Dean DeBlois on Reimagining a Modern Animated Classic for Live Action
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.Candid and full of gems, Dean reflects on a career that’s taken him from animation desks to directing large-scale practical effects—including the massive animatronic Toothless used in flight sequences. He explains how The Empire Strikes Back influenced How to Train Your Dragon 2, how Mulan helped shape Hiccup’s emotional arc, and what it was like casting a new generation of actors, including Mason Thames and Nico Parker.Looking back on his journey—from early creative struggles to seeing the Isle of Berk turned into a theme park—Dean reflects on the risks he’s taken, the lessons he’s learned, and the power of storytelling that keeps evolving, no matter the medium. How to Train Your Dragon hits theaters and IMAX on June 13.
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Putting the Spotlight on Behind the Scenes Content with Brett Levisohn
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. From working on Safe House in his family’s hometown, to his lifelong love of classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula. Brett shares how his family connections to the circus, his emotional intuition, and an unwavering dedication to storytelling have contributed to where he is in his career today and why creative content is an essential piece to marketing a movie.Whether you’re curious about the different areas of marketing or just love hearing from someone who lives and breathes movies, Brett’s perspective offers a thoughtful, fan-forward look behind the scenes at Universal’s creative powerhouse.
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From Film Fan to Behind the Scenes at Focus Features with Angela Vesagas
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.Angela shares how her early passion for storytelling — from rewinding Moulin Rouge on DVD to cosplaying Scott Pilgrim characters — fueled a career defined by creativity, innovation, and a fan’s eye for what makes a movie unforgettable. Hear how she helped pioneer Focus's original digital series, why she believes storytelling around movies matters just as much as the stories themselves, and what it’s like to build a creative home for film lovers everywhere.
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From Movie Nights to Business Strategy Insights with Shivani Patel
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” happenThey talk about the moments that shaped her—why The Dark Knight changed everything, how Chef made her a grilled cheese obsessive, and what it felt like to help bring films like Yesterday and Get Out to life. Shivani also reflects on the importance of showing up fully at work, and how the best decisions are often made when instinct and insight come together.
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From Business Strategy To Scary Business with Abhijay Prakash
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. The studio has become an empire built on bold ideas, small budgets, and massive cultural impact.Starting as an intern at Universal Pictures, Abhijay worked his way through key roles at Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation, and Universal, where he helped guide major creative and business decisions. His passion for film was sparked by a love of Bollywood and Hollywood classics, and today, that passion fuels his approach to taking smart risks, championing daring stories, and evolving the horror genre.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.
Introducing "Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley,” a bi-weekly podcast and 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 and our creative community 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, and changed them forever.Join us for "Seen on the Screen," where every story is meaningful, and each experience is filled with authenticity. Because when art and entertainment connect with us on a human level, that's when the real magic happens. New episodes available bi-weekly starting April 24! Please follow and listen wherever you listen to podcasts 🎧
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