Seen on Screen with Jacqueline Coley : Music, Memphis, and Making Song Sung Blue With Craig Brewer
SHOW NOTES
Filmmaker Craig Brewer has always been drawn to stories where music fuels big dreams — often against the odds.
From his award-winning films Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name to acclaimed series like Empire and Fight Night, Brewer’s work is steeped in rhythm and resilience. Now, he's back directing Song Sung Blue, a new Focus Features film starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, about the incredible true story of "Lightning & Thunder," two Milwaukee musicians whose Neil Diamond tribute act became an inspiring sensation.
In this episode, Craig sits down with Jacqueline Coley to talk about transforming a documentary into a feature film, earning the trust of the family behind the story, and capturing the soulful spirit that runs through his work. Craig opens up about his Memphis roots, his long creative partnerships, and the musical heartbeat that drives his storytelling. Plus, he shares the wild origin of the Oscar-winning “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” and the touching note Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder sent after reading the Song Sung Blue script.
From his award-winning films Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name to acclaimed series like Empire and Fight Night, Brewer’s work is steeped in rhythm and resilience. Now, he's back directing Song Sung Blue, a new Focus Features film starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, about the incredible true story of "Lightning & Thunder," two Milwaukee musicians whose Neil Diamond tribute act became an inspiring sensation.
In this episode, Craig sits down with Jacqueline Coley to talk about transforming a documentary into a feature film, earning the trust of the family behind the story, and capturing the soulful spirit that runs through his work. Craig opens up about his Memphis roots, his long creative partnerships, and the musical heartbeat that drives his storytelling. Plus, he shares the wild origin of the Oscar-winning “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” and the touching note Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder sent after reading the Song Sung Blue script.
Seen on Screen with Jacqueline Coley
"Seen on Screen" is your ticket to the personal narratives behind the scenes at Universal. Hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, each episode invites you into lively conversations with NBCUniversal employees. Together, we explore how the magic of filmed entertainment impacts their lives.
With a blend of games and questions, Jacqueline guides us through a journey of cinematic discovery, asking guests to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, changed them forever, or even scared the daylights out of them.
At Universal, we believe that behind every film, campaign, and award lies a human story waiting to be told. "Make It Universal" isn’t just a mantra – it’s a commitment to celebrating the diversity, individuality, and collective experiences that make us truly universal. From the directors to the executives, from the famous faces to the unsung heroes, every voice matters.
So, join us as we Make It Universal on "Seen on Screen," where every story is meaningful, every experience is relatable, and every moment is filled with magic. Because when art and entertainment connect with people on a human level, that's when the real magic happens.
With a blend of games and questions, Jacqueline guides us through a journey of cinematic discovery, asking guests to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, changed them forever, or even scared the daylights out of them.
At Universal, we believe that behind every film, campaign, and award lies a human story waiting to be told. "Make It Universal" isn’t just a mantra – it’s a commitment to celebrating the diversity, individuality, and collective experiences that make us truly universal. From the directors to the executives, from the famous faces to the unsung heroes, every voice matters.
So, join us as we Make It Universal on "Seen on Screen," where every story is meaningful, every experience is relatable, and every moment is filled with magic. Because when art and entertainment connect with people on a human level, that's when the real magic happens.
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