Producers Guild of America breakfast panel

Hollywood’s highest-profile producers showered gratitude on stars like Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey and Brad Pitt at the annual Producers Guild of America breakfast panel on January 18 at the Landmark Theatre in West LA.

“12 Years a Slave” producer Dede Gardner credited longtime producing partner Pitt with providing the essential support to get the drama to the finish line — including taking a small part in the film.

“Brad said ‘whatever it takes,’” she recalled. “He had not done a cameo in 25 years.”

In response to a question about test screenings, Gardner said that ”12 Years a Slave” delivered strong results at a trio of showings, adding, “it was an indication that people were ready for this film.

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