Michael Eisner, the former CEO of Disney, recently opened up about his experiences working with Harvey Weinstein. His comments come during an interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, where he discussed the challenges facing the film industry.
Concerns About Movie Theaters
Eisner expressed a grim outlook for movie theaters. He foresees a significant decline in their viability over the next two decades. “The only movies that seem to do well are the big technical extravaganzas,” Eisner noted, highlighting the decline in smaller films.
According to Eisner, films similar to those produced by Miramax have found a home on platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Netflix. He added, “It’s not a business I would pursue today.” Eisner questioned the future of theaters, stating, “I don’t know if they can survive. It will last for another 20 years, but home viewing is simply more convenient.”
Working with Harvey Weinstein
During his tenure at Disney, Eisner was involved in the acquisition of Miramax, a company previously led by the now-infamous Harvey Weinstein. When reflecting on this partnership, he did not hold back his criticism. Eisner labeled Weinstein as “a pig,” describing him as rude yet intellectually astute.
“He looked and acted like a truck driver, but he had great taste in independent films,” Eisner remarked, acknowledging that he was often the only executive willing to engage with Weinstein at Disney. He recalled that collaborating with Weinstein was among the most challenging experiences of his career.
Regrets Over Miramax Acquisition
Eisner shared his regret over the decision to acquire Miramax for $70 million. He admitted, “He lied about everything. How do you deal with someone who never tells the truth?” Reflecting on what he learned from the experience, Eisner concluded that he wouldn’t proceed with such a deal again, acknowledging he underestimated the risks of bringing someone like Weinstein into his organization.
- Key Individual: Michael Eisner
- Company: Disney and Miramax
- Timeframe: Predictions for the next 20 years
- Key Issue: Decline of traditional theaters
Eisner’s insights reveal significant challenges in the film industry and serve as a cautionary tale regarding partnerships with influential figures in entertainment.
