Recently, Treyarch had the distinct pleasure of hosting Broderick Johnson, Co-Founder/Co-CEO of Alcon Entertainment, who served as a special guest speaker as part of Treyarch’s Black History Month activities. 

Having been recognized as one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood, Johnson has produced dozens of feature films that include Blade Runner 2049, The Blind Side (which was nominated for Best Picture of the Year in 2010 and helped Sandra Bullock win an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role), and The Book of Eli, just to name a few. For many, this would amount to a list of lifetime achievements, but for Johnson this is merely just the start. 

The conversation with Johnson was led by Treyarch’s very own Mike Chubb (Lead Artist). Prior to last week’s event, Chubb had the chance for a brief sit-down with Johnson…

CHUBB: No one has the successful career that you’ve had without hard work and perseverance. What is it that motivates you to endure in this industry and put in that work?

JOHNSON: The entertainment industry is incredibly difficult -  it’s fundamentally a subjective, creative endeavor, but yet is also a very risky, cash intensive business with a lot of variables, many of which are out of your control.  In order to be successful, I have found that creative passion, perseverance, and an intellectual curiosity to learn all aspects of the business are necessary in order to at least give yourself a chance.  Therefore, in those rare occasions when it does work, it is very gratifying.  

Chubb was also able to include a question from Wes Hendrix, a member of Sledgehammer Games development team and part-time filmmaker in his own right: 

HENDRIX: What drives you to take on projects that others might look past?

JOHNSON: Some of Alcon’s most successful projects are ones that were passed on by other companies.  Indeed, our most successful movie, THE BLIND SIDE, was passed on by two major studios before being brought to us to be produced and financed independently.  

By its nature, the film and television business is very subjective, so very intelligent people often differ greatly in their assessments.  Certainly for me, passion and a clear vision from a writer and director is a start.  It’s then my job to determine if that project can be financed and marketed in a manner where reasonably expected outcomes can achieve financial success.  If that is the case, then the grind begins.