Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley
Introducing "Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley,” a bi-weekly podcast and your ticket to the personal narratives happening behind the scenes at Universal. Hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, each episode invites you into intimate conversations with NBCUniversal employees and our creative community to explore how the magic of film impacts their lives. With a blend of entertaining games and thought-provoking questions, Jacqueline guides us through an exciting journey with each guest – asking them to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, scared the daylights out of them, and changed them forever.Join us for...
Rafts, Rapids and Rising Stars Inside Jurassic World Rebirth with Luna Blaise & David Iacono
Thrown into the chaos of Jurassic World Rebirth, their characters panicked—but the actors never did.
In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Luna Blaise and David Iacono, two rising stars who play Theresa Delgado and Xavier Dobbs—a young couple belonging to the Delgado family storyline. Swept into a world of dinosaurs, mercenaries and mission specialists, their characters bring a relatable civilian perspective to the prehistoric pandemonium.
Luna and David reveal the whirlwind casting process that brought them into the iconic franchise, what it was l...
Sailing Into Danger Jurassic World Rebirth with Manuel García-Rulfo
What’s more terrifying than facing a dinosaur? Facing one while trying to protect your kids. In Jurassic World: Rebirth, Manuel García-Rulfo joins the franchise as a father caught in the ultimate survival scenario—and in this episode of Seen on the Screen, he joins Jacqueline Coley to talk about leading the franchise’s most emotional chapter yet.
Manuel opens up about bonding with his on-screen family, young breakout stars Audrina Miranda, Luna Blaise, and David Iacono - plus how filming in the jungles of Thailand added a raw intensity to every scene. He shares...
Building Universal Epic Universe with Brian Robinson
At Universal, theme parks transport fans into iconic stories and immersive worlds they once only imagined, and in doing so ignite the thrill of being fully alive. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative, to talk about the making of Universal Epic Universe.
Recorded on-site at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Property, Brian shares his journey from a movie-loving kid in Shreveport, Louisiana to leading the team that envisions, designs, and innovates the iconic attractions...
A New Era is Born Jurassic World Rebirth with Director Gareth Edwards
From Jurassic super fan to director of the franchise’s latest installment, Gareth Edwards joins Jacqueline Coley to talk about his latest movie, Jurassic World Rebirth. He reflects on his path—from creating the VFX shots himself in the film Monsters, to directing Rogue One, to taking on Spielberg’s legacy of bringing the large-scale spectacle of dinosaurs to the big screen.
Gareth talks paying homage to his predecessors (from Jaws to Jurassic), why he was literally watching grass grow on set, and what it was like working with fellow Jurassic superfan Scarlett Johans...
Dean DeBlois on Reimagining a Modern Animated Classic for Live Action
Seventeen years after launching one of animation’s most beloved franchises, Dean DeBlois returns to How to Train Your Dragon for a bold new chapter: a live-action adaptation that’s bigger, more immersive, and emotionally resonant. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with the Oscar-nominated writer and director to discuss bringing the world of Hiccup and Toothless into live action.
Candid and full of gems, Dean reflects on a career that’s taken him from animation desks to directing large-scale practical effects—including the massive animatronic Toothless used in flight s...
Putting the Spotlight on Behind the Scenes Content with Brett Levisohn
Brett Levisohn, Senior Vice President of Creative Content for Universal Pictures loves telling the stories behind the making of movies – From first-look interviews with Directors and Actors to the exclusive behind-the-scenes content that connects audiences to the films they love, Brett’s role is rooted in a passion for celebrating every person and part of a movie.
In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley talks with Brett about his personal and professional connection to the entertainment industry. From working on Safe House in his family’s hometown, to his lifelong love o...
From Film Fan to Behind the Scenes at Focus Features with Angela Vesagas
Movie magic doesn’t end when the credits roll—and no one knows that better than Angela Vesagas, Vice President of Creative Content at Focus Features. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley talks with Angela about her path from selling tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood to crafting award-nominated campaigns for films like Downton Abbey and Nosferatu.
Angela shares how her early passion for storytelling — from rewinding Moulin Rouge on DVD to cosplaying Scott Pilgrim characters — fueled a career defined by creativity, innovation, and a fan’s eye for what makes a mo...
