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Hollywood’s Women of Influence: Navigating 2024’s Challenges and Triumphs
While Hollywood faced significant turbulence in 2023, including layoffs and production downturns, the resilience and creativity shown by its leading women ensured that the industry continued to thrive. Here, we delve into the impact and achievements of some of the most influential women in Hollywood for 2024.
Pamela Abdy: Leading at Warner Bros.
Pamela Abdy, co-chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, has shown remarkable leadership since joining the studio two years ago. One of her first major projects, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” grossed over $420 million globally, captivating audiences of all ages.
“Our teams poured their hearts into it,” Abdy shares. “It’s been amazing to see audiences across generations come together in theaters to experience Tim Burton’s latest vision.” Warner Bros. was the first distributor to surpass $1 billion worldwide this April and has had an impressive year with other hits like “Dune: Part Two” and “Godzilla x Kong.”
The dynamic trio at Amazon MGM Studios
Jen Salke, Courtenay Valenti, and Sue Kroll
- Jen Salke: Head of Amazon MGM Studios
- Courtenay Valenti: Head of Film
- Sue Kroll: Head of Global Marketing
Under the savvy leadership of Salke, Amazon MGM Studios has rolled out recent successes like “Fallout,” “Road House,” and “The Idea of You.” Kroll attributes much of their success to the studio’s flexible and dynamic approach. “During what has otherwise been a turbulent time in our industry, it’s been incredible not only to see how our programming has evolved but also to be part of a company committed to both theatrical ventures and fantastic series,” Kroll states.
Valenti, meanwhile, has her sights set on promising new projects, including “Project Hail Mary” featuring Ryan Gosling and a live-action adaptation of “Masters of the Universe.”
Michelle An: Creative vision at Interscope Geffen A&M
Michelle An, President of Interscope Geffen A&M, is recognized for overseeing a wide array of creative outputs like album packaging, music videos, and advertising. Promoted in 2023, she works closely with notable artists such as Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell. Reflecting on their journey to the Academy Awards for the song “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie,” An recalls, “It always starts with utter happiness for Billie and Finneas, two of the most talented humans I know.”
Jayne Andrew: Revolutionizing live music experiences
Jayne Andrew, co-founder and head of management and creative development at Colture, has been instrumental in reviving the live concert scene post-pandemic. She served as the creative director for Brent Faiyaz’s “F*ck the World, It’s a Wasteland Tour,” which became a global phenomenon.
“The experience you have at a festival or at your favorite artist show can’t be replaced virtually,” Andrew emphasizes, reflecting on the tour’s remarkable success spanning 20 countries and selling 160,000 tickets worldwide.
Towalame Austin: Driving social impact at Sony Music
Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President at Sony Music, oversees global philanthropy, social impact, and environmental initiatives. Under her leadership, Sony Music Group has financially supported over 300 organizations across more than 60 countries from their Global Social Justice Fund.
“Sony Music has a responsibility to address the climate crisis and work to create a brighter future for all,” Austin asserts, highlighting the company’s commitment to making a significant impact.
Barlow & Bear: Creative forces behind Disney’s “Moana 2”
Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the Grammy-winning songwriting duo behind the viral sensation “The Unofficial Bridgerton Soundtrack,” continue to make waves in the industry. Their collaboration resulted in over 60 million likes and 250 million views on TikTok, catapulting them into the limelight.
Currently co-writing the soundtrack for Disney’s “Moana 2,” Barlow mentions, “We just speak the same language. We’re very different, but enough of our Venn diagrams overlap that something special happens when we write music together.”
Kat Basolo: Innovating at Kob
Kat Basolo, Senior Vice President of Creative Synch at Kob, continues to display an unparalleled knack for marrying music with visual storytelling. She’s significantly advanced the creative landscape by integrating innovative synch strategies that resonate deeply with audiences.
These women exemplify the fortitude and ingenuity that drive Hollywood forward, even amidst challenges. Share this article if you’ve been inspired by their stories and want to keep up with more industry insights. Follow us on our platforms for continued updates on the world of entertainment.# Celebrating resilience: Women shaping Hollywood in 2024
With the challenges of 2023 behind us, the women of Hollywood have continued to demonstrate incredible resilience and ingenuity. From leading major studios to driving philanthropic efforts, their impact is undeniably transformative. Here, we spotlight some of the powerhouse women who are redefining success in the entertainment industry.
Leading the charge at Warner Bros.
Pamela Abdy: Co-chair and CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
At the helm of Warner Bros., Pamela Abdy has been pivotal since her appointment two years ago. One standout achievement is the massive success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, grossing over $420 million globally. “It’s been humbling to see audiences from different generations embracing Tim Burton’s vision,” Abdy notes. The studio reached a milestone of $1 billion in global revenue by April and continues to thrive with hits like Dune: Part Two and Godzilla x Kong.
The triumvirate transforming Amazon MGM Studios
Jen Salke, Courtenay Valenti, and Sue Kroll
Jen Salke, Courtenay Valenti, and Sue Kroll form the dynamic team behind the recent successes at Amazon MGM Studios. Salke heads the studio, balancing creative excellence with business acumen, resulting in hits like Fallout and The Idea of You. Valenti is already eyeing the next big projects, including Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling. Kroll emphasizes their “flexible and nimble approach” during these turbulent times, which has been instrumental in their success.
