Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley

For award-winning Paul Tazewell, costume design is storytelling in its purest form. From Death Becomes Her and Harriet to The Wiz Live! and Wicked, his work blends imagination, history, and emotional detail to reveal who characters are long before they speak. His designs for Wicked and Wicked: For Good reimagine Oz through texture, silhouette, and color—shaping a world that feels both fantastical and grounded.In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley talks with Paul about building Glinda and Elphaba’s looks from the inside out, collaborating with Jon M. Chu and the creative team, and crafting costumes that can withstand stunts, emotion, and cinematic scale. Together, they take a closer look at two of Paul’s signature designs from the Wicked: For Good, breaking down the choices that bring each character to life. From iridescent bubble silhouettes to Elphaba’s reimagined witch’s hat, Paul shares how every detail carries meaning—and how costume design can turn fantasy into something deeply human.

Transforming a beloved game into a cinematic world isn’t simple, but Emma Tammi approaches it with equal parts respect, curiosity, and boldness. After turning Five Nights at Freddy’s into a global phenomenon, she returns with FNAF 2—a sequel that’s bigger, scarier, and packed with animatronics fans have been waiting years to see.In this episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Emma to revisit how she first entered the Freddy’s universe—answering Jason Blum’s pandemic-era phone call, diving into a fast-track education in lore, and uncovering the emotional spine beneath all the jump scares. Emma shares how collaborations with creator Scott Cawthon, Jason Blum, and the cast shaped the films, and why the franchise’s themes of grief, memory, and paranoia demanded a deeper, more character-driven approach in the sequel.She also breaks down the massive scale-up for FNAF 2: new set pieces, expanded world-building, and an entire army of animatronics engineered with the Jim Henson Creature Shop. From practical effects to Easter eggs designed for frame-by-frame internet sleuthing, Emma explains what it takes to make Freddy’s feel alive—sometimes terrifyingly so.

To Marc Platt, producing is not just about stories that entertain but that are aspirational and celebratory. Whether it’s the determination of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, the passion of Sebastian and Mia in La La Land, or the powerful friendship between Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked, his work reminds us how courage and collaboration turn stories into cultural touchstones everyone can relate to.In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with the award–winning producer to explore how stories evolve from page to stage and screen. Marc shares how Wicked grew from Gregory Maguire’s novel to a Broadway phenomenon, and how it ultimately became two feature films shot at the same time.  He reflects on working with visionary directors like Jon M. Chu, Damien Chazelle, and Edgar Wright, and the singular Steven Spielberg. Marc shares the pressure and joy of adapting beloved stories and how his own family has been a creative compass throughout his career.

What makes audiences fall in love with a movie—and what makes them walk out? Kevin Goetz is the founder and CEO of Screen Engine/ASI, the research and strategy firm trusted by major Hollywood studios. Nicknamed “The Doctor of Audience-ology,” Kevin has built his career helping filmmakers and studios understand their audiences.In this episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Kevin to explore his unexpected journey from child actor to the world’s leading voice on audience testing, work that continues to influence some of Hollywood’s films, from Fatal Attraction to the most recent blockbusters.He shares stories behind test screenings that changed movie history, the art of interpreting data without losing emotion, and his newest book, How to Score in Hollywood: Secrets to Success in the Movie Business. In the end, Kevin reminds us that the audience is never wrong—and that listening may be a creator’s most valuable skill.

From Titanic to Despicable Me, Fifty Shades of Grey to Oppenheimer, Mike Knobloch has helped define the sound of modern cinema. As President, NBCUniversal Music and Publishing for Universal Film, he’s spent his career shaping the way audiences experience music on screen—whether that’s through a sweeping score or a pop song that takes on a life of its own.In this episode, brought to you by the Universal Composers Initiative, Jacqueline Coley talks with Mike about his journey from production assistant on Father of the Bride to one of the most influential music executives in Hollywood. He shares the high-stakes tension behind Titanic’s now-iconic theme, the unlikely struggle that led to Pharrell’s hit “Happy,” and what it means when a movie song reaches the elusive diamond certification.

Not many actors have lived as many lives on screen as Ethan Hawke. From Dead Poets Society to Reality Bites, Training Day to The Black Phone, his career is nothing short of a masterclass in evolution.At New York Comic Con, Jacqueline Coley sat down with the award-winning actor to talk about his return in The Black Phone 2 and the creative choices that have helped shape his second act. Ethan opens up about reuniting with longtime collaborator Scott Derrickson, stepping once again behind the mask of “The Grabber,” and how genre films allow him to explore deeper truths.Reflecting on his decades-long collaborations with Richard Linklater and Jason Blum, Ethan shares insights on aging with curiosity and the wisdom that comes from a life devoted to storytelling. As he put it: “One lifetime is not enough.”

