As a devoted cinephile, I have always been captivated by the behind-the-scenes stories of film production, and Katie Goodson-Thomas’ insights into Searchlight Pictures‘ operations have only deepened my admiration for this exceptional studio. Her passion for indie films and her commitment to collaboration are truly inspiring, especially in an industry that can often be ruthlessly corporate.
Katie Goodson-Thomas, a high-ranking executive at Searchlight Pictures (known for films like ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, ‘Poor Things’, ‘All of Us Strangers’, ‘Jojo Rabbit’, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, ‘Napoleon Dynamite’, and ‘Little Miss Sunshine’), shared during the BFI London Film Festival on Tuesday that what sets their studio apart is a high level of dedication with minimal corporate intervention.
During a special interview at the 68th festival in London, the leader of our studio’s international production and development division revealed some fascinating insights and personal opinions. She mentioned that our U.K. team is relatively small, with only eight members based in Britain. Interestingly, four out of these eight are lawyers who provide legal support to the entire company.
Since the studio came under the control of The Walt Disney Company, there seems to be a shift in its dynamics. As Goodson-Thomas explained, they have been granted immense creative autonomy, yet they now find themselves with Disney’s massive creative force backing them up. Goodson-Thomas added that Disney has sensitized the Searchlight team about the significance and influence of their brand.
Speaking about the shared enthusiasm for independent cinema at Searchlight Pictures, she emphasized the strong sense of teamwork within the company, stating, “It’s almost antithetical to American, corporate culture – it’s unique.” She went on to explain, “We operate as a flat organization. Every voice matters here… Everyone has a say.” Despite providing feedback during post-production, she assured that the studio never imposes itself upon a filmmaker’s creative vision, saying, “We are collaborative and respectful in our approach.” In conclusion, she emphasized this point by repeating, “Everyone has a voice at Searchlight Pictures.
This year, Searchlight is marking its 30th anniversary. Goodson-Thomas has been managing the specialty film label’s U.K. and international portfolio for over a decade. Due to the nature of films produced by Searchlight, she and her team frequently assist creatives in turning their dream projects into reality.
Regarding the two films from Searchlight at LFF, she commented that the movie “A Real Pain,” starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, was a suitable choice for the studio as its films typically offer a balance of humor and substance. She further stated that it perfectly embodies Eisenberg’s style and authentically expresses his voice.
Another film from Searchlight LFF is “Nightbitch,” featuring Amy Adams, directed by Marielle Heller. This movie is a blend of humor and commentary on topics such as motherhood, among others, according to the studio’s executive. The executive further mentioned that the studio has fully funded this project.
Regarding the film “All of Us Strangers“, Goodson-Thomas recollected that director Andrew Haigh had shown her the script, which she adored and had long desired to collaborate on. The casting process was crucial next. When Haigh inquired about Paul Mescal, she expressed her fondness: “I’m a big fan of Paul Mescal.” This sentiment was echoed. “I really enjoy Andrew Scott,” she recounted saying later. Goodson-Thomas and Haigh concurred that the duo together were attractive: “The two of them together are quite appealing.
For Searchlight, it’s crucial to prioritize diversity, inclusion, representation, and sustainability. Our team is deeply committed to portraying underrepresented communities on-screen and creating films in an eco-friendly manner, all while maintaining a focus on producing commercially successful movies.
Regarding financing choices, they maintain a completely adaptable stance, as expressed by the studio executive on Tuesday. In essence, creating movies is akin to taking risks, considering the inherent uncertainties involved when selecting creative ventures, she added.
During the conversation about upcoming ventures, Goodson-Thomas enthusiastically highlighted “The Roses”, an upcoming production featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. This captivating project is penned by Tony McNamara and directed by Jay Roach, offering a fresh take on “The War of the Roses”.
She also mentioned a film in development from Bradley Cooper with Will Arnett.
It’s not only up to movie studios to ensure independent films thrive; viewers also play a crucial role by returning to theaters and supporting these thought-provoking productions. According to a Searchlight executive, this trend has been observed recently and she anticipates it will persist.
When questioned about AI, she indicated she didn’t have many insights on the subject. “The future is approaching,” she stated. “It’s unavoidable, and it’s simply a matter of how we utilize it. I can only discuss my own viewpoint; I can’t speak for the company. … We must learn to leverage it effectively, while hoping that fundamentally,… it remains human.” She further explained: “People once predicted the demise of theater, but look at it now – it’s flourishing. So I simply think we’ll see what transpires, and we need to be thoughtful, careful, and deliberate. However, I don’t have any concrete answers. It’s a complex issue.
The Searchlight executive was additionally questioned about the challenging competition landscape. “Competing with Netflix, or Apple, or Amazon? It’s simply not feasible…,” she stated. “Emerald Fennell is a filmmaker I deeply admire and I believe she’s going to adapt Wuthering Heights. Unfortunately, we won’t be part of that discussion. However, I think she’s an exceptional talent, and I want her project to come to fruition. So, I’m glad she can produce it with the financial backing she desires.
She went on to say: “A key aspect of Searchlight’s advantage, I believe, lies in our human touch, the personal interactions. We are meticulous and careful in our approach.” The executive added: “Being from a different department, I can confidently say that there isn’t another distribution or marketing team as effective as ours, spanning across international and global markets.
As a huge fan, I often wonder about Goodson-Thomas and her career choices. If she weren’t in the world of films, I imagine she might have become a therapist instead.
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2024-10-15 15:25