Episode Details

Back to Episodes
438 - Kevin Goetz - On Audience Testing 5,000+ Films, How He Became Hollywood's Most Powerful Audience Whisperer, and How to Use Audience Testing to Enhance Your Film (Not Destroy Your Vision)

438 - Kevin Goetz - On Audience Testing 5,000+ Films, How He Became Hollywood's Most Powerful Audience Whisperer, and How to Use Audience Testing to Enhance Your Film (Not Destroy Your Vision)

Published 2 months, 1 week ago
Description

This episode is brought to you by our e-book Mastering Film Marketing. Get your copy today at https://themakeitpodcast.com/products/mastering-film-marketing


Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, we sit down with legendary audience research expert Kevin Goetz, the CEO of Screen Engine, who has tested over 5,000 film and television titles for major studios over three decades. Kevin shares his journey from aspiring Broadway performer to becoming Hollywood's most trusted voice on audience testing, discussing how filmmakers can use audience feedback to enhance rather than compromise their creative vision. The conversation explores the evolution of audience expectations in the streaming era, the importance of knowing your deficits as an entrepreneur, and Kevin's philosophy on following passion over profit.


We also talk about:

• Kevin's childhood in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and the family dynamics that shaped his drive for success

• The misconceptions filmmakers have about audience testing and how it actually enhances creative vision

• How streaming platforms have changed viewer behavior, and the need for compelling cold opens

• The importance of self-awareness in leadership and surrounding yourself with people better than you at specific skills

• Kevin's approach to delegation, team building, and scaling a business with 320 employees


People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:


Screen Engine/ASI

BBMG Entertainment — kevingoetz360.com

How to Score in Hollywood

Audienceology

Producers Guild of America

American Cinematheque

Nashville Film Festival


News & Media Services

Ground News

Semafor 

The Media Line


People

Derek Guy (menswear writer)

Joan Rivers

Nicole Kidman

Charles Roven (producer)

Lauren Shuler Donner  

Richard Donner

Stephanie Allain 

Donald De Line (PGA)

Ben Fritz (Wall Street Journal)

Barbara Jarrett

Brooke Shields

Jared Leto

Travis Knight


Films & TV

Listen Now