A Conversation with Ann Sarnoff

Periscope: A Lewis Brisbois Podcast

As audiences around the globe flock to theaters to watch summer blockbusters "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer," it is an exciting time for filmmakers and moviegoers alike. In Episode 5 of Periscope, Steven & Jonathan lead a conversation with Ann Sarnoff, former Chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment, and President of BBC Studios - Americas. Ann provides key insights on current trends in filmmaking, with studios having to pivot their strategy since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of streaming as the preferred form of media consumption for many, and the delicate balance of power between tech giants and production companies. The first woman to run the entirety of a major studio, Ann also shares her optimism for increased leadership by women in the media industry moving forward.

During her prolific career in the entertainment industry, Ann has held titles such as COO of the WNBA, Executive Vice President at Nickelodeon, and President at Dow Jones. She currently serves on the Board of Directors at WTA Ventures, Cineworld, and PayPal, and is a Vice Chair at The Shed. Listen to the full episode to see what Ann had to say about the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, the game changing capabilities of artificial intelligence, and "Project Popcorn," Warner Brothers' initiative to release their 2021 roster of films simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max to give the industry a much needed adrenaline boost.