What happens when a technology-minded New Yorker stumbles into Hollywood and ends up reshaping how the industry makes trailers, title sequences, and motion graphics for the next three decades?

This week, Eric Ladd joins the show to talk about his winding path from floppy disk drives and Bank of America to running Novocom, building Pittard Sullivan into a global powerhouse, and founding Picture Mill, one of the most influential design and motion graphics companies in entertainment marketing history. Now he's doing it again with Ignite XR, creating AR and social content tools contracted by TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Along the way, the conversation covers how Picture Mill got its name (in a single impulsive moment at a lunch meeting), the deal that fell apart and sent half of Pittard's leadership out the door to start their own companies, and how Eric pioneered digital before the industry even had a name for it. He also shares what it was like to shoot the Mandalay tiger in Hawaii, fly to Edwards Air Force Base with a first-time solo pilot to blow up a quarter-scale hotel, and pitch George Lucas on a Star Wars re-release trailer using a clip of Apocalypse Now on VHS.

Key Takeaways

Confidence Is a Skill Before leaving Pittard, Eric had already grown Novocom from two people to sixty. That track record gave him the credibility to walk into Aspect Ratio's Citrus lunch meeting with an $8.5M business plan he'd written in two hours — and walk out with a credit line and the name Picture Mill.

The People You Work With Are the Real Portfolio When asked about favorite campaigns, Eric sidestepped the question entirely: "I have favorite people." The relationships formed in those early years, including editors, designers, producers, directors, are what he actually carries forward.

Know When to Leave, and Who Should Replace You At Pittard, Eric not only knew when his time was up, he named Anne Epstein as the person who should take the job. Succession thinking and generosity with credit have been constants throughout his career.

Bleeding Edge Requires a Tolerance for Uncertainty Whether it was scanning and comping an entire Spike Lee trailer in the early days of digital, pioneering AR filters on Snapchat before the platforms knew what to do with them, or landing a contract with ByteDance by simply delivering a working product without being asked, Eric's approach has always been to figure it out first and explain it later.

AI Is a Tool, Not a Threat... If You Have Ideas The conversation about AI cuts to the heart of what this show is about. Eric's view: "It all comes down to ideas." AI can execute, but someone still has to direct it. The people who will struggle are those who were already functioning as tools themselves.

Notable Quotes

"I went over there at five o'clock and Ed and I were there till ten. We just clicked."

"I said, 'You can't afford me.' He said, 'How much do you want?' Six months later my paycheck just went WHOOSH."

"When we came back from lunch, we'd hired every one of those people in the waiting room."

"It all comes down to ideas. AI can give you ideas, but it lacks what humans can do with them."

"A lot of being successful has to do with wherewithal. If you can hang in there long enough, you can be successful doing anything."

"When we're gone, those stories are gonna be gone with us." "Not anymore. They're on the record!"

Connect

• Eric Ladd — ignitexr.com
• Corey Nathan — @coreysnathan on all platforms

Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com

• The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

Join the Community

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

What does it take to break into the trailer business, survive the agency grind, and help shape campaigns for some of the biggest films of the last two decades?

This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, we sit down with Creative Director, Producer and Creative Executive Kazadi Katambwa to discuss craft, career, and creative instinct. Kazadi walks through his journey from film-loving college student in the Midwest to runner at Wiser Post, to assistant editor at Intralink, and eventually to cutting and producing major theatrical campaigns for films like The Dark Knight, Inception, Dunkirk, Mad Max: Fury Road, and many more.

Along the way, the conversation explores the realities of Hollywood career paths, the importance of mentorship, and the delicate art of marketing great movies without getting in their way. Kazadi shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Christopher Nolan, the challenge of distilling high-concept films into thirty seconds, and the creative leap from editor to producer to studio executive.

From humble beginnings with a Thomas Guide in the passenger seat to shaping global campaigns at Amazon Studios, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and hard-earned wisdom for anyone who loves trailers or dreams of making them.

Key Takeaways

From Runner to Creative Voice Kazadi reflects on starting at the very bottom of post-production and learning the craft by watching great editors work. Patience, curiosity, and a willingness to say yes opened doors that formal plans never could.

Reverse Engineering Great Trailers Early on, Kazadi studied timelines and cuts to understand how trailers were built. That hands-on education became the foundation of his editorial instincts.

Working on The Dark Knight and Inception Marketing films of that caliber brought unique pressures. Great movies can be harder to market because the campaign must rise to the same level of excellence.

