Nancy Kirhoffer (Post Production Supervisor & Producer) on Filmmaking, Post, & Test Screenings

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Kevin is joined by Nancy Kirhoffer, a highly experienced post-production supervisor, to delve into the intricacies of successfully bringing movies to completion.
Nancy Kirhoffer, Post-Production Supervisor
Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Nancy Kirhoffer, a distinguished post-production specialist with over 150 films to her name. With a remarkable career spanning indie films to blockbuster hits, Nancy has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of bringing movies to completion. In this episode, Nancy shares her insights on the intricacies of post-production, the challenges and rewards of audience test screenings, and the secrets to delivering a successful final product.
What is the role of a post-production supervisor/producer? (3:04)
Kevin and Nancy discuss the role of a post-production producer and the difference between a post-production producer and a post-production supervisor and how her role has changed over time.
How Nancy got her start by working with one of her idols (7:30)
Nancy recounts getting her start in Hollywood, crashing film classes, and how she went from a PA to working as an assistant with one of her idols, Mary Lambert.
Guiding first-time filmmakers through the screening process (16:07)
Nancy has done a lot of work with independent filmmakers and first-time directors. Kevin asks Nancy what it is like walking a first-time director through the screening process. Nancy discusses the importance of getting out of the editing room and into a theater to see how the movie plays on the big screen, and in front of an audience.
Screening surprises and Neighbors 2 (20:35)
Kevin asks Nancy about the biggest surprise she has seen at an audience test screening. Nancy talks about the screening for Neighbors 2 and the changes that had to be made to improve the testing scores.
Walking Olivia Wilde through her first test screening (22:54)
Nancy shares a story about the first audience screening for the movie Booksmart and walking first-time director Olivia Wilde through the screening process.
Working with Screen Engine/ASI and what sets them apart (28:19)
Nancy talks about working with Kevin’s company, Screen Engine/ASI, and how the moderators at Screen Engine have a real and genuine love of movies. The pair discuss some of the intricacies of audience screen testing, and how the moderator’s enthusiasm for movies can add authenticity to the screening process.
The most important questions asked at a screen test (32:18)
Kevin asks Nancy about moderator questions during a focus group. Kevin and Nancy both share the questions that they find to be the most useful to the filmmakers.
Advice for anyone wanting to go into the field of post-production (37:21)
Nancy discusses the role of post-production, and the skill set required to be a good post-production supervisor. She talks about money and time and being able to manage both while keeping a project on track.
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Nancy Kirhoffer
Producer: Kari Campano
For more information about Nancy Kirhoffer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-kirhoffer-b75007a/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0449331/
For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
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