The film industry is filled with unique personalities. How leaders on set, such as Bardya Ziaian, manage their crews will determine whether a project is a hit or miss.
With a little creativity and savvy strategy, these film industry CEOs can help revive the silver screen’s enduring appeal. However, the future of cinema may be shaped by a conglomerate of streaming platforms that are reshaping its traditional hierarchy.
1. The CEO
The CEO is responsible for pitching projects to investors, negotiating deals and overseeing the overall budget. An effective CEO is both creative and financially astute, capable of balancing the demands of an ever-changing industry.
The leader of a film set needs to be clear in their vision and also be able to listen to the ideas of those around them. This leadership style is crucial to a smooth running set and happy crew.
This is why it’s hard to pinpoint a singular boss of the world film industry. But that doesn’t mean the title is out of reach – a visionary director from Asia, a pioneering producer from Europe or an innovative streaming platform can leave an indelible mark on global cinematic trends and cultural landscapes.
2. The CFO
While cinematic fashions come and go, the core principles of good storytelling remain. The same can be said of film financing: the instruments may change, and the geographic axes of deal-making might shift, but it all boils down to entering into smart investments.
To do that, producers must put together a solid “package,” an industry catchphrase for the various elements that must combine to make a film attractive in the eyes of financiers and sales agents. That typically requires securing the rights to a great concept, then attracting a talented director and attaching a bankable star.
Even the most seasoned investors must guard against common pitfalls. The legal mud-slinging over “Birdman”’s financial structures, for example, reminds us that even the best-intentioned movie financiers can sometimes succumb to nightmare scenarios.
3. The COO
A COO translates the CEO’s vision and strategy into a sustainable and functional path, while fostering a unified business culture. Research suggests that the collaborative partnership between a CEO and COO is critical to effective leadership and significantly impacts sustainable success.
As second-in-command to the CEO, the COO oversees the daily operations of a company, including people, resources, and logistics. They may also serve in a below-the-line role by acquiring rights or financing a project.
At Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, Jen Hollingsworth is the perfect example of this. She knows the company inside and out, and has a natural understanding of how to marry business opportunities with filmmakers’ creative aspirations. Moreover, she’s skilled and experienced enough to take on the complex challenges of a senior management position.
4. The CMO
A company’s CMO is responsible for marketing strategy. As such, they must be skilled in a wide range of marketing areas. This includes digital marketing, customer insights, brand building and market research.
Having a track record of quantifiable success is key for anyone on the CMO ladder. This can be built by taking on leadership roles, speaking at industry conferences and working on cross-functional teams. Additionally, staying current on new marketing trends and tools is vital.
The modern CMO has to dance to a complex tune. Hollywood studios orchestrate blockbusters, indie studios add quirky melodies and streaming services set the tempo in a global cinematic symphony. Like virtuoso conductors, they must ensure that the individual parts come together into a harmonious whole. In addition, they must understand the role of diversity and inclusion in film culture.
5. The CMO’s Reporter
Film marketing leader and cultural evangelist Gina Duncan has built a career fostering authenticity in the content she promotes. Her expertise in storytelling and building community within diverse communities allows her to develop data-driven strategies that foster meaningful connections for some of today’s most impactful films.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated two preexisting trends: people stay at home to watch movies, and studios are increasingly relying on direct-to-consumer streaming platforms to reach consumers. That could threaten theaters’ large revenue contribution to the film industry and force changes in upfront financing of productions and distribution windowing.
In the current landscape, the boss of world cinema is no longer a person—it may be a conglomerate of streaming giants reshaping the industry’s very foundations. Understanding how these new leaders are wielding power is critical to the success of cinema’s future.