Life on my screen: Lionsgate UK’s Marie-Claire Benson on UK-focused acquisition strategy | Characteristics

Marie-Claire Benson joined Lionsgate UK in the home entertainment division in 2009 and in 2020 became executive vice president and head of the UK film group.

Its publishing list consists of approximately 60% US titles and 40% local acquisitions. Benson’s local pickups are included Anatomy of a fallpurchasing it from Picturehouse “to enhance the release” and pre-purchasing Rose Glass Love lies bleeding. They will be next Penguin lessonsstarring Steve Coogan, and a survival thriller directed by John Maclean Tornado.

What was your first job in the industry?

I was a product manager on the home entertainment team at Universal Pictures, working primarily on Dreamworks Animation. I come from Mattel, where I worked on film licensing for Harry Potter and Disney films.

What is your office like?

We are in Fitzrovia. I have a great view of all of London. We will be renovating soon as we have run out of space since eOne took over.

What is the first thing you do every day when you arrive at the office?

On Monday and Tuesday I get off the train and run around Regent’s Park and then to the office. On Wednesday and Thursday I arrive early, make myself a cup of tea and talk to anyone who comes. On Friday we usually work from home.

How do you deal with the time difference when working with the Los Angeles team?

I have a great boss, Ron Schwartz (President of Global Licensing and Distribution). I very rarely have a call after half past six. On a Friday afternoon, the United States doesn’t call unless it’s about something very urgent and important. If someone calls late at night, I don’t expect to see them right away in the morning.

Who helped you the most when you were starting out?

At DreamWorks, Kim Overall (now at Sony Pictures Entertainment) and Allison Watkins (now at Coolabi Group) embodied everything that’s good about a female leader. They were true to themselves. They were nice, friendly people who supported me very much and wanted to share their time and experience.

What was your favorite movie growing up?

star Wars, original. My brother and I recorded it from TV and watched it on VHS. We knew every word. As it was on (commercial channel) ITV, we also knew all the jingles from the adverts. We recreated it with our toys.

What is your biggest professional mistake?

When I assumed that people in higher positions must know better than me. Now I try to make sure that people don’t give in to me too easily. The culture at Lionsgate allows us to challenge each other. I always say, “Talk to me, tell me. I don’t want to go down the wrong path.” One of the most important things I learned, especially working at larger studios like Universal and Paramount, was that you have to give recommendations. And give it with confidence. If you get rejected or rejected, you have to accept it and move on.

What is your favorite film festival or event?

Cannes. It was the first festival I went to in person, and since I’m part French, I always feel at home. And I like warm weather, sea views and cold rosé wine. Emma Berkofsky (head of acquisitions and co-productions) and Alex Gardener-Smith (head of commercial planning) produce the majority of the shows. I was driven to sales agent meetings. First of all, we want to attract British stories, British filmmakers, British talent.

What excites you about the company’s future?

We’re seeing viewers have an appetite to watch more diverse content. We’re getting a lot more scripts for projects set in the UK and made in the UK. The new tax break makes a difference.

What is the biggest challenge facing business?

The challenges include rising costs that affect every area of ​​production and distribution, and secondly, the resistance to change in terms of creative exploration – the last year has shown how new and unique stories can attract large audiences, but it is risky when I come out with something completely different. others. When it comes to how we distribute content, we should employ all windowing strategies, look at how different audiences consume media, and act accordingly.

Who would play you in a biopic of your life and who would direct it?

Sarah Snook. She just won an Olivier Award for The Picture of Dorian Gray on stage in London and I play different roles in different environments, whether at home or at work. As for the director, my money is on Rose Glass.