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We're back in the Writers' Room for The Executive Hour with Michael Besman. Michael Besman is a prolific executive and producer with decades of experience. He joined Roger Birnbaum’s company in 2019, where he recently produced Thug, starring Liam Neeson as well as set up a trio of horror films with 50 cent and Eli Roth. Besman began his entertainment career assisting director Michael Wadleigh on the horror film Wolfen, and then producer Aaron Russo on the Eddie Murphy comedy Trading Places. He became a production executive at Paramount Pictures in 1983 where he worked on such films as Witness, Beverly Hills Cop, Summer School, Adventures in Babysitting and Star Trek 4. Besman joined The Guber-Peters Company as a vice-president in 1987, where he supervised the blockbuster, Batman. Besman followed the producing duo to Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he was promoted to executive vice-president of production for TriStar Pictures. He supervised such films as Remains of the Day (nominated for eight Oscars), Sleepless in Seattle (Oscar nominee, best screenplay), Single White Female, Jumanji (another billion-dollar franchise), Devil in a Blue Dress, Frankenstein, Mrs. Winterbourne and As Good As It Gets (Oscar nominee, Best Picture and Screenplay, Winner Best Actor and Actress). Besman began producing in 1997 with Jean-Jacques Annaud's Seven Years in Tibet, starring Brad Pitt. He followed up with Don Roos’ The Opposite of Sex. It opened at the Sundance Film Festival, won honors at the Venice and Deauville Film Festivals, earned Independent Spirit awards for best first feature and best screenplay, and appeared on many ten best lists. Besman re-teamed with Roos on Bounce, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck. His next film, About Schmidt, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and opened the New York Film Festival. The film won two Golden Globes and was nominated for two Academy Awards. Both the London and Los Angeles film critics voted it best film of 2002. Besman also produced the Garry Marshall film, Georgia Rule, which starred Jane Fonda, Felicity Huffman and Lindsay Lohan, the indie Careless, with Colin Hanks, and ratings perennial, Loving Leah for CBS/Hallmark Hall of Fame. He ran Caryn Mandabach’s (Cosby, Nurse Jackie) company for four years and worked on the BAFTA award winning Peaky Blinders. Full Bio »
We’re back in the Writers’ Room for the Executive Hour with special guest Michael Besman (Producer/Executive). Prepare to delve into Michael's captivating journey and wealth of experience, as he generously imparts invaluable advice, all while eagerly responding to the burning questions YOU bring to the table. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to gain insights and inspiration from a seasoned professional in the industry!
The Executive Hour
We're back in the Writers' Room for The Executive Hour with Michael Besman.
Michael Besman is a prolific executive and producer with decades of experience. He joined Roger Birnbaum’s company in 2019, where he recently produced Thug, starring Liam Neeson as well as set up a trio of horror films with 50 cent and Eli Roth.
Besman began his entertainment career assisting director Michael Wadleigh on the horror film Wolfen, and then producer Aaron Russo on the Eddie Murphy comedy Trading Places. He became a production executive at Paramount Pictures in 1983 where he worked on such films as Witness, Beverly Hills Cop, Summer School, Adventures in Babysitting and Star Trek 4.
Besman joined The Guber-Peters Company as a vice-president in 1987, where he supervised the blockbuster, Batman. Besman followed the producing duo to Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he was promoted to executive vice-president of production for TriStar Pictures. He supervised such films as Remains of the Day (nominated for eight Oscars), Sleepless in Seattle (Oscar nominee, best screenplay), Single White Female, Jumanji (another billion-dollar franchise), Devil in a Blue Dress, Frankenstein, Mrs. Winterbourne and As Good As It Gets (Oscar nominee, Best Picture and Screenplay, Winner Best Actor and Actress).
Besman began producing in 1997 with Jean-Jacques Annaud's Seven Years in Tibet, starring Brad Pitt. He followed up with Don Roos’ The Opposite of Sex. It opened at the Sundance Film Festival, won honors at the Venice and Deauville Film Festivals, earned Independent Spirit awards for best first feature and best screenplay, and appeared on many ten best lists. Besman re-teamed with Roos on Bounce, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck. His next film, About Schmidt, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and opened the New York Film Festival. The film won two Golden Globes and was nominated for two Academy Awards. Both the London and Los Angeles film critics voted it best film of 2002.
Besman also produced the Garry Marshall film, Georgia Rule, which starred Jane Fonda, Felicity Huffman and Lindsay Lohan, the indie Careless, with Colin Hanks, and ratings perennial, Loving Leah for CBS/Hallmark Hall of Fame. He ran Caryn Mandabach’s (Cosby, Nurse Jackie) company for four years and worked on the BAFTA award winning Peaky Blinders.
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"Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us today and for answering my questions." -Ingrid W.
"Thanks for your time and stories, Michael!" -Laurie A.
We’re back in the Writers’ Room for the Executive Hour with Producer and Stage 32 Instructor, Chris Hazenbush! He is an accomplished TV Development Executive, having helped develop and sell pilots to major networks, and will share his background & experience, give advice, and answer YOUR questions!
We're back in the Writers' Room for The Executive Hour with Daisy Hamilton Risher! Daisy Hamilton Risher is the SVP of Acquisitions for TriCoast Worldwide where she has acquired over 100 packages and titles. TriCoast is run by Strathford Hamilton and is a full service media company committed to acquire, develop, produce, market and distribute audio-visual content. Hamilton also founded Rock Salt Releasing as a boutique production company and US distribution outfit. Rock Salt Releasing follows a 50/50 gender parity on all the films it invests in, acquires, or distributes. Daisy co-founded a new AVOD...
We’re back in the Writers’ Room for the Executive Hour with special guest Filmmaker Jeremy Garelick Prepare to delve into Jeremy's captivating journey and wealth of experience, as he generously imparts invaluable advice, all while eagerly responding to the burning questions YOU bring to the table. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to gain insights and inspiration from a seasoned professional in the industry!
We're back in the Writers' Room with for the Executive Hour Webcast with Jonathan Harris the Development Executive for Oscar-winner Jordan Peele at Monkeypaw Productions whose credits include GET OUT, US, BLACKkKLANSMAN and many more. Jonathan sits at the frontline of all incoming projects and development, and assists in shaping and managing projects as they move into the production pipeline. Previously, he worked in the TV department at CAAand in development for Kenya Barris - the producer of COMING TO AMERICA 2. Founded by Jordan Peele, Monkeypaw Productions cultivates artistic...
We’re back in the Writers’ Room for the Executive Hour with special guest Michael Brandt (Writer/Creator, 3:10 TO YUMA, CHICAGO FIRE). Prepare to delve into Michael's captivating journey and wealth of experience, as he generously imparts invaluable advice, all while eagerly responding to the burning questions YOU bring to the table. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to gain insights and inspiration from a seasoned professional in the industry!
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Executive Hour Webcast with Vice President of Production for Ian Bryce, Will McCance! Will is currently Vice President of Production for Ian Bryce, producer of blockbusters like SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, ALMOST FAMOUS, the TRANSFORMERS franchise, and most recently Michael Bay's SIX UNDERGROUND for Netflix. At Ian Bryce Productions, Will oversees the company's entire development slate. Will entered the entertainment industry as an Agent Trainee at United Talent Agency, supporting UTA in the Motion Picture Lit group, as well as in the Motion Picture Talent...
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