Movies

In ‘Running Point,’ Kate Hudson gets having to prove yourself, like Lakers boss Jeanie Buss

BBG News

During our conversation, Kate Hudson chooses to seek an answer through Google. She retrieves her phone, lifting it towards her face with carefully groomed fingers. Her attire consists of a well-fitted gray Thom Browne suit, complete with a tie, and she has draped a blanket over her knees. Despite being in Los Angeles, the day is quite cold and rainy, and the Netflix Hollywood complex room feels rather chilly.

She wonders if most individuals worldwide engage in their family businesses,” she tries to rephrase, adjusting her language for the system. However, she soon acknowledges that it’s not quite right. “Oh dear, Google. Oh dear, Google. I seem to have phrased it incorrectly.

But Hudson is trying to prove something.

In the upcoming Netflix series, “Running Point,” starting on Thursday, she portrays Isla Gordon – a character inspired by executive producer Jeanie Buss, current president of the Los Angeles Lakers. This role brings to mind the experience Hudson may have had, given her own connection to the film industry (as she followed in the footsteps of her actress mother Goldie Hawn) and her current podcast co-hosting endeavor with her brother Oliver. Notably, like Buss, Hudson has maintained strong ties within her family’s professional sphere.

At first, Hudson dismisses the similarity. To her, transitioning from a career in art to managing a corporation is like traveling two distinct paths, yet she ponders if genetics could influence the decision to carry on one’s parents’ legacy. Consequently, an unfortunate Google search ensued.

She remarks, “There’s one fact I’m certain about: Our family leans heavily towards the creative side, if you will.” She continues, “Some of us have a more logical approach. However, the diversity is always there, but when you’re raised in an environment where creativity flourishes, it leaves an indelible mark.

Despite Hudson’s self-perception of being more analytical or math-inclined, it’s clear that their shared background as Los Angeles natives and longtime public figures makes “Running Point” a perfect fit for Hudson’s debut into television comedy. While Hudson has acknowledged her roles in “Glee” and “Party of Five,” she’s primarily focused on films since her breakthrough in “Almost Famous” in 2000. In fact, Mindy Kaling, one of the series creators, was initially unsure if Hudson would be interested when suggested for the project.

In a phone call, Kaling expressed that her performance seemed to reside in a distinct part of our minds, almost as if she were a unique type of performer. We had never anticipated that she would appear on television, but learning about the opportunity left us thrilled.

Hudson, in essence, doesn’t look down on working in television, as she puts it, “Why wouldn’t I want to be part of an enjoyable show?” She exudes a casualness that feels natural after conversing with her for some time. However, if she’s going to be absent from her children, who are now 21, 13, and 6, she wants the experience to be worthwhile. “I’m a very involved mother,” she says.

Awards

The actor plays Birdie Jay, a vapid model-turned-fashion-designer, in the “Knives Out” sequel.

Upon glancing at the outline for “Running Point,” her curiosity peaked. “If this script is any good,” she mused, “I’m pretty sure I want to be part of it.” Her anticipation grew as she prepared to read it, fearing that she might be disappointed if it wasn’t up to par. Thankfully, it was not a letdown, and Hudson decided not only to take on the lead role but also to serve as an executive producer.

Running Point”

In this story, Los Angeles’ team is known as the Waves. The main character, Isla, was once a party girl, but her life takes an unexpected turn when one of her brothers (portrayed by Justin Theroux) ends up in rehab following a car accident caused by drugs. This event lands Isla in the position of team leadership. Now, she must gain the admiration and trust of players, team owners, and even her own family members, including her other two siblings (Drew Tarver and Scott MacArthur), who are somewhat resentful for not getting the opportunity themselves. Despite their various issues, the Gordon family remains largely affectionate towards one another.

It’s hard for me to fathom the stress Jeanie Buss faces as she carries on her father’s legacy and keeps it growing, but what I can grasp is the continual struggle to prove that the decisions she makes are truly beneficial for the team. And in a light-hearted manner, I can say I can empathize with that sense of needing to validate your choices for the franchise’s sake.

Hudson has a deep understanding of sports in Los Angeles. In fact, it was when she was 14 that she first encountered Buss. Hudson’s family were passionate hockey enthusiasts, particularly following the Kings during Wayne Gretzky’s tenure. Notably, Buss was managing the Forum at that time. As Hudson recalls, “She showed me around to familiarize me with things.

