BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 5. Talent in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East should establish strong connections in Hollywood to expand opportunities for financing, co-productions and international distribution, according to Gary Shapiro, a former senior vice president at Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Columbia Pictures division.
Shapiro shared his views with Arab News on the sidelines of the 7th Matera International Film Festival in Italy, held from September 26 to October 4.
He said connections with the US film industry are particularly important for regional filmmakers because international cooperation extends beyond creative content to financing and co-production opportunities.
Shapiro noted that industry professionals in the United States are increasingly interested in content from different parts of the world, creating opportunities for filmmakers from the Middle East to reach international audiences.
Shapiro began his career in the 1970s and went on to hold marketing and distribution positions at Columbia Pictures, MGM, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Beacon Pictures.
Reflecting on his career, he said he benefited from learning the film business from the ground up after joining Columbia Pictures in New York at the age of 22.
He also highlighted several lessons he learned early in his career, including remaining calm under pressure, maintaining a sustainable pace, being mindful of professional relationships and consistently delivering quality work.
On September 27, Shapiro led a masterclass titled “The Making of Hollywood Cinema History” at the festival. The session explored the relationship between creativity, filmmaking, production processes and the development of Hollywood cinema.
The masterclass was moderated by Valentina Castellani-Quinn, the festival’s artistic director.
