Alan Horne on joining Warner Bros.: “I see myself as an advisor”

It’s been more than 10 years since Alan Horn stepped down as president and COO of Warner Bros. As the CEO admitted at the time, he didn’t jump: he was pushed, or rather, pushed, despite overseeing successes like the franchise. and dark hair trilogy. “The idea of ​​me leaving, as you know, didn’t come from me,” Horne said. The New York Times newspaper in 2011. “I think they wanted a younger, better-looking administration.”

Horne’s concerns were soon put to rest with one of the great “the best revenge is living well” stories in Hollywood history: He became president of Walt Disney Studios, a position he held until January 2021. He remained director of creation until his retirement. at the end of last year.

Now, the 79-year-old Horne’s career is taking another step forward as the Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav, named him a consultant to the company. In announcing the move, Zaslav praised Horn as “one of the most respected studio executives in the industry”.

horn spoke the hollywood reporter On his plans with Michael De Luca and Pam Abdi, Warner Bros. Pictures Group, co-chairs and CEOs and other aspects of his new role.

How do you perceive your role?

The word we use is consultant and that’s exactly how I see myself. I see myself as an adviser, an adviser so to speak. I’m here to help, give advice if needed. My role is to support David Zaslav and his team, including Mike and Pam and my old friends at Warner Bros. I know a lot of people and I just want to offer some support.

Do you read scripts?

I will read as needed. I still have to meet with Mike and Pam to discuss how best to help. David is a very experienced entrepreneur, a very successful leader and manager, but he has never run a film company. I will be available to help you complete it.

Will you have a role with DC? (The department is currently overseen by De Luca and Abdi, but permanent leadership remains undecided.)

I think we can all agree that DC stands for intellectual property law, which is very important. I look forward to being involved in DC.

Will it have a role in green lighting projects?

I would be an advisor for the green light process. I understand that David has the last word. My role will be to contribute to the thought. I really try to go online as a consultant/consultant and offer my experience and opinion on issues including green light issues. But it’s up to them, David, Mike and Pam, how they decide to handle it.

And the other areas? You know Warner well.

It’s right. David is responsible for everything related to Warner Bros. [but] Okay, I spent 12 years there. As much as I can contribute to the thought, I certainly will, whatever the subject. But the intention is to focus on the production of theatrical films for release and exhibition in traditional theaters. The company has a strong commitment to film production.

Did you and Zaslav talk about Windows?

I believe in the traditional theater experience and I also know that streaming is here to stay. New is normal. I think everything is still a work in progress for each studio. They have to decide the balance. This will be David’s decision. He is the Director General, the Commander General.

How much time will you spend on this job?

I’ve been really offline for the last seven months since I retired. I hope this arrangement gives me some sort of renewed balance in life. It’s part time. I also need to be with my family. I’m working hard to define this as acceptable for David Zaslav and acceptable for me. The words we use are “transition assistance” as you transition from an experienced manager into the world of theatrical cinema. It was here that I spent many decades. I hope it’s helpful. We take it easy.

will you come to the office?

I have constant concerns about covid and David kindly said “no problem, work from home for a month or two, see how it goes”. There is no pressure. I’m afraid to be around people. I haven’t contracted covid yet. My wife was not diagnosed with covid. She’s just covid, otherwise I’d get an office there soon. My assistant will take up an office there right away, but he’s a much younger man.

Are you back on the lot?

I was there a few weeks ago and reconnected with old friends… [former studio chief] Toby Emmerich, [president of production and development at Warner Brothers Pictures] Courtney Valentine, [business affairs chief] Steve Spire. I greeted the guards at the gate and the guard [main studio] building. It was nice nostalgia to say hello again.

Did you have anything to do with Spira’s return? (Spira resigned in 2020 but returned in June.)

David asked me about Steve. I think Bob Daly said something to him. [Zaslav]. Steve is a good friend and a great executive.

Have you talked to your former Disney colleagues about this role?

I wanted to tell them myself. Bob Iger already knew this. I called Bob Chapek, then Alan Bergman. So I approached the head of each studio and got most of them. I wanted each of them to hear it from me. I was very happy and satisfied with your wonderful comments.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.