Mike Marcus (Manager, Producer, & Former Studio Head) on Building Hollywood Networks and Creating Hit Films

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In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Mike Marcus, whose impressive 57-year career spans from agency mailroom to MGM Pictures president to management company founder. In his early career as an agent, Marcus built an impressive client roster including Robin Williams, John Landis, and Sidney Pollack before transitioning into a top studio executive role and eventually launching the management division at Echo Lake Entertainment. Marcus was instrumental in bringing iconic films like The Fisher King, Trading Places, An American Werewolf in London, Get Shorty, and Stargate to the screen.

The Agency Mailroom: Hollywood's Ultimate Training Ground (01:37)
Marcus explains why starting in an agency mailroom provides unparalleled industry education through networking and on-the-job training.

Building a Client Roster and Packaging Films (07:07)
Marcus discusses how he excelled at assembling creative teams for projects like Fisher King with Robin Williams and Terry Gilliam.

The CAA Years and Client Relationships (10:48)
After launching Cunningham Levy Marcus, he moved to CAA where he represented major talents, building the relationships that defined his career.

Transition to Studio Executive at MGM (14:21)
Marcus details his surprising move from agent to MGM Pictures president in 1993, where his packaging skills lent themselves to studio leadership..

The Value of Research and Testing (22:50)
Looking back on projects like Stargate, Marcus reflects on his evolution from a "gut instinct" filmmaker to appreciating audience research.

The Streaming Revolution and Theater Experience (27:44)
Marcus shares his perspective on streaming's impact on theatrical moviegoing, believing theaters will always exist while acknowledging how streaming has changed the viewing landscape.

Building Echo Lake Entertainment (31:19)
Now approaching 20 years at Echo Lake, Marcus discusses what makes a great representative and reveals the fulfillment that came with building the company.

Industry Outlook and Future Projects (33:11)
Marcus shares his optimism about independent film's potential resurgence, concerns about decreasing compensation for talent, and shares his current projects.

Throughout the conversation, Marcus demonstrates how his skill for recognizing creative talent and building relationships helped create classic films through the years. His journey from agency mailroom to industry leader offers essential insights for anyone interested in the inner workings of Hollywood.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!

 Host: Kevin Goetz

Guest: Mike Marcus

Producer: Kari Campano

Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano

Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)

 

For more information about Mike Marcus:

IMDB:

For more information about Kevin Goetz:
- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/
- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360
- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz
- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com