In the vibrant landscape of Hollywood, where dreams morph into reality, Phil Goldfine stands as a testament to the power of storytelling. While his name may not echo through the halls of fame as loudly as some, his impact on cinema is profound.
Starting his career as both a Development and Production Executive at powerhouse entities such as Fox Broadcasting Corp., New Line Cinema, and Trimark Pictures, Goldfine made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. His executive roles on films like “The Mask” and “Disturbing Behavior,” as well as spearheading Jim Carrey’s first dramatic role in “Doing Time on Maple Drive,” underscore his knack for identifying and nurturing compelling content. Phil has been involved in the production of over 200 movies and TV shows, and now Two Broadway Musicals, but one of the films, television programs and Broadway Musical have earned an Academy Award, an Emmy, and a Tony.
Even though his career and contributions to celluloid have been prolific, he has remained resolutely under the radar. “I’ve always focused more on the art, the craft of creating, and the business aspects, rather than personal fame,” he explains. This humble approach has endeared him to many in the industry and is perhaps why his reputation, while not always in the limelight, is spoken of with great respect.
Phil’s story begins not on the glitzy streets of Hollywood but in the imaginative playground of his childhood: “I was always captivated by stories,” he reminisces. “As a child, I would immerse myself in creating these magical, high-concept science fiction and fantasy tales. I never thought I’d get into the action business. And I definitely wasn’t thinking about the Christmas or Halloween business. It was just about writing stories. And by doing that I realized I had a great imagination.” This childhood passion for storytelling was the seed that would grow into a lifelong pursuit in filmmaking.
A chance encounter when Phil was eight years old, with the legendary Lucille Ball, facilitated by his father, was a pivotal moment: “Meeting Lucille Ball was like glimpsing into the future of what I could be a part of,” Phil recalls. “She was a powerhouse, a trailblazer in the industry, and responsible for greenlighting some of the most important projects in the industry. That meeting left a lasting impression on me.”
However, it could be said his defining moment was when he snuck onto the Universal Studios lot in LA as a teenager, to give Alfred Hitchcock a birthday card, “He was really nice to me and very friendly,” recalls Phil. “I think I manifested my life because when I was standing in his office, I told myself this was where I wanted to be.”
Today, Phil’s office is a few doors down from Hitchcock’s on the Universal lot. His passion for filmmaking shines through as he speaks of his work with fervor, emphasizing the industry’s collaborative nature: “The real joy in filmmaking is the collaboration, the deep bonds you form with your team,” he asserts. “It’s about creating narratives that resonate, that move and entertain people. “I love the people I work with, and I love the closeness you develop with a crew when you work together on a movie or TV show. But it’s also about leaving something behind with the work that makes an impact and is tangible to someone.”
Phil adds he is always surprised how his work can inspire in the most unusual ways: “I never thought doing a slasher film would be defining for someone when they watched it. But I have had people tell me that a movie has inspired them and made them make decisions or escape from their daily lives. So I feel like I am making a contribution by enabling them to do that.”
He cites his movie The Ravine, which is based on a true story, as one of the films he is most proud of: “I really liked the themes of the movie, the people and the story itself. It didn’t perform as well as I’d hoped it would, but I am still proud of it. I’m one of those guys who thinks about something you really believe in and that you really love and you’re passionate about. And it will find an audience, even though it may take time.”
He recalls Richard Attenborough giving a talk at his film school telling the class about Gandhi and how it took the director 20 years to get it made. Phil recalls: “I thought if he can wait 20 years, I can wait a few years yet. Things haven’t really changed much in the movie industry. When Hitchcock was pitching North by Northwest, no one would take it, and he ended up mortgaging his own house to get the movie made. Then it became one of the most successful he ever did.”
Phil says he particularly likes making comedies because they make people feel good: “That’s the great thing about comedies. And then people talk about them years later. I obviously like sci-fi because it goes back to my childhood. But I also like Christmas movies because it’s hard to make one that won’t make people smile.”
His upcoming project, ‘And Love,’ marries his two favorite genres – it’s a romantic comedy set against a Christmas backdrop. “This film is a blend of warmth, emotion, and the complexity of human relationships – elements I am always excited to explore,” Phil shares.
In an era of technology redefining filmmaking, the producer holds a balanced view of AI’s role in the creative process: “AI can be a helpful tool, but it can’t replace the emotional depth, the personal nuances that come from human creativity,” he states. Phil believes in embracing technology while staying true to the human element of storytelling.
His narrative is not just one of success and accolades, but a story of persistence, passion, and vision: “In Hollywood, it’s about pursuing your vision relentlessly, without being held back by what you think you can’t achieve,” he reflects. His three accolades are undoubtedly a testament to that. Phil won his first gong, an Emmy, for the variety series ‘El Vacilon’ in 2011. Ironically he didn’t even go to the ceremony and was delivered the statuette in a shoe box a few days later at brunch. However, it fueled Phil’s ambition to go for the triple. He went to see the acclaimed mindset author and lecturer Bob Proctor with a determination to win an Oscar.
Phil realized his dream in 2014 with an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject with ‘The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life’.
“Everybody has the right to go for what they want,” reveals the acclaimed producer.
“You just need to concentrate on those results and make them happen. And believe that if you can see it happening in your mind, you can make it a reality.”
In 2019 Phil added a Tony to his collection for his work on Tootsie the Musical: “I have to say the Tony Awards party was the best; the best food and it was a crazy time. It wasn’t just one party it was about 100! The Tony’s was definitely one of the wildest times I’ve ever had at an awards ceremony!”
What is in store for Phil this year? Apart from his work on And Love, he has 10 projects in post-production.
Phil’s production companies Hollywood Media Bridge and Project Z Entertainment showcase his journey across various genres, from heartwarming holiday tales to gripping dramas and hair-raising horrors. The diversity of his movies crosses all genres including comedy, action, thrillers, drama, science fiction, and documentaries, that reflects a rare versatility, not often found with great success in Hollywood. His perspective on filmmaking as a collaborative and impactful endeavor reveals not just a producer of content but a creator of experiences, aiming to inspire, entertain, and evoke emotions in audiences worldwide. Phil believes that filmmaking is a collaborative and impactful endeavor. It is not just a producer of content but a creator of experiences, aiming to inspire, entertain, and evoke emotions in audiences worldwide.Phil Goldfine’s story is not just a testament to his talent and perseverance but also to the transformative power of storytelling, demonstrating how a single vision can span genres, mediums, and generations to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.