Graham King (Film Producer) on Movie Making & Research

Send Kevin a Text Message Kevin is joined by Oscar winning movie producer Graham King to discuss film producing, his experiences with audience test screenings, making and testing Bohemian Rhapsody, and more. Graham King, Producer Graham King is a four time Academy Award nominated producer, winning the award for The Departed. He's been involved in the making of more than 50 movies, producing films including Tomb Raider, Gangs of New York, Argo, The Town, Blood Diamond, Hugo, and Bohemian Rhapsody. Getting his start in producing films (1:49) Graham shares how he gravitated towards the storytelling in films and how to capture the telling of these stories through the medium of film. He has been especially drawn to true life stories and biopics. Graham looks for characters that are larger than life and finds a way to humanize them on the screen. His first audience screening experience (3:48) Graham speaks of the influence of his earlier films working with Martin Scorsese and how he has shared his love of previewing movies. It is critical to get the response from those who have no hidden agenda. The audience is there to like the movies. Graham believes that if you really want the truth you have to show it to those not in the industry with no personal agenda. Audience impact on his films (6:44) Bohemian Rhapsody was one of the top scoring films in preview and Graham discusses the decision to bring it to the big screen instead of streaming. He shares the import of capturing the experience that Freddy Mercury provided of bringing joy to the masses in his concerts and how it was important to convey that sense when experiencing the film. About those who say screenings impede the process (13:01) Graham believes that screenings and audience input are absolutely crucial in producing the most successful films. He believes that it is an irresponsible view to see audience input as an impediment. Audience input has a significant impact on the film. The screening process goes beyond just the cards and scores but rather the audience brings an energy when watching the film that is most useful when viewing. Movie stories (29:15) Graham shares stories about the making of several of his films including The Town, Jersey Boys and his new film about the Bee Gees. He discusses his responsibility in telling their stories in a way that pays respect and provides enjoyment. These interesting tidbits give the listener little known aspects of the movie making process. Join Kevin and his guest, film producer Graham King and learn how they crack the code for playability success using audience screen testing and enjoy some insider stories on Kevin's podcast, Don't Kill the Messenger! Host: Kevin Goetz Guest: Graham King OBE Producer: Kari Campano For more information about Graham's upcoming projects: Website: http://www.gk-films.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GKFilms?ref=ts Twitter: For more information about Kevin Goetz: - Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com - Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678 - How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/ - Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360 - LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz - Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com