Insights from Barry Diller's Memoir: "Who Knew"
In his latest memoir, Barry Diller, a noteworthy force in the television and movie industry, shares his insights on how too much data can be a hindrance rather than an aid. Known for his tenure at ABC where he elevated the 'Movie of the Week' format, Diller discusses how gut feeling often surpasses informational overload in predicting success.
Here is an excerpt from the upcoming memoir, set for release by Simon & Schuster on May 20.
Reflecting on Titles and Commercial Success
During my formative years in the industry, we often excelled at crafting catchy titles, despite the film quality sometimes faltering. Titles played a significant role in attracting viewers.
A frequent question my team would pose was whether a film would enjoy commercial success. My response was stern, as I criticized their reliance on perceived public demand over instinctual judgment. Predicting audience desire is essentially unfeasible, a fact I repeatedly highlighted. While data offers insights, it seldom leads to innovative choices.
Relying solely on data can hamper creativity. It's akin to pouring water through a funnel, where broad possibilities require expansion rather than constraint. Although analyzing business cases is valuable, overemphasis on numerical data can stifle the simple but effective human instincts that often drive successful decision-making.
The Quest for the Perfect Project
In my extensive career, I've seldom encountered scripts that struck me as flawless upon first reading. One memorable exception occurred in 1970. Leonard Goldberg, having recently transitioned to a major TV production firm, urged me to read a particularly moving script. It shared the poignant tale of a profound friendship between two pro football players, one facing cancer. Overwhelmed with emotion, I instantly responded, committing to bring the story to life.
This film, celebrated as a milestone in sports television drama, clinched numerous accolades, including several Emmy wins. Another standout moment happened when Dan Curtis introduced me to an unpublished novel. This modern-day vampire tale set against the backdrop of Las Vegas was captivating. The resultant film was so exemplary that ABC's management considered a theatrical release.
From Idea to Record-Breaking Series
Despite suggestions for theatrical release, I insisted on television airing, preserving its essence as part of our 'Movie of the Week.' Upon its television debut in January 1972, it achieved unparalleled success, drawing an audience of 50 million, setting a network record. This success spurred sequels, a TV series, and further adaptations. It all began with a single compelling idea.
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