Creative mastermind at Interscope Geffen A&M
Michelle An: President, Interscope Geffen A&M
Michelle An oversees a plethora of creative outputs, from album designs to music videos. Promoted in 2023, she has closely collaborated with artists like Billie Eilish and Finneas. An mentions the joy of seeing the duo nominated for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie. “It’s pure happiness seeing them achieve such recognition,” she reflects.
Reimagining live music experiences
Jayne Andrew: Co-Founder, Colture
Jayne Andrew has redefined live music experiences post-pandemic. As the creative director for Brent Faiyaz’s F*ck the World, It’s a Wasteland Tour, she integrated her design sensibilities into every facet, creating a global phenomenon spanning 20 countries. “The energy at live shows is irreplaceable,” Andrew asserts, highlighting the unique value of in-person concerts.
Championing global philanthropy at Sony Music
Towalame Austin: EVP, Sony Music
Towalame Austin drives Sony Music’s global philanthropic and environmental initiatives. Under her leadership, the company has supported over 300 organizations across 60 countries. Austin is passionate about addressing the climate crisis and fostering a brighter future. “Sony Music has a global responsibility,” she emphasizes.
The unstoppable composing duo
Barlow & Bear: Composers and Songwriters
Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the Grammy-winning duo behind The Unofficial Bridgerton Soundtrack, continue to innovate with their unique blend of musical talents. Their recent assignment is co-writing the soundtrack for Moana 2. “We share a deep creative connection,” Barlow explains, adding that their collaborative process is synergistic and often magical.
Synchronization in a new light
Kat Basolo: SVP, Creative Synch, Kobalt
When the film and TV writers’ strike paused productions, Kat Basolo pivoted to synchronization in ads, trailers, and video games. “We stayed resilient and strategic,” she shares. This shift led to successful placements in Amazon’s holiday campaign and ads for major brands, driving standout moments for artists like Karol G and Billie Eilish.
Navigating a tidal wave of content
Bianca Bhagat: General Manager, AWAL
Bianca Bhagat manages AWAL’s North American marketing, focusing on artist development amidst a constant influx of new content. Her strategy centers on highlighting the unique aspects of their artists, resulting in exceptional music and visual content. One notable achievement is guiding a marketing campaign that generated 2.6 billion streams for Icelandic singer Laufey.
Redefining horror at Blumhouse
Karen Barragan, Gretchen Palek, and Beatriz Sequeira
Karen Barragan, Gretchen Palek, and Beatriz Sequeira have brought fresh perspectives to Blumhouse, challenging traditional notions of horror. Barragan took BlumFest from virtual to in-person, while Sequeira celebrates her inclusion in Jordan Peele’s Oscar speech for Get Out. Palek notes the rewarding experience of working on projects with an all-female senior team.
Steering Paramount Pictures
Daria Cercek: Co-President, Paramount Pictures
Daria Cercek balanced career and family while overseeing hits like Mean Girls, Bob Marley: One Love, and A Quiet Place: Day One. Cercek underscores the importance of preparation and collaboration, particularly in light of the dual industry strikes in 2023.
Animation excellence at DreamWorks
Margie Cohn: President, DreamWorks Animation
Margie Cohn has overseen notable successes such as Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Wild Robot, the latter being a strong Oscar contender. “Emotional films have proven most powerful,” she states, highlighting the franchise’s $2 billion milestone at the global box office.
Breaking barriers with “The Bear”
Liza Colón-Zayas: Actor, “The Bear”
In “The Bear,” Liza Colón-Zayas delivered an Emmy-winning performance, making history as the first Latina to win for supporting actress. Reflecting on her achievement, she acknowledges the presence of imposter syndrome but emphasizes self-acceptance and the importance of celebrating one’s hard-earned successes.
Redefining roles in “Bridgerton”
Nicola Coughlan: Actor, “Bridgerton”
Nicola Coughlan has had a breakthrough year with her prominent role in Bridgerton and other projects. Coughlan advocates for more complex female characters who can explore moral ambiguity. “I want to see women do terrible things unapologetically,” she expresses, challenging the industry to move beyond one-dimensional roles.
Powerhouses in “House of the Dragon”
Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy: Actors, “House of the Dragon”
Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy, stars of House of the Dragon, push for nuanced portrayals of female characters. Cooke urges the industry to avoid labeling female characters as merely “strong.” “We are multifaceted, imperfect, and ever-evolving,” she asserts, calling for more authentic representations.
Each of these women brings unparalleled creativity and strength to their roles in the industry, continuously reshaping Hollywood’s landscape. Feel inspired by their stories? Share this article with your friends and follow us for more updates on the remarkable contributions of women in entertainment.# Celebrating Hollywood’s influential women of 2024
As we navigate through 2024, the entertainment industry continues to be shaped by incredibly talented women whose impact resonates across films, TV shows, music, and more. Amidst challenges, their perseverance and innovation stand out. Let’s explore how these remarkable women are making waves in Hollywood.