From Movie Nights to Business Strategy Insights with Shivani Patel
Who helps studio execs decide what movies get made—and what are they thinking about when they make their recommendations? For Shivani Patel, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Universal Pictures, it’s where creative opportunity meets commercial strategy—and every decision has to be backed by the data.
Shivani plays a key role in shaping Universal’s film slate, bringing both business insight and a lifelong love of movies to the table. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley talks with her about the journey from Friday night runs to Blockbuster with her...
From Business Strategy To Scary Business with Abhijay Prakash
Abhijay Prakash has built his career on bridging creative ambition with smart business strategy—an approach that now shapes Blumhouse, where he leads as President. The studio has become an empire built on bold ideas, small budgets, and massive cultural impact.
Starting as an intern at Universal Pictures, Abhijay worked his way through key roles at Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation, and Universal, where he helped guide major creative and business decisions. His passion for film was sparked by a love of Bollywood and Hollywood classics, and today, that passion fuels his approach to taking smart risks, championing daring st...
Cultivating the Next Generation of Talent with Priany Hadiatmodjo
Priany Hadiatmodjo has dedicated her career to shaping the next generation of Hollywood leaders. As Director of the NBCUniversal Page Program, she plays a huge role in launching careers at one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious training grounds, guiding emerging talent as they take their first steps into the business.
Her love for film began long before her industry career, with movies like The Breakfast Club and Speed shaping her belief in storytelling as a way to connect generations. That passion for cinema has carried into her work, where she fosters opportunity, champions mentorship, and helps cr...
From Olympic Dreams to Marketing Themes with Jenny Storms
How do you craft marketing campaigns that impact culture and excite audiences around the world? In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Jenny Storms, Chief Marketing Officer NBCUniversal Television & Streaming, to explore her extraordinary journey from early ambitions of wanting to be a professional Ski Racer to now leading some of the biggest global campaigns across television, sports, and streaming.
From galvanizing audiences worldwide during the 2024 Paris Olympics to harnessing the power of cross-divisional collaboration, Jenny reflects on how her early passion for film, sports, and tv have all led to a...
Taking Center Stage in the Digital Age with Nicole Schlegel
How do today’s biggest films reach audiences across social media, streaming, and beyond? In this episode, Nicole Schlegel, Vice President of Global Digital Marketing at Universal Pictures, joins Jacqueline Coley to talk about crafting digital campaigns for blockbusters like Get Out, Oppenheimer, and The Fast and the Furious franchise.
Growing up as the child of actors, Nicole was immersed in the world of entertainment from an early age. While her parents encouraged her to explore careers beyond acting, their passion for storytelling ultimately inspired her own path in Hollywood. She shares her journey from publicity to digital ma...
Taking Risks and Making Hits in Film Production with Matt Reilly
What makes a movie unforgettable? In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Matt Reilly, Executive Vice President of Production Development at Universal Pictures, for an inside look at the creativity and strategy behind some of the studio’s boldest projects.
From gritty crime dramas like The Town to the wild chaos of Cocaine Bear, Matt shares stories of championing unique concepts, developing genre-defying hits, and collaborating with visionary filmmakers. He dives into how bold pitches like Violent Night evolve into audience favorites, the role of test screenings in shaping films, and the th...
The Art of Action with Ke Huy Quan
Ke Huy Quan has captured audiences’ hearts for decades, from his early roles in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies to his Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Now, in his first leading role, Ke stars in Love Hurts, a high-energy action comedy that blends heartfelt storytelling with thrilling fight sequences.
In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley speaks with Ke about stepping into the spotlight as a leading man, his dedication to authentic action choreography, and how his love for classic Hong Kong cinema influenced his approach to...
From TV Enthusiast to TV Trailblazer with Pearlena Igbokwe
Like film, television has the power to connect audiences and shape culture. Jacqueline Coley sits down with Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Universal Studio Group, to explore her extraordinary journey from discovering American culture through television as a child to becoming one of today’s leading voices in the industry. For the first time on “Seen on the Screen,” television takes center stage as Pearlena shares her experience developing culturally significant shows like Soul Food, Dexter, and The Equalizer. As a champion of ambitious storytellers, she discusses her pivotal role in bringing groundbreaking stories to life for platforms like NBC, Peacoc...
