As a seasoned gamer who’s been navigating this ever-evolving world of entertainment for decades, I find myself utterly captivated by the journey of Rola Bauer. Her resume is as impressive as it is diverse, with a knack for producing high-quality international co-productions that not only entertain but also spark conversations on various levels.
Since 2022, Bauer, a seasoned creator of collaborative productions across borders and high-caliber drama series (such as the Emmy-nominated ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ starring Matthew Macfadyen and Eddie Redmayne, or the multi-European crime series ‘Crossing Lines’ featuring Donald Sutherland), has been expanding Amazon’s catalog of international English-language originals.
Her upcoming slate includes the heist thriller Haven, starring Sophie Turner, Jacob Fortune Lloyd and Archie Madekwe; the family drama The Girlfriend with Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke; and the thriller Lazarus, a psychological mystery from Harlan Coben and Danny Brocklehurst that follows a forensic pathologist, played by Sam Claflin, who becomes entangled in a series of cold-case murders as he grapples with the mystery of his father’s death (played by Bill Nighy) and the murder of his sister (Utopia‘s Alexandra Roach) 25 years ago. On the lighter side, Bauer’s division has also greenlit a new comedy series by and starring Riz Ahmed.
Amidst today’s budget-focused environment, Bauer, a prominent figure on THR’s 2024 list of Most Powerful Women in International TV, expresses worry that buyers are focusing excessively on quick wins and neglecting opportunities that could propel the industry further. On the issue of social advancement within the business, she emphasizes that outdated mindsets continue to be a hurdle. “People often confuse kindness, empathy, and understanding with weakness, which is dull, leading unfortunately to wasted time in educating the aggressive ones.
What was your first job in the business?
As a production executive, I’ve been involved in a collaborative project between HBO, TF1, and CTV for the production of a limited series about the 1972 Munich Olympics titled “Sword of Gideon“. My goal has always been to create stories that break through borders and resonate worldwide, sparking discussions on various topics. I’m grateful that for over three and a half decades, I’ve had the opportunity to do just that.
What was the biggest professional challenge you faced this past year?
In 2023, six projects that we were working on at Amazon MGM Studios were given the go-ahead for Prime Video. I reported to Vernon Sanders, who heads Global TV. Meanwhile, I introduced my team from MGM to the corporate culture here and learned a new one myself. Since then, in 2024, we’ve been hard at work producing and releasing our six projects.
What do you see as your biggest achievement of the past year?
The success we’ve seen in these projects would not have been possible without an outstanding team and the support of fantastic new colleagues from Amazon, all achieved within a span of two years.
What needs to be done to improve equality and diversity within the industry
Instead of straining your ears, it’s disheartening to mute others. While brainstorming larger concepts for transformation, persist in your efforts. The possibilities, both grand and minute, are countless, so remain resilient and steadfast.
Can you tell me about the biggest obstacle faced by women in this field, which remains predominantly male?
Often, people misconstrue traits like kindness, empathy, and understanding as signs of weakness, finding them dull, leading us to unnecessarily invest time in instructing those who bully.
What current industry trend do you hope to soon see the back of?
Buyers only prioritizing the low-hanging fruit; we need to take chances.
What advice would you give young women just entering the industry?
Perseverance, optimism, and faith in personal value… “encourages someone who never gives up on themselves!
What show, currently on air, would you love to have made?
The Gentlemen.
What do you watch for pleasure?
Love reading, watching movies and TV series for fun and inspiration.
What do you do to unwind?
I absolutely love unwinding with my beloved kin and pals, engaging in heartfelt chats or sharing adventures by the water’s edge or atop the mountains.
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2024-10-21 12:54