Leading the way at Warner Bros.: Pamela Abdy
Pamela Abdy: Co-chair and CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
Since joining Warner Bros. two years ago, Pamela Abdy has overseen notable successes. One of her early projects, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, grossed over $420 million globally, demonstrating her knack for backing significant hits. “It’s been heartening to see intergenerational audiences enjoy Tim Burton’s latest vision,” Abdy shares. Warner Bros. also celebrated surpassing $1 billion worldwide in April, thanks to blockbusters like Dune: Part Two and Godzilla x Kong.
Dynamic leadership at Amazon MGM Studios
Jen Salke, Courtenay Valenti, and Sue Kroll
Jen Salke, Courtenay Valenti, and Sue Kroll are the dynamic trio at the helm of Amazon MGM Studios. Under Salke’s leadership, the studio has released hits such as Fallout and The Idea of You. Valenti is already planning for future successes, including Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling. Kroll highlights the success due to their “flexible and innovative” approach to marketing and production.
Creative force at Interscope Geffen A&M
Michelle An: President, Interscope Geffen A&M
Michelle An oversees the creative direction at Interscope Geffen A&M, handling everything from album art to music videos. Promoted in 2023, An works closely with artists like Billie Eilish and Finneas. Reflecting on their journey to the Oscars for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, An remarks, “It’s a joy to see such talented artists receive recognition.”
Transforming live concerts: Jayne Andrew
Jayne Andrew: Co-Founder, Colture
Jayne Andrew has been pioneering in the return of live music post-pandemic. As the creative director for Brent Faiyaz’s F*ck the World, It’s a Wasteland Tour, Andrew’s innovative design touched every aspect of the production, resulting in a global phenomenon. “The energy of live performances is irreplaceable,” Andrew asserts.
Global philanthropy at Sony Music
Towalame Austin: EVP, Sony Music
Towalame Austin leads Sony Music’s philanthropic and environmental initiatives, driving support for over 300 organizations across 60 countries. “Sony Music has a global responsibility to foster a better future,” Austin emphasizes. Her guidance has led to significant contributions addressing climate change and social justice.
Music excellence: Barlow & Bear
Barlow & Bear: Composers and Songwriters
Grammy-winning duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear have continued to innovate in the music industry. Known for The Unofficial Bridgerton Soundtrack, they now bring their talents to Moana 2. “Our collaboration is magical,” Barlow explains, celebrating their synergistic creative process.
Strategic synchronization: Kat Basolo
Kat Basolo: SVP, Creative Synch, Kobalt
In response to the film and TV writers’ strike, Kat Basolo shifted focus to synchronization in ads, trailers, and video games. “We had to stay resilient and strategic,” she explains. This pivot led to successful placements in major ad campaigns for Amazon, Apple, and others, benefiting artists like Karol G and Billie Eilish.
Navigating content overload: Bianca Bhagat
Bianca Bhagat: General Manager, AWAL
Bianca Bhagat manages AWAL’s North American marketing, focusing on artist development amidst a flood of new content. Her team’s focus on unique sounds and personalities has driven significant success, including a campaign generating 2.6 billion streams for Icelandic singer Laufey.
Redefining horror at Blumhouse
Karen Barragan, Gretchen Palek, and Beatriz Sequeira
Karen Barragan, Gretchen Palek, and Beatriz Sequeira have revitalized Blumhouse, challenging traditional horror tropes. Barragan transformed BlumFest from virtual to in-person, while Sequeira celebrated recognition in Jordan Peele’s Oscar speech for Get Out. Palek highlights the empowering experience of working on female-led projects.
Steering Paramount Pictures
Daria Cercek: Co-President, Paramount Pictures
Daria Cercek has overseen several hits, including Mean Girls and A Quiet Place: Day One. “Preparation is key,” Cercek emphasizes, proud of the studio’s achievements despite the dual industry strikes.
Animation prowess at DreamWorks
Margie Cohn: President, DreamWorks Animation
Margie Cohn has overseen hits like Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Wild Robot. “Emotional resonance drives success,” she notes, with DreamWorks boasting multiple $2 billion franchises.
Breaking new ground with “The Bear”
Liza Colón-Zayas: Actor, “The Bear”
In “The Bear,” Liza Colón-Zayas delivered an Emmy-winning performance, making history as the first Latina to win for supporting actress. Reflecting on her achievement, she remarks on overcoming imposter syndrome and the need to celebrate one’s hard-earned successes.
Evolving roles in “Bridgerton”
Nicola Coughlan: Actor, “Bridgerton”
Nicola Coughlan rose to prominence with her role in Bridgerton. Advocating for complex female characters, she aims to explore “moral gray areas” in her roles, challenging the industry to move beyond simplistic portrayals.
Powerhouses in “House of the Dragon”
Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy: Actors, “House of the Dragon”
Stars of House of the Dragon, Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy push for more nuanced portrayals of female characters. Cooke challenges the industry to drop the “strong” label, advocating for more authentic, multi-faceted female roles.
From pioneering leadership and creative genius to driving social impact and innovation, these women continue to redefine Hollywood. Share their inspiring stories and join us on social media for more updates on their remarkable contributions to the entertainment world.# Spotlight on Hollywood’s influential women in 2024
As 2024 brings new challenges and triumphs, the women of Hollywood are at the forefront, pushing boundaries and redefining success. Their contributions are not just about breaking records but also about inspiring new narratives. Let’s delve into the achievements and impact of these powerhouse women reshaping the entertainment industry.
