news: PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR “Everything we do at HBO Max is predicated on the guiding principles that make HBO so compelling… hand-picked content of absolute stellar quality, with the best talent both in-front of and behind the camera. It’s pretty good to come to the table with HBO already in hand.” Meanwhile disruption of the industry continues. How does he build this into the working day? “Disruption isn’t just part of the working day — it is the working day. With the pace of change and ideation happening all around us, disruption and change are our new world order. Those who thrive in it will win and those who are scared of it and hesitate will lose. You just have to get comfortable living with it and adapting to it on some level every day.”
‘Disruption isn’t just part of the working day — it is the working day’ And as MIPCOM gets closer, what does Greenblatt believe he has to offer delegates in Cannes — and what can they offer him? “MIPCOM has always been a gathering of the best and brightest content creators from across the globe, so my hope is that this continues and grows as we find new voices and create new talent. What I can offer delegates is my word that everyone at WarnerMedia is open to fresh ideas and compelling content and that is what I hope they’ll bring to us... before everyone else!” And away from the boardroom, the disruption, the multiple responsibilities, what relaxes Robert Greenblatt? “When not working, I am fanatical about the theatre. I go to everything I can and have also gotten involved in co-producing and investing in Broadway,” he said. “There’s nothing better for me — a pianist from way back — than a live theatre experience. And for a moment of leisure at Cannes, there’s nothing like watching the sun go down over the Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc.”
MIPCOM Personality of the Year, Robert Greenblatt
MIPCOM PREVIEW • 12 • September 2019