What do trailers, legendary movie posters, streaming era strategy, and a deep love for theatrical storytelling have in common?

This week on Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods, Corey is joined by Debi Struzan and Dana Flowers-Mitchell for a deeply personal conversation about careers shaped by creativity, collaboration, and conviction. From Debi's early days at Seiniger Advertising and her connection to the iconic Drew Struzan legacy, to Dana's journey from agency producer to studio and streaming executive, the conversation traces how great entertainment marketing is built at the intersection of story, trust, and human connection.

Together, Debi and Dana reflect on mentorship, studio versus agency life, the evolution of theatrical and streaming windows, and what still matters most when crafting campaigns that resonate. Along the way, the discussion touches on everything from horror trailers and prestige dramas to boxing workouts, late night calls, and why picking up the phone still matters.

From Agency to Studio and Back Again
Both guests share how starting on the agency side shaped the way they later partnered with creative teams once they moved into studio and streaming roles, fostering deeper empathy and stronger collaboration.

The Legacy of Drew Struzan
Debi reflects on the influence of her father-in-law, legendary illustrator Drew Struzan, and the enduring impact of handcrafted movie poster art in a rapidly changing industry.

Why Relationships Still Win
Dana and Debi emphasize that despite new tools, platforms, and pressures, strong relationships and direct communication remain essential to solving creative problems and building trust.

Theatrical Is Not Dead
The conversation challenges the idea that movie theaters are fading, pointing instead to evolving audience behaviors and the continued power of shared cinematic experiences.

Creativity in an Era of Change
From AI anxiety to shrinking budgets, the discussion explores how agencies and creatives can adapt while protecting the core value of original ideas and emotional storytelling.

"People still want to be moved together in a room. Theatrical is not dying. It's evolving."

"You can solve a lot of problems just by picking up the phone."

"The big idea still matters. Tools can change, but concept is everything."

• Debi Struzan - www.linkedin.com/in/debistruzan
• Dana Flowers-Mitchell: www.linkedin.com/in/dana-flowers
• Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms

Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com

• The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

What does it take to market movies that shape culture—and to lead with integrity when the stakes are highest?

In this Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods episode, Corey Nathan revisits his powerful conversation with Dwight Caines, President of Domestic Marketing at Universal Pictures and one of the most respected voices in modern film marketing.

One of our "best of's" since we brought this program back, this episode remains as relevant—and resonant—as ever. Dwight reflects on a career spanning Sony Pictures and Universal, working on iconic franchises including Spider-Man, James Bond, Oppenheimer, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. But this conversation goes far beyond campaigns and box office numbers.

Dwight opens up about leadership, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, the responsibility of storytellers, and what it means to be a steady presence in moments of industry—and societal—turbulence. It's a masterclass in how great marketing starts with understanding people.

Whether you're a trailer creative, studio exec, marketer, or emerging storyteller, this episode is a reminder that how you lead matters just as much as what you ship.

Dwight explains why every campaign begins with a deep understanding of who the movie is for—and what emotional response it needs to evoke to get audiences off the couch and into theaters.

With roots in market research, Dwight shares how the best campaigns balance data with gut, and why "research be damned" can sometimes be the bravest—and smartest—call.

As an early digital pioneer at Sony, Dwight recounts building online communities around films like Spider-Man long before digital marketing was standard practice.

Dwight reflects on moments when the industry—and the country—felt unsteady, and why authenticity, calm, and moral clarity are essential leadership traits.

From teaching at Syracuse and UCLA to shaping DEI initiatives at Universal and the Academy, Dwight makes the case that representation isn't performative—it's foundational to better work and better culture.

"If you see me running for the emergency exit, then trouble's coming. Otherwise, take it as a good sign."

"Marketing is about evoking emotion. If you don't know what you want people to feel, the campaign won't land."

"If you see it, you can be it. I didn't see myself in front of the classroom—so I decided to become that person."

"Diversity isn't invitation. It's allowing people to show up authentically and be heard."

Dwight Caines
President, Domestic Marketing – Universal Pictures
Mentor, Educator, Industry Leader

Corey Nathan
Host – Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods
@coreysnathan on all platforms

This episode is part of our Best Of Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods series—encore conversations from across the show's history that remain timeless, insightful, and essential listening for anyone passionate about entertainment marketing.

Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design – 2496soundandmusic.com

• The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

• Soundstripe – app.soundstripe.com

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

What do VHS edits, a childhood trumpet, and a passion for story-driven design have in common?

