The world is ever changing in a good way. Continue to grow and evolve along with it.
Campbell Grobman Films was founded by executives Christa Campbell and Lati Grobman. The company has proven to be an aggressive force in the filmmaking community. Since 2011, the duo have produced high profile projects for different studios across Hollywood.
Some of their past credits include: the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise; The Iceman, starring Michael Shannon and Winona Ryder; Emmy-nominated (2014) documentary film Brave Miss World; horror/thriller Eliza Graves, starring Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess, and Michael Caine; Criminal starring Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot; She’s Funny That Way, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson; The Hitman’s Bodyguard starring Ryan Reynolds; and The Bleeder, starring Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts which premiered at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals.
In 2016, Lati and Christa also produced Winter on Fire, the revolutionary documentary they sold to Netflix that premiered at the Venice, Toronto and Telluride Film Festivals. The film won the Toronto Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award that year.
Currently, they are producers on the upcoming films: Rambo: Last Blood, starring Sylvester Stallone; The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, starring Ryan Reynolds; Angel Has Fallen starring Gerard Butler; War Pigs starring Mel Gibson; The Expendables 4 starring Sylvester Stallone; Tesla, starring Ethan Hawke as Nikola Tesla; as well as Red Sonja and Sheena: Queen Of The Jungle.
Where did the idea for Campbell Grobman Films come from?
The idea for Campbell Grobman Films came from two very driven best friends who decided to join forces to bring their dreams into reality. Campbell Grobman Films want to showcase that women can definitely lead as producers in the entertainment world.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I think Rihanna said it best, “work, work, work, work, work!” Seriously, I love what I do, so I am constantly brainstorming, looking for projects, moving projects along, finding investors. With all of the upgrades in technology, you can do almost anything, anywhere from your phone. If I am not working, you can catch me with my kids and Christa at a Soulcycle class!
How do you bring ideas to life?
It all comes down to having an amazing team in place. You need the help of a great writer, director, and also fellow creative producers. To make an idea come to life, it takes a very focused tribe.
What’s one trend that excites you?
True equality in film. The acceptance of all gender identifications, physical attributes, political ideologies, etc. Diversification and representation taking helm.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
The constant zest to keep learning. I don’t ever want to become complacent. I desire to continue acquiring knowledge in an ever changing world that moves at the speed of light. I am always looking to learn more.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Do not let the opinions of others determine how you see yourself. Don’t follow the trends, especially if they seem to be detrimental to your well being. Take care of your mental and physical well being starting at an early age. It will pay off in the long run. Never coast. Work hard to achieve your goals. They will come to fruition sooner when you do.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Vacations are overrated. The real fun is at work! LOL
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Practice humility, daily. Things can change in the blink of an eye.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
To walk in every room with assurance and as a team. I never contradict Christa in front of potential business partners.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
When Campbell Grobman first began, we came out of the gate with a hit in Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3-D. When you take off like a bullet, you don’t necessarily know how to really digest if your next film doesn’t soar as high. I had to have real conversations on how to take the highs with the lows. I would not say this is overcoming failure. If you don’t even try, you have already failed.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Well, some of our ideas have to stay under lock and key. Can’t have it stolen before we trademark it! I will say this, though. If you want to really be successful in film, your major should be in business. Acquire an MBA. Film school is good to meet people you will later collaborate with, but truly understanding the nature of the business will potentially help you become a better producer.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Donating to the firefighters fund. They are true heroes.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
IMDB Pro It is an excellent tool for research and also connecting with like minded professionals in our field.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
LITTLE HISTORY OF THE WORLD BY GUMBRICH
Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker by Stephen Galloway.
Both are must reads!
What is your favorite quote?
“Cream Rises To The Top”
Key Learnings:
- Never stop learning. Your brain is a muscle that needs daily exercise.
- The world is ever changing in a good way. Continue to grow and evolve along with it.
- Find people to work with that embody the same passion and purpose you want to exude in your work.
Connect:
IMDB, Campbell Grobman Films:
IMDB, Christa Campbell:
IMDB Lati Grobman:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.