Greenlit Kast Media | Buffalo 8

Mark Gill joins us for an in-depth conversation about the world of independent and studio producing, outlining his career trajectory along the way. Starting out as a journalist, Mark quickly pivoted to publicity, a job which put him in touch with the film industry. Soon, Mark was working for influential companies such as MGM, United Artists, and Miramax. Working in various roles on films such as Pulp Fiction,The English Patient, Law Abiding Citizen, Olympus has Fallen, and Unhinged, Mark steadily climbed the ladder from marketing to producing, eventually starting his own string of companies and never looking back.

 

Mark and Matthew talk about the importance of adaptability, the power of theatrical releases, and the most important skills Mark has carried with him throughout his career: storytelling and organized thinking.

Jack Binder joins us to discuss independent and studio producing, two fields which he has operated in for several decades with great success. Jack speaks to working with his brother – comedian, writer, director, and actor Mike Binder – as well as working on several solo projects. He discusses the importance of being a good collaborator, as well as producing both internationally and domestically. 

Producing films such as Reign Over Me and First Reformed, Jack has a knack for identifying strong stories which studios often overlook. In this episode, Jack and Matthew discuss the process of producing different films, the creative relationship with his brother, and his career over the years.

Rob Barnum joins us to discuss independent producing, his collaboration with writer and director J.C. Chandor, the challenges of producing at all levels, and how the world of independent producing has changed post-streaming. Barnum has produced many films over the years, successfully navigating the ever changing landscape of independent film, making such films as All is Lost and Margin Call. Chatting with Matthew, Rob reflects on these changes and what it means for producers, independent projects, and the industry as a whole.

Barnum’s projects with Bondit Media Capital include On The Line, Ida Red, Body Brokers, Night Hunter, and The Con Is On.

Bobby Goldstein joins us for a hilarious, quick-witted conversation surrounding the creation and production of his now infamous show Cheaters, which ran for twenty-one seasons and continues to live on through syndication. His do-it-yourself attitude and extensive business savvy makes for an extremely informative episode on producing independent television. His secret: “work like prayer won’t help, and pray like work won’t help.” 

Bobby is currently working on creating a feature film adaptation about the development of Cheaters, a comedic tale of how a grassroots producer created a legendary television show.

Bill Mechanic is one of the most successful studio executives of all time, and has been instrumental in the development, production, and distribution of some of the most influential films of the 20th and 21st century. Now CEO and Chairman of Pandemonium Films, Bill and Matthew discuss his storybook career, from the glory days at Paramount, to the building of Disney, to becoming the CEO and Chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment, where the studio would earn seventy-two Oscar nominations in six years under his leadership. 

Involved in films such as Footloose, Top Gun, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Independence Day, Braveheart, Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Titanic, and Fight Club, Bill shares countless stories from the viewpoints of both a business executive and a producer.

Joe Lewis joins us for a highly informational conversation surrounding Joe’s career, his approach to independent producing, and how he got his start by understanding the current state of the industry while simultaneously looking towards the future. Earning his first credit helping create Comedy Central’s Tosh.O, Joe would go on to produce Transparent, Fleabag, Mozart in the Jungle, and 100 Foot Wave. 

 

Joe and Matthew discuss the benefits of independent producing, the importance of confidence, and the manifestations of his various award-winning projects.