AFI BLOG: Media and Technology

The Hollywood Reporter

Focus Features CEO James Schamus and Showtime chairman and CEO Matthew Blank shook hands warmly at New York media hot spot Michael’s earlier this month, but the two entertainment execs generally spend little time in each other’s spheres.

Nevertheless, both will receive special honors at the Museum of the Moving Image’s annual benefit at the St. Regis Hotel tonight. Blank and Schamus dug into their breakfasts and forked over answers for The Hollywood Reporter’s Randee Dawn on digital strategy, the importance of branding and their long-term outlooks on their changing industries.

The Hollywood Reporter: Congratulations on your Museum of the Moving Image honors.

James Schamus: Thank you. We’ve been together for years. This is one of our regular every-48-years breakfasts, you know?

THR: Professionally, your paths don’t often cross. And Focus’ films end up on HBO rather than Showtime thanks to a deal with Universal.

Blank: As much as we would like to be in business with him …

Schamus: It is true. But it was just a couple of months ago that you (Blank) sent a few shudders through the film side of the business with the prognostication that these deals might not be renewed on terms similar to what we currently enjoy.

Blank: Only because of all the money we could be making in the electronic download world.

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