Jim Fredrick: Marketing Prez at Castle Rock; SVP at Warner; and EVP at Screen Gems

26-09-2024 • 1 hr 34 mins

In this episode, we’re joined by Jim Fredrick, trailer editor, creative executive, and film professor and now… author of the new book OPENING WEEKEND. Jim shares his journey from his early sports aspirations to his pivotal roles in the film and marketing industries, working with icons like Steven Spielberg, Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson and Rob Reiner among so many others. We dive into the evolution of movie marketing, navigating challenging personalities, and the influence of Rotten Tomatoes. Jim also discusses motivational styles in the workplace, choosing passion over money, building a strong portfolio, and the transformative power of mentorship and hands-on education. We also get into the impact of Jim's teaching, his work with young trailer makers, and his upcoming book filled with personal industry insights and stories.

02:28 Meet Jim Fredrick: A Journey in Film Marketing

03:57 From Sports Dreams to Movie Magic

10:30 The Path to Becoming a Trailer Editor

14:36 Joining Intralink and Working with Legends

24:11 Creating the Teaser for THE COLOR PURPLE

28:49 Brushes with Fame: Main Title Design

38:17 A Week at Stanley Kubrick's Estate

42:28 The Unique Challenge of Creating the EYES WIDE SHUT Trailer

46:45 Castle Rock: A Unique Chapter in Editing and Heading Up Marketing

54:21 Transitioning to Warner Brothers

01:11:14 The Role of Rotten Tomatoes and Influencers

01:14:29 Dealing with Difficult Personalities in the Industry