Sky Studios CEO on artificial intelligence, the impact of Dual Strikes and a particularly difficult year – The Hollywood Reporter

Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios, the scripted production arm of Comcast-owned European giant Sky, has been busy.

The French industry leader has continued to expand her responsibilities since taking over Sky Studios (Gangs of London, Project Lazarus) in September 2021. In February, former CBS News president David Rhodes was named executive chairman of Sky News Group, reporting to the former Fremantle CEO and the former head of YouTube in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This autumn, Sky Studios opened its new state-of-the-art production site, Sky Studios Elstree, near London. And it has further expanded its initial content slate and investment, with dramas planned for 2024, including Auschwitz Tattooist

starring Harvey Keitel, Mary and George with Julianne Moore and the TV series version Day of the Jackal under the direction of Eddie Redmayne.

For TPPIn The 35 Most Powerful Women in International Television, Frot-Coutaz answered questions about this year’s key issues, hot industry topics such as artificial intelligence, the future of Sky Studios, advice for young women in the industry and how she unwinds. .

What was the biggest professional challenge you faced in the past year?

A combination of structural and macroeconomic factors has made this a particularly difficult year for our industry. One of the challenges we face is how we continue to support freelancers, writers and actors during strikes and the general slowdown in commissioning around the world. Fortunately, at Sky Studios we have always been focused and disciplined in investing in content, and the main thing we can do to support the industry is to continue commissioning at the same level as before. I was also delighted to be asked to oversee the Sky News team, now run by the brilliant David Rhodes and his team. There is a great team at Sky News and TG24 (in Italy) with amazing opportunities ahead!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement over the past year?

Having been in this role for two years, I am proud of our incredibly strong pipeline and the projects we have in pipeline. With Megan Livers now taking over all original series in the UK with a refocused strategy, and Nils Hartmann continuing to lead our teams in Italy, we have a strong portfolio across Europe. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how much time it takes to develop, commission and produce unmissable television, but I can’t wait for audiences to see the projects coming to their screens in 2024, 2025 and beyond.

And of course a big achievement for Sky Studios this year was the opening of Sky Studios Elstree and the release of our first productions. It took four years to build but is an exceptional, truly world-class facility.

From your international perspective, what impact have the double strikes in Hollywood already had on business?

Given that we work closely with talent from Europe and the US and produce shows under local union rules in the UK and Italy, the twin strikes have not had such a significant impact on Sky Studios. The strikes have likely amplified the recalibration effect we’re seeing globally in terms of overall content spending, and the WGA agreement has allowed for greater transparency into the success of streaming, which will likely have a ripple effect across other industries and internationally.

How do you feel about AI? As an opportunity or a threat?

Right now I see this as a real opportunity. Generative AI is a tool to support the creative process, but it will never replace the human creativity, judgment and experience that brilliant creatives and leaders can bring to a project.

What advice would you give to young women just getting into the industry?

I would probably say: be curious and stay curious. You may be coming into this industry as a CFO, a production manager, or maybe an editor, but be curious and take the time to learn about all the other different fields and disciplines in this brilliant industry. You quickly learn on television that it takes a village to create a hit show, and the more you can dive into yourself and understand other people’s roles, the more success and value you can bring to your role. It also gives you options: wavy careers are very common these days and can be beneficial.

What show currently on air would you like to film?

There are so many people I love now. I thought Bear Season 2 was exceptional, I loved it too Steal on Apple TV+, it’s a great show that the entire adult family can watch from the edge of the couch!

What do you do to relax?

I’m a baker, so I love baking for my family. Apple tarte tatin has firmly entered my repertoire!