Quiet Can Be Louder Than Loud On campaigns like Dunkirk, restraint and confidence became creative tools. Sometimes a simple heartbeat and the right image communicate more than any barrage of sound.

The Power of Relationships Career moves from Intralink to Seismic to Buddha Jones happened through trust and collaboration. In trailer marketing, reputation and relationships remain everything.

Evolving From Editor to Executive Moving from the editing chair to creative leadership required a new mindset. Protecting the creative while guiding teams became the next chapter of the journey.

Understanding Filmmakers Working with directors like Christopher Nolan reinforced a crucial lesson. Great campaigns respect the filmmaker's vision and find ways to amplify it rather than replace it.

Notable Quotes

"Sometimes marketing a bad movie is hard. But marketing a great movie can be even harder."

"Loud is not always the best thing. Quiet can be just as powerful."

"Study the timeline. That's where the education really happens."

"The best trailers feel confident. You can sense when a campaign is trying too hard."

"Relationships are what move careers forward in this town."

Connect

• Kazadi Katambwa – linkedin.com/in/kazadi-katambwa-819921123

• Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms

Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com

• The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

Join the Community

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

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What do trailers, legendary movie posters, streaming era strategy, and a deep love for theatrical storytelling have in common?

This week on Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods, Corey is joined by Debi Struzan and Dana Flowers-Mitchell for a deeply personal conversation about careers shaped by creativity, collaboration, and conviction. From Debi's early days at Seiniger Advertising and her connection to the iconic Drew Struzan legacy, to Dana's journey from agency producer to studio and streaming executive, the conversation traces how great entertainment marketing is built at the intersection of story, trust, and human connection.

Together, Debi and Dana reflect on mentorship, studio versus agency life, the evolution of theatrical and streaming windows, and what still matters most when crafting campaigns that resonate. Along the way, the discussion touches on everything from horror trailers and prestige dramas to boxing workouts, late night calls, and why picking up the phone still matters.

Key Takeaways

From Agency to Studio and Back Again Both guests share how starting on the agency side shaped the way they later partnered with creative teams once they moved into studio and streaming roles, fostering deeper empathy and stronger collaboration.

The Legacy of Drew Struzan Debi reflects on the influence of her father-in-law, legendary illustrator Drew Struzan, and the enduring impact of handcrafted movie poster art in a rapidly changing industry.

Why Relationships Still Win Dana and Debi emphasize that despite new tools, platforms, and pressures, strong relationships and direct communication remain essential to solving creative problems and building trust.

Theatrical Is Not Dead The conversation challenges the idea that movie theaters are fading, pointing instead to evolving audience behaviors and the continued power of shared cinematic experiences.

Creativity in an Era of Change From AI anxiety to shrinking budgets, the discussion explores how agencies and creatives can adapt while protecting the core value of original ideas and emotional storytelling.

Notable Quotes

"People still want to be moved together in a room. Theatrical is not dying. It's evolving."

"You can solve a lot of problems just by picking up the phone."

"The big idea still matters. Tools can change, but concept is everything."

Connect

• Debi Struzan - www.linkedin.com/in/debistruzan
• Dana Flowers-Mitchell: www.linkedin.com/in/dana-flowers
• Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms

Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com

• The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

Join the Community

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

What does it mean to truly feel a trailer—and how do you translate that feeling into something that moves an audience?

In this Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods episode, Corey Nathan revisits his wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation with Robert Walker, one of the most influential and respected trailer editors working today.

From his early experiments with cassette-tape collages and experimental music to shaping iconic campaigns at Intralink and Buddha Jones, Robert shares how a lifelong obsession with sound, rhythm, and emotion led him to a career defined not by formulas—but by feeling.

This conversation spans decades of trailer history, touching on legendary campaigns for Batman Begins, Cinderella Man, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Social Network, The Book of Eli, Out of the Furnace, The Harder They Fall, and more. Along the way, Robert reflects on mentorship, artistic risk, industry shifts, and why unresolved emotion is the most powerful tool a trailer editor has.

Whether you're a trailer editor, filmmaker, marketer, or creative of any kind, this episode is a masterclass in why craft matters—and why the best work starts with intuition, not templates.

Key Takeaways Emotion Is the Job

Robert explains that the ultimate goal of a trailer isn't explanation—it's feeling. A successful piece creates emotional tension that compels audiences to lean in and want more.

Childhood Roots Shape Creative Voice

From discovering Walkabout and Stockhausen records at the library to cutting cassette-tape collages, Robert traces how early experimentation laid the foundation for his editorial instincts.

