Talks

The Characters of Negotiation

(90 minutes)

The characters, styles, tricks and subtle nuances that you will meet (and employ) in day to day negotiation.

This talk centers around the six characters we meet when we negotiate. In reality, of course, none are actually these extreme versions, but they (and we) are all a blend of them. We learn how not to be intimidated by sharp practices, how to plan before we start, how to interpret what is actually going on, to instigate live compromise, and, most importantly, how to understand our own self in order to play our hand according

Film Financing

(90 minutes)

Where does the money come from, where does it go?

In the major studios films are greenlit when the board agrees to provide the money to make the film. But what about independent films? Where does the money come from then? The industry is split into two factions. Those at the major studios who may, at best, have a vague idea of some of it, and those in the independent sector who live and breathe it every day in the finest of detail. This talk explains the places the money might come from, including equity, subsidies, co-production, deferment, tax credits, crowd funding and more. For UK audiences we explain the various roles of the BFI and the ‘cultural test’. In addition, we also break down the major areas where the money will be spent.

Busy is a State of Mind

(60 minutes)

Why do some people achieve so much more than others in the same amount of time, what can we do about it?

In this talk we question why are some people so much more productive than others, and yet seem to actually have even more spare time? Is it just luck or can it be learned? We discuss ‘time technicians’ and their behaviours, both as individuals and as part of a team. We learn of ‘time suckers’ and our responsibility to address their impact on our own time.

Language, Orwell & [your name here]

(60 minutes)

Why do people complicate communication, how do we use words in our own workplace, what can we do to improve?

This talk is for companies that work in film. The base of the session could be for anyone anywhere as we cover the importance of being able to communicate clearly. It seems so obvious so why don’t we just do it? George Orwell was an enthusiast of this topic so the seminar is peppered with his take on simple, clear dialogue and the written word. However, much of the talk is also taken up with addressing words and phrases commonly used in the film business which is why it’s specifically for those in the film industry.

Companies Which Have Had The Talks

Universal Pictures

Netflix

PBJ Management (Peter Bennet-Jones)

See-Saw Pictures

National Film and Television School

Gulbenkian Arts Centre Canterbury

Llamas Park (Steve McQueen)

British Association For Screen Entertainment (BASE)

Falmouth University

York St John University

University of Kent At Canterbury

Oxford Brookes University

Coventry University

Greenwich University

What Others Have Said

"A great speaker who draws from his vast experience of retail, (and) the music and film industries... always presented in a challenging and entertaining way."

Eddie Cunningham
President Universal Pictures Worldwide Home Entertainment

"Busy is a State of Mind - I would place this enlightening talk in the 'must experience' box. Whether looking to enhance your efficiency, influence, or even diplomacy, the talk is packed with actionable take outs intelligently interwoven with genuine experiences relevant to any career stage."

Liz Bales
Chief Executive, British Association For Screen Entertainment (BASE)

‘‘A huge thank you for the brilliant session’

‘It’s always a privilege to be in the audience when a master of the craft shares the inner work. You succinctly and entertainingly condensed 40 years of hard won insights. If you ever want to co-write a book on negotiation, standing by!"

Simon Gillis
COO See Saw Film

"Johnny's latest lecture on negotiation was a triumph. A difficult and potentially 'boring' subject matter brought alive with great insights and real-life examples of the varying techniques employed during a negotiation. Tailored for a wide audience to include the most experienced negotiators to the newbies and the feedback has been fantastic. I couldn't recommend this lecture highly enough."

Helen Parker
EVP Universal Content Group (NBCUniversal)

"Johnny has visited The School Of Film and Television at Falmouth University for an annual lecture for over seven years. His knowledge and experience of entertainment management, acquisition and distribution is unsurpassed, and his talks are engaging and popular with students. His advice around professional co-production has been invaluable in project development and, testament to Johnny's impact, is the incorporation of industrial practise, film financing and acquisition in our degrees."

Dr Kingsley Marshall
Head Of Film, Falmouth University

"Johnny's "Busy Is ... " talk proved to be invaluable for both me and my team at Gulbenkian, helping us to question our ways of working, thinking and communicating. As a result, I have seen an increased appetite to examine our habits and the way that we do things, resulting in more effective ways of working together as a team."

Oliver Carruthers
Director, Gulbenkian (Cinema, Arts & Theatre, Canterbury)

‘Johnny is a regular and popular guest speaker on our BA in Film at Oxford Brookes. He is very knowledgeable and can explain complex topics like film financing in a way which is accessible to students. He has lots of examples of first-time filmmakers he has supported and developed, and this is very welcome information for aspiring directors and producers. He is open to questions and opinions, and consequently feedback on his sessions is always positive.’

James Cateridge
Senior Lecturer In Film, Oxford Brookes University

So who is he again?