Lisa Callif Speaks at The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Business Managers Breakfast

Lisa Callif recently participated in a fireside conversation at The Hollywood Reporter’s 16th annual invitation-only Power Business Managers Breakfast on October 21, 2026. Joined by business and legal reporter Winston Cho, Lisa discussed the complexities of navigating the ever-changing entertainment market and the considerations driving today’s dealmaking.

Drawing on her extensive experience negotiating licensing, acquisition, and distribution deals with Hollywood’s largest studios, Lisa offered practical insights into the key trends shaping the film and television industry and their impact on filmmakers, including the Paramount-WBD merger. With further industry consolidation potentially on the horizon, Lisa advised on what creators should consider when negotiating theatrical and production agreements. Amid growing interest in documentaries and independent films, in particular, the conversation also explored the trade-offs between theatrical and streaming releases when evaluating distribution deals.

The conversation also addressed the increase in private equity investor interest, providing guidance to filmmakers on how to evaluate investment opportunities and identify potential red flags when structuring these deals.

Lisa and Winston went on to examine the increasing use of artificial intelligence across the industry and the unprecedented challenges it presents to all aspects of production. With more films experimenting with AI, many questions are rising regarding its implications for copyright, creative control, and ownership.

The annual breakfast brings together Hollywood’s leading business managers and professionals to celebrate their contributions to the industry and to engage in meaningful conversations about today’s evolving business and financial landscape.

To learn more about the event, read The Hollywood Reporter’s coverage here.