Nick Stoller (Director, Screenwriter) on Crafting Comedy Gold

Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Research Expert Kevin Goetz

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Host and entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz sits down with talented screenwriter and director Nick Stoller. With a remarkable portfolio that includes hit comedy films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek, Neighbors, Bros, and the upcoming You’re Cordially Invited, Stoller provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, his journey in the entertainment industry, and the invaluable role of audience research in shaping his critically acclaimed projects.
Nick Stoller's background and early influences (5:57)
Nick discusses his background and early influences, including growing up in Miami, attending boarding school in New Hampshire, and finding his passion for comedy writing at Harvard.
Pitching ideas to Judd Apatow and landing a job on "Undeclared" (11:33)
The pivotal moment when Judd Apatow hired Stoller for the show "Undeclared" based on his ability to pitch relatable college experiences that resonated with Apatow's comedic sensibilities.
The screening process for "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and lessons learned (15:19)
Stoller delves into the screening process for "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and the invaluable lessons he learned about audience preferences, particularly their aversion to overtly sad characters and their love for characters in denial.
Collaborating with actors like Jason Segel and Rose Byrne (24:03)
Stoller talks about working with talented actors like Jason Segel and Rose Byrne, and the unique comedic talents each brings to a project.
Advice on cutting scenes and prioritizing the story over individual jokes (29:30)
Kevin and Nick offer insightful advice on cutting scenes and prioritizing the overall story arc over individual jokes, even highly comedic ones, if they undermine character development or audience engagement.
The reshoots for "Get Him to the Greek" and the importance of point of view (33:38)
Nick talks about his love of reshoots, and how the audience feedback led him to change the beginning of Get Him to the Greek.
Preparing for the first day of shooting with Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon (41:24)
Stoller discusses his preparation process before the first day of shooting with stars like Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, emphasizing the importance of rehearsals and collaborative exploration.
Throughout the engaging conversation, Nick Stoller's passion for storytelling, his respect for the audience, and his collaborative approach shine through. From his beginnings as a writer to his current success as a director, Stoller's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a deep understanding of human emotions. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Nick Stoller
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano
For more information about Nick Stoller:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicholasstoller
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Stoller
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0831557/
For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoet