Waypoint Entertainment's Ken Kao on Producing Hollywood Movies with Ryan Gosling from The Favourite to The Nice Guys

This week, Giles Alderson is absolutely thrilled to be joined by one of the most influential and respected producers in independent cinema today: the visionary Ken Kao! As the co-founder and President of Waypoint Entertainment, Ken Kao has been the driving force behind an incredible slate of diverse and thought-provoking films and has recently formed a strategic partnership with the acclaimed distributor Neon. Ken has produced a dozen feature films, with an impressive filmography that includes working with cinematic titans like Martin Scorsese on the powerful drama Silence, and Terrence Malick on his contemplative films Song to Song and Knight of Cups. He also produced the action-comedy The Nice Guys, starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, and The Glass Castle, adapted from the bestselling book by Jeannette Walls and starring Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson. His work also extends to the intense Western Hostiles starring Christian Bale, the suspenseful Tau, and the gritty police drama Rampart. His recent projects include the highly anticipated Project Hail Mary, again starring Ryan Gosling, and the horror film Cuckoo. It's worth noting that Ken also co-founded a production company with his frequent collaborator, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker Ryan Gosling, a partnership dedicated to developing a wide range of unique material for film and television. Ken's dedication to diverse and impactful storytelling truly sets him apart. Join Giles and Ken as they delve into the intricate world of film producing. We'll be discussing the art of identifying compelling stories, the challenges of navigating financing and distribution in the independent sector (especially with Waypoint's recent partnership with Neon), the collaborative process with visionary directors and talented casts like Ryan Gosling, and Ken's philosophy on fostering creativity while bringing ambitious projects to fruition. This is an unmissable conversation for anyone aspiring to produce, passionate about independent film, or simply curious about the crucial role of a producer in shaping cinematic masterpieces. Let's welcome the extraordinary Ken Kao to The Filmmakers Podcast! LINKS DIRTY BOY Premiere at Raindance tickets https://raindance.eventive.org/schedule/dirty-boy-68234eda5e47ea122831f7f4 https://raindance.eventive.org/schedule/dirty-boy-68234eda5e47ea122831f7f4 FILM FORGE FILM COURSES info here. FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world.  And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rateit on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helpsus share the film’s important message with more people. Your supporttruly makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices