Carol Baum (Veteran Studio Executive and Producer) on the Art of Creative Producing

(Recorded December 2023)
In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with veteran producer Carol Baum, whose impressive career includes working with Hollywood icons such as Dolly Parton, Barbara Streisand, Robert De Niro, Zendaya, and Steve Martin. Carol shares stories and insights from her decades in the film industry, discussing her work on memorable films like "Father of the Bride," "The Good Girl," "Dead Ringers," and "Flyaway Home." She also shares candid experiences as a studio executive at Fox and Lorimar, where she developed classic films like "Officer and a Gentleman" and "The Dead Zone." With the recent release of her book, "Creative Producing," Carol provides a wealth of knowledge for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals.

Carol’s Early Career and Education (07:42)
Carol discusses her early career, how a girl from South Orange, New Jersey with no Hollywood connections landed a job in publishing at Bantam Books, where she discovered "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" and how she went on to produce classic movies.

Studio Executive Roles (24:28)
As a studio executive, Carol worked with Jon Peters' company, where she learned the importance of a positive work environment. She then moved on to Fox, working under Joe Wizan, and experienced a culture shift when Larry Gordon and Scott Rudin joined the studio. At Lorimar, Carol developed classic films such as "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "The Dead Zone."

Father of the Bride, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Sandollar Productions (30:17)
Carol shares stories of working with Sandy Gallin and Dolly Parton at Sandollar Productions where she produced successful films like "Father of the Bride" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" while collaborating with Howard Rosenman.

Creative Producing (38:10)
Carol discusses her book, Creative Producing, where she emphasizes the importance of the development process and working closely with writers to refine scripts and make them better.

Working with Stars Like Barbara Streisand, Steve Martin, and a Young Zendaya (42:53)
Carol shares her love for actors and their role in getting projects made. She considers Anthony Hopkins one of the greatest living actors and recounts her experiences working with Barbara Streisand, Steve Martin, and a young Zendaya.

Carol Baum's love for movies shines through and shows why she is so valuable to the film industry. Her willingness to share her experiences and lessons in this episode as well as in her book, Creative Producing, are sure to inspire and guide countless filmmakers 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: Carol Baum
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano

For more information about Carol Baum:
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0062071/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Baum
Website: https://www.carolfriedlandbaum.com/

For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360
Linked In @Kevin Goetz
Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com