Seen on the Screen is a finalist for 6 Signal Awards. Register to vote now. Voting ends October 9, 2025.-------------What movies do news anchors watch to unwind after a day of breaking stories? Jacqueline Coley sits down with Tom Llamas—anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas and host of Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News Now—to find out.From growing up in Miami and interning at Telemundo to anchoring across network and streaming, Tom reflects on his journey through nearly every newsroom role at NBCUniversal. He shares how he balances the weight of covering hard news and enjoying some of his favorite films like Major League, The Searchers, and The Godfather.Tom opens up about passing movie classics down to his kids (even if Jaws gave the youngest a scare), his Cuban American roots and food recommendations, and what authentic depictions of journalism on screen resonate most with him—from Spotlight to Deadline U.S.A. Plus, he talks about finding humanity at the anchor desk and the playful friendship he shares with fellow broadcaster Craig Melvin.

Horror has always been a space for bold voices. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with five up-and-coming filmmakers fresh off their short films premiering at the 50th Anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival. Chandler Crump, Charlie Dennis, Helena Hawkes, Jared Leaf, and Ariel Zengotita were selected for NO DRAMA, a global talent experience powered by Monkeypaw Productions, Universal Pictures, and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).Each filmmaker brings a distinct point of view, using horror as a lens for personal expression and sharp social commentary—making their shorts as thought-provoking as they are thrilling. Together they reflect on their inspirations, the challenges of creating horror in short form, and the thrill of premiering their work at one of the largest film festivals in the world. From first encounters with the genre to behind-the-scenes stories about collaborators and surprises, this conversation captures the humor, heart, and ambition of a new generation of horror storytellers.Meet the filmmakers and their films:Helena Hawkes — Thick Skin: Body-horror obsession peels back the demons within.Chandler Crump — Morty: A stuffed toy’s online counterpart opens a door to something darker.Charlie Dennis — The Pigs Underneath: A working-class community trapped by a brutal survival quota.Jared Leaf — Spilled Milk: A Black father’s search for answers leads to the Milkman—and a reckoning.Ariel Zengotita — Imago: A toxic mother-daughter bond turns monstrous as transformation begins.

How do you take a show beloved in living rooms worldwide and turn it into a movie event? In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Laila Lockhart Kraner, the star of Gabby’s Dollhouse, to talk about the leap from small screen to DreamWorks’ first live-action/animation hybrid feature.Laila shares the story of growing up alongside Gabby, from her cat-filled audition at age ten to leading a film that brings the dollhouse to theaters for the first time. She opens up about acting opposite comedy icon Kristen Wiig and music legend Gloria Estefan, and why the movie’s interactive, sing-and-dance moments demand to be experienced in a packed theater. We also hear about Laila’s cinephile side—from comfort rewatches like The Croods and Napoleon Dynamite to classics like Roman Holiday—and how those films have shaped her own love of storytelling.

In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with director Justin Tipping to unpack HIM, Monkeypaw’s latest horror film, offering a chilling journey into the inner sanctum of fame, idolatry, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost. Justin reveals how he infused the script with his distinctive vision, crafting a cinematic language that will pull audiences deep into the psychological terror. He discusses the power of practical effects when it comes to grounding the horror, and how immersive camerawork was essential to blurring the line between reality and nightmare.The conversation also dives into the film’s incredibly talented leads – the electrifying (and terrifying) dramatic performance by cinema veteran Marlon Wayans and the undeniable star quality of newcomer Tyriq Withers. Justin also shares how Brutalist architecture inspired the film’s aesthetic, turning the set into a character of its own.From his indie debut Kicks to this bold new project, Justin reflects on evolving as a filmmaker and why he loves keeping audiences just a half-beat off balance. Tune into this episode for an inside look at one of the year’s most unsettling and artful horror films.

Balancing three high-profile roles at NBC, a love for movies, and family time is no small feat.Craig Melvin, co-anchor of TODAY, co-host of the third hour of TODAY, and host of Dateline NBC, joins Jacqueline Coley to talk about his path in journalism, his passion for film, and life inside 30 Rock.Craig reflects on the moment he was named co-anchor of TODAY, the surprise his family gave him live on air that became a “core memory,” and why he feels like the mayor of a small town. He also shares how movie nights have become a cherished family tradition, filled with popcorn, laughter, and introducing his kids to classics like Shrek and the Minions in Despicable Me.