Short Form, Maximum Freedom

Why trailers—rather than features—offered Robert the creative latitude he craved: non-linear storytelling, music-driven structure, and constant reinvention.

Learning Through Repetition

Cutting dozens of trailers at Roger Corman-adjacent companies gave Robert invaluable reps, sharpening both craft and judgment at speed.

Mentorship & Creative Friction

Stories from Intralink—including spirited debates with Anthony Goldschmidt—reveal how conflict, trust, and passion often lead to the strongest work.

Teasers Aren't Ads—They're Invitations

Robert reframes teasers as emotional groundwork, not sales pitches—particularly in franchise resets like Batman Begins.

Adapting Without Betraying the Film

From melancholy character studies (Out of the Furnace) to stylized genre pieces (The Harder They Fall), Robert discusses how to elevate a film while staying emotionally honest.

Timing Can't Be Taught

Comedy, horror, action—it all comes down to rhythm, anticipation, and release. And sometimes, knowing when to stop tweaking.

Don't Cut the Same Way Twice

Robert's advice to emerging editors: vary your approach. Start with music, dialogue, story, or even the ending—just don't get stuck in one process.

Notable Quotes

"The single most important thing we do is create a feeling—and leave it unresolved."

"If you're thinking too much about how the audience will feel, you stop being emotionally open yourself."

"You can't really teach timing. You know it when you feel it."

"Teasers aren't always about selling the movie. Sometimes they're about demolishing expectations."

"If you always approach a piece the same way, you're going to miss something."

About Our Guest

Robert Walker Trailer Editor — Buddha Jones Formerly Intralink Film Known for work on Batman Begins, Cinderella Man, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Book of Eli, The Social Network (TV), The Harder They Fall, and more.

Robert is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally intuitive editors in the industry, blending experimental instincts with mainstream storytelling at the highest level.

About the Host

Corey Nathan Host & Executive Producer — Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods @coreysnathan on all platforms

About This Episode

This episode is part of our Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods series—encore conversations from across the show's history that remain timeless, insightful, and essential listening for anyone passionate about entertainment marketing and creative craft.

Our Sponsors

Meza Wealth Management mezawealth.com

The Golden Trailer Awards goldentrailer.com

Join the Community

Like what you hear?

• Leave a rating and review wherever you listen
• Follow Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes and conversations with the people shaping entertainment marketing

What does it take to market movies that shape culture—and to lead with integrity when the stakes are highest?

In this Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods episode, Corey Nathan revisits his powerful conversation with Dwight Caines, President of Domestic Marketing at Universal Pictures and one of the most respected voices in modern film marketing.

One of our "best of's" since we brought this program back, this episode remains as relevant—and resonant—as ever. Dwight reflects on a career spanning Sony Pictures and Universal, working on iconic franchises including Spider-Man, James Bond, Oppenheimer, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. But this conversation goes far beyond campaigns and box office numbers.

Dwight opens up about leadership, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, the responsibility of storytellers, and what it means to be a steady presence in moments of industry—and societal—turbulence. It's a masterclass in how great marketing starts with understanding people.

Whether you're a trailer creative, studio exec, marketer, or emerging storyteller, this episode is a reminder that how you lead matters just as much as what you ship.

Key Takeaways Story Starts With Audience

Dwight explains why every campaign begins with a deep understanding of who the movie is for—and what emotional response it needs to evoke to get audiences off the couch and into theaters.

From Data to Instinct

With roots in market research, Dwight shares how the best campaigns balance data with gut, and why "research be damned" can sometimes be the bravest—and smartest—call.

Digital Before It Was Cool

As an early digital pioneer at Sony, Dwight recounts building online communities around films like Spider-Man long before digital marketing was standard practice.

Leadership in Crisis

Dwight reflects on moments when the industry—and the country—felt unsteady, and why authenticity, calm, and moral clarity are essential leadership traits.

Mentorship & Representation

From teaching at Syracuse and UCLA to shaping DEI initiatives at Universal and the Academy, Dwight makes the case that representation isn't performative—it's foundational to better work and better culture.

Notable Quotes

"If you see me running for the emergency exit, then trouble's coming. Otherwise, take it as a good sign."

"Marketing is about evoking emotion. If you don't know what you want people to feel, the campaign won't land."

"If you see it, you can be it. I didn't see myself in front of the classroom—so I decided to become that person."