Innovating at Warner Bros.
Pamela Abdy: A visionary leader
Co-chair and CEO Pamela Abdy has been a transformative figure at Warner Bros. since her arrival. Her strategic decision-making led to the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which grossed over $420 million worldwide. Abdy’s dedication is evident as she underscores, “Our team poured their hearts into this project.” Under her leadership, Warner Bros. also achieved milestones with blockbusters like Dune: Part Two and Godzilla x Kong.
Empowering Amazon MGM Studios
Jen Salke, Courtenay Valenti, and Sue Kroll: A formidable trio
Jen Salke, Courtenay Valenti, and Sue Kroll are driving success at Amazon MGM Studios. Salke’s leadership saw the release of hits such as Fallout and The Idea of You. Valenti is paving the future with projects like Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling. Kroll’s strategic approach to global marketing further cements their success, reflecting their “flexible and innovative” methodologies.
Creative genius at Interscope Geffen A&M
Michelle An: Crafting musical masterpieces
At Interscope Geffen A&M, President Michelle An oversees the creative direction, from album designs to music videos. Promoted in 2023, An has worked closely with artists like Billie Eilish and Finneas. Reflecting on their journey to the Oscars for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, An emphasizes the joy and pride in seeing such talent recognized.
Revolutionizing live music experiences
Jayne Andrew: The creative director
Jayne Andrew, co-founder of Colture, has been crucial in bringing live music back to life post-pandemic. As the creative director for Brent Faiyaz’s F*ck the World, It’s a Wasteland Tour, her design influence spanned across all aspects, resulting in a global phenomenon. “The energy of live performances is irreplaceable,” Andrew notes, emphasizing the unique experience live concerts provide.
Driving global impact at Sony Music
Towalame Austin: Champion of social causes
Towalame Austin, EVP at Sony Music, leads philanthropic and environmental initiatives globally. Her work has supported over 300 organizations in more than 60 countries. “Sony Music has a global responsibility to foster a better future,” she asserts, highlighting the company’s contributions to addressing climate change and social justice.
Musical creativity: Barlow & Bear
Barlow & Bear: Dynamic music duo
Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, known for The Unofficial Bridgerton Soundtrack, continue to innovate with their musical talents. They are currently working on the soundtrack for Moana 2. “Our collaboration is magical,” Barlow comments, celebrating their unique creative synergy.
Synchronization pioneer: Kat Basolo
Kat Basolo: Strategic vision in synch
When the film and TV writers’ strike halted productions, Kat Basolo pivoted to synchronization in ads, trailers, and video games. “We had to stay resilient and strategic,” she explains. This adaptation led to notable placements in major campaigns for brands like Amazon and Apple, benefiting artists like Karol G and Billie Eilish.
Navigating content saturation: Bianca Bhagat
Bianca Bhagat: Marketing maven
As General Manager at AWAL, Bianca Bhagat oversees marketing and artist development. Her focus on unique sounds and visions has driven success, such as a campaign generating 2.6 billion streams for Icelandic singer Laufey. “It’s all about cutting through the noise with exceptional content,” Bhagat emphasizes.
Redefining horror: Blumhouse leaders
Karen Barragan, Gretchen Palek, and Beatriz Sequeira: Innovators in horror
Karen Barragan, Gretchen Palek, and Beatriz Sequeira are reshaping Blumhouse’s approach to horror. Barragan transformed BlumFest into a major in-person event, while Sequeira celebrated recognition in Jordan Peele’s Oscar speech for Get Out. Palek discusses the empowering experience of working on female-led projects, emphasizing their collective achievements.
Leading Paramount Pictures
Daria Cercek: Strategic leader
Daria Cercek has steered Paramount Pictures to success with films like Mean Girls and A Quiet Place: Day One. Cercek highlights the importance of preparation and collaboration, particularly in navigating the industry’s challenges.
Animation excellence at DreamWorks
Margie Cohn: Animation visionary
Margie Cohn, President of DreamWorks Animation, has overseen hits including Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Wild Robot. “Emotional resonance drives success,” she states, celebrating DreamWorks’ achievement of multiple $2 billion franchises.
Breaking new ground with “The Bear”
Liza Colón-Zayas: Emmy-winning actor
In “The Bear,” Liza Colón-Zayas delivered an Emmy-winning performance, making history as the first Latina to win for supporting actress. She reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome and the need to celebrate one’s hard-earned achievements.
Evolving roles in “Bridgerton”
Nicola Coughlan: Complex character advocate
Nicola Coughlan rose to prominence with her role in Bridgerton. She advocates for more complex female characters, exploring “moral gray areas” and challenging the industry to move beyond simplistic portrayals.
Powerhouses in “House of the Dragon”
Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy: Advocates for authenticity
Stars of House of the Dragon, Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy push for nuanced portrayals of female characters. Cooke advocates for dropping the “strong” label, calling for more authentic, multifaceted representations.
