Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods

Robert Hyams: From Film Reels to Avid – A Legendary Journey Through the Golden Age of Trailers


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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

Our Sponsors: 
  • 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! 🎬🎤

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Trailer Geeks and Teaser GodsBy SCAN Media, LLC

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