425 - Michael Mendelsohn - Financier and Producer of True Romance, Reservoir Dogs, Lord of War, and The Matrix on Making Cinema: Lessons from Hollywood’s Top Indie Financier
Description
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Hello, Hello!
In this episode, we welcome film producer Michael Mendelsohn ("Lord of War," "Air Force One," “Reservoir Dogs,” and "The Matrix.”) to the Make It Podcast. The conversation explores Mendelsohn's expansive career—including recent projects, Dream Quill and California Scheming, and his dedication to training the next generation of filmmakers—while delving into shifts within the movie industry. Listeners also get personal stories from the guests and hosts, and a behind-the-scenes look at cinema’s evolving landscape
We also talk about:
- The impact of family background and immigration on creative ambition and career journeys.
- The transformation of audience viewing habits due to streaming services and subscriptions.
- Favorite cheat day meals, musical preferences, and rapid-fire personal anecdotes.
- The role of naming, legacy, and values within the arts and entertainment industries.
- Fun fact segments, including the influence of classic films like The Wizard of Oz and unique film-watching challenges (e.g., watching with Pink Floyd's The Wall).
People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:
Michael Mendelsohn (guest, producer)
James McAvoy (actor, director)
Johnny Carson (late night host, mentioned)
Lawrence Bender (producer, mentioned)
William Goldman (author of The Princess Bride)
Iocaine powder (fictional poison from The Princess Bride)
Gusto (payroll and HR software)























