Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley

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.

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 movie unforgettable. Hear how she helped pioneer Focus's original digital series, why she believes storytelling around movies matters just as much as the stories themselves, and what it’s like to build a creative home for film lovers everywhere.

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 family to sitting in the room where “greenlight discussions” happenThey talk about the moments that shaped her—why The Dark Knight changed everything, how Chef made her a grilled cheese obsessive, and what it felt like to help bring films like Yesterday and Get Out to life. Shivani also reflects on the importance of showing up fully at work, and how the best decisions are often made when instinct and insight come together.

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 stories, and evolving the horror genre.In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley chats with Abhijay about his journey from strategy to scares, the creative freedom that drives Blumhouse, and why horror is one of the most exciting spaces in modern filmmaking.

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 create pathways for future entertainment professionals.In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Priany to discuss the impact of film, the lessons she’s learned as a leader, and how the NBCUniversal Page Program continues to open doors for the next wave of industry talent.

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 full circle moment in her current role. Jenny shares the movies that shaped her love of storytelling and the traditions that keep her connected to her family. Plus, learn about the strategy behind some of NBCUniversal’s most successful campaigns and partnerships – from the return of the NBA and WNBA, to showcasing the magic of Team USA, discover how having a “if you can’t beat them, join them,” mentality has propelled Jenny into a role impacting media and culture.

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 marketing and how the rise of social media has transformed the way movies connect with audiences. Nicole also discusses working with talent like Jack Black, Tiffany Haddish, and Jeff Goldblum, the creative strategies behind viral movie moments, and how digital campaigns continue to evolve alongside the industry.

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.

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, Peacock, and Netflix.Overseeing NBCUniversal’s four TV studios—which collectively produce 100+ series across 25+ platforms—Pearlena offers a unique perspective on television’s impact, the importance of representation, and the art of pairing stories with the right platforms.

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.