The Enduring Legacy of Richard Brener at New Line Cinema
In the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, characterized by corporate mergers and executive shifts, Richard Brener remains a steadfast figure. As the President and Chief Creative Officer of New Line Cinema, he has dedicated an impressive 30 years to the company, starting as a temporary employee and evolving through various roles. His journey began in Los Angeles, where he worked in numerous departments before applying for a position as a story editor. Although that position was eventually filled by Donna Langley, now a prominent leader at NBCUniversal, New Line recognized Brener’s potential and created a special position for him as a staff reader.
A Career Built on Landmark Films
Brener ascended the ranks after overseeing the production of The Wedding Singer, which emerged as a significant hit in 1998. This success served as a springboard, enabling him to play a vital role in the production of major comedy and horror films. His portfolio includes beloved titles such as Wedding Crashers, Horrible Bosses, as well as acclaimed franchises like The Conjuring and It. Notably, during his tenure, five of the top ten horror films were produced under his guidance.
New Line’s Role within Warner Bros. Discovery
This year, Brener, supported by veteran executive Dave Neustadter and New Line’s dynamic team, manages a portfolio that constitutes nearly half of Warner Bros. Discovery’s film output. As the studio faces scrutiny for its foray into ambitious auteur-driven projects under the leadership of Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, insiders have singled out New Line’s strategic emphasis on horror sequels (including Mortal Kombat II and The Conjuring: Last Rites) as a key differentiation.
Insights from a Veteran Executive
In a recent interview, Brener opened up about his extensive career, revealing the anxieties tied to corporate mergers and offering a glimpse into the future of beloved franchises like The Conjuring and Friday the 13th. Reflecting on pivotal moments, he recalled missed opportunities, including the bidding war for American Pie and the strenuous development process behind Straight Outta Compton. Although the latter was eventually shelved, he respects the vision and oversight of the executives involved, illustrating the unpredictability of the industry.
Mergers and Challenges
Brener candidly discussed how changes in ownership often raised fears of the studio’s closure. He highlighted the drastic downsizing in 2008, when New Line’s workforce plummeted from 600 to just 40, with many departments obliterated. Despite this turmoil, the studio rebounded with a remarkable string of successes, including hits like Sex and the City 2 and He’s Just Not That Into You.
The Art of Testing and Its Impact
Brener acknowledges the significance of audience testing in shaping films, emphasizing that early poor test scores do not dictate a movie’s fate. He shared that some of the most successful films emerged from low initial scores, demonstrating the evolving nature of the creative process and the importance of conviction in a project.
New Line’s Evolution and Strategic Direction
Over the years, New Line has maintained its core identity, focusing on producing horror, comedy, and female-driven content. While the studio is trending towards fewer comedies and more horror productions—reflecting audience preferences—Brener assures that each sequel is crafted with fresh creativity and consideration.
What Lies Ahead for Iconic Franchises
With a robust lineup that includes several sequels, Brener expressed confidence in their execution and how they avoid feeling repetitive. He discussed the potential for additional installments in popular franchises, including Evil Dead and Final Destination, while also hinting at exciting original projects on the horizon.
Anticipation for Upcoming Projects
Brener provided an update on the forthcoming Conjuring film, which is already generating significant buzz, even in its early stages. He hinted at expanding the universe with future projects and teased an innovative approach to upcoming titles like Weapons, suggesting it will offer a unique cinematic experience.
Lightning Round: Future Projects on the Radar
When asked about a potential new installment of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Brener expressed hope despite complex rights issues. He entertained the idea of remaking The Mask and confirmed a new chapter in the Friday the 13th saga titled Last Friday, starring Ice Cube. However, he dismissed any plans for a sequel to Seven or any adaptations of Snakes on a Plane.
Lessons Learned in Film Production
Reflecting on his extensive experience in the film industry, Brener shared valuable insights: the importance of addressing script issues early, recognizing audience expectations, and the necessity of being adaptable during the filmmaking process. His humorous note about avoiding interviews encapsulates the challenges and unpredictability of Hollywood.
This interview was originally featured in the April 2 edition of The Hollywood Reporter. Click here to subscribe for more insights and stories.