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In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the mastermind behind billion-dollar blockbusters, including Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, Bad Boys, Beverly Hills Cop, and the television shows CSI, The Amazing Race, and Fire Country. Bruckheimer shares insights into his detailed approach to filmmaking, the power of test screenings, and what it takes to consistently deliver crowd-pleasing entertainment.

The Power of Audience Testing (01:22)

Bruckheimer emphasizes the crucial role audience research has played in his success, citing examples like Armageddon and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which both saw significant improvements in test screening scores.

The Origins of Top Gun and Casting Tom Cruise (08:49)

Bruckheimer reveals how Top Gun almost didn't get made due to studio concerns about airplane movies, and his brilliant strategy of arranging for Tom Cruise to fly with the Blue Angels, which sealed Cruise's commitment to the project.

Learning from The Lone Ranger (18:05)

Goetz and Bruckheimer analyze why The Lone Ranger didn't connect with audiences, emphasizing how budget discussions overshadowed the creative vision and the importance of early concept testing.

F1: The Upcoming Blockbuster (24:20)

Bruckheimer details the three-year process of making F1, from convincing Formula 1 teams to participate to achieving record-breaking test screening scores.

Working with Hollywood Legends (29:22)

Bruckheimer shares personal stories about collaborating with icons like Gene Hackman, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, and Johnny Depp.

Television Empire and The Amazing Race (40:01)

With 10 Emmy wins for The Amazing Race and over 2000 episodes across franchises like CSI and Fire Country, Bruckheimer discusses his approach to television and how he maintains the quality across multiple projects.

Over the course of the interview, Bruckheimer shares how his pursuit of perfection, genuine respect for audiences, and ability to adapt while maintaining his core philosophy, "I don't make movies for anybody but the audience," contributed to his mega success. His insights reveal the strategic thinking and collaborative spirit behind some of Hollywood's biggest franchises.

Host: Kevin Goetz

Guest: Jerry Bruckheimer

Producer: Kari Campano

Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, and Kari Campano

Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)

For more information about Jerry Bruckheimer:

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Bruckheimer

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000988/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrybruckheimer/?hl=en

For more information about Kevin Goetz:

Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com

Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678

How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-to-Score-in-Hollywood/Kevin-Goetz/9781982189860

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Substack: @KevinGoetz360

Linked In @Kevin Goetz

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In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Arnold Rifkin, the legendary talent agent who pioneered the concept of a total talent agency and helped build one of Hollywood's most recognizable action stars. From founding Triad Artists to leading William Morris's film division and producing blockbuster films alongside Bruce Willis, Rifkin has built careers, brokered deals, and produced films over the course of four decades. He shares candid stories about deal-making, friendship, and the business of entertainment.

Building an Agency Empire (03:21)

Rifkin discusses his sales DNA, inherited from his father, and founding an agency with Nicole David for just $1,500. He also shares the story of discovering Bruce Willis and building Triad Artists into a powerhouse before being acquired by William Morris.

Bruce Willis Partnership and Discovery (11:52)

Arnold shares Bruce's Moonlighting casting story, including his first impression, their shared speech impediment, and how Bruce's swagger and humor made him a star, despite not being a typical leading man.

The Die Hard Deal and Negotiation Mastery (19:26)

Arnold reveals the high-stakes negotiation technique he used that secured Bruce Willis $5 million for Die Hard. He also shares the Look Who's Talking voiceover deal and the Seagram's wine cooler campaign, which shed light on his deal-making prowess.

From Agent to Producer (26:57)

Rifkin explains his decision to leave agenting after 35 years, partnering with Bruce Willis to form Cheyenne Entertainment, and his spiritual transformation through Native American practices that guided this major career shift.

Bruce's Health and Honoring His Legacy (34:22)

Arnold speaks movingly about maintaining his friendship with Bruce during his health challenges, their continued Friday lunches, and plans to honor Bruce's legacy through a documentary with his new company, Incite.

Life Philosophy and Legacy (42:34)

Rifkin reflects on choosing abundance over scarcity, teaching at UCLA for 15 years, raising five children, and how true success isn't about material possessions but about the impact you make on others.

Throughout the conversation, Rifkin demonstrates the relationship-building, risk-taking, and loyalty that defined his extraordinary career. From an immigrant’s son to Hollywood power broker, his journey offers insights into deal-making, friendship, and the human side of the entertainment industry.

Host: Kevin Goetz

Guest: Arnold Rifkin

Producer: Kari Campano

Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano

Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)

For more information about Arnold Rifkin:

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_Rifkin

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0726476/

Incite Studios: https://www.incite-studios.com/

For more information about Kevin Goetz:

Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com

Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678

How to Score in Hollywood Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-to-Score-in-Hollywood/Kevin-Goetz/9781982189860

Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Substack: @KevinGoetz360

Linked In @Kevin Goetz

Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.

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In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Scott Ross, a pioneering figure in the visual effects industry. As the former general manager of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Senior VP of LucasArts Entertainment, and co-founder of Digital Domain with James Cameron and Stan Winston, Scott Ross shares insights into the evolution of visual effects, from practical models to the digital revolution. His impressive portfolio includes iconic films like Star Wars, Terminator 2, Titanic, Apollo 13, and What Dreams May Come, and in this conversation, Ross reflects on working with some of Hollywood's greatest directors and creative minds.

Early Career and Entry into Visual Effects (01:59)
Ross talks about his unexpected journey from studying film at Hofstra University to running ILM.

The Evolution of Visual Effects (04:26)
Ross offers a historical perspective on the development of visual effects, from early innovations like The Great Train Robbery and Trip to the Moon, through the stop-motion animation of King Kong, to the groundbreaking digital effects of the 1980s.

Working at Industrial Light and Magic (09:19)
Ross recounts his experience running ILM, explaining how he rose through the ranks despite having limited direct experience with the optical and chemical processes used before the digital era.

Seminal Projects: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (15:04)
Ross shares insights on his groundbreaking work on Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Collaborating with George Lucas and James Cameron (17:57)
Ross offers candid reflections on working with George Lucas and his partnership with James Cameron in founding Digital Domain.

Visual Effects Economics and Challenges (25:54)
Ross explains why visual effects are so expensive, mainly due to the enormous personnel requirements.

The Impact of AI on Visual Effects (30:36)
Ross offers a balanced view of artificial intelligence as both "an incredibly wonderful technology" and a potentially frightening force that could eliminate jobs.

Reflections on Iconic Films (39:09)
In a rapid-fire segment, Ross shares memories of working on films like Apollo 13, Titanic, Terminator 2, and What Dreams May Come.

Throughout the conversation, Ross shares his perspective as a business leader who navigated the transition from creating practical to digital effects, offering both historical context and insights about the future of filmmaking as the technology continues to evolve.

We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger! Please leave us a review or connect on social media.

Host: Kevin Goetz

Guest: Scott Ross

Producer: Kari Campano

Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano

Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)

For more information about Scott Ross:

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Ross_(film_executive)

IMDB:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0743824/

Upstart: The Digital Film Revolution (Book): https://a.co/d/iRhI0uR

For more information about Kevin Goetz:

Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com

Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678

Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack: @KevinG