The Power of Music in The Wild Robot with Kris Bowers
In this special episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Emmy and Grammy nominated composer and Academy Award® winning filmmaker Kris Bowers, in front of a live audience at the SCAD Film Festival in Savannah, GA.
Known for his genre-defying scores in films like Bob Marley: One Love, The Color Purple, the Emmy winning series Bridgerton and his latest project, DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed hit, The Wild Robot, Bowers reflects on his early passion for piano, the emotional resonance of music, and how personal experiences have shaped his work. We’ll explore his collaborative process with director Chris Sanders, the chal...
A Filmmaker-Driven Focus with Peter Kujawski
Bringing movies to the big screen takes passion and expertise. In this episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Peter Kujawski, Chairman of Focus Features, to talk about his path from intern to head of a studio known for award-winning, auteur-driven films. Peter shares an inside perspective on Focus’s commitment to unique, culturally relevant stories—from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to NOSFERATU and beyond. Hear how Peter’s lifelong love of cinema shapes his vision for films and inspires the distinctive culture he’s built at Focus Features.
Opening the Aperture of WICKED with Director of Photography Alice Brooks
As the Director of Photography for WICKED, Alice Brooks shaped the film’s visual identity, bringing Director Jon M. Chu’s vision to life with a vibrant and immersive cinematic experience. In this episode, Alice joins Jacqueline Coley to share her journey working in entertainment, from growing up in a creative family to discovering her passion for cinematography. Learn how Alice’s early college film projects were all leading up to bringing the massive production of WICKED to life. Discover how she balanced technical precision and creative intuition to capture the stunning sets and incredible performances of this cultural phenomenon.
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Defying Gravity with WICKED Director Jon M. Chu
How do you bring a cultural phenomenon like WICKED to the big screen? In this episode, Jacqueline Coley joins director Jon M. Chu in Oz to talk about his work on his generation-defining cinematic event and how his personal connection to the stage musical inspired him to take on the project.
We’ll explore Chu’s special connection to WICKED, his creative process, the film’s grand spectacle, and the key character moments that deliver WICKED's narrative and emotional impact. Hear how Chu’s collaboration with stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with the film’s talented crew, resul...
Bringing THE WILD ROBOT to Life with Chris Sanders
How do you bring a beloved book series to life on the big screen? In this episode, we chat with Chris Sanders, the writer and director behind DreamWorks Animation's THE WILD ROBOT. Chris shares how he first discovered the project and what drew him to adapt Peter Brown’s popular book series, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
We’ll learn how Chris and his team crafted the film’s unique hand-painted, analog-inspired look and the challenges of blending traditional animation techniques with modern CGI. Plus, we’ll get insight into the casting process and how Lupi...
How Passion Powers Film Production with Ryan Jones
How do you turn an idea into a box office hit? Meet Ryan Jones, Senior Vice President of Production at Universal Pictures, who has a built a career on tackling just that! In this episode, Ryan takes us into the world of creative development and reveals what has inspired him to work on some of the most talked-about films and how they take shape. From action blockbusters to heartfelt dramas, to horror movies and beyond - Ryan has been at the forefront of bringing movies to life that not only entertain but also push the boundaries of storytelling.
L...
From Parks to Pictures with Arnold Klein
Imagine if your high school job sparked a successful career in entertainment. For Arnold Klein, Senior Director of Digital Marketing at Universal Pictures, a part-time gig at Universal Studios Hollywood evolved into a role where he now contributes to the success of global digital marketing campaigns for major film releases. In this episode, Arnold shares insights into the strategy behind campaigns like the viral Blumhouse sensation M3GAN and the surprising sense of belonging he experienced while witnessing Dev Patel promote his film MONKEY MAN. Join us to learn how the personal connections made over the years are what truly e...
Making Movie Music with Angela Leus
What’s your favorite movie music moment? Angela Leus, Senior Vice President of Film Music at Universal Film Entertainment Group, is one of the people who helps make those magical moments happen and today, she takes us behind the scenes of her dynamic role. Angela’s journey from a classically trained pianist to a key player in the film industry is a testament to her unique ability to merge musical vision with cinematic storytelling. Discover how she navigates nuance, curates unforgettable soundtracks, and manages the intricacies of bringing music to life on screen.
