Action Ratner

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Adam

While all film exec and filmmakers have their passion projects– they are also on the lookout for a great business model as a steady stream of revenue. Brett Ratner has always been at the forefront of finding lucrative business models to match with his interests. Here he is taking aim at the reasonably priced action thriller. Sam Raimi does it for horror, Peter Jackson for sci-fi and now Ratner for action. Its smart – they become producers and factory owners for burgeoning talent.

Oprah’s Second Act

Posted on March 22, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Every now and again an icon risks it all for a second act. Howard Stern was one example. He got paid when he switch to Sirius but lost some of his cultural significance. It’s almost heresy to suggest the same thing might happen to Oprah but who knows. She is ending her show in 2011 where she was the main talent and moving to overseer of a network. OWN has strong distribution and lots of resources but a channel’s strength depends on the hits. Even if Oprah takes a version of her show to OWN – will it have the same impact? No one knows – buts its insanely fascinating to watch the process play out. This article is a behind the scenes exploration of cable economics and politics.

Ebert- Two Thumbs Up

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

This is a fantastic profile on Roger Ebert. He has lost his ability to talk – and it has brought wondrous results to his writing and his demeanor. It’s a man rediscovering joy in his passions and wringing out all the precious moments in a life that he senses is coming to an end. Ebert seems to have found an enlightened state of being. It’s a portrait of happiness. It’s sad and touching in the most beautiful way possible. A must read.

Anna Wintour – The Executive

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT –

RJ Cutler who made THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE talks about Anna’s management style. I think the best bit is about having shorter meetings. Know what the agenda is and get through it.

Do it fast.

So much time is wasted in meetings and the entertainment biz is the worst. Prepare, execute and move on. Also, get the best talent to buy into something bigger than themselves and you have a recipe for success. It’s easy to imagine Anna running any major company – she is a CEO thru and thru.

A Media Star’s Own Shop

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Quincy Smith has the connections, experience and media savvy to be a big time player. Or rather bigger than he already is. You know you are in a good when you leave a job and your former employer (CBS) signs up to be your first client.

Its just important that you know his name and follow his new company CODE Advisors. I heard this guy speak at a Paley Center event last year and he is super legit.

Bright, quick and savvy – I look forward to following his career from here.

The Expectations of Greatness

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Expectations are a tricky thing. For some they can be crushing – for others they can inspire. And for a select few – it comes with the territory.

Myron Rolle embraces his potential and embodies something that has been lost in our age of hyper specialized division of labor- renaissance. While there are experts in every known field there are also a set of people whose job it is to communicate between the experts to connect and translate between different groups.

Make your own expectations.

Friends ‘Til the End

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Damon and Affleck burst on the scene in 1997 and now 13 years later with plenty of bumps, bruises, paydays and projects under their respective belts – they are seeking more control over their projects. With Affleck emerging as a strong director and Damon as one of the best actors alive right now – I would bet on these guys making a lot of money and picking up another Oscar at some point. Good to see that Hollywood does not fray all relationships. In the end, its all about creative control and ownership – that’s how you turn a good living into a fortune.

Two Kings Set the Bar

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Jay Z and Lebron sharing resources and ideas and leveraging their contacts and collective coolness to make business, change and create industry.

These two future billionaires are committed to the hustle and making a difference.

Look for something big to come out of these two. Really big.

Wish I was at this dinner.

Headsets & Highballs

Tag Archives: CEO

Action Ratner

Oprah’s Second Act

Ebert- Two Thumbs Up

Anna Wintour – The Executive

A Media Star’s Own Shop

The Expectations of Greatness

Friends ‘Til the End

Two Kings Set the Bar