From leadership and creativity to social impact and innovation, these women continue to redefine Hollywood. Share their inspiring stories and join us on social media for more updates on their remarkable contributions to the entertainment world. hope is that the industry will consistently find and nurture new and unique voices. “Original stories will translate to screen if people aren’t afraid of new ideas which may not always appear obvious.”
Karen Kwak Image Credit: Jonathan Weiner EVP / Head of A&R, Warner Records Kwak is responsible for Warner Records’ first foray into K-Pop with groups like Aespa and Fifty Fifty. “Collaborations mixing genres has become the norm, but it’s exciting to see successful global pop collaborations,” says Kwak, who also worked on music releases for new artists and chart-toppers Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Dasha. “A few years ago, analytics and research led the charge in terms of signing artists. With limitations during COVID, the industry relied heavily on data. Fortunately, we returned to meeting and seeing artists perform prior to signing them, enabling A&R to use their guts to sign artists early.”
Donna Langley Image Credit: Courtesy Image Chairman, NBCUniversal Studio Group and chief content officer Coming off Universal’s 2024 blockbusters “Despicable Me 4,” “Twisters” and “The Wild Robot,” Langley promises that the studio has a “remarkable slate” comingup next year, including “Jurassic World Rebirth,” “How to Train Your Dragon” and “M3GAN 2.0.” “I wouldn’t be in this business if I weren’t bullish on theatrical. With that said, we have a lot to think about in terms of approach — be it windowing, budgets, marketing… all of it. For better or for worse, consumer behaviors have changed and it’s important not to ignore that shift and meet them where they are.”
The Women of Linden Entertainment Image Credit: Courtesy Images Nicole King, Stacy O’Neil and JoAnne Colonna King: Founder, partner
O’Neil: Founder, partner
Colonna: Partner Linden’s stellar roster includes Amy Adams (with O’Neil producing Adams’ “Nightbitch”); Jennifer Garner (King is producing Garner-starrer “Mrs. Claus”); Eiza González (Linden Prods. is backing the Maria Felix biopic starring González); and Norman Reedus (who has an overall deal with Colonna at AMC Studios). Linden has expanded into Linden Ventures, an investment arm that includes Garner’s Once Upon a Farm baby food and Molly Sims’ YSE Beauty. This year, Linden Prods.’ “Stereophonic” won five Tony awards. “Our approach is a holistic one — whether an artist is starting out or if they have been in the business for decades, it is important to pursue a balance of types of projects,” they say in an email. “It is this yin and yang that ensures an actor does not get pigeonholed into a particular archetype.”
Issa López Image Credit: Courtesy Image Showrunner, EP, Writer, Director, “True Detective: Night Country” López refers to herself as “professional dreamer,” “aspiring adult” and “storyteller.” “The storytelling system, for way too long, has been controlled by a male narrative,” she says. “It’s deeply related that the stories we tell, make us who we are. [Women] haven’t been allowed to tell the world in a big manner with the biggest speaker, those stories. But those stories have never gone away. They’re always told between us to the children. The way that we have to push the boundaries, we finally are getting a little hold of the microphone, of the camera, of the pen of the ink and publishing.”
Janelle Lopez Genzink Image Credit: Courtesy Image Founder & CEO, Volara Management Lopez Genzink’s company helped propel Sabrina Carpenter’s breakout year – consisting of chart-topping hits, “Please Please Please” and “Espresso,” and an opening slot on Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.” When she founded Volara in 2021, Lopez Genzink assembled a team to support Carpenter on digital marketing, data-driven strategies and touring to lay the groundwork for her No. 1 effort, “Short n’ Sweet.” “I can confidently say that the past 10 months have been a dream come true in so many ways,” she says. “It’s exciting to reflect on so many pivotal moments – Coachella, ‘SNL,’ the VMAs – as milestones and huge wins for the entire team.”
Judi Marmel Image Credit: Getty Images Founding Partner, Levity Live Marmel started out as a door girl working at a comedy club in Colorado in the first boom of comedy in the ‘80s. Since starting Levity Live in 2009, it has become the primo company representing emerging comedians and some of your favorite standups, including Taylor Tomlinson, Jeff Dunham and Bert Kreischer. “I’m a big believer in laying the right foundation for a client that will serve them for decades to come,” she says. “I’m meticulous about planning and listening to them about the kind of life and the kind of career they want and how we can ultimately build that together.”
Ramsey Naito Image Credit: Courtesy Beth Coller President, Paramount Animation & Nickelodeon Animation, Paramount From Paramount’s “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” theatrical release to the 25th anniversary of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Naito knows what kids want — and what brings in revenue. Like Nickelodeon’s new franchised “Big Nate” and “Rock Paper Scissors,” and the upcoming “Transformers ONE,” the first animated “Transformers” movie in almost 40 years. Citing a statistic saying 70% of animation and art students are women, but few hold leadership positions, Naito says: “We have this opportunity to guide them toward careers, particularly in leadership roles, and ensure that women are empowered to shape stories that feature authentic female characters that are aspirational, courageous and diverse.”
