Cultivating a Culture of Creativity and Innovation with Larry Kasanoff

Audio Cultivating a Culture of Creativity and Innovation

Video Cultivating a Culture of Creativity and Innovation

Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Following are the sections we covered in this conversation with their summaries, along with the time location in the video and audio to follow along. The timestamps in orange correspond to the chapters in the YouTube version of the podcast episode. This video will display to the lower right as you scroll down. 

00:00 Selected Highlights from the Conversation with Larry Kasanoff

This segment, the "trailer" of the episode, highlights short snippets of the conversation that share Larry's wisdom on transitioning from being a business builder to an investor. 

02:12 Introduction and Context: Larry Kasanoff's Illustrative Career and New Book

Bhavesh Naik introduces his guest Larry Kasanoff, as the Chairman and CEO of Threshold Entertainment and a film producer behind some of the most iconic movies of our times, including Dirty Dancing, Platoon, Termintator 2, True Lies, Mortal Kombat and LEGO: Star Wars. As a producer or studio head, Larry has made over 200 feature films and has raised well over a billion dollars in the film business.

In his new book, A Touch of the Madness, he challenges us to embrace our crazy side: the most unique, boldest, and bravest part of us, and our greatest asset when it comes to creating something truly original.  

03:47 The Philosophy of 'A Touch of the Madness'

In his new book, *A Touch of the Madness*, Larry Kasanoff challenges us to embrace our crazy side, the most unique, boldest, and bravest part of us, and our greatest asset when it comes to creating something truly original and authentic. This philosophy is rooted in Kasanoff's own journey and experiences in the film industry, where he learned the importance of embracing creativity and risk-taking.

Kasanoff's career began with a stroke of luck when he became the head of production for an independent studio called Vesteron in the 1980s. At a time when the home video wave was at its peak, his role involved producing a staggering eighty movies a year. This was a time of high demand for content, much like today's streaming era. Despite having no prior experience, Kasanoff was tasked with buying, making, co-producing, and acquiring films without losing money.

One pivotal moment in his career was when he received the script for the movie *Platoon*, a serious film about the Vietnam War. Despite the film not fitting the studio's usual fun, high-concept mold, Kasanoff fought to produce it. His boss, a disruptive entrepreneur, warned him that if the movie failed, he would be fired. However, Kasanoff decided to take the risk, believing that he didn't enter the movie business to play it safe.

The gamble paid off when *Platoon* won the Academy Award for Best Picture. This success was a testament to Kasanoff's willingness to embrace "a touch of the madness," a term coined by director Oliver Stone, who recognized the same daring spirit in Kasanoff. This "madness" is about having the courage to pursue unconventional ideas and take bold risks, which can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

In his new book, A Touch of the Madness, Larry Kasanoff challenges us to embrace our crazy side, the most unique, boldest, and bravest part of us.

Kasanoff's story illustrates the power of embracing one's "crazy side" to stay innovative and create something truly remarkable. His journey serves as an inspiration for those looking to push boundaries and make a significant impact in their respective fields.

08:41 Creating a Culture of Innovation

Building a self-sustaining, thriving organization requires more than just following the status quo. It involves infusing creativity and innovation deep into the organizational culture. As Larry's career exemplifies, embracing a touch of madness can lead to groundbreaking success.

One way to build a self-sustaining, thriving organization is by infusing the creativity and innovation deep in its organizational culture.

Larry's approach to innovation is rooted in the belief that to stay ahead, one must embrace their crazy side. This philosophy was evident in his decision to produce the Vietnam movie "Platoon" with an all-newcomer cast, a move that was considered risky but ultimately successful. Similarly, the making of "Dirty Dancing" showcased how a touch of madness can lead to unexpected triumphs. The film's iconic song "Time of My Life" was initially met with skepticism, but the producers' unwavering belief in their vision led to its eventual success, winning both a Grammy and an Academy Award.

The essence of innovation, according to Larry, lies in understanding the core of an idea and holding onto it with zeal. This approach was also applied in the making of "Mortal Kombat," where the focus was on the essence of empowerment rather than just adapting a video game into a movie. By maintaining a clear vision and embracing the new and different, organizations can create a culture that not only survives but thrives in the ever-changing landscape of business.

Creating a culture of innovation involves taking risks, embracing one's unique ideas, and holding onto them with a touch of madness. This mindset not only fosters creativity but also propels organizations towards greatness.

09:58 The CAP Method for Creativity 

Larry Kasanoff's creative process is encapsulated in what he calls the CAP method: Create, Ask, Play. This approach is not about following rigid steps but rather understanding the essence of an idea and nurturing it through a dynamic and flexible process.

"I call it create, ask, play, like cap."

Create

The first step in Kasanoff's process is creation. It's essential to grasp the essence of your idea or brand. For instance, when Kasanoff produced the movie "Mortal Kombat," he focused on the essence of empowerment rather than merely adapting a video game. Understanding the core essence allows for a more profound connection with the audience and ensures that the idea remains true to its original intent.

Ask

The second step is to ask. This involves reaching out to anyone who can help advance your creative vision. Kasanoff emphasizes the importance of asking persistently, as demonstrated when he successfully convinced Cher to participate in the animated movie "Bobbleheads" simply by asking. This step highlights the power of inquiry and the opportunities that can arise from simply reaching out.

Play

The final step is to play. Kasanoff believes that maintaining a state of play and fun is crucial for creativity. By approaching projects with a playful mindset, individuals can unlock new perspectives and foster an environment where innovation thrives.

