Seen on Screen with Jacqueline Coley : Taking Risks and Making Hits in Film Production with Matt Reilly
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What makes a movie unforgettable? In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Matt Reilly, Executive Vice President of Production Development at Universal Pictures, for an inside look at the creativity and strategy behind some of the studio’s boldest projects.
From gritty crime dramas like The Town to the wild chaos of Cocaine Bear, Matt shares stories of championing unique concepts, developing genre-defying hits, and collaborating with visionary filmmakers. He dives into how bold pitches like Violent Night evolve into audience favorites, the role of test screenings in shaping films, and the thrill of taking risks on unconventional stories.
A lifelong fan of cinema, Matt reflects on his admiration for films like The Exorcist and Die Hard, the power of storytelling to captivate audiences, and how Universal Pictures balances fresh ideas with respect for its iconic legacy. Whether it’s reviving beloved franchises or creating the next cult classic, Matt offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to keep audiences coming back to theaters.
From gritty crime dramas like The Town to the wild chaos of Cocaine Bear, Matt shares stories of championing unique concepts, developing genre-defying hits, and collaborating with visionary filmmakers. He dives into how bold pitches like Violent Night evolve into audience favorites, the role of test screenings in shaping films, and the thrill of taking risks on unconventional stories.
A lifelong fan of cinema, Matt reflects on his admiration for films like The Exorcist and Die Hard, the power of storytelling to captivate audiences, and how Universal Pictures balances fresh ideas with respect for its iconic legacy. Whether it’s reviving beloved franchises or creating the next cult classic, Matt offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to keep audiences coming back to theaters.
Seen on Screen with Jacqueline Coley
"Seen on Screen" is your ticket to the personal narratives behind the scenes at Universal. Hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, each episode invites you into lively conversations with NBCUniversal employees. Together, we explore how the magic of filmed entertainment impacts their lives.
With a blend of games and questions, Jacqueline guides us through a journey of cinematic discovery, asking guests to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, changed them forever, or even scared the daylights out of them.
At Universal, we believe that behind every film, campaign, and award lies a human story waiting to be told. "Make It Universal" isn’t just a mantra – it’s a commitment to celebrating the diversity, individuality, and collective experiences that make us truly universal. From the directors to the executives, from the famous faces to the unsung heroes, every voice matters.
So, join us as we Make It Universal on "Seen on Screen," where every story is meaningful, every experience is relatable, and every moment is filled with magic. Because when art and entertainment connect with people on a human level, that's when the real magic happens.
With a blend of games and questions, Jacqueline guides us through a journey of cinematic discovery, asking guests to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, changed them forever, or even scared the daylights out of them.
At Universal, we believe that behind every film, campaign, and award lies a human story waiting to be told. "Make It Universal" isn’t just a mantra – it’s a commitment to celebrating the diversity, individuality, and collective experiences that make us truly universal. From the directors to the executives, from the famous faces to the unsung heroes, every voice matters.
So, join us as we Make It Universal on "Seen on Screen," where every story is meaningful, every experience is relatable, and every moment is filled with magic. Because when art and entertainment connect with people on a human level, that's when the real magic happens.
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