The Women of NBCUniversal Image Credit: Courtesy Images Kelly Campbell and Lisa Katz Campbell: President, Peacock and Direct-to-Consumer
Katz: Direct-to-Consumer, NBCUniversal Campbell and Katz worked tirelessly developing content for Peacock’s streaming service as it enters its fifth year. Katz enjoys seeing the linear shows they’ve worked on “be discovered and embraced by a new generation of audiences.” Campbell added that, other than original content, live sports have played a huge role in NBCUniversal’s recent success. “Over the past year, our robust live sports offering reset the bar, beginning with January’s exclusive NFL Wild Card Playoff game,” Campbell said. “It was the biggest live-streamed event in U.S. history with more than 27 million viewers and accounted for 30% of all internet traffic on the evening.” And that momentum carried into the into Paris Olympics, “demonstrating what is possible at the intersection of sports, entertainment and streaming.”
Ramela Ohanian Image Credit: Courtesy Image Partner, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP Ohanian remains one of the entertainment industry’s top dealmakers by recognizing that show business is constantly evolving. “Over the last year, networks are prioritizing flexibility, building provisions into their agreements to account for a variety of distribution channels, such as streaming and theatrical releases,” says Ohanian, hastening to point out there’s a heightened focus on the global market. Having a keen awareness of things like the role social media plays in entertainment is key. She notes that in the past, social media terms may have been contained in a lone provision, but now, an entire contract can be about social media.
Nicole Parlapiano Image Credit: Courtesy Image Chief Marketing Officer, Tubi Parlapiano, a veteran of Tinder and WeWork, has been a key player in Tubi’s big growth surge. With 81 million monthly viewers, the free, ad-supported streaming service grew a remarkable 43% in viewership from May 2023 to May 2024, according to Nielsen, as well as fostering relationships with talent like Pam Grier. “At Tubi, we’ve focused on putting the viewer first by offering them the world’s largest content library entirely for free. This year’s growth is a testament to the strength of our strategy, and our commitment to creating new opportunities in Hollywood for both creators and audiences,” said Parlapiano.
Rhea Pasricha Image Credit: Courtesy Image Head of A&R, West Coast, Prescription Songs With Pasricha at the wheel, the L.A. office of Prescription Songs and its core female executive team have guided some of today’s most talented songwriters and producers, like artist/songwriter Bülow, the co-writer for Beyonce’s No. 1 Billboard-charting hit “Texas Hold ‘Em.” They’re also managing Steph Jones, co-writer on Sabrina Carpenter’s massive single “Espresso.” “Labels and artists teams will need to start incentivizing songwriters with master participation,” says Pasricha. “The first team to do that will have all the best songwriters and songs on their projects! I feel it’s important and crucial that the industry as a whole works together to make these changes.”
Amy Reisenbach Image Credit: The Hollywood Reporter via Getty President, CBS Entertainment Reisenbach’s jointly planned strategy and strong lineup for post-strike premiere week after promotion in the Grammys, Golden Globes and Super Bowl scored CBS its 16th consecutive most watched season, with YoY growth for multiple series. Having been with CBS since 2005, Reisenbach feels that success starts and ends with stellar content and a passionate team of talent. “CBS has shown the industry that when you give your viewers compelling on-brand content with phenomenal talent in front of and behind the camera, a very large passionate audience will still show up to watch live – in our case, on the Network and on Paramount+,” Reisenbach says.
Mo Rhim Image Credit: Courtesy Image CEO and Founder, The Advisory Collective Rhim’s Advisory Collective helps established companies and personalities capitalize on and commercialize new business ventures. One new endeavor is ArenaOne, an artist and event platform that will create the first globally connected arena where artists can play the equivalent of eight arena shows in one single night. “For ArenaOne, the core vision was built on two fundamental truths and trends: fans want to get closer to the things they love and closer to one another; and entertainment ‘verticals’ of music, film, sports and more are merging because fandom has become more dynamic and expansive than ever before.”
Jen Sargent Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images CEO, Wondery Under Sargent’s leadership, Wondery made two major moves this year: it signed a $100 million-plus deal for Jason and Travis Kelce’s “New Heights,” while Dax Shephard’s “Armchair Expert” moved to the platform. Sargent’s mission for the company is to “reach new audiences by meeting them wherever they are” — such as expanding podcast offerings on YouTube and leveraging Prime Video through parent company Amazon. “I’m very passionate about kids and family audiences and proving that podcasts can generate the next big IP,” Sargent says. “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” on FX marked Wondery’s sixth podcast that was adapted for TV.
Jacqueline Saturn Image Credit: Courtesy Image President, North America & EVP, Global Artist Relations, Virgin Music Group Saturn takes pride in her responsibility of identifying promising artist projects. Under her guidance, the company found success in K-pop — the Stray Kids became the first group ever to debut at No. 1 with their first five chart entries — and in Latin, with Carin León and Grupo Firme. “Artist development is a belief and commitment to helping an artist tell their story to new audiences and connect with them in sustaining ways. That doesn’t change,” says Saturn. “It’s the vehicles of expression and execution that change with societal innovation. It’s a beautiful and rewarding ride we take with our artists and their teams.”
