Neal Moritz (Producer) Discusses the Film Industry, Filmmaking, and More!

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Kevin is joined by one of the most prolific and successful film producers of all time, Neal Moritz.
Neal Moritz, Producer
Neal Moritz has produced over 70 films that have grossed over $11 billion worldwide. Neal founded the production company Original Film and is responsible for projects such as Sonic the Hedgehog, The Escape Room, 21 Jump Street, Passengers, XXX, as well as the TV series Prison Break and The Boys. He started with movies like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Cruel Intentions and went on to produce the Fast and the Furious franchise.
The only opinion that really counts (1:53)
Kevin and Neal jump right into the importance of audience research as Kevin asks Neal which test screenings stand out for him. Neal discusses the process and how it could be the best night of his life, an okay night, or a terrible night as he awaits the results. They go on to discuss major changes that were made to Escape Room, and how the audience reacted to the highly publicized redrawing of the Sonic the Hedgehog character.
The most important question asked in an audience screening (8:21)
Neal to identifies the single most important question asked in an audience test screening. This leads to an interesting discussion about the types of questions that are asked, how to sift through the noise, & how the findings can lead to important changes in the films.
Screening Fast and the Furious 7 after the tragic passing of a star (13:59)
Neal recalls his most memorable screening. Neal describes the decision to continue filming Fast and the Furious 7 after Paul Walker’s tragic passing. Neal shares the fear and nervousness he felt while finishing the movie. Kevin & Neal discuss the iconic final scene and how the audience’s emotional reaction at the test screening proved that Moritz and the studio made the right decision.
Neal’s favorite genre (17:29)
Neal talks about the challenges he enjoys when producing action movies. He discusses 21 Jump Street and how the combined use of action and comedy makes this his favorite type of movie to produce.
How a canvas backpack led to a Hollywood career (29:43)
Neal tells the story of how he got started in Hollywood. He talks about his childhood of growing up in a family-owned movie theater, then becoming an entrepreneur selling canvas backpacks that he saw in China, and his decision to sell his company to become a producer.
The future of the film industry (33:59)
Kevin and Neal discuss the moviegoing experience in the face of the rise of streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. Neal talks about the value of seeing a movie in the theater, and how he decides which of his projects should be released theatrically versus streaming. The conversation turns to the economics of moviemaking and the value of having a proven producer attached to a film project.
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Neal Moritz
Producer: Kari Campano
For more information about Neal Moritz’s upcoming projects:
Website: https://www.originalfilm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalFilm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhmoritz/
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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