David Friendly (Academy Award-Nominated Producer and Former Journalist) on His Journey from Newsweek to Hollywood Success

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews David Friendly, whose remarkable career transition from journalism to film production led to an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture with Little Miss Sunshine . David worked with industry giants like Ron Howard and Brian Grazer before establishing himself as a successful producer. His producing credits include Courage Under Fire, Dr. Dolittle, Big Momma's House, Laws of Attraction , and the hit USA Network series Queen of the South . In this conversation, Friendly shares candid stories about his career transition, the making of Little Miss Sunshine , lessons learned from his mentors, and his perspective on an ever-changing industry. From Journalism to Hollywood: A Bold Career Change (06:12) David Friendly reflects on his nine-year journalism career at Newsweek and the LA Times, where his coverage of the entertainment industry sparked his desire to make movies. Backdraft and the Imagine Years (13:41) Friendly talks about discovering Backdraft , which became his first major success. This marked the beginning of a successful tenure that included projects like My Girl and Kindergarten Cop . Learning from Hollywood's Best (24:12) Friendly shares how Ron Howard and Brian Grazer's mentorship continues to influence his producing decisions years later, with their voices still guiding him through difficult situations. The Making of Little Miss Sunshine and an Oscar Nomination (32:02) Friendly discusses Little Miss Sunshine , assembling an outstanding ensemble cast including Steve Carell, and the thrill of receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. The Joy and Anxiety of Test Screenings (41:30) Friendly offers unique insight into a producer's perspective on audience test screenings, describing the intense anxiety of waiting for audience reactions. Producing in a Rapidly Changing Environment (45:24) Friendly emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing markets, as demonstrated by his successful venture into television with Queen of the South . Friendly's guiding philosophy of acceptance and gratitude offers wisdom for navigating a career in an ever-evolving business. Through all its iterations, from journalism to blockbuster films to streaming television, Friendly's career shows that success in Hollywood requires not just talent, but also the ability to learn from mentors, trust one's instincts, and the ability to adapt. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger! Host: Kevin Goetz Guest: David Friendly Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about David Friendly: Wikipedia: 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