Director Gus Van Sant joins Hollywood Gold to revisit the making of Good Will Hunting, the breakout film that turned Matt Damon and Ben Affleck from unknowns into overnight stars. He reveals the story’s unlikely origins, tracing its evolution from a scrappy action script into one of the defining dramas of the 1990s. Van Sant reflects on the influence of Robin Williams’ early commitment to the film, the visual choices that kept its quiet, dialogue-driven scenes dynamic, and the role of improvisation in crafting some of its most iconic moments. Upon release, Good Will Hunting became both a commercial and critical success, cementing its status as an enduring modern classic. This episode is sponsored by Film Parliament, an online course that teaches filmmakers how to schedule and budget a feature film. Built by a working producer, the course is practical, hands-on, and designed to help you move your project forward with confidence. Get 10 percent off with code GOLD10 at <a href="filmparliament.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">filmparliament.com</a>.

GOOD WILL HUNTING: How Gus Van Sant and Robin Williams Helped Launch Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as Hollywood Powerhouses

In our first new episode of the season, Producer Michael London takes us behind the scenes on beloved holiday film, The Family Stone. London goes through the film’s unlikely journey from a sharp, risky script (originally titled Fucking Hate Her) to a star-studded Christmas movie, including the pivotal push to cast A-list star Diane Keaton and the domino effect that followed. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about releasing the film at Christmas, the rare “family” atmosphere on set, and Keaton’s unforgettable presence as both onscreen and offscreen matriarch. The conversation builds to the story of the emotional test screening that convinced the studio to believe in the film despite shaky numbers, cementing it's future as a lasting audience favorite. About two decades later, London reflects on the movie’s evolution into a true holiday staple and offers a hopeful look into its future.

THE FAMILY STONE: The Legendary Diane Keaton and How a Dysfunctional Family Became a Holiday Tradition

Welcome back to another season of Hollywood Gold! Writer/director/producer Nancy Meyers joins us to discuss her cozy holiday classic, The Holiday. Masterfully shifting between sunny LA and the charming countryside of England, she discusses how the dual storylines made the crew feel like they were creating two different movies. With a focus on crafting female characters with "gumption," Nancy ensured that stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet not only represented modern womanhood, but also found perfect love interests in Jude Law and Jack Black, who shine as worthy partners. This lighthearted romantic comedy transformed into a holiday phenomenon, warming hearts across the world and becoming a must-watch holiday tradition nearly two decades later.

THE HOLIDAY: How Nancy Meyers’ Tale of Aspirational House Swapping Became a Christmas Classic 

Line Producer Kenneth Yu joins Hollywood Gold in our final episode of the season to discuss recently released film, Sinners. From the challenges of shooting in Louisiana to working with acclaimed director Ryan Coogler, Yu shares the highs and lows of the adventure that was creating this groundbreaking film. Diving into behind-the-scenes stories about building entire sets in the middle of nowhere, the technical magic behind filming Michael B. Jordan as twins, and the unpredictable chaos of shooting on location, this episode will be sure to leave you surprised. Thank you for an amazing season of Hollywood Gold, and we will see you in the fall!

SINNERS: How Ryan Coogler Gave Michael B. Jordan a Twin

On this special episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela, Vanessa, and Andrew prepare for summer as they discuss the most anticipated movie releases of the season. From horror franchise additions such as Final Destination Bloodlines and 28 Years Later to family favorites like Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, there is no doubt that this summer will bring some of the year's greatest hits. Gear up for what is sure to be an amazing summer!

BONUS: Summer Movie Preview with Hollywood Gold

Maisonette Co-founder &amp; CEO Sylvana Ward Durrett joins Hollywood Gold to share an inside look at her time as Director of Special Projects at Vogue, as captured in the documentary The First Monday in May. The film follows the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s stunning exhibition, China: Through the Looking Glass, and its transformation into the unforgettable 2015 Met Gala theme. Durrett reveals how every dazzling detail comes together under the leadership of fashion icon Anna Wintour, in addition to spilling a few jaw-dropping celebrity stories that you won’t want to miss with the 2025 Met Gala around the corner.

THE FIRST MONDAY IN MAY: The Genius of Anna Wintour and Creating the Legendary Met Gala

NEON Chief Marketing Officer Christian Parkes pulls the curtain back on movie marketing, revealing the secrets behind some of NEON’s most daring campaigns. With a passion for film, Parkes shares how he approaches marketing with the filmmaker's vision as his priority, treating marketing not just as promotion, but as an extension of their artistry. Known for pushing boundaries and defying expectations, he believes marketing should challenge audiences and surprise them at every turn, making no two campaigns the same. He discusses how his success is largely due to his belief that marketing is an area to have fun in and be creative, as seen in his work promoting Longlegs, Anora, and more.

A CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTIAN PARKES: Longlegs, Anora, and Innovation within Movie Marketing

Producer Michael Roiff returns to Hollywood Gold to discuss how the hit romantic-comedy Waitress became a musical sensation. From the initial pitch in 2007 to its first opening night in 2016, Roiff shares how different theater is compared to film, taking years to find its creative and musical stride. While Roiff was disappointed after opening night in Cambridge, he took the opportunity to revamp the show prior to its Broadway debut, eventually earning four Tony nominations in 2016 with the help of lead, Sara Bareilles. He shares how, unlike film, each show, tour, and cast brought a different experience to the audience, speaking to both the film and the musical's long-lasting legacy.

WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL: Sara Bareilles and the Journey of Bringing a Beloved Story to Broadway

Producer Todd Lieberman, founder of production company Hidden Pictures, recounts the making of one of the most iconic and lauded boxing movies of all time. It had been a dream of Todd's to make a boxing movie, and he knew The Fighter was the one as soon as it came across his desk, but the process from script to screen wasn't an easy one. There were multiple cast and director changes, and the original studio pulled out of the project. But the challenges were blessings in disguise as they allowed director David O. Russell the freedom to bring his trademark dark humor to the film, and actors Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, Melissa Leo, and Amy Adams to fully embody their characters.

THE FIGHTER: How David O. Russell Combined Comedy, Crack Cocaine, and Christian Bale into Oscar Gold

Hollywood Gold is a talk show podcast hosted by producer Daniela Taplin Lundberg (Stay Gold Features) that will pull back the curtain on the making of some of the industry’s most iconic movies, through interviews with notable producers and filmmakers.

Hollywood Gold is a talk show podcast that pulls back the curtain on the making of some of the industry’s most iconic movies, through interviews with notable producers and filmmakers.

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