Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley

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 thrill of taking risks on unconventional stories.

A lifelong fan of cinema, Matt reflects on his admiration for films like The Exorcist and Die Hard, the power of storytelling to captivate audiences, and how Universal Pictures balances fresh ideas with respect for its iconic legacy. Whether it’s reviving beloved franchises or creating the next cult classic, Matt offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to keep audiences coming back to theaters.

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 the genre. Ke also reflects on his personal journey, from childhood stardom to his triumphant Hollywood comeback, and the mentors who helped shape his career, including Steven Spielberg and the Daniels.


With humor and humility, Ke shares his passion for storytelling, the importance of representation, and the resilience it takes to break new ground in the entertainment industry.

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 challenges of crafting melodies that tell a story, and his approach to creating unforgettable moments of sound and cinema.
 
From his Oscar-winning short The Last Repair Shop to iconic film scores, Kris shares insights into his creative process, lessons learned from his career, and his vision for the future of music and storytelling. 

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.

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.
 
Hear how the deep personal connection Alice formed with the magical world of WICKED created a special bond between her and her daughter during filming, and how it has already begun to inspire a new generation of creatives.

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, resulted in show-stopping musical numbers, stunning sets and meticulously crafted details that will enchant audiences worldwide.

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 Lupita Nyong'o brought the character Roz to life with remarkable depth and transformation.

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.
 
Learn how taking bold risks—like making Deadpool an R-rated sensation or leaning into the virality of a killer doll in M3GAN—can lead to major rewards. Join us as Ryan provides a sneak peek into what life is like on the iconic Universal lot, where Hollywood history meets the thrill of creating the next cinematic sensation.

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 enrich a professional journey. From working at the park to, shaping global campaigns, to developing a meaningful friendship with one of Hollywood’s most iconic Actors, Arnold’s story is a testament to how passion and determination can carve a unique path in the entertainment industry.

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. 

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 our dreams.

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.

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. 

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 a powerful story.

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.

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.