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.

• 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.

• [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.

• “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

• 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! 🎬🎤

"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

• 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! 🎬🎤

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

• 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! 🎬🎤

Thought folks would enjoy hearing this one from all-time great, Chad Misner. So many of the pieces Chad's been involved with still get mentioned among the best trailers ever made. Enjoy...

Chad Misner, is well known and well loved as one of the most respected editors and creative directors of the entire trailer industry. Most recently Chad was the SVP of Creative Advertising at Focus Features and, prior to that was responsible for 2 of the greatest trailers of all time Little Children and The Social Network, among dozens, if not hundreds of other brilliant contributions. Some other favs:

• The Wrestler - https://vimeo.com/82565290
• Biutiful - https://vimeo.com/57498175
• Burn After Reading - https://vimeo.com/57433705

• 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! 🎬🎤

In this episode, host Corey Nathan sits down with Andrea Weeks, Executive Creative Director at AV Squad. A lifelong creative, Andrea brings a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing in Maine, a background in theater and film, and an impressive trajectory in the world of trailers and creative marketing. From her early days at Sony Pictures Classics to pioneering campaigns at AV Squad, Andrea shares her journey through the indie and mainstream worlds of film marketing.

What We Discuss:

• How AV Squad became 100% employee-owned and what that means culturally

• Andrea’s transition from theater to film and trailers

• The importance of mentorship and collaborative creativity

• Behind-the-scenes insights into trailers for major campaigns like Longlegs

• How Andrea’s artistic upbringing informs her creative leadership

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:00] AV Squad becomes employee-owned: the announcement and cultural impact

• [00:04:00] Growing up in a Maine artist colony with a creative family

• [00:12:00] Andrea’s first exposure to film and passion for political theater

• [00:18:00] Interning at Sony Pictures Classics and finding a way into film

• [00:27:00] Spotting the rise of Netflix and seizing new opportunities

• [00:34:00] Transitioning from New York to LA and joining AV Squad

• [00:49:00] Crafting the Longlegs campaign and fostering company-wide collaboration

• [00:54:00] Mentorship and developing young talent in the creative industry

Featured Quotes:
“The arts are a way to help shift the world.” – Andrea Weeks
“Being invited into the creative space of a film is a privilege—and building trust is everything.” – Andrea Weeks
“Everyone knows I’m a huge admirer of AV Squad… it’s the spirit of the company that really stands out.” – Corey Nathan

Resources Mentioned:
AV Squad – https://www.avsquad.com/
Ghetto Film School – https://www.ghettofilm.org/

• 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! 🎬🎤

This episode is definitely for "trailer geeks" because host Corey Nathan and this week's guest Jonny Elwyn totally geek out over some great trailers.

So on this edition, we sit down with Jonny Elwyn—a freelance editor and writer based in London—to explore the creative freelance lifestyle, the trailer industry, and Jonny’s popular newsletter This Week in Movie Trailers (TWIMT). Jonny shares his journey through film editing and writing, his strategies for staying productive, and how he built a data-driven trailer newsletter that’s catching the attention of the industry.

What We Discuss:

• How Jonny Elwyn built a successful freelance career

• Insights into balancing parenting, editing, and side hustles

• Why collaboration beats competition in creative industries

• The origin and purpose of This Week in Movie Trailers

• Trends Jonny has uncovered from trailer viewership data

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:00] Meet Jonny Elwyn – editor, writer, and creator of TWIMT

• [00:04:00] Choosing editing over directing in film school

• [00:06:00] Why fellow freelancers can be your best asset

• [00:10:00] Monetizing blogs and building a writing income

• [00:30:00] How Jonny built the TWIMT trailer tracking system

• [00:38:00] Surprising data insights about trailer performance

• [00:44:00] Why trailer editors deserve more credit

• [00:50:00] What’s next for TWIMT—and how the industry can help shape it

Featured Quotes:
"Your competition is actually your best community." – Jonny Elwyn
"It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t give up." – Jonny Elwyn
"People just want to see the trailers. No filler—just the good stuff." – Jonny Elwyn

Resources Mentioned:

• This Week in Movie Trailers (TWIMT): movietrailers.pro/
• Jonny’s Newletter on Post: www.cut-daily.com
• Jonny's Blog: jonnyelwyn.co.uk

• 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! 🎬🎤

In this nostalgic episode of Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, host Corey Nathan sits down with the legendary Robert Hyams, a pivotal figure in the evolution of movie marketing. From his start in the mailroom at Kaleidoscope to his influential role in both trailers and studio post-production, Rob shares fascinating stories of the people, technologies, and transitions that shaped the industry. With over four decades in the business and a reputation for never missing a deadline or going over budget, Rob offers unmatched insight into the trailer world’s past and future.

What We Discuss:

• How the trailer industry evolved from physical film to digital workflows

• What it was like working at Kaleidoscope, Picture Mill, and on the studio side

• The creative and technical challenges behind finishing trailers

• Why certain people in post became icons in the field

• Advice for the next generation entering the film and entertainment industry

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:00] Rob and Corey reflect on how they met — a chance call that launched a career

• [00:07:00] Rob’s early days at Kaleidoscope and the family legacy that brought him to Hollywood

• [00:15:00] The revolutionary shift from film to video editing and Rob's role in the transition

• [00:24:00] Working with Hollywood legends like Ralph E. Winters and lessons learned in the cutting room

• [00:31:00] The introduction of Avid and how trailer editors embraced new tech faster than studios

• [00:39:00] Founding Picture Mill and the birth of a new kind of graphics/post company

• [00:44:00] Insights into the decline of film labs and the rise of digital intermediate

• [00:50:00] Rob’s thoughts on the future of post-production and storytelling in the age of AI and streaming

• [00:56:00] The stories behind iconic trailer copy lines and Rob’s gratitude for the community

Featured Quotes:
"You could take a 10-pound bag of crap and cut it down to a five-pound bag of crap. Still a bag of crap." — Robert Hyams, quoting Ralph E. Winters
"We weren’t just adapting to change—we were the change." — Robert Hyams
"Working union? Live better. You get health benefits and a pension. It's huge." — Robert Hyams

Resources Mentioned:

• Coming Attractions - A History of the Movie Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FA3lgVcwFc

• Night on the Town (Rick Goldstein's film): www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzOsRBjtrLQ

• 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! 🎬🎤