This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, Corey Nathan sits down with Greg Krupka, Vice President and Creative Director at AV Squad, to unpack a path paved with relentless creativity, smart collaboration, and iconic trailer moments. From his early days at Emerson College to cutting theatrical campaigns that reverberate through pop culture, Greg shares a behind-the-scenes look at his philosophy, process, and passion for the craft.

Whether guiding new creatives or breaking down a "popcorn moment" trailer cut, Greg brings sharp insight into what makes entertainment marketing truly memorable.

• Support Skip's Heart Recovery Journey - gofund.me/9ef1ccfef

Key Takeaways

Early Roots in Storytelling
From VHS-to-VHS edits at a public access station to film school at Emerson, Greg's storytelling instincts were honed through pure hustle and passion.

The Art of the Tease
Greg breaks down how theatrical trailers have evolved—from "What is the concept?" to "What's the vibe?"—and why feel is now as important as form.

Creative Mentorship
Shoutouts to key mentors who helped shape Greg's transition from editor to creative director.

Intuition Over Ego
Greg discusses the value of checking ego at the door, knowing when to pivot, and letting emotional resonance lead the creative.

Notable Quotes

"You get that little pit in your stomach when you see a trailer come together and realize—'We got something.' That's the juice."

"The idea of 'popcorn moments'—those sticky, rewatchable bits—that's what we aim for. It's not just cuts and beats, it's memory fuel."

"I don't ever want to be the smartest guy in the room. I want to be in the room that makes the smartest trailer."

Connect

AV Squad – @av_squad on Instagram
Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms

Our Sponsors

• Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design – 2496soundandmusic.com

• The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

• Soundstripe – app.soundstripe.com

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

From Strings to Screens: Aaron Gershman's Journey Across AV, Digital, and Design

How does a former rock guitarist with zero design training become a creative force behind some of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant film campaigns of our time?

This week on Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods, Corey Nathan sits down with Aaron Gershman, SVP of Creative Advertising at Lionsgate, whose journey from teenage rocker to "Pope of Posters" is anything but ordinary. From working on cult classics like Scott Pilgrim to crafting mind-blowing illustrated campaigns for John Wick 4, Aaron shares a deep-dive into the intersections of music, design, AV, and storytelling.

🎨 Whether he's collaborating with international artists or building visceral trailers that mix gunshots with throat singing, Aaron reveals how emotional intelligence, personal roots, and artistic instincts create unforgettable marketing.

• Support Skip's Heart Recovery Journey - gofund.me/9ef1ccfef
• A Very Vibrant Celebration 2 - www.wearevibrant.org/events

• Music Meets Marketing: Aaron's background as a musician and producer continues to shape how he sees rhythm, timing, and emotional arc—especially in AV.

• Poster Power: Learn how an artist-led, globally-sourced poster series for John Wick 4 redefined collaboration and style.

• From Minivan DVDs to Collectible Art: Aaron traces the evolution of home entertainment from functional formats to curated collectibles.

• Mentorship Matters: Behind every pivot in Aaron's career is a creative leader who inspired him—from Tom Gundred to Damon Wolf to Adam Fogelson.

• Embracing Change: From studio shakeups to creative setbacks, Aaron's mantra is to stay focused on the joy of building.

"My dad was a producer through and through. Even when I was a kid in a garage band, he'd come down and tell us, 'This song needs dynamics—quiet moments, loud moments.' Then he'd play The Doors to show us what he meant."
— Aaron Gershman

"I used to track artists on Instagram the same way I used to find bands. Now I follow over 5,000 illustrators for inspiration."
— Aaron Gershman

"The work didn't scare me—learning the language of trailers did. Corey, your podcast was like my AV crash course."
— Aaron Gershman

• John Wick 4 – Artist series posters

• The Strangers: Chapter 1 – Friggin' Bill Neil!

• Silent Night – Ode to Joy meets tactical violence

• Clerks III – Collaborating with Kevin Smith

• Sisu – Tribal, percussive, primal, and punchy

• Lionsgate - @lionsgate on Instagram and TikTok

• Corey - @coreysnathan on all the socials

• Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com
• 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com
• The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/
• Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com

• Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!
• Connect with Corey on all platforms @coreysnathan
• Subscribe for new episodes every week and keep up with the world's best trailer creatives!

Between the Beats: From Texas Roots to Trailer Rhythms

What does it take to edit trailers that breathe emotion, humor, tension, and awe—all in a few short minutes?

