In this episode of The Business of Creativity, Sir John Hegarty sits down with Jane Rosenthal, Oscar and Emmy-nominated producer, co-founder of the Tribeca Festival, and the creative force behind films including Meet the Parents, The Irishman and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Jane has spent decades bringing stories to life, but her most impactful project may not have been a film at all. In the aftermath of 9/11, she and Robert De Niro co-founded the Tribeca Festival to help rebuild lower Manhattan through culture, creativity and community.
This conversation explores the power of storytelling to shape industries, cities and societies. Jane shares lessons from producing some of Hollywood's biggest films, why authenticity matters more than data, how great creative partnerships are built on trust, and why AI should be viewed as a collaborator rather than a threat.
The discussion also dives into audience attention, mentorship, the future of entertainment, and why the most powerful stories are the ones that bring people together.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Business of Creativity is hosted by Sir John Hegarty, one of the most awarded creative minds in advertising history.
Each episode brings together founders, entrepreneurs and creative leaders who have used creativity to build category-defining businesses and reshape industries.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Storytelling
02:10 Growing Up Around Theatre & Creativity
03:37 Why Jane Chose Producing Over Acting
05:36 Her First Break in Entertainment
08:48 Lessons From Live Television & Sports
09:48 How Interesting Experiences Create Opportunity
11:06 Why Great Producers Follow Passion
13:06 Authenticity in the Age of Attention
15:19 How Jane Chooses Stories Worth Telling
16:50 AI, Technology & Creative Opportunity
19:02 Why AI Is Creating a New Creative Class
20:44 The Importance of Editing
22:46 Storytelling vs Audience Segmentation
24:18 Building a 35-Year Partnership with Robert De Niro
26:20 The Birth of Tribeca After 9/11
28:47 How Creativity Revitalised Lower Manhattan
29:54 Why Shared Experiences Matter
31:10 What Brands Can Learn From Entertainment
32:59 Why You Should Never Underestimate Your Audience
34:41 How Streaming Changed Storytelling
36:37 The Freedom of a Tight Brief
37:17 Why Constraints Create Better Ideas
37:47 Mentorship & Building Creative Communities
39:41 Optimism, Consolidation & The Future of Entertainment
46:00 Final Reflections
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