Subscribe to ‘Seen on the Screen’ on
“Seen on the Screen” is your ticket to the personal narratives happening behind the scenes at Universal. Hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, each episode invites you into intimate conversations with NBCUniversal employees to explore how the magic of film impacts their lives. With a blend of entertaining games and thought-provoking questions, Jacqueline guides us through an exciting journey with each guest – asking them to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, scared the daylights out of them, or even changed them forever.
Thrown into the chaos of Jurassic World Rebirth, their characters panicked—but the actors never did. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Luna Blaise and David Iacono, two rising stars who play Theresa Delgado and Xavier Dobbs—a young couple belonging to the Delgado family storyline. Swept into a world of dinosaurs, mercenaries and mission specialists, their characters bring a relatable civilian perspective to the prehistoric pandemonium.
What’s more terrifying than facing a dinosaur? Facing one while trying to protect your kids. In Jurassic World Rebirth, Manuel García-Rulfo joins the franchise as a father caught in the ultimate survival scenario—and in this episode of Seen on the Screen, he joins Jacqueline Coley to talk about leading the franchise’s most emotional chapter yet.
At Universal, theme parks transport fans into iconic stories and immersive worlds they once only imagined, and in doing so ignite the thrill of being fully alive. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative, to talk about the making of Universal Epic Universe.
From Jurassic super fan to director of the franchise’s latest installment, Gareth Edwards joins Jacqueline Coley to talk about his latest movie, Jurassic World Rebirth. He reflects on his path—from creating the VFX shots himself in the film Monsters, to directing Rogue One, to taking on Spielberg’s legacy of bringing the large-scale spectacle of dinosaurs to the big screen.
Seventeen years after launching one of animation’s most beloved franchises, Dean DeBlois returns to How to Train Your Dragon for a bold new chapter: a live-action adaptation that’s bigger, more immersive, and emotionally resonant. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with the Oscar-nominated writer and director to discuss bringing the world of Hiccup and Toothless into live action.
Brett Levisohn, Senior Vice President of Creative Content for Universal Pictures loves telling the stories behind the making of movies – From first-look interviews with Directors and Actors to the exclusive behind-the-scenes content that connects audiences to the films they love, Brett’s role is rooted in a passion for celebrating every person and part of a movie. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley talks with Brett about his personal and professional connection to the entertainment industry.
Movie magic doesn’t end when the credits roll—and no one knows that better than Angela Vesagas, Vice President of Creative Content at Focus Features. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley talks with Angela about her path from selling tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood to crafting award-nominated campaigns for films like Downton Abbey and Nosferatu.
Who helps studio execs decide what movies get made—and what are they thinking about when they make their recommendations? For Shivani Patel, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Universal Pictures, it’s where creative opportunity meets commercial strategy—and every decision has to be backed by the data. Shivani plays a key role in shaping Universal’s film slate, bringing both business insight and a lifelong love of movies to the table. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley talks with her about the journey from Friday night runs to Blockbuster with her family to sitting in the room where “greenlight discussions” happen.
Abhijay Prakash has built his career on bridging creative ambition with smart business strategy—an approach that now shapes Blumhouse, where he leads as President. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley chats with Abhijay about his journey from strategy to scares, the creative freedom that drives Blumhouse, and why horror is one of the most exciting spaces in modern filmmaking.
Priany Hadiatmodjo has dedicated her career to shaping the next generation of leaders across entertainment and media. As Director of the NBCUniversal Page Program, she plays a huge role in launching careers at one of the industry’s most prestigious training grounds, guiding emerging talent as they take their first steps into the business. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Priany to discuss the impact of film, the lessons she’s learned as a leader, and how NBCUniversal continues to create opportunities for future industry leaders.
How do you craft marketing campaigns that impact culture and excite audiences around the world? In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Jenny Storms, Chief Marketing Officer NBCUniversal Television & Streaming, to explore her extraordinary journey from early ambitions of wanting to be a professional Ski Racer to now leading some of the biggest global campaigns across television, sports, and streaming.
How do today’s biggest films reach audiences across social media, streaming, and beyond? In this episode, Nicole Schlegel, Vice President of Global Digital Marketing at Universal Pictures, joins Jacqueline Coley to talk about crafting digital campaigns for blockbusters like Straight Outta Compton, Oppenheimer, Girls Trip, and Kung Fu Panda 4.
What makes a movie unforgettable? In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Matt Reilly, Executive Vice President of Production Development at Universal Pictures, for an inside look at the creativity and strategy behind some of the studio’s boldest projects.
Ke Huy Quan has captured audiences’ hearts for decades, from his early roles in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies to his Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Now, in his first leading role, Ke stars in Love Hurts, a high-energy action comedy that blends heartfelt storytelling with thrilling fight sequences. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley speaks with Ke about stepping into the spotlight as a leading man, his dedication to authentic action choreography, and how his love for classic Hong Kong cinema influenced his approach to the genre.
Like film, television has the power to connect audiences and shape culture. Jacqueline Coley sits down with Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Universal Studio Group, to explore her extraordinary journey from discovering American culture through television as a child to becoming one of today’s leading voices in the industry. For the first time on “Seen on the Screen,” television takes center stage as Pearlena shares her experience developing culturally significant shows like Soul Food, Dexter, and The Equalizer.