This week, we sit down with Shea Jones, a self-proclaimed "rhythm cutter" whose musical instincts have defined some of the most memorable trailer moments of the last decade. Shea shares his origin story—from math-loving student in San Antonio to trailer editor at X/AV—along with insights into how he approaches genre, music, and storytelling.

🎵 Whether he's remixing action sequences with beat drops or building visual poetry around Taylor Swift lyrics, Shea reveals how the best trailers aren't just made—they're felt.

This episode is a must-listen for creatives, editors, and trailer geeks alike.

• Editing is Rhythmic: Shea describes himself as a "rhythm-based cutter," likening his editing flow to musical composition and even mathematics.

• Versatility is a Superpower: From horror and blockbuster action to emotional dramas, Shea's ability to pivot across genres comes from intuition and experimentation.

• Let the Music Speak: For projects like Daisy Jones & The Six and The Summer I Turned Pretty, lyrics drive narrative as much as visuals or dialogue.

• Compete with Yourself: In an industry full of talent, Shea's biggest rival is yesterday's version of himself.

• Culture Matters: A decade at XAV isn't just about work—it's about a team-first environment that nurtures people, not just projects.

"There's a mathematics to trailers. It's not just beats—it's breathing, silence, and flow."
— Shea Jones

"The best finish is my next finish."
— Shea Jones

"Competing with others used to drive me. Now, I just want to keep getting better."
— Shea Jones

• Website: xav.la

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com
• The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/
• Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com

Calls to Action:

• Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e
• You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan.

Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤

📌 Episode Summary

In this edition of our tribute series to Andy Kuehn—widely regarded as the father of the modern trailer industry—we're joined by special co-host Benedict Coulter and iconic guests Dawn Baillie and Clive Baillie, two of the co-founders of BLT Communications. Together, they retrace the creative and entrepreneurial journey that shaped BLT, and honor the enormous influence Andy had in nurturing creative independence and cultivating Hollywood glamor.

This conversation is a deep dive into the culture and mentorship Andy built at Kaleidoscope Films, and how that environment catalyzed the formation of one of the most successful creative shops in entertainment advertising.

🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights

[00:00:00] Welcome & intro 🎙️

[00:01:00] Meet Dawn & Clive Baillie of BLT Communications

[00:02:00] Why BLT was formed: reclaiming artistry with the advent of Macs 💻🎨

[00:04:00] Clive's journey: set carpenter on Masters of the Universe to key art designer

[00:06:00] Working at Cannon Films, Seiniger and Dazu

[00:08:00] Dawn's unconventional entry from movie extra to design star

[00:10:00] Building BLT with Rick Lynch, and a pivotal meeting with Andy Kuehn 🤝

[00:14:00] The bold idea: artists using their own computers—pre-Photoshop!

[00:16:00] First impressions of Andy: bronzed, elegant, and unforgettable

[00:19:00] Portfolio meets passion: BLT's pitch wins over Andy & Kaleidoscope

[00:21:00] Benedict's POV: how BLT raised the creative bar at Kaleidoscope

[00:24:00] Cross-medium collaborations: from Natural Born Killers to AV-Print synergy

[00:28:00] Culture as a cornerstone: open creativity at Kaleidoscope

[00:30:00] Andy's Hollywood home and unforgettable holiday parties 🎄🏡

[00:32:00] The essence of Andy: glamor, grace, and supportiveness

[00:36:00] BLT reflects on the culture Andy helped build and their growth since

[00:40:00] Warm memories from Kaleidoscope's Seward Street days

[00:43:00] Benny shares how Andy shaped his leadership style at Trailer Park

[00:47:00] Departures, transitions, and keeping Andy's legacy alive

[00:49:00] Final reflections, laughs, and why we need to bring back Ascots

"Andy embodied that old Hollywood mystique—you wanted to be around him. You felt elevated just being in the room." — Dawn Baillie

"We learned that the most important thing in a company is culture—and Andy created that." — Clive Baillie

"If you support me creatively, I'll fly. Andy gave me wings." — Benedict Coulter

📚 Related Links

• 🌐 AJK Foundation: ajkfoundation.org – Support film preservation & LGBTQ+ cinema history.

• 24/96 Sound & Music Design: 2496soundandmusic.com
• The Golden Trailer Awards: goldentrailer.com/
• Soundstripe: app.soundstripe.com

Calls to Action:

• Please leave us a rating and review: https://apple.co/3QYy80e
• You can find Corey on all the socials @coreysnathan such as www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan.

Want to hear how the best in the business craft the world's most exciting movie trailers? Tune in every week to Trailer Geeks and Teaser Gods! 🎬🎤