A Hollywood Producer’s Formula for Taking Bigger Risks

Welcome to an exhilarating new episode where we dive into the captivating world of cinema and innovation! I’m thrilled to have you here.

They say there’s nothing quite like the glitz and glamour of show business—stars, lavish budgets, and monumental production companies all vying for blockbuster status. But let’s pull back the curtain! Today, we’re peeling away the layers on a thought-provoking dilemma facing Hollywood: the industry is playing it too safe. Too many remakes, too many franchises. Innovation seems to be taking a backseat! But here’s the game-changer: There’s a wealth of wisdom we can draw from those who dared to take passionate risks—like our special guest today, a legendary producer behind iconic hits like Platoon, Dirty Dancing, and Terminator 2. Larry Kasanoff shares essential insights into igniting creativity within any organization. His formula? A daring trio: create, ask, and play!

Welcome, Larry! It’s a pleasure to have you here.

So, let’s kick things off with Hollywood. What’s your take on what’s happening in the film industry today? What inspired you to write your book?

“It’s alarming. People are more afraid than ever to unleash their true creatives! All across the globe, especially in a field driven by creativity, folks should be embracing innovation. Greatness comes from taking chances, and from what I see, audiences crave fresh, original stories. Playing it safe? That’s a surefire route to failure!”

It’s a perplexing situation in the film industry, right? Films require massive investments; it forces studios to step carefully. Yet, you need to take bold risks to recoup those costs!

“Absolutely! In fact, I believe the only way to navigate that fear is with a ‘touch of madness.’ Embrace your wild side! The unforgettable movies we love were born from bold decisions. Remember: playing it too safe will almost always lead you to failure.”

Your journey began with an MBA from Wharton and involved producing a staggering number of films! Share with us that pivotal moment when you decided to take a gamble while being tasked with not losing any money.

“My first job was at Vestron, managing film production when home video rentals were skyrocketing. I was tasked with producing 80 movies a year without losing money. It was a massive content gold rush! When a script for Platoon landed on my desk, it was different—a raw exploration of the Vietnam War’s emotional toll on soldiers. Let me tell you: it had no stars attached and the director Oliver Stone was relatively unknown. My boss, a true maverick, dismissed it straight away. But my gut told me to push for it! Ultimately, I greenlit Platoon. What can I say? I wasn’t about to play it safe. That movie not only succeeded; it won Best Picture!”

Incredible! What drew you to take that dive on Platoon when you likely had other more conventional scripts on the table?

“Two things: First, I had loved Oliver Stone’s previous film, Salvador. Second, timing always matters. The Vietnam War had ended years ago, and nostalgia was beginning to surface. I felt people were ready to revisit this powerful chapter in history. The tagline ‘The first casualty of war is innocence’ spoke volumes. It was pure instinct, not analytic reasoning.”

So, trust your instincts—embracing that ‘touch of madness’ seems to be a crucial point. When you’re charting into uncharted territory, how do you determine if an outrageous idea is genuinely magnificent?

“It boils down to understanding the essence of your proposal. When I ventured into adapting Mortal Kombat from a video game—something no one had successfully done before—I didn’t see it just as a movie based on a game. I focused on the core value: empowerment. Martial arts are about proving that resilience beats sheer size and power. The power lies in tapping into that essence. Once you know it, cling to it passionately.”

Can you share another example of grasping essence before diving into creation?

“Take Marvel as an example. They struggled for years, facing bankruptcy, producing subpar movies. Then they had a revelation. It was never about the grand spectacle—it was about crafting deep, complex characters with real emotional stakes. The shift began with The Dark Knight, which transformed Batman into a gritty, realistic figure. This understanding fueled Marvel’s rebirth, leading to the monumental superhero franchise we see today.”

Next, you emphasize the power of tenacity. How crucial is it to hold onto your ideas with unwavering commitment?

“When I nurture a creative concept, I ask myself two questions: Do I genuinely love it? Can it stand its ground as a viable business pursuit? Both must elicit a ‘yes,’ and only then will I forge ahead.”

If circumstances feel daunting, how do you maintain the course?

“Take Dirty Dancing as a case. It was a risk and initially, it wasn’t in good shape. Our production team included music legends who faced pushback on the track ‘Time of My Life.’ Every note appeared to miss the mark until they decided to stick to their vision while presenting the music as freshly revamped. The kicker? They didn’t change a thing! They simply relabeled it and leveraged the buzz among radio stations. The response was phenomenal. That song went on to win both the Oscar and Grammy. Had they compromised their creative convictions, none of this would have transpired. It exemplifies that daring to stay true can lead to extraordinary outcomes.”

You’ve mentioned that seeing everyone’s feedback can sometimes lead you astray. Can you elaborate on that?

“Absolutely! While listening is valuable, it’s crucial to discern the source of feedback. Many opinions stem from fear rather than informed judgment. I often remind my team to filter out noise and keep sight of our vision. Fear stifles innovation, and that’s the demise of creativity.”

Speaking of audience engagement—finding that sweet spot between your vision and audience feedback is essential. How do you refine your approach without losing your essence?

“In Dirty Dancing, I remember questioning the casting of Jennifer Grey, who was relatable but not traditionally glamorous. A brilliant producer on our team countered my doubts saying every woman wants to identify with a character like her. It’s about connecting with the audience. Keep their desires at the forefront of your creation. They’re the heartbeat of the film—always.”

What strategies do you employ to inspire collaboration and rally others behind your vision?

“Recognizing and addressing fears is crucial for any leader. People are more inclined to fortify themselves against fear than pursue desire. Show them the opportunity to create something extraordinary together. Building confidence in your vision allows team members to buy in and contributes to a flourishing creative environment.”

When seeking partners, what kind of qualities do you look for?

“Test commitment and enthusiasm through small assignments to gauge dedication. Talent is only half the battle; the other half is the passion to pursue a vision relentlessly. Ultimately, perseverance is the key.”

Now, let’s pivot to the final part of your framework: playing! How do you integrate play into your professional life?

“Fun is grossly underrated! My mantra? Let’s infuse joy into the workplace. Sure, it’s tough delivering bad news, but sometimes breaking the tension with a fun break can uplift morale and drive innovation. When you approach your work like a game, creativity flourishes. The pandemic showed us flexibility is vital. Why not enjoy your day? A playful mindset boosts problem-solving and fosters connection.”

Do you have an example where this playful spirit transformed the outcome?

“In my early days, during a production in Italy, our team jokingly shouted ‘snakes and wizards’ as a catchphrase. Little did I know that the crew would surprise me with costumed performers to embody this playful spirit. Instead of freaking out, I rolled with it. We included those whimsical elements in the movie. The film bombed overall, but the spirit it infused resonated, and we turned a silly moment into a memorable one—serving proof that play often leads to unexpected bright spots.”

So many businesses today struggle with innovation. Where do you pinpoint the root of this hesitancy?

“Fear is the true villain here! I encounter individuals across various industries hesitating to explore their innovative ambitions. They have ideas but are shrouded in worry about failing. It’s vital for everyone—be it in film or elsewhere—to shed that fear and take calculated risks.”

Thank you for this enlightening conversation, Larry. Your insights have been invaluable!

Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.

That’s a wrap with Larry Kasanoff, visionary producer and author of A Touch of the Madness. If you’re inspired to lead with creativity and positive energy, we invite you to explore more of our episodes! Discover the secrets to effective leadership at our podcast home, and don’t forget to tune in next Tuesday for more exciting content. Thanks for being with us today!