The panel discussion at Locarno Pro, a film industry event, delves into the order of importance between power, people, and data. The participants, representing different roles in the film industry, offer diverse perspectives. Doris Ruth Eikhof, CEO of Design Otherwise, suggests prioritizing power, followed by data, and then people. She believes that understanding power structures and the stories we tell about ourselves is crucial for creating an inclusive environment. Andrea Occhipinti, president of Lucky Red, takes a different approach, emphasizing people's judgment, sensitivity, and experiences as the foundation. He views data as a valuable tool to support decision-making. Yasmine Talli, acquisitions manager at mk2 Films, aligns with Occhipinti, suggesting that people, data, and power are interconnected. She explains that people gather data to maintain power, and this dynamic influences their decision-making process.
The discussion shifts to the role of conviction versus data and algorithms in film decisions. Occhipinti highlights that Lucky Red relies on instinct, sensitivity, and experience, often challenging data-driven recommendations. He provides examples like the Polish film Ida and Moonlight, which were successful despite initial doubts. Talli, from mk2, shares a similar approach, emphasizing emotion, taste, and human aspects in project evaluation. She also considers factors like director track record, producer involvement, and cast potential. Both Occhipinti and Talli acknowledge the importance of market comparison and data, but prioritize human judgment and intuition.
The panel's insights raise questions about the balance between data and human intuition in the film industry. The industry players suggest that while data provides valuable insights, personal conviction and experience play a significant role in decision-making. This highlights the complexity of the film business, where human judgment and data analysis coexist, shaping the success of films and the industry's overall dynamics.