"Diversity isn't invitation. It's allowing people to show up authentically and be heard."

Connect

Dwight Caines President, Domestic Marketing – Universal Pictures Mentor, Educator, Industry Leader

Corey Nathan Host – Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods @coreysnathan on all platforms

About This Episode

This episode is part of our Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods series—encore conversations from across the show's history that remain timeless, insightful, and essential listening for anyone passionate about entertainment marketing.

Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design – 2496soundandmusic.com

• The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

• Soundstripe – app.soundstripe.com

Join the Community

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

What do VHS edits, a childhood trumpet, and a passion for story-driven design have in common?

This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, Corey Nathan sits down with Greg Krupka, Vice President and Creative Director at AV Squad, to unpack a path paved with relentless creativity, smart collaboration, and iconic trailer moments. From his early days at Emerson College to cutting theatrical campaigns that reverberate through pop culture, Greg shares a behind-the-scenes look at his philosophy, process, and passion for the craft.

Whether guiding new creatives or breaking down a "popcorn moment" trailer cut, Greg brings sharp insight into what makes entertainment marketing truly memorable.

Community Updates

• Support Skip's Heart Recovery Journey - gofund.me/9ef1ccfef

Key Takeaways

Early Roots in Storytelling From VHS-to-VHS edits at a public access station to film school at Emerson, Greg's storytelling instincts were honed through pure hustle and passion.

The Art of the Tease Greg breaks down how theatrical trailers have evolved—from "What is the concept?" to "What's the vibe?"—and why feel is now as important as form.

Creative Mentorship Shoutouts to key mentors who helped shape Greg's transition from editor to creative director.

Intuition Over Ego Greg discusses the value of checking ego at the door, knowing when to pivot, and letting emotional resonance lead the creative.

Notable Quotes

"You get that little pit in your stomach when you see a trailer come together and realize—'We got something.' That's the juice."

"The idea of 'popcorn moments'—those sticky, rewatchable bits—that's what we aim for. It's not just cuts and beats, it's memory fuel."

"I don't ever want to be the smartest guy in the room. I want to be in the room that makes the smartest trailer."

Connect

AV Squad – @av_squad on Instagram Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms

Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design – 2496soundandmusic.com

• The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

• Soundstripe – app.soundstripe.com

Join the Community

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

From Strings to Screens: Aaron Gershman's Journey Across AV, Digital, and Design

How does a former rock guitarist with zero design training become a creative force behind some of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant film campaigns of our time?

This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, Corey Nathan sits down with Aaron Gershman, SVP of Creative Advertising at Lionsgate, whose journey from teenage rocker to "Pope of Posters" is anything but ordinary. From working on cult classics like Scott Pilgrim to crafting mind-blowing illustrated campaigns for John Wick 4, Aaron shares a deep-dive into the intersections of music, design, AV, and storytelling.

🎨 Whether he's collaborating with international artists or building visceral trailers that mix gunshots with throat singing, Aaron reveals how emotional intelligence, personal roots, and artistic instincts create unforgettable marketing.

Community Updates

• Support Skip's Heart Recovery Journey - gofund.me/9ef1ccfef
• A Very Vibrant Celebration 2 - www.wearevibrant.org/events

Key Takeaways

• Music Meets Marketing: Aaron's background as a musician and producer continues to shape how he sees rhythm, timing, and emotional arc—especially in AV.

• Poster Power: Learn how an artist-led, globally-sourced poster series for John Wick 4 redefined collaboration and style.

• From Minivan DVDs to Collectible Art: Aaron traces the evolution of home entertainment from functional formats to curated collectibles.

• Mentorship Matters: Behind every pivot in Aaron's career is a creative leader who inspired him—from Tom Gundred to Damon Wolf to Adam Fogelson.

• Embracing Change: From studio shakeups to creative setbacks, Aaron's mantra is to stay focused on the joy of building.

Notable Quotes

"My dad was a producer through and through. Even when I was a kid in a garage band, he'd come down and tell us, 'This song needs dynamics—quiet moments, loud moments.' Then he'd play The Doors to show us what he meant." — Aaron Gershman

"I used to track artists on Instagram the same way I used to find bands. Now I follow over 5,000 illustrators for inspiration." — Aaron Gershman

"The work didn't scare me—learning the language of trailers did. Corey, your podcast was like my AV crash course." — Aaron Gershman

Featured Campaigns Mentioned

• John Wick 4 – Artist series posters

• The Strangers: Chapter 1 – Friggin' Bill Neil!