Anna Sawai Image Credit: Courtesy Image Actor, “Shōgun,” “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” “Pachinko” Sawai won a lead actress Emmy in September — the first ever by a Japanese woman — for “Shōgun,” her third television series in as many years (after “Pachinko” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”). She says just getting cast in the show galvanized her need to champion women’s voices, starting with her own. “People like Mariko are the people who have changed the world and allowed women to have an equal place in society,” Sawai says of her “Shōgun” character. “I wanted to channel that part of me.” And her footprint in the industry only promises to grow. “If you don’t take risks, people aren’t going to be moved.”
Lynn M. Scott Image Credit: Courtesy Image VP, Label Services & Client Success, Vydia Titles aren’t always telling in show business; however, the latter part of Scott’s handle reveals plenty about her professional approach. “I love it because it says so much in two little words — you, the client, are who we support in pursuit of your success,” she says. “When I think of the name ‘Client Success,’ I think of Stevie Wonder’s song/lyric: ‘These Three Words, sweet and simple, these three words short and kind….’” As an artist advocate, Scott has driven winning results for Vydia and its diverse clients (Usher, Emily Ann Roberts) — securing 9,700+ editorial playlists, 300+ DSP playlist covers and six Times Square billboards.
Leslie Siebert Image Credit: The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Co-President, Gersh Siebert is the only woman to lead a major talent agency. That’s an almost shocking fact in 2025. Some client highlights from the past year include Angela Bassett’s honorary Oscar and ninth Primetime Emmy nomination (her second in a row for narration); Italian actor Sabrina Impacciatore (“The White Lotus”) securing the lead in Greg Daniels and Michael Koman follow-up series to “The Office”; Neve Campbell’s upcoming return to the “Scream” franchise; and Calista Flockhart’s acclaimed performance in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.”
Francesca Sloane Image Credit: Courtesy Image Showrunner, Writer and Director, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” Sloane first met Donald Glover writing for “Atlanta” before the pair made waves with their Amazon Prime spy thriller “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Sloan attests the show’s success to their ability to “work with love” while blocking out all the excess chatter that often plagues TV productions. “Donald and I talk a lot about under-promising and over-delivering,” Sloane says. “People had expectations of what our series should and would be, based on the original IP. In a moment where data is king and creativity is not necessarily in the driver’s seat, we were itching to blow past those restrictions.”
Liz Snair Image Credit: Getty Images for The Orchard VP, North American Label Management, The Orchard Snair isn’t a fan of spin – that’s why she and her team at The Orchard rely on real-time, transparent data to best advise their clients, including Red Bull Records and Metal Blade Record. “We’ve been able to support our longtime clients by continuing to invest in our industry-leading technology and global reach, therefore enhancing The Orchard’s value proposition and allowing us to create unique opportunities across our label base,” she says. Snair concurs that the only variable in life – and the music world – is change. “Consumption continues to shift,” she says, “and so do the ways we work to amplify artists’
June Squibb Image Credit: Courtesy Images Actor, “Thelma” Earning Oscar buzz for her turn as the titular grandma in “Thelma” isn’t something Squibb takes lightly. “It means a lot at this point in my career to feel relevant in the industry,” says the 94-year-old actor. Squibb enjoyed a long stage career, working alongside the likes of Ethel Merman in “Gypsy”: “She told me a dirty joke every night behind a scrim during the show. Most of all, she taught me to love and respect my audience.” And the actor is busier than ever — she’ll next be seen in “American Horror Story,” “Leprechaun” and “Eleanor the Great,” directed by Scarlett Johansson.
The Women of Starz Image Credit: Courtesy Images Kathryn Busby President, Original Programming Alison Hoffman President, Starz Networks Hoffman champions female-empowered storytelling through her newly expanded oversight of content acquisitions. Busby also delivers programming by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences, and has several female-focused projects in the pipeline. “We look for series that uphold the values of premium television, with nuanced characters and adult themes that are provocative and challenging for viewers,” Hoffman says. “’Mary & George,’ ‘Sweetpea’ and ‘Three Women’ are fresh, exhilarating explorations of female agency and desire and are a perfect fit for Starz.” Notes Busby: “Our ‘Power’ shows have a fiercely loyal audience. We are working with excellent producers who have cut their teeth on the original ‘Power’ series and have a vision for how to create spinoffs that will resonate with and grow our audience.”
Emma Stone Image Credit: Getty Images Actor, Producer, “Fantasmas,” “Kinds of Kindness,” “Poor Things,” “I Saw the TV Glow” Stone not only earned her second Oscar and second Golden Globe (both for “Poor Things”) this past year but has further established herself as a producer with a very distinct vision. In 2024, she executive produced “The Curse” and “Fantasmas,” and has a producer credit on the highly acclaimed upcoming film “A Real Pain,” starring Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg. She also is producing (and starring in) three upcoming films: “Bugonia,” “Little White Corvette” and “Cruella 2.” “[Acting] is totally transcending,” Stone says. “We’re so lucky to get to do this; it’s a joy.”
