Franklin Leonard

Jessica Holton, a startup founder revolutionizing relationship counseling, and Franklin Leonard, the visionary behind The Blacklist, dive into the art of pitching. They unravel the myth that great pitches rely solely on charisma, emphasizing the power of authenticity and storytelling. Listeners learn how to master the critical components of effective pitches, navigate rejection, and adapt ideas for greater acceptance. The discussion also touches on the shift in Hollywood towards inclusive narratives and the importance of data in promoting innovative ideas.

Franklin Leonard, Founder and CEO of The Black List, dives into the transformative impact of his platform on Hollywood. He discusses challenging conventional wisdom and how it can reshape entire industries. Leonard highlights the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and the necessity for ongoing assessment of representation in film. He emphasizes individual action for advocacy and how audiences can influence change, making the film industry both more equitable and profitable through diverse storytelling.

Franklin Leonard, film executive and founder of the Black List, joins the discussion with Lucas Shaw. They delve into the surprising box office success of 'Sinners' and its profitability challenges. There's a heated debate on Ryan Coogler's studio deal and whether it signals a shift in Hollywood. The duo explores racial biases in media coverage and marketing struggles faced by Black films internationally, emphasizing the need for equitable investment and representation in the industry.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist renowned for his insights on leadership, joins Jessica Houlton, co-founder of a relationship health company, and Franklin Leonard, founder of The Blacklist. They delve into the art of pitching, debunking the myth that only great salespeople can succeed. The conversation highlights the necessity of clear messaging, the balance of confidence and humility, and the transformative power of empathy and storytelling in captivating an audience. They share memorable anecdotes from Hollywood and strategies for tackling common pitching pitfalls.

In this engaging conversation, Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List, shares invaluable insights on the evolving landscape of screenwriting in Hollywood. He discusses the recent decline in studio support and how it impacts aspiring writers, while also contemplating the role of AI and funding cuts. Leonard emphasizes the need for nurturing new talent, urging for more opportunities in a competitive market. Plus, he touches on the importance of originality and bold storytelling in breaking through, offering hope and strategies for emerging voices.

Franklin Leonard, a film executive and the founder of The Black List, discusses his journey from a junior executive to transforming Hollywood's script selection process. He reveals how a simple spreadsheet and an anonymous email address helped him unveil exceptional screenplays hidden among thousands of mediocre ones. Leonard delves into the challenges of finding diverse voices in the industry, the impact of The Black List on Hollywood's power dynamics, and how it has celebrated promising talents and reshaped the narrative landscape.

Kara Swisher chats with Matthew Belloni, an entertainment journalist from Puck News; Franklin Leonard, founder of The Blacklist; and Brooke Hammerling, communications expert and pop culture authority. They dive into the impressive box office success of 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' during the industry strikes. They discuss whether this cinematic surge is a trend or a one-off event, the role of community in shaping film choices, and the challenges faced by female filmmakers in a struggling landscape. Their insights reveal the complexities of Hollywood today.

Entertainment disrupter Franklin Leonard discusses Hollywood's challenges and solutions. Elon Musk's $45B pay package approval and Paris Olympics' AC controversy are highlighted. Diversity and inclusion issues in Hollywood are explored, emphasizing revenue loss due to biases against minority communities.

Join Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, Sallie Krawcheck, CEO of Ellevest, and Franklin Leonard, founder of The Blacklist, as they reflect on the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. They discuss overcoming self-doubt, the importance of trust within teams, and the power of storytelling in both business and film. Chesky shares his insights on creating connections with customers, while Krawcheck emphasizes the value of diverse networks. Leonard highlights how authentic narratives can transform the entertainment industry, driving home that successful entrepreneurship is rooted in genuine human connections.

Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List, and Randy Winston, its creative director, dive into the platform's evolution from film to publishing. They discuss the importance of providing feedback and connections for writers, revealing how The Black List empowers emerging voices in both industries. The duo explores innovative storytelling approaches, emphasizing the value of original narratives over traditional metrics. They also tackle the challenges of diversity in publishing, offering insights for aspiring writers on navigating the complex landscape.