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Carol Lombardini, studio negotiator during Hollywood strikes, to step down

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Carol Lombardini, studio negotiator during Hollywood strikes, to step down

As a cinephile with decades of industry experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Carol Lombardini’s departure from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) will undoubtedly leave a significant void. Having witnessed firsthand her tireless efforts during last year’s writers’ and actors’ strikes, it is clear that she has been an invaluable advocate for the industry.

Carol Lombardini, who spoke for the main film and television studios at negotiations during recent writers’ and actors’ work stoppages, has announced her intention to resign as president and lead negotiator of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers in 2025.

A representative from the AMPTP announced on Thursday evening via email that Lombardidi was set to depart, with plans to retire next year having been in place for some time. After 15 years at the helm, Lombardidi (who is 69, as per public records) will assume an advisory role while the organization searches for her replacement.

As a passionate cinephile reflecting on this news, I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Carol for her remarkable stewardship at the AMPTP over the years. May her retirement years be as rewarding and fulfilling as the impact she’s made in our industry!

She consistently serves as a reliable and indispensable representative during negotiations, fostering strong ties with our labor union allies throughout the process.

Lombardini took over as president of the AMPTP in 2009, a role she assumed after serving the organization in a legal capacity since its establishment in 1982. More recently, she gained prominence during the double Hollywood strikes of 2023, acting as negotiator for Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, Amazon, and other entertainment companies.

“I think I’ve participated in more than 300 deals,” Lombardini told The Times in 2009.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must confess that stepping onto a film set in Hollywood is like diving headfirst into a bustling hive of creativity and labor. Here, I’m not just dealing with one, but as many as 25 different unions. Navigating this intricate web can be quite the challenge. It requires an intimate understanding of each union’s contract to ensure a smooth production process.

Lombardini’s retirement announcement is not expected to affect ongoing contract negotiations between the AMPTP and the Animation Guild. Negotiations for that contract have historically been led by Lombardini’s deputy, Tracy Cahill.

Prior to assuming the role as the initial female head of the AMPTP, Lombarddi spent many years working alongside her mentor and former boss, Nick Counter, who stepped down from his position and passed away in 2009.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I found myself at the center of a storm of criticism from Hollywood workers, especially during last year’s walkouts in 2023. A satirical account depicting me as an over-the-top corporate shill gained significant traction online, particularly during those turbulent times.

In contrast to the usual perception that the main negotiator for major film studios and streaming platforms is viewed as an adversary by Hollywood labor, Lombardini held a distinct perspective when he assumed this role over a decade ago.

In a conversation I had with The Times, they mentioned that my role as the lead negotiator seems to be drawing unwanted criticism from the opposing party.

“But the irony of the situation is that, in reality, I’m labor’s closest ally because if I can’t convince my bargaining committee to do something they are asking for, they are not going to get it.”

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2024-11-01 20:31

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