Ellen Stutzman Image Credit: Courtesy Images Executive director, WGA West If Ryan Murphy turns last year’s WGA strike into a “Feud” series, he would cast an actress to play Ellen Stutzman, the story’s lead heroine. As executive director and (for the strike) chief negotiator, Stutzman did more than deliver a deal that addressed writers’ concerns and reflected the value they generate in the industry. She also helped negotiate a $3 million settlement for 24 writers who worked on three CBS series after they stopped receiving weekly pay. Stutzman walked the picket line throughout the strike and talked to scribes
Geeta Vansant Patel Image Credit: Courtesy Image Director, Producer, “House of the Dragon,” “Under the Bridge” Patel returned this year as director and executive producer of the second season of the acclaimed fantasy drama “The of the Dragon,” worked on “The Lord of the Tides,” “The Burning Mill” and the season of “The Queen Who Ever Was.” She also served as an executive producer and pilot director of the Hulu limited series “Under the Bridge,” which was nominated for Breakthrough Limited Series at the inaugural 2024 Gotham TV Awards. Additional recent credits for Patel include directing “Ahsoka” for Disney+, “P-Valley” for Starz and multiple episodes of Hulu’s award-winning series “The Great” starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult.
Dana Walden Image Credit: Courtesy Dana Walden Co-Chair Disney Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company Walden’s golden touch led Disney to earn a record-setting 183 Primetime Emmy nominations this year — and having three of the year’s most-nominated shows certainly didn’t hurt either. Titles as diverse as “Shōgun,” “The Bear,” “Abbott Elementary,” “The Kardashians,” “Only Murders in the Building” and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” spurred the successful launch of Hulu on Disney+ which, in turn, helped Walden make the streaming side of the business profitable. She’s also a wise custodian of the company’s expansive portfolio — the brands and business she oversees generates over 4,500 hours of programming per year.
Tiffany Ward Image Credit: Courtesy Image Managing Director, CAA Ward has been instrumental in putting an array of critically acclaimed shows on air, including Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” FX’s “Clipped” and HBO’s “The Penguin.” “Anytime that you have a magical success, it’s always a serendipitous confluence of artists, opportunity and vision,” says Ward, who has chosen to represent people behind the scenes — showrunners, executive producers, writers, directors, production companies, etc. “I have had a lifelong love of writing in all of its forms,” she continues. “So the thing that I think I intuitively am always drawn to is the written word first, and I think that draws everyone else in the community.”
Katie Welle Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing “The most exciting trend of the year has been the prominence of artists who are having mega chart success for the first time, after many years of hard work,” says Welle, whose creative relationships at SMP include artists from Tyler, the Creator to producer Charlie Handsome, who worked across Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time” LP. Welle’s signings include Julian Bunetta, co-writer and producer for Teddy Swims and Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyler Johnson, known for his work on “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. “It’s no coincidence that country music is surging at the same time as clever songwriting is in pop music,” she Welle.
Elizabeth Wiederseim Image Credit: Courtesy Image Agent, WME Wiederseim has guided multiple clients through career highs. Colman Domingo was a standout in “The Color Purple,” and he received Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe noms for his performance in “Rustin”; Will Brill took home a Tony Award for his role in “Stereophonic” and earned raves as Roy Cohn in “Fellow Travelers”; Nate Mann received praise for this part in “Masters of the Air”; and Li Jun Li was nominated for a SAG award for her role in “Babylon.” “It’s important for me to remember that personal growth often correlates with discomfort, and to not beat myself up when I lose sight of that.”
Zendaya Image Credit: WireImage Actor, Producer, “Dune: Part Two,” “Challengers” Zendaya starred in two of the biggest movies this spring: “Dune: Part Two” and producer Luca Guadagnino’s comeback film “Challengers.” Although she began her career as a child star on the Disney show “Shake It Up,” she has since gone on to star in and produce her own series (“K.C. Undercover”), triumphantly enter the Marvel Universe playing Tom Holland’s love interest in the “Spider-Man” movies, and earn two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe in her big dramatic breakthrough role on “Euphoria,” which she also produces. Plus, Time named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. And she’s not even 30.
Carly Zipp Image Credit: Courtesy Image Global Director of Brand Marketing, Amazon This year, Zipp and her team built premium Amazon’s first-ever appearance at the Super Bowl with a custom Amazon Lounge. “What excites me about growing our sports portfolio is the chance to unlock new avenues for engagement across audiences,” she says, noting Amazon’s expansion into global sports. At Cannes Lions this year, Amazon debuted its global study, “From Ads to Zeitgeist,” which, she says, “explores this evolving relationship between advertising and culture, offering valuable insights and actionable recommendations for brands.” With 2025 quickly approaching, she says the company is “focused on helping advertisers understand their audiences better — their interests, preferences, and beliefs.”
Gillian Zucker Image Credit: Penske Media via Getty Images CEO, Halo Sports & Entertainment & President of Business Operations, LA Clippers Zucker has spent 10 years with the Clippers, and this year saw the opening of L.A.’s latest venue, the $2 billion Intuit Dome, which will be the team’s new home. Zucker oversees the elevated fan experience at the Dome, which houses the Halo Board, the largest doubled-sided video halo ever built. Steve Ballmer bought the beleaguered Clippers in 2014 and credits Zucker with rebuilding the team and the brand. Earlier this year, Ballmer launched Halo Sports and Entertainment, a collection of assets that includes the L.A. Clippers, their G-League affiliate the Ontario Clippers, the Intuit Dome and KIA Forum, with Zucker overseeing all business operations for the four brands while continuing in her role with the Clippers.
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