When Animation Meets Collaboration with Morenike Dosu
What happens when a love of animation meets a passion for collaboration? Meet Morenike Dosu, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at DreamWorks Animation. Nike's lifelong appreciation for animation began as a kid rushing home from school to watch Darkwing Duck to now working in her pivotal role at DreamWorks where she helps foster inclusive and collaborative environments. From unpacking how cultural curiosity and celebration can unlock authentic storytelling, to seeing her kids discover her name in the credits of their favorite movie, learn how one career can take you from animation productions in Australia to the Kingdom...
The Secret to Crafting a Blockbuster Trailer with Patrick Starr
Dive into the world of movie marketing with Patrick Starr, Executive Vice President of Creative Advertising at Universal Pictures. Learn about the creative process behind one-of-a-kind movie trailers, posters, TV commercials, and what to focus on in order to capture a film's essence. With exclusive insights from collaboration with directors like Christopher Nolan on OPPENHEIMER, Patrick emphasizes the importance of compelling storytelling and refining your work to achieve greatness. Tune in to learn more about Patrick’s advice for young and passionate film lovers.
From Mariachi to Media Management with Mari Lozano
In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Mari Lozano, Manager of Media at Universal Pictures. Learn about her unique experiences in the world of media and marketing, and what it takes to place advertising for the movies you love everywhere: from Super Bowl spots, to social media, to radio shows, and more. Join us to discover how Mari has built a career in entertainment. From the magic of mariachi to the thrill of promoting blockbuster hits like TWISTERS, Mari's story is a testament to how cinema can connect us to our roots and shape...
From Theater Kid to Chief Business Officer with Liz Jenkins
What kind of career combines a deep love for movies and strong business acumen? Join us for this week's episode of "Seen on the Screen," where Jacqueline speaks with Liz Jenkins, the Chief Business Officer for NBCUniversal Studio Group. As a dynamic leader, Liz shares how embracing her own authenticity has been an essential part of fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. From her very first internships at NBC, to her recent homecoming, learn more about how Liz’s profound love of theater, movies, and all things entertainment have shaped her journey and contributed to her successful career.
Discovering New Voices with Michelle Momplaisir
What’s the secret to finding the best new filmmakers and movies? Join us on this week's episode of "Seen on the Screen" as Jacqueline Coley explores this question with Michelle Momplaisir, VP, Production Development and Acquisitions at Focus Features. As a key figure in the studio’s development and acquisitions, Michelle shares insights into her role, discussing some of her favorite filmmakers and how she selects and supports projects from inception to screen. Michelle also shares some of the movies that helped shape the person she has become and have given her a sense of home throughout her life...
Editors Have All the Fun with John Cantú
What does crafting a quilt have in common with editing a blockbuster movie trailer? In this week’s episode of "Seen on the Screen," Jacqueline Coley finds that link with John Cantú, a seasoned trailer editor in Universal’s Creative Operations. John shares how a childhood passion for music and movies evolved into a career in film editing. Discover the joy of seeing a movie through your child's eyes, the cultural resonance of comedy, and the meticulous craft behind your favorite movie trailers. Listen in as John shares insights from behind the scenes at NBCUniversal, illustrating how every cut can tell...
Bringing the Magic Home with Deva Renzi
Have you ever wondered who decides when a movie goes from theaters to streaming? Or when you’ll be able to watch that movie on your next flight? In this week’s episode of Seen On the Screen, Jacqueline chats with Deva Renzi, SVP, Strategy & Operations for Global Distribution at NBCUniversal.
Deva is responsible for thoughtfully and intentionally releasing NBCUniversal films through their theatrical to in-the-home journey. Learn about the classic animated film that resonated with her as a child, her love of action movies, and the magic of rewatching movies as a parent.
Storytelling Big and Small with Raheem Dawson
How do you market an American movie for an international audience? On the first episode of Seen on Screen, Rotten Tomatoes Awards Editor Jacqueline Coley sits down with Raheem Dawson, who's got one of the coolest jobs in Hollywood at NBCUniversal.
From marketing films internationally to his early aspirations of becoming a music video director, Raheem shares his evolving relationship with movies. Discover his passions, the influences that have helped to guide his path, and the moments that defined both his life and career journey.