Bob Odenkirk is back in Nobody 2—and he's not pulling punches. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Bob to talk about the highly anticipated sequel to his sleeper hit action film.Best known for his iconic role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, nobody is more surprised than Bob Odenkirk by his pivot to action. He opens up about the deeply personal inspiration behind Hutch Mansell, and how he trained like his life depended on it.He shares stories from set, why Jackie Chan’s Police Story is a creative touchstone, and how comedy, rage, and physical exhaustion all found their way into this unlikely action franchise.

Whether she’s building a working canal for a Wicked premiere or launching a dance sensation with a crew of Megans, Michelle Paris doesn’t just throw events—she creates movie magic in real life.In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Michelle Paris, Senior Vice President of Global Special Projects and Events at Universal Pictures, to explore what goes into producing iconic film premieres, awards shows, and unforgettable movie moments. From transforming the Roman Colosseum into a Fast X red carpet to placing storm-cloud cotton candy cocktails at the Nope premiere, Michelle shares how she and her team dream big, sweat the small stuff, and make the impossible feel effortless.You'll hear how she got her start in events, why she nearly traded Hollywood for a quiet life in Montana, and the movie that first made her fall in love with premieres—all while raising the bar for what film fans can experience beyond the screen.

What’s better than a heist? A heist with heart… and Craig Robinson in disguise.In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Craig Robinson, who returns as the endlessly lovable Mr. Shark in The Bad Guys 2. Known for his iconic roles in The Office, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Knocked Up and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Craig brings his signature blend of warmth and absurdity to the DreamWorks sequel—complete with another wildly unconvincing disguise.Craig opens up about why he keeps returning to stand-up, what it’s like when fans yell lines at him on the street, and how much fun he has working with longtime friends like Andy Samberg. He also shares stories from his early days teaching music in Chicago, and reflects on the lasting impact of comedy heroes like Eddie Murphy.

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 like filming the epic T-Rex raft sequence, how they built real-life family dynamics with co-stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Audrina Miranda, and why director Gareth Edwards encouraged them to play on set. Plus, they reflect on their earlier breakout roles (Luna on Fresh Off the Boat and David on The Summer I Turned Pretty) and bring their behind-the-scenes competitive spirit to life.

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 what it took to perform heart-racing stunts on land and sea (including learning to scuba dive), and how Gareth Edwards’ vision brought the franchise back to its scariest roots.Jacqueline and Manuel revisit into his journey from Guadalajara to Hollywood – his breakout role in The Magnificent Seven, why his role on The Lincoln Lawyer still delights fans around the world, and how Dolores the Aquilops became one of the most memorable co-stars in Jurassic World Rebirth.

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, lands and worlds that define Universal Theme Parks globally. He opens up about the emotional power of vulnerability, storytelling, the influence of The Birdcage and Steel Magnolias and explains how his creative process begins with words on a page and ends with a fully immersive experience where you can fly with dragons or lose yourself in a monster's lair. Every detail—from the sound design to hand-carved statues—is crafted to emotionally transform you and pull you deeper into the story. Along the way, he reflects on fatherhood, creative cultures, the unbridled power of optimism, and the audacity of creativity.From Isle of Berk to Darkmoor, Brian reveals how it all comes together, why creative collaboration is key, and how stories—whether told on screen or designed into the fabric of a land—can connect generations, spark imagination, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

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 Johansson - along with the entire all-star cast of Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey.Gareth reflects on the relevance of location based shooting, practical world building, why a healthy fear of tennis balls could come in handy and what it means to honor Jurassic lore, while making something new for the next generation.

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 sequences. He explains how The Empire Strikes Back influenced How to Train Your Dragon 2, how Mulan helped shape Hiccup’s emotional arc, and what it was like casting a new generation of actors, including Mason Thames and Nico Parker.Looking back on his journey—from early creative struggles to seeing the Isle of Berk turned into a theme park—Dean reflects on the risks he’s taken, the lessons he’s learned, and the power of storytelling that keeps evolving, no matter the medium. How to Train Your Dragon hits theaters and IMAX on June 13.

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 of classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula. Brett shares how his family connections to the circus, his emotional intuition, and an unwavering dedication to storytelling have contributed to where he is in his career today and why creative content is an essential piece to marketing a movie.Whether you’re curious about the different areas of marketing or just love hearing from someone who lives and breathes movies, Brett’s perspective offers a thoughtful, fan-forward look behind the scenes at Universal’s creative powerhouse.