Centered Ambition with Amy Baer

Growing up around the film business,  Amy Baer always loved movies and reading.  Unsure of what she wanted to do professionally, Amy was certain of one thing.  Whatever she chose to do post-college, it had to be something that she really cared about and that excited her as opposed to what she thought she should or shouldn't be doing.  Following her instincts and staying authentic to herself, Amy has navigated a successful, joyful and creative career.  Amy currently serves as President of Landline Pictures, a label within MRC Film (KNIVES OUT) that makes feature films about and for a 50+ audience. Launched in 2020, its first movie, JERRY & MARGE GO LARGE,  starring Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening, was released by Paramount+ on 6/17/22. Prior to Landline, Amy raised a 7-figure development fund in 2012 and launched Gidden Media, one of the industry’s only female-led, independently financed content incubation companies. Her first film as a producer was the 2013 hit LAST VEGAS (starring Michael Douglas, Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline) which grossed $136MM worldwide. She also produced the 2017 romantic drama MARY SHELLEY and the 2019 inspirational true story BRIAN BANKS.  Prior to that, Amy  served as President & CEO of CBS Films (2007-2011), and spent the previous 17 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where she oversaw such hit films as MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING (1997), the Oscar-nominated ADAPTATION (2001), S.W.A.T. (2002), SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE (2003), and the 2006 holiday hit, THE HOLIDAY. Amy also developed the 2011 Oscar-nominated Sony hit MONEYBALL, starring Brad Pitt. She began her career at Creative Artists Agency in 1988 as an assistant to the late Jay Moloney. Amy  has served as Board President of Women in Film since June 2018. What You Will Hear in This Episode:  Amy’s personal story Trusting your instinct Becoming a book reader at CAA Learning to be a studio executive Developing a script My Best Friend's Wedding Balancing executive life and motherhood Starting a new studio Taking time off and rediscovering her why The differences between being a buyer vs a seller  Gen X and making movies for an older audience Being authentic and staying grounded Quotes “I've always been able to access theme and emotion as a way of advocating material.” “The only way to understand good writing is to read good writing and, and to do that, you have to constantly be reading.” “I was extremely lucky that I was surrounded by senior women who had children and were empathetic to the balance.” “I had to deal with the notion that even though I didn't want that job, I was never really in consideration for it because I was having kids and I had to reconcile that reality.” “Launching my own business was the first time in my career that I felt like a grownup because the agenda was mine.” “Gen X are aging in a way that's very much more dynamic than earlier generations.” “A lot of times when you launch a new venture, part of your success early in your lifecycle is luck, literally. “ “If I was someone that always took an opportunity to make a buck, I would probably have a lot more money, but I may not be as happy or as content.” Mentioned: Landline Pictures MRC https://bonniemarcusleadership.com/ https://web.facebook.com/bonnie.marcus/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniemarcus https://twitter.com/selfpromote https://www.instagram.com/self_promote_/ Gendered Ageism Survey Results Forbes article 5 Tips to own the superpower of your age IAMMusicGroup Purchase my book Not Done Yet on Amazon:  If you enjoyed this episode of Badass Women Podcast, then make sure to subscribe to the podcast and drop us a five-star review.

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Women are becoming stronger, claiming our power, and being true badasses. Host Bonnie Marcus interviews some of the most groundbreaking badass women and shares their stories of doing extraordinary things to change perceptions and challenge the status quo