Videoage International October 2021

18 V I D E O A G E October 2021 lasted until Fox was sold to Disney in 2019. As for his management style, Kaner explained: “I would say creative, innovative, collaborative, and strong. But most importantly we knew we were in the entertainment business and we were there to have fun!” Gianopoulos went on to become chairman of the Fox studio until 2017 when he returned to Paramount Pictures as a well-liked chairman until 2021 (he had previously joined Paramount in 1981 and worked there until 1992). In addition to Gianopoulos, Fox executives also fondly remember when Lucie Salhany harmoniously ran Fox’s Twentieth Television from 1991 to 1994. Reported one former studio executive who worked under Salhany, but didn’t want to be identified: “Lucy ran her divisions like a family business. Very encouraging and inclusive. Meaning she invited contributions and opinions from staff at every level. She was also extremely committed to her career and knew her business better than most. She was a student of the business, learned it well and shared her knowledge and experience openly.” At Columbia Pictures TV International, the two top executives, Pat Williamson and Brian McGrath, com- plemented each other, and the division took on the personality of the affable McGrath, who would not hesitate to helpa fellowexecutive get apromotionor a job.WhenColumbiabecameSonyPictures in 1989and its International Television group was under a British Nick Bingham in London, the division’s personality was shaped by the American Michael Grindon, another Columbia veteran (like Bingham), but who operated under Bingham from the company’s headquarters in Culver City, California, and who took over the division in 1997. “You’re right,” said Grindon, “Michael’s style was more American, mine more British. He once sent me a For- tune story entitled ‘Secrets of Great Second Bananas,’ de- scribing how Roberto Goizueta and Don Keough worked together to run Coca Cola — Goizueta as chairman and CEO and Don as his ‘second banana.’ Michael suggested their wor- king relationship mirrored our own — I was Roberto, Michael wasDon.” Current SonyPictures International boss Keith LeGoy, a former Disney executive, did not reply to a request for comments for this article. Disney’s LATAM TV Sales division was shaped by the inimitable Fernando Barbosa, who is liked both by his corporate bosses because of the results he delivered, and by his staff for the querida he showed. However, it is not because of what he tended to say as the head of the division, but for how he carried things out. He is not known for being a loquacious person, and left lots of room for his associates to shine. In addition to piloting his own small plane during business trips to Latin America, he works as a referee for professional boxing, and has an enviable humorous touch. He once came late to NATPE Miami because he was taking the test to become an Uber driver. He even managed to give a few passengers rides, collecting, he happily reported, a fewhundred dollars! Indeed, it takes a sense of humor to endure six division name changes since 2002, the year he joined the division. Different and more “cor- porate” were the various Disney incarnations for European and Asian TV sales, which were helmed by the South African Etienne de Villiers starting in 1986 in London when it was called Buena Vista, and in 1999 was put under David Hulbert, also in London. ) (By Dom Serafini) (Continued from Page 16) Studio Divisions’ Personalities Gary Marenzi at the MGM stand