From Studio Executive to Independent Storyteller: Christine La Monte on Art, Legacy, and the Oscars

Описание: As we begin a new year at The Hollywood Makers, I wanted to open with a conversation that reflects the heart of this community: creators who think long-term, work across disciplines, and understand the responsibility that comes with storytelling.


Christine La Monte is one of those voices.


With a career that spans studio marketing at Universal, Disney, and Orion, and an expansive body of work as a producer, director, and writer, Christine embodies the rare balance between creative vision and strategic insight. Her work moves fluidly between Hollywood and international cinema, between institutional systems and independent production.


In our conversation, Christine shares how her early years in studio marketing shaped her understanding of audience, positioning, and the business of storytelling — knowledge that later became invaluable as she transitioned into independent filmmaking.


We dive deeply into her current projects, Ai Weiwei’s Turandot and Viva Verdi!, both of which sit at the intersection of art, activism, and cultural heritage. Ai Weiwei’s Turandot follows the globally renowned artist as he brings his vision of freedom of expression to Puccini’s iconic opera at the Rome Opera House. Viva Verdi! offers an intimate look at Casa Verdi in Milan, a living community founded by Giuseppe Verdi for retired opera singers and the young musicians they mentor — a place where memory, artistry, and mentorship coexist.


With Viva Verdi! recently shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, Christine reflects on what awards recognition truly means — not as a finish line, but as a moment of visibility that can amplify stories rooted in humanity and legacy.


What makes this conversation especially meaningful is Christine’s perspective on emerging creatives. She speaks candidly about patience, longevity, and the importance of building a career that evolves rather than burns out. In an industry often driven by speed and metrics, her approach is a powerful reminder that meaningful creative lives are built over time.


This episode sets the tone for what The Hollywood Makers is continuing to become: a space for thoughtful conversations, honest insights, and voices that care deeply about the future of storytelling.


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