Media Exec Barry Diller Reveals How Using His ‘Own Instincts’ Changed Everything at Paramount (Exclusive)

Barry Diller, the influential media executive and former head of Paramount Pictures, has been reflecting on the pivotal decisions that shaped his successful career in Hollywood. At the age of 84, Diller shared insights in an exclusive interview with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as part of the season 12 finale of PBS’s “Finding Your Roots,” set to air on 14th April.

During their conversation, Diller credited Paramount’s resurgence in the mid-1970s to a strategic shift in the studio’s approach to filmmaking. Instead of merely acquiring pre-packaged projects and relying on external ideas, he emphasised the importance of developing original films. “We started developing movies, instead of buying packages and listening to other people,” Diller explained, revealing that he began to trust his instincts about what could resonate with audiences. This shift in strategy was a significant turning point for the studio, which had faced a string of lacklustre releases prior to this change.

Reflecting on that era, Diller recounted a time when Paramount had become known for producing lackluster films. “We were making one dog movie after another,” he remarked, citing the 1976 comedy “Won Ton Ton: the Dog Who Saved Hollywood” as an example of the studio’s struggles. However, the tide began to turn dramatically in 1977 with the release of “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” a film based on Judith Rossner’s novel that starred Diane Keaton and Richard Gere. Diller noted that this was the first book he optioned during his tenure at Paramount, and it marked the beginning of what he described as a “bonanza of successes.”

In the wake of “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” Paramount continued to achieve substantial box office success with films like “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease,” both of which starred John Travolta. Diller recalled the excitement of overseeing such successful projects, commenting, “Literally, this bonanza of successes, one after the other out of this development process.” The impacts of these films are still felt today, as they remain cultural touchstones in cinema history.

Diller expressed a mixture of confidence and disbelief regarding these successes. “I knew it was good, but thought it would never come to fruition, at least for me,” he said, adding a light-hearted comment about the precariousness of his position at the studio. “Because they’d throw me out before then. But luckily, they didn’t.”

Diller served as CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures from 1974 to 1984, a period during which the studio generated multiple cinematic milestones, including “Ordinary People,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and “Beverly Hills Cop.” His tenure significantly elevated Paramount’s status within the film industry.

Before his impactful run at Paramount, Diller began his career at ABC. There, he played a key role in launching the network’s much-loved “Movie of the Week,” eventually rising to vice president of development and then primetime programming. His influence continued with the launch of the Fox network, where he was instrumental in bringing iconic shows like “The Simpsons” and “Married… with Children” to life.

Currently, Diller serves as the chairman of IAC (InterActiveCorp), a conglomerate that includes notable brands such as Tinder, Vimeo, and The Daily Beast. He recently published his memoir, “Who Knew,” which offers further insight into his illustrious career and experiences in the media landscape.

The finale of “Finding Your Roots” will explore not just Diller’s professional achievements but also his personal journey, showcasing how his decisions in an evolving industry have left a lasting legacy. Viewers can tune in to PBS on 14th April for an in-depth look at Diller’s extraordinary life in Hollywood and beyond.