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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25:19
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.
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32:08
Cultivating the Next Generation of Talent with Priany Hadiatmodjo
Priany Hadiatmodjo has dedicated her career to shaping the next generation of Hollywood leaders. As Director of the NBCUniversal Page Program, she plays a huge role in launching careers at one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious training grounds, guiding emerging talent as they take their first steps into the business.Her love for film began long before her industry career, with movies like The Breakfast Club and Speed shaping her belief in storytelling as a way to connect generations. That passion for cinema has carried into her work, where she fosters opportunity, champions mentorship, and helps create pathways for future entertainment professionals.In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Priany to discuss the impact of film, the lessons she’s learned as a leader, and how the NBCUniversal Page Program continues to open doors for the next wave of industry talent.
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26:06
From Olympic Dreams to Marketing Themes with Jenny Storms
How do you craft marketing campaigns that impact culture and excite audiences around the world? In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Jenny Storms, Chief Marketing Officer NBCUniversal Television & Streaming, to explore her extraordinary journey from early ambitions of wanting to be a professional Ski Racer to now leading some of the biggest global campaigns across television, sports, and streaming.From galvanizing audiences worldwide during the 2024 Paris Olympics to harnessing the power of cross-divisional collaboration, Jenny reflects on how her early passion for film, sports, and tv have all led to a full circle moment in her current role. Jenny shares the movies that shaped her love of storytelling and the traditions that keep her connected to her family. Plus, learn about the strategy behind some of NBCUniversal’s most successful campaigns and partnerships – from the return of the NBA and WNBA, to showcasing the magic of Team USA, discover how having a “if you can’t beat them, join them,” mentality has propelled Jenny into a role impacting media and culture.
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Taking Center Stage in the Digital Age with Nicole Schlegel
How do today’s biggest films reach audiences across social media, streaming, and beyond? In this episode, Nicole Schlegel, Vice President of Global Digital Marketing at Universal Pictures, joins Jacqueline Coley to talk about crafting digital campaigns for blockbusters like Get Out, Oppenheimer, and The Fast and the Furious franchise.Growing up as the child of actors, Nicole was immersed in the world of entertainment from an early age. While her parents encouraged her to explore careers beyond acting, their passion for storytelling ultimately inspired her own path in Hollywood. She shares her journey from publicity to digital marketing and how the rise of social media has transformed the way movies connect with audiences. Nicole also discusses working with talent like Jack Black, Tiffany Haddish, and Jeff Goldblum, the creative strategies behind viral movie moments, and how digital campaigns continue to evolve alongside the industry.
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 🎧