HBR IdeaCast A Hollywood Producer’s Formula for Taking Bigger Risks
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Dec 10, 2024 Larry Kasanoff, a maverick movie producer known for hits like Platoon and Dirty Dancing, shares his bold approach to risk-taking in Hollywood. He critiques the industry's current trend of playing it safe and outlines his three-part framework for innovation: Create, Ask, and Play. Kasanoff recounts how passionate pursuits lead to iconic successes and emphasizes the importance of balancing instinct with audience expectations. Through anecdotes from Mortal Kombat and creative collaborations, he illustrates how humor and playfulness can unlock greater creativity.
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Platoon’s Unlikely Success
- Larry Kasanoff, at 25, greenlit the unconventional Vietnam War film Platoon despite risks.
- The film, directed by Oliver Stone, became a critical success, winning Best Picture.
The Importance of Instinct
- Data-driven analysis would have discouraged making Platoon.
- Trusting instincts is crucial for achieving extraordinary outcomes.
Understanding the Essence
- Understand the essence of your idea and what drives its potential success.
- Apply this understanding consistently across different platforms and adaptations.
