The Next Reel Film Podcast

What’s the story as to how director Martha Coolidge found Nicolas Cage for his part in this film? And how great is he with Deborah Foreman as the two leads? The Romeo and Juliet story works well in this teen world of the San Fernando Valley vs. the grungier Hollywood/DTLA. How do the actors deliver in creating these two worlds? And how about Coolidge and her music selections? We talk about all of this and more on this week’s show so check it out then tune in!

Show Notes

"I’m so sure!”

The story of Valley Girl is simply another Romeo & Juliet type of tale, but director Martha Coolidge captured a lot more in her film. The movie depicts an authentic look at life as a teenager in the early 80s, particularly the culture that grew out of Valley Speak and the whole concept of what a ‘valley girl’ represented, not just in the San Fernando Valley but anywhere in the country. Because of this sense of authenticity, Coolidge’s film has stood the test of time. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our 80s Comedy With Coolidge & Heckerling series with Coolidge’s 1983 film Valley Girl.

Here’s a hint at what we talk about in this episode looking at Valley Girl.

Like, totally. Valspeak. Ironic or not, it was a part of our youth, for sure. How was Frank and Moon Unit Zappa’s song connected to it though? And to this film? How did Martha Coolidge find the young Nicolas Cage and get him for one of her leads? And how easy is it to fall in love with Deborah Foreman? The cast is all together perfect in the film, and turns out they largely supplied their own wardrobes! Ah, indie filmmaking. There’s a strong story about finding your own identity though, and that shines through strong. Martha Coolidge is as good at putting soundtracks together as Amy Heckerling is! Wall to wall music and we love it all. And how about the look that defines the two worlds? But what about the required breasts that Coolidge had to include per instructions from the executive producers?

We talk about all that and more in this episode, 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.