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What do trailers, legendary movie posters, streaming era strategy, and a deep love for theatrical storytelling have in common?

This week on Trailer Geeks & Teaser Gods, Corey is joined by Debi Struzan and Dana Flowers-Mitchell for a deeply personal conversation about careers shaped by creativity, collaboration, and conviction. From Debi's early days at Seiniger Advertising and her connection to the iconic Drew Struzan legacy, to Dana's journey from agency producer to studio and streaming executive, the conversation traces how great entertainment marketing is built at the intersection of story, trust, and human connection.

Together, Debi and Dana reflect on mentorship, studio versus agency life, the evolution of theatrical and streaming windows, and what still matters most when crafting campaigns that resonate. Along the way, the discussion touches on everything from horror trailers and prestige dramas to boxing workouts, late night calls, and why picking up the phone still matters.

Key Takeaways

From Agency to Studio and Back Again Both guests share how starting on the agency side shaped the way they later partnered with creative teams once they moved into studio and streaming roles, fostering deeper empathy and stronger collaboration.

The Legacy of Drew Struzan Debi reflects on the influence of her father-in-law, legendary illustrator Drew Struzan, and the enduring impact of handcrafted movie poster art in a rapidly changing industry.

Why Relationships Still Win Dana and Debi emphasize that despite new tools, platforms, and pressures, strong relationships and direct communication remain essential to solving creative problems and building trust.

Theatrical Is Not Dead The conversation challenges the idea that movie theaters are fading, pointing instead to evolving audience behaviors and the continued power of shared cinematic experiences.

Creativity in an Era of Change From AI anxiety to shrinking budgets, the discussion explores how agencies and creatives can adapt while protecting the core value of original ideas and emotional storytelling.

Notable Quotes

"People still want to be moved together in a room. Theatrical is not dying. It's evolving."

"You can solve a lot of problems just by picking up the phone."

"The big idea still matters. Tools can change, but concept is everything."

Connect

Debi Struzan - www.linkedin.com/in/debistruzan
Dana Flowers-Mitchell: www.linkedin.com/in/dana-flowers
Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan on all platforms

Our Sponsors

Meza Wealth Management – mezawealth.com
The Golden Trailer Awards – goldentrailer.com

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Debi Struzan & Dana Flowers-Mitchell on Trust, Taste, and Why the Big Idea Still Matters