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GUI ATHIA

Governance in Film Production—A Structured Approach Beyond Compliance.

Updated: Feb 25

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Four Questions to inspire decision-makers to build personal and company trust: M.E.M.O.® Map, Execute, Measure, and Optimize—The Framework for Trust and Governance.



Governance in Film Production—A Structured Approach Beyond Compliance.
Governance in Film Production—A Structured Approach Beyond Compliance. By Gui Athia.

The film industry operates at the intersection of art, business, and global influence, with hundreds of professionals—investors, executives, directors, actors, and production teams—shaping each project. Despite the financial complexity and cultural impact of films, most productions lack a formal governance framework beyond compliance, best practices, and industry norms.


Traditional governance structures focus on studio management, executive leadership, and shareholder interests, but how do these translate into the governance of a single film? Applying governance principles to film production could enhance transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment, ensuring projects run efficiently while mitigating risks.


Each film production team can define the governance model that best suits its structure and needs—from independent productions to large studio-backed films. Governance does not mean loss of power, delays, or excessive bureaucracy. On the contrary, it helps avoid costly errors, redos, risks, and uncertainty, streamlining decision-making and creating clarity among all stakeholders.


A well-designed governance framework in film production can:


✔ Clarify decision-making roles (producers, financiers, directors, talent).

✔ Establish ethical and risk management standards (AI use, contract disputes, on-set compliance).

✔ Ensure financial and creative alignment with investors and key stakeholders.

✔ Improve efficiency by streamlining approvals and dispute resolution.


 

Are production companies implementing governance structures that clearly define roles, decision-making authority, and stakeholder accountability?


 

02.Execute:

What formal oversight mechanisms are in place to manage AI ethics, financial risks, and cultural sensitivities in global film productions?


 

03.Measure:

How can governance frameworks track production efficiency, stakeholder trust, and long-term financial and reputational impact?


 

04.Otimize:

How can governance in film production evolve with industry trends, including global consolidation, streaming platform influence, and regulatory changes?


 

*Trust Pillars are the core values and strategies that align your company’s objectives with stakeholder expectations, ensuring transparency and accountability.

 

Trust is the currency of sustainable business—lose it, and the cost is more than financial.


 

Benchmarks: Motion Picture Association (MPA): Oversees content ratings and policy advocacy but lacks structured governance across productions. PMI’s “Governance of Portfolios, Programs, and Projects” Framework: How governance principles from project management can be applied to film production. International Co-Productions & Funding Models: Case studies in balancing global investment with governance structures.


 


How can film production governance evolve beyond compliance and business oversight? Hit reply and share your thoughts.


 

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Gui Athia—Mentor, Keynote Speaker, and Advisor. Author of Get the M.E.M.O.


 

 

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