Kasanoff's CAP method illustrates how creativity can be harnessed through a balance of understanding, inquiry, and playfulness, ultimately leading to successful and innovative outcomes in the film industry and beyond.

15:46 The Role of Fun and Play in Business 

In the realm of business, the concepts of fun and play are often overlooked, yet they hold significant potential in fostering creativity and innovation. The idea is that when individuals engage in a state of play, they are more likely to explore new ideas, take risks, and ultimately, create something extraordinary. As Larry eloquently puts it, "In a state of play, you're gonna do things you won't do not in the state of play."

Importance of Fun and Play in Fostering Creativity

Fun and play are not just about having a good time; they are crucial elements in the creative process. When people are relaxed and enjoying themselves, they are more open to new ideas and perspectives. This openness can lead to breakthroughs that might not occur in a more rigid, serious environment. The playful state encourages experimentation and reduces the fear of failure, which is often a barrier to creativity.

Larry's Experiences with Maintaining a Playful Work Environment

Larry shares his experiences in maintaining a playful work environment, which has been instrumental in his success as a movie producer. He recounts a story from his early career where a playful misunderstanding led to the inclusion of "snakes and wizards" in a film. Although initially a joke, this playful addition turned out to be a hit, demonstrating how a state of play can lead to unexpected and successful outcomes.

Stories Illustrating the Impact of Fun on Creativity and Success

The story of "snakes and wizards" is a testament to the power of play in business. By embracing a playful mindset, Larry was able to turn a potential setback into a creative triumph. This approach not only boosted the morale of the crew but also contributed to the film's financial success, despite its overall quality. Such stories highlight the importance of maintaining a playful attitude in business, as it can lead to innovative solutions and unexpected successes.

Incorporating fun and play into the business environment can significantly enhance creativity and lead to greater success. As one of Larry's missions in life is to "bring back fun," it is clear that a playful approach is not just beneficial but essential in the pursuit of innovation and excellence.

31:27 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Risk 

Fear is often the barrier that stands between individuals and their dreams. As one insightful quote puts it, "The thing that separates most people from achieving their dreams is fear." In the realm of creativity, overcoming this fear and embracing risk is essential for innovation and personal growth.

Many people hesitate to pursue their unique ideas because they perceive themselves as not being risk-takers. However, it's important to recognize that not everyone needs to take risks in the same way. As Larry suggests, if someone is content with a predictable life, that's perfectly acceptable. The key is to be true to oneself and pursue what genuinely makes one happy.

Larry shares his insights on managing fear and taking creative risks, emphasizing the importance of being authentic and mindful. He recounts his experience with Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, which taught him the value of mindfulness in overcoming fear. This practice can help individuals stay true to themselves and their creative visions.

In business, encouraging employees to embrace their "touch of madness" can lead to remarkable outcomes. When people believe in the value of their "crazy" ideas, they can achieve extraordinary things. Larry highlights the importance of creating an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their creativity without fear of criticism.

Ultimately, embracing risk and overcoming fear is about believing in oneself and one's ideas. As another quote reminds us, "Nothing great happens without taking a chance." By fostering a culture that values creativity and risk-taking, businesses can unlock the full potential of their teams and achieve unprecedented success.

54:00 The Future of Creativity in Business 

The future of creativity in business is poised for transformation, driven by the need to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. As digital distribution expands, the potential for reaching untapped markets becomes increasingly viable. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of how creativity is harnessed and applied within the business sector.

One of the key predictions for the future is the globalization of creative content. The traditional boundaries that defined Hollywood, Bollywood, or Shanghai cinema are blurring, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse creative industry. As Larry, a visionary in the field, articulates, "We have to grow worldwide and make movies that work. I don't want people to say anymore it's a Hollywood movie. It's a movie." This vision underscores the importance of creating content that resonates universally, transcending cultural and geographical barriers.

The impact of digital distribution cannot be overstated. It offers unprecedented access to global markets, allowing creative works to reach audiences that were previously inaccessible. This democratization of content distribution is set to redefine the business landscape, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Larry's vision for a more creative and innovative business landscape is not just about expanding reach but also about fostering a culture that embraces risk and encourages experimentation. The future of creativity in business will likely be characterized by a willingness to take chances and a commitment to nurturing talent. As businesses strive to remain competitive, the ability to innovate and adapt will be crucial.

The future of creativity in business is bright, with the potential for significant growth and transformation. By embracing a global perspective and leveraging digital advancements, businesses can unlock new opportunities and drive innovation in ways previously unimaginable.

59:06 Parting Thoughts: Embracing the Madness

In this final section, we reflect on the key insights shared throughout the discussion on creativity and innovation in business. Larry Kasanoff emphasizes the importance of embracing 'a touch of the madness' as a driving force for creativity and differentiation. This philosophy is not just theoretical for Kasanoff; it is a way of life, as he states, "I look for a touch of the madness because the audience wants the new and the different."

Throughout the conversation, we explored how creativity can be harnessed in business, the role of fun and play, and the necessity of overcoming fear to embrace risk. These elements are crucial in fostering a culture of innovation, as discussed in previous sections such as [Creating a Culture of Innovation](#creating-culture-innovation) and [The Role of Fun and Play in Business](#role-fun-play-business).

Kasanoff's approach encourages individuals and businesses alike to continuously ask questions and seek out new experiences, as highlighted in his book. His openness to engage with others and share his insights is evident in his willingness to connect through platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.

In the end, embracing 'a touch of the madness' is not just about being different for the sake of it, but about pushing boundaries to create something truly unique and impactful. As we wrap up this enlightening discussion, we are reminded of the power of creativity and the endless possibilities it brings to the business world.