The Words Behind the Magic – with special guest Margery Doppelt

🎙️ In this sixth installment of our special tribute to the legendary Andy Kuehn—founder of Kaleidoscope Films and godfather of the modern trailer—we’re joined by a true industry icon: Margery Doppelt, one of the most influential and celebrated writers in motion picture advertising. 🎞️

Margery’s iconic taglines and copy helped define decades of cinematic promotion—from Jurassic Park to Fatal Attraction and beyond. Her creative fingerprint is embedded in the DNA of trailer history. Joining us for this conversation is none other than Benedict Coulter, a legendary editor and co-founder of REBEL, who brings firsthand insight into Kaleidoscope’s heyday and Andy’s enduring legacy.

Together, we share behind-the-scenes stories, reflect on a golden era of creativity, and celebrate the unique bond that made Kaleidoscope more than just a company—it was a creative home. 💫

🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights:

• [00:00:00] Welcome & remembering Andy Kuehn's impact through the AJK Foundation 🌈

• [00:05:00] Introducing Margery Doppelt: writer behind the most iconic taglines

• [00:08:00] Her hilarious first taco at Lucy's El Adobe and surviving on $81/week 💵🌮

• [00:10:00] How a missing script led to her first interaction with Andy

• [00:14:00] Margery’s first big hits and her transition to writing 🎬

• [00:18:00] Ryan O’Neal, outtakes, and the power of improvisation 😂

• [00:25:00] Jurassic Park: the story behind “An adventure 65 million years in the making” 🦖

• [00:29:00] Collaboration with editors and the lost art of copy in trailers

• [00:33:00] Why Andy’s leadership created a golden age for creatives ✨

• [00:37:00] The ripple effect: How Kaleidoscope alumni shaped the industry

• [00:45:00] Favorite campaigns, unforgettable lines, and why copy still matters

• [00:47:00] Parting reflections on Andy’s legacy and what made him so special

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Margery’s approach to copy was fearless, playful, and deeply intuitive.

• Andy’s genius lay not just in his creative vision but in his ability to champion others.

• Kaleidoscope was more than a trailer house—it was a training ground for some of the industry’s best.

• The collaboration between writer and editor was once a sacred space in trailer-making.

• The power of copy can still define a campaign—sometimes in just one unforgettable line.

📝 Notable Quotes:

“Andy had this amazing gift—he was so talented and confident that he enjoyed other people’s success.” — Margery Doppelt

“I know you f** her—anything else?”* — Margery, in a legendary moment with Ryan O’Neal 🤯

“A comedy and a drama—just like life.” — Tagline from Nothing in Common

“If adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones.” — One of Margery’s enduring classics 🏆

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