Interview with producer Stacey Sher, Raimondo Rezzonico Award

At the Locarno Film Festival, Stacey Sher, a renowned producer behind iconic films like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich, received the prestigious Raimondo Rezzonico Award. In an insightful interview, Sher reflects on her illustrious career, the changing film industry, and the future of cinema.

The 90s: Defining a Decade of Cinema

Stacey Sher’s early works, including Pulp Fiction and Get Shorty, played a pivotal role in shaping American cinema in the 90s. “It was fun,” she recalls of the time, though she admits, “neither of those movies were particularly easy to get made. We weren’t expecting to still be talking about them now.”

Bringing Generational Stories to the Screen

Stacey Sher also produced generational touchstones like Reality Bites and Garden State, both of which resonated deeply with their audiences. Reflecting on Reality Bites, Sher shares how the project evolved, noting, “It originally grew from a story idea—a ‘Big Chill’ for people in their 20s.” She credits Ben Stiller’s directorial debut with crystallizing the story, particularly when he decided to make his character a peer of the others rather than an older figure.

For Garden State, Sher highlights how the project was championed by Pam Abdy, then-president of Jersey Films. “Pam said, ‘This is my life. This is me.’ Our philosophy was to trust each other’s taste and back each other,” Stacey Sher explains, showcasing the collaborative spirit that defined her work.

Working with First-Time Directors

Sher has a knack for identifying and nurturing talent, having worked with first-time directors like Ben Stiller and Zach Braff. “If you choose well, a directorial debut is fun, exciting, and collaborative,” she says. Sher emphasizes the importance of supporting filmmakers as they find their voice, noting that both Stiller and Braff had honed their craft through previous work, making them ready for the challenges of directing.

A Career Built on Intuition

Throughout her career, Stacey Sher has produced a wide range of films, from Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino to Out of Sight by Steven Soderbergh. When asked if there’s a common thread in her work, she reflects, “I’ve made very intuitive decisions based on what I love, which is informed by the films and filmmakers I grew up loving.” Sher’s intuitive approach and deep love for cinema have resulted in a body of work that continues to impact the industry.

The Evolving Role of Women in Film

As one of the industry’s leading female producers, Sher has witnessed significant changes in the role of women in film. “There are definitely more of us now,” she observes, pointing to the increasing number of female executives in the industry. This shift reflects broader changes in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated.

Looking to the Future of Cinema

Stacey Sher remains optimistic about the future of cinema, even as digital media and streaming services reshape the industry. “Contrary to all the obituaries that were written for the cinema, it still seems to be healthy,” she asserts. Sher believes that audiences still enjoy the theater experience, and that cinema will continue to evolve, accommodating both large-format spectacles and more intimate films.

Advice to Her Younger Self

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, just starting out in the industry, Sher’s response is succinct and powerful: “Get over the need to be liked.” This advice reflects the resilience and confidence that have driven her successful career, and maybe it’s a great reminder for all of us, especially nowadays.