s [00:08:00] First impressions of Andy Kuehn—his movie-star looks, big cigar, and magnetic presence [00:10:00] Andy's unique mentorship style: encouraging assistants to cut and giving them credit [00:11:00] Deb's work on iconic campaigns like Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Karate Kid, and War Games [00:15:00] The collaborative, non-competitive environment at Kaleidoscope and how it fostered growth [00:17:30] What production life was like before digital—three-martini lunches and slow film processes [00:19:00] Substance use in the 1970s–80s industry culture and how creativity evolved through it [00:21:30] Kaleidoscope's lasting influence through its alumni and standards of excellence [00:24:00] Remembering Andy's graciousness and leadership—even years after Deb left Kaleidoscope [00:29:00] Bill Cox's mentorship and the value of old-school editing rigor [00:37:00] Favorite trailers ever: Life of Brian, Alien, Taxi Driver, and more [00:41:00] How working with Andy opened doors to working with legends like Clint Eastwood 💬 Featured Quotes: "He was like the GOAT of trailers. Let's face it." – Deborah Luster "Andy wanted you to shine and be acknowledged for your work." – Benedict Coulter "It's basically like you're paying a studio to cut a movie for them because you want that prestige on your website." – Deborah Luster "Everybody participated in the Kaleidoscope of it all." – Benedict Coulter 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Jaws Trailer (1975) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1fu_sA7XhE Star Wars Original Teaser (1977) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ734NWnAHA Raiders of the Lost Ark Trailer (1981) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkkzKHCx154 The Life of Brian Trailer (1979) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKPmGjVFbrY Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 7/25/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn (Part 2) – with special guest Mike Camp and co-host Benedict Coulter | "Kaleidoscope University" - The Trailer Industry's Wild Beginnings Continuing our Tribute to Andy Kuehn, we're joined by Mike Camp, who got his start at Kaleidoscope Films under Andy, went on to serve as EVP at Paramount, EVP at Fox on the International side, and ulitmately was co-founder of the boutique agency ACME. And we're once again fortunate to have special co-host Benedict Coulter—often thought of as "the original rock star editor of the trailer industry" and now co-founder and owner of REBEL. What We Discuss: How Andy Kuehn inspired a generation of trailer editors and producers What it was like working at Kaleidoscope Films during its golden era Mike Camp's role in shaping campaigns for classics like Top Gun, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Titanic What it takes to launch a successful creative agency in Hollywood The art and philosophy of trailer-making, from the analog days to now Episode Highlights: [00:02:45] – Mike Camp reflects on how a favor for a college friend landed him at Kaleidoscope Films, launching a decades-long career in trailers. [00:07:10] – The unique, rowdy, and creatively explosive culture at Kaleidoscope: office wine tastings, horse racing bets, and midnight brainstorms. [00:14:30] – A pivotal phone call from Dawn Steel brings Mike to Paramount, where he joins a dream team at just 27 years old. [00:17:55] – The legendary 1986 Paramount slate: Top Gun, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Crocodile Dundee, and Star Trek IV. [00:23:20] – Andy Kuehn's distinctive trailer sensibility and how he elevated the artform by focusing on mood, music, and emotion. [00:28:40] – The creation of ACME: how Mike and his partners went all-in to build a new agency, and what set them apart. [00:36:50] – Mentoring and collaborating with a new generation, including the rising talent of Skip and his revolutionary graphics work. [00:49:15] – Reflections on Andy's enduring impact on trailer culture and how he empowered creatives with freedom and trust. [01:02:00] – The legacy continues: why Mike and Benny remain passionate about storytelling and honoring the roots of the craft. Featured Quotes: "A trailer is a song—it's meant to give you emotion. You're not selling the movie; you're selling a feeling." – Mike Camp "Andy championed us. He never said no to a wild idea. He always said: try it." – Benedict Coulter "The trailer's job is to get asses in seats. If the film does its job, they'll stay there." – Mike Camp "Andy was the heart of Kaleidoscope. He made you feel like you were truly in the movie business." – Mike Camp Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
| 7/17/25 | ![]() 🎙️ Tribute to Andy Kuehn – with special guest Skip Chaisson and co-host Benedict Coulter | Unearthing the Craft of Trailer Making In this special episode, we kick off a heartfelt tribute honoring Andy Kuehn—the father of the modern trailer industry and founder of Kaleidoscope Films. Corey is joined by two legendary figures: Skip Chaisson and Benedict Coulter. Together, they reflect on Andy's creative legacy, leadership style, and lasting influence on the art of trailer-making. 🔑 What We Discuss: The origin story of Kaleidoscope Films and Andy Kuehn's role in building the trailer industry Skip and Benny's personal experiences working under Andy's leadership How Andy's creative instincts elevated the craft of trailer editing Insights on leading through uncertainty and uplifting your creative community The evolution of trailer companies into full-service creative content studios ⏱️ Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Tribute Series kickoff – Why Andy Kuehn still matters [00:03:00] Skip Chaisson's incredible legacy in trailers [00:06:00] Corey shares a moving message on inclusion and supporting each other [00:13:00] Skip's journey from Columbia intern to Kaleidoscope to Skip Film to Wild Card [00:23:00] First impressions of Andy – "like a 1940s movie star" [00:30:00] Andy's 1000-foot view – how his feedback sharpened creative vision [00:37:00] A story about Andy recommending the perfect piece of trailer music [00:46:00] How Andy built a culture that empowered talent and community [00:52:00] Skip's dance scholarship and how it inspired his music choices 💬 Quotes to Remember: "Andy had this ability to look at a cut once and hone in on exactly what it needed." – Skip Chaisson "Some men need to succeed in order to belong. Some women need to belong in order to succeed." – Andy Kuehn (as remembered by Benedict Coulter) "He unearthed the talent in us... and championed it." – Benedict Coulter "We're going to need each other." – Corey Nathan Our Sponsors: 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/ Brent Allen Hagel: www.brentallenhagel.com Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com Call to Action: 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. Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤 | — | ||||||
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