• Silent Night – Ode to Joy meets tactical violence

• Clerks III – Collaborating with Kevin Smith

• Sisu – Tribal, percussive, primal, and punchy

Connect

• Lionsgate - @lionsgate on Instagram and TikTok

• Corey - @coreysnathan on all the socials

Our Sponsors:

• Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
• 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com
• The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/
• Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com

Join the Community

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

Between the Beats: From Texas Roots to Trailer Rhythms

What does it take to edit trailers that breathe emotion, humor, tension, and awe—all in a few short minutes?

This week, we sit down with Shea Jones, a self-proclaimed "rhythm cutter" whose musical instincts have defined some of the most memorable trailer moments of the last decade. Shea shares his origin story—from math-loving student in San Antonio to trailer editor at X/AV—along with insights into how he approaches genre, music, and storytelling.

🎵 Whether he's remixing action sequences with beat drops or building visual poetry around Taylor Swift lyrics, Shea reveals how the best trailers aren't just made—they're felt.

This episode is a must-listen for creatives, editors, and trailer geeks alike.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Editing is Rhythmic: Shea describes himself as a "rhythm-based cutter," likening his editing flow to musical composition and even mathematics.

• Versatility is a Superpower: From horror and blockbuster action to emotional dramas, Shea's ability to pivot across genres comes from intuition and experimentation.

• Let the Music Speak: For projects like Daisy Jones & The Six and The Summer I Turned Pretty, lyrics drive narrative as much as visuals or dialogue.

• Compete with Yourself: In an industry full of talent, Shea's biggest rival is yesterday's version of himself.

• Culture Matters: A decade at XAV isn't just about work—it's about a team-first environment that nurtures people, not just projects.

🎤 Notable Quotes

"There's a mathematics to trailers. It's not just beats—it's breathing, silence, and flow." — Shea Jones

"The best finish is my next finish." — Shea Jones

"Competing with others used to drive me. Now, I just want to keep getting better." — Shea Jones

🌐 Connect with X/AV

• Website: xav.la

🙌 Our Sponsors:

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com
• The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/
• Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com

Calls 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! 🎬🎤

How a music-obsessed Midwesterner built a sonic legacy from the mix stages of Hollywood to the classrooms of tomorrow — and why the future of sound is still human.

In this sound-rich episode, Corey sits down with Lenny Jones, a virtuoso in the trailer audio world and founder of 24/96 Sound & Music Design. With over 190 feature film campaigns under his belt and a teaching post at the New York Film Academy, Lenny shares his journey from humble beginnings in Indiana to becoming a go-to source for immersive sound design in trailers, TV spots, and features.

This episode is a masterclass in navigating creative evolution, embracing new tech like AI, and maintaining human connection in an increasingly digital industry.

❤️ Featured Cause: A Place Called Home

In this episode, we highlight A Place Called Home (APCH), a transformative nonprofit in South Central LA that provides a safe, nurturing environment for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. Through arts, education, counseling, and mentorship, APCH helps build brighter futures — and stronger communities.

🎉 Shoutout to Brett Winn, this year's honoree at the APCH Gala! 🎟️ Upcoming Event: 2025 Gala – October 23rd, 2025

👉 Learn more or donate: https://apch.org

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

• [00:00:00] 🎬 Welcome & Introduction: Corey introduces Lenny Jones, founder of 24/96 Sound

• [00:02:00] 🎓 Ball State to LA: Lenny's journey west & the Indiana trailer-maker pipeline

• [00:04:00] 🥁 From Drumming to Mixing: Music engineering roots & career pivots

• [00:05:00] 🧵 Soundproofing & Creativity: Inside Lenny's home studio (blankets, neon sculptures & Burning Man)

• [00:07:00] 🔊 Demystifying Mixing: What does a trailer mixer actually do?

