When the pandemic halted film and TV productions in early 2020, Westbrook Media, the fledgling production company of actor Will Smith, didn't fold. They changed the game. Seeing an opportunity for a new kind of project, and using new ways of working, they pivoted to produce a hit variety show for Snapchat ... in Will Smith's garage.
It's mid March 2020, and we're on the set of King Richard.
No, it's not another Shakespeare movie, but it is epic.
King Richard is the story of Richard Williams, father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena.
The role of Richard is being played by Will Smith.
The crew has been at work for about two months, and there's still a lot of shooting to do.
But seemingly out of nowhere comes a worldwide pandemic threatening to shut down production.
And Wills movie is still kinda going.
Its still kinda going.
And then suddenly everything shuts down.
As you probably remember, everything means everything.
Its not just that Will Smith cant work on his film, he cant leave his house, and its a major problem for his production company, Westbrook.
They were just created in 2019, and their media wings existence is reliant on promoting Wills films via social media.
No films means no promotion.
Theyre facing a complete shutdown, which could be a death knell for the young company.
But instead, his team realizes this is an opportunity for a new kind of project and a new working approach to get there.
And all of a sudden, hes available.
He was supposed to be on a movie set for several months, and he's available.
And our team was able to talk to him and say, what do you want to do?
What do you want to make of this time?
It's a really tough time out there.