According to Kaling, Buss was fine with Hudson’s selection for the role, but Hudson didn’t have extensive preparation time with her. “She offered us genuine creative freedom,” Hudson stated. “It’s such an entertaining environment. She trusted Mindy would do a fantastic job. She shared so many interesting perspectives with us.

Hudson adapted certain gestures from Buss for her acting role. Dressed in stylish, well-tailored outfits, Hudson’s characterization of Isla depicts a woman who is always strategizing, even when she slips up with her words at times.

When it comes to Jeanie and Isla, I often find myself in a situation where, even though I’m fully focused on them, there’s something else that requires my attention. For instance, ‘I’m currently with this person, but at the same time, I have a major trade looming ahead – the biggest one I’ve ever made.’ This is how I feel.

Music

For quite some time, the multi-talented performer explored music, and eventually released an album. One track on that album, ‘Glorious’, was influenced by her mother, Goldie Hawn.

As a movie reviewer, I must confess that Hudson juggles an impressive array of creative endeavors with ease and grace. Beyond her illustrious acting career, she’s also a talented singer who graced us with her debut album, “Glorious,” last year. She harbors dreams of penning a musical one day, as she confided in me. Her entrepreneurial spirit is equally impressive, with ventures ranging from a supplements company, InBloom, to a vodka brand, King St. Vodka. The prosperity of these businesses empowers her to be selective when considering acting roles. Moreover, she candidly admits that she can grow restless easily.

When I’m not working on my shows, I enjoy filling my free days with activities,” she notes.

She finds joy primarily in crafting tales through film or music, yet she shares, “Previously, I’d have been equally content creating homemade candles and selling them on Etsy.

Her co-workers describe her as indefatigable.

According to David Stassen, co-creator, we’d work tirelessly throughout the day with scenes being filmed one after another, and she would have lengthy speeches and daring stunts. At around 8 PM, she would approach me and propose, “Let’s head to the top sushi spot in L.A. once we finish up for the night, are you joining?” However, I had to decline as I needed rest, unsure of what scenes were scheduled for the next day. Remarkably, Kate would still go, return the following morning, and she’d be all set for hair, makeup, and rehearsing her lines. (He can’t recall the name of the sushi restaurant but mentions it is located in a downtown L.A. office building.)

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that Brenda Song, portraying Isla’s closest friend Ali Lee, has revealed Hudson’s resilience – he’s game to keep pushing forward when others are weary. Yet, even with multiple roles, she carves out moments to engage deeply with the person right across from her.

Despite potentially handling a multitude of tasks, whenever I bring up something concerning, such as my worries about my son’s pacifier, she gives me her full attention, discussing it at length as though it’s the top priority,” is how Song puts it.

Despite the fact that Hudson clearly showcases her creative, right-brained abilities – “being a business operator is an entirely distinct skill set than what I could ever accomplish or even desire to do” – Kaling contends that Hudson demonstrates exceptional logical thinking and traditional production skills.

“She is just a real grown-up and I get to learn from her,” Kaling says.

Additionally, Stassen mentions that Hudson contributed her unique insights from an exclusive part of Los Angeles to the filmmaking process. For example, during a scene filmed in the Waves’ arena tunnels, she pointed out that there weren’t enough actors dressed as VIPs moving about.

Stassen recalls, “There were numerous food and merchandise vendors moving to and fro. She commented, ‘If this were a Los Angeles Lakers match, you’d see plenty of well-dressed patrons lounging around the locker room area and close to the VIP section.’

Hudson’s bond with Los Angeles runs deeper than simply observing Lakers games from a celebrity perspective. A month after the city experienced destructive wildfires, her TV show debuted. Being a resident of The Palisades, her home was saved, yet many of her friends’ homes were not. This tragedy has left Hudson with a deep emotional connection to the city.

She recalls returning home following the events, and she admits feeling deeply saddened. She remembers her drive up, recognizing that it will never feel the same again. Yet, as she looked out, she saw the ocean and the other side of the Palisades, and it struck her – what a lovely place to reside.

I want to know what her current thoughts are on “Running Point” symbolizing Los Angeles and its sports enthusiasts, particularly in the context of a TV show where The Waves are portrayed as the focal point. In reality, she sees parallels with this.

In her words, if you’re raised in L.A., you come to realize that each neighborhood has its unique charm, and locals are fiercely loyal to their areas. However, sports teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams (and perhaps the Chargers), have an extraordinary power to bring people together from different pockets of the city. During challenging times, she believes sports provide a source of strength and unity.

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2025-02-26 14:32

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