The Next Reel Film Podcast

Did the stage musical need to have a film remake? How do Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick at creating unique performances? Do Will Ferrell and Uma Thurman belong here? Tune in to this week’s show to find out these answers and more.

Show Notes

"I’m the German Ethel Merman, don’tcha know!?"
Adapting a non-musical into a Broadway musical into a film musical takes a lot of work, but Mel Brooks clearly had the gumption to do it, and was successful most of the way along. His Broadway adaptation of 1968’s The Producers was a massive hit with records that still haven’t been broken. The question, then, is why the film adaptation of that hit floundered at the box office? It’s a tricky question and as is almost always the case, there really isn’t a clear answer. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we look at Susan Stroman’s 2005 film The Producers.
We talk about why Stroman – the Broadway director/choreographer – is on board as the director and look at if that really makes any sense, especially considering some of our issues with the direction. We debate the difference between big, comedic performances and ones that are over-the-top, trying to decide why we feel differently with Will Ferrell’s and Kenneth Mars’ performances as Fritz. We discuss the script and some of our struggles with elements that were left nearly identical from the original. And we review some of our favorite performers and songs.
It’s a fun film, even if it ends up struggling under its own weight. We have a great conversation about it all the same, so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.
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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.