In this special episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Emmy and Grammy nominated composer and Academy Award® winning filmmaker Kris Bowers, in front of a live audience at the SCAD Film Festival in Savannah, GA. Known for his genre-defying scores in films like Bob Marley: One Love, The Color Purple, the Emmy winning series Bridgerton and his latest project, DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed hit, The Wild Robot, Bowers reflects on his early passion for piano, the emotional resonance of music, and how personal experiences have shaped his work.
Bringing movies to the big screen takes passion and expertise. In this episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Peter Kujawski, Chairman of Focus Features, to talk about his path from intern to head of a studio known for award-winning, auteur-driven films. Peter shares an inside perspective on Focus’s commitment to unique, culturally relevant stories—from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to NOSFERATU and beyond. Hear how Peter’s lifelong love of cinema shapes his vision for films and inspires the distinctive culture he’s built at Focus Features.
As the Director of Photography for Wicked, Alice Brooks ASC shaped the film’s visual identity, bringing Director Jon M. Chu’s vision to life with a vibrant and immersive cinematic experience. In this episode, Alice joins Jacqueline Coley to share her journey working in entertainment, from growing up in a creative family to discovering her passion for cinematography.
How do you bring a cultural phenomenon like Wicked to the big screen? In this episode, Jacqueline Coley joins director Jon M. Chu in Oz to talk about his work on his generation-defining cinematic event and how his personal connection to the stage musical inspired him to take on the project.
How do you bring a beloved book series to life on the big screen? In this episode, we chat with Chris Sanders, the writer and director behind DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot. Chris shares how he first discovered the project and what drew him to adapt Peter Brown’s popular book series, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
How do you turn an idea into a box office hit? Meet Ryan Jones, Senior Vice President of Production at Universal Pictures, who has a built a career on tackling just that! In this episode, Ryan takes us into the world of creative development and reveals what has inspired him to work on some of the most talked-about films and how they take shape.
Imagine if your high school job sparked a successful career in entertainment. For Arnold Klein, Senior Director of Digital Marketing at Universal Pictures, a part-time gig at Universal Studios Hollywood evolved into a role where he now contributes to the success of global digital marketing campaigns for major film releases. In this episode, Arnold shares insights into the strategy behind campaigns like the viral Blumhouse sensation M3GAN and the surprising sense of belonging he experienced while witnessing Dev Patel promote his film MONKEY MAN.
What’s your favorite movie music moment? Angela Leus, Senior Vice President of Film Music at Universal Film Entertainment Group, is one of the people who helps make those magical moments happen and today, in this episode she takes us behind the scenes of her dynamic role. Angela’s journey from a classically trained pianist to a key player in the film industry is a testament to her unique ability to merge musical vision with cinematic storytelling. Discover how she navigates nuance, curates unforgettable soundtracks, and manages the intricacies of bringing music to life on screen.
What happens when a love of animation meets a passion for collaboration? We meet Morenike Dosu, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at DreamWorks Animation. Morenike’s lifelong appreciation for animation began as a kid rushing home from school to watch Darkwing Duck to now working in her pivotal role at DreamWorks where she helps foster inclusive and collaborative environments.
Jacqueline Coley dives into the world of movie marketing with Patrick Starr, Executive Vice President of Creative Advertising at Universal Pictures. Learn about the creative process behind one-of-a-kind movie trailers, posters, TV commercials, and what to focus on in order to capture a film’s essence.
Jacqueline Coley sits down with Mari Lozano, Manager of Media at Universal Pictures. Learn about her unique experiences in the world of media and marketing, and what it takes to place advertising for the movies you love everywhere: from Super Bowl spots, to social media, to radio shows, and more.
What kind of career combines a deep love for movies and strong business acumen? In this episode, Jacqueline speaks with Liz Jenkins, the Chief Business Officer for NBCUniversal Studio Group. As a dynamic leader, Liz shares how embracing her own authenticity has been an essential part of fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
What’s the secret to finding the best new filmmakers and movies? Jacqueline Coley explores this question with Michelle Momplaisir, VP, Production Development and Acquisitions at Focus Features. As a key figure in the studio’s development and acquisitions, Michelle shares insights into her role, discussing some of her favorite filmmakers and how she selects and supports projects from inception to screen.
What does crafting a quilt have in common with editing a blockbuster movie trailer? Jacqueline Coley finds that link with John Cantú, a seasoned Trailer Editor in Universal’s Creative Operations. John shares how a childhood passion for music and movies evolved into a career in film editing.
Have you ever wondered who decides when a movie goes from theaters to streaming? Or when you’ll be able to watch that movie on your next flight? Jacqueline chats with Deva Renzi, SVP, Strategy & Operations for Global Distribution at NBCUniversal. Deva is responsible for thoughtfully and intentionally releasing NBCUniversal films through their theatrical to in-the-home journey.
How do you market an American movie for an international audience? Jacqueline Coley sits down with Raheem Dawson, who has one of the coolest jobs in Hollywood at NBCUniversal to talk about it. From marketing films internationally to his early aspirations of becoming a music video director, Raheem shares his evolving relationship with movies. Discover his passions, the influences that have helped to guide his path, and the moments that defined both his life and career journey.
Make It Universal believes that behind every film, campaign, and award lies a human story waiting to be told. “Make It Universal” isn’t just a mantra – it’s a commitment to celebrating the diversity and collective experiences that make our stories truly Universal. From the industry’s famous faces to its unsung heroes, every voice matters.
New episodes available bi-weekly! Please follow and listen wherever you listen to podcasts.
On an Apple device? Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Apple News.
Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! Join our newsletter.
