Former IFP West and Film Independent Executive Director to Assume Post June 1st
In what some are calling a surprise and bold move, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named Dawn Hudson new CEO, replacing long-time honcho Bruce Davis who is retiring at the end of June. Hudson, the veteran leader of FIND, which produces both the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards, promises to breath new life into AMPAS and its programs. In her nearly 20 years at FIND Hudson successfully grew the non-profit indie film organization from fewer that 1000 members to more than 5000. Ric Robertson, who has been second in command to Davis since 1989, will take on the newly created role of COO and report directly to Hudson.
“The Academy is the gold standard for the world’s most influential art form, and I am humbled by what the Board of Governors, the Academy members, and the staff have accomplished under Bruce Davis’s leadership.” said Hudson. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Ric, and to carry the Academy’s mission forward into the future.”
So what does this mean for filmmakers? Depends on who you ask. From a personal perspective this is nothing but good news for the motion picture industry. I’ve known Dawn for over 20 years and can happily confirm some of the things being said about her on the web. She’s smart, creative and a delightful human being to be around. Her charm and good taste are some of the reasons she has been able to grow FIND and the Independent Spirit Awards from its humble beginnings to a group and event with international prominence.
Her appointment also comes at a critical time for the industry. With digital technology radically changing the very essence of filmmaking and distribution, new entertainment types and venues, and the challenges of piracy and copyright issues, pumping new blood into the Academy’s veins seems to be exactly what is needed to invigorate the community. As film professionals, it’s imperative we come up with new solutions to see our art form survive and thrive. We need to help create the vital synergies between the explosion of new media creators, entertainment delivery platforms and the producers, impresarios and companies that can help them realize their visions.
Finally, in this new world of sharing bits and digits, we need to figure out how to equitably monitize our products so we can continue to practice our crafts, create great work and continue to shed some light and laughter in our beautiful but troubled world.