• [00:10:00] 💽 Tech Transitions: From analog to Pro Tools to AI—how Lenny adapted

• [00:13:00] ⚙️ Staying Ahead: Tools, forums, and keeping sharp in a fast-moving field

• [00:16:00] 🚀 SSI to Entrepreneur: Why Lenny left a top post house to start 24/96

• [00:19:00] 👨‍🏫 Teaching the Next Gen: Sound design at New York Film Academy

• [00:21:00] 🌍 Global Sound: Representing composers from Finland to Japan

• [00:24:00] 🎧 Case Study – Dave for FX: Breaking down a sound-rich launch trailer

• [00:29:00] 🥁 Travis Barker Spot: Behind-the-scenes with AV Squad & movieTickets.com

• [00:30:00] 🏢 Working with Studios vs. Agencies: Key differences & workflows

• [00:33:00] 🌪️ Navigating Industry Shifts: Covid, streaming slumps, AI & more

• [00:38:00] 🤖 AI in Audio: Helpful assistant or creative threat? Lenny weighs in

• [00:44:00] 🎨 Favorite Campaigns: Judas and the Black Messiah, TRON, & more

• [00:47:00] 🛠️ Career Advice: Build something you own + the people-first philosophy

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Balance Tech & People: Mastering tools like Pro Tools is essential, but relationships build lasting careers.

• Diversify Your Creative Income: Lenny juggles commercial work, a sound library, and teaching to stay adaptable.

• Leverage AI Carefully: Use tools like ChatGPT for metadata and titles, but don't let them replace human creativity.

• Keep Learning & Networking: Conferences, forums, and award shows remain vital for staying connected and inspired.

🎤 Notable Quotes

"When you mix a trailer, you're sculpting the experience—balancing music, dialogue, and effects frame by frame." — Lenny Jones

"The future of sound isn't AI replacing humans, it's AI empowering humans to do better, faster work." — Lenny Jones

"Start your own company—even if you're working full-time. It's your safety net and your legacy." — Lenny Jones

🌐 Connect with Lenny & 24/96

• Website: 2496soundandmusic.com

• Instagram: @2496soundandmusic

• LinkedIn: Lenny Jones

🙌 Our Sponsors:

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com
• The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/
• Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com

Calls 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! 🎬🎤

🎬 From Posters to Powerhouses: The Legacy of Andy Kuehn Through BLT's Origins

📌 Episode Summary

In this edition of our tribute series to Andy Kuehn—widely regarded as the father of the modern trailer industry—we're joined by special co-host Benedict Coulter and iconic guests Dawn Baillie and Clive Baillie, two of the co-founders of BLT Communications. Together, they retrace the creative and entrepreneurial journey that shaped BLT, and honor the enormous influence Andy had in nurturing creative independence and cultivating Hollywood glamor.

This conversation is a deep dive into the culture and mentorship Andy built at Kaleidoscope Films, and how that environment catalyzed the formation of one of the most successful creative shops in entertainment advertising.

🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights

[00:00:00] Welcome & intro 🎙️

[00:01:00] Meet Dawn & Clive Baillie of BLT Communications

[00:02:00] Why BLT was formed: reclaiming artistry with the advent of Macs 💻🎨

[00:04:00] Clive's journey: set carpenter on Masters of the Universe to key art designer

[00:06:00] Working at Cannon Films, Seiniger and Dazu

[00:08:00] Dawn's unconventional entry from movie extra to design star

[00:10:00] Building BLT with Rick Lynch, and a pivotal meeting with Andy Kuehn 🤝

[00:14:00] The bold idea: artists using their own computers—pre-Photoshop!

[00:16:00] First impressions of Andy: bronzed, elegant, and unforgettable

[00:19:00] Portfolio meets passion: BLT's pitch wins over Andy & Kaleidoscope

[00:21:00] Benedict's POV: how BLT raised the creative bar at Kaleidoscope

[00:24:00] Cross-medium collaborations: from Natural Born Killers to AV-Print synergy

[00:28:00] Culture as a cornerstone: open creativity at Kaleidoscope

[00:30:00] Andy's Hollywood home and unforgettable holiday parties 🎄🏡

[00:32:00] The essence of Andy: glamor, grace, and supportiveness

[00:36:00] BLT reflects on the culture Andy helped build and their growth since

[00:40:00] Warm memories from Kaleidoscope's Seward Street days

[00:43:00] Benny shares how Andy shaped his leadership style at Trailer Park

[00:47:00] Departures, transitions, and keeping Andy's legacy alive

[00:49:00] Final reflections, laughs, and why we need to bring back Ascots

📝 Notable Quotes

"Andy embodied that old Hollywood mystique—you wanted to be around him. You felt elevated just being in the room." — Dawn Baillie

"We learned that the most important thing in a company is culture—and Andy created that." — Clive Baillie

"If you support me creatively, I'll fly. Andy gave me wings." — Benedict Coulter

📚 Related Links

• 🌐 AJK Foundation: ajkfoundation.org – Support film preservation & LGBTQ+ cinema history.

Our Sponsors:

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com
• The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/
• Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com

Calls 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.

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