Andrew Yeatman
Managing Director, Americas
Moonbug Entertainment
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewyeatman/
What are three attributes that got you where you are now?
Authenticity. It’s fool’s gold to try to be somebody you’re not. It will inevitably catch up to you. I believe that I owe it to myself to always be honest and upfront, and I also owe it to my bosses, colleagues and employees. I try to never say something I don’t mean, or agree just because it’s the CEO’s or the majority viewpoint. This sounds easy but sometimes it isn’t. Ultimately people will respect you more for your candor, as long as it’s always respectful.
Long-term greedy (as opposed to short-term greedy). I’ve been fortunate to have had several great mentors in my career. One of them had a quote I loved: “pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered.” Another quote that Reed Hastings liked to use was to be “long-term greedy.” They both mean the same thing: It’s important to push for what you want, but not at all costs. A large part of my career has been spent negotiating deals. I try to always bring this “long-term greedy” approach to deals: the best deal is when both parties benefit because more often than not, it sets up a positive working relationship and leaves the door open to develop into a long-term partnership. Sure you can try to screw the other party, but that usually means it’s a one-off deal and preserving relationships in this small industry is vital.
Luck. I think everyone who has achieved some level of success should be honest with themselves and acknowledge that while their own abilities have set them up for success it’s also partially due to good fortune or timing. I’ve benefited from a supportive family, friends, colleagues and incredible mentors. I think it’s important to acknowledge this, be grateful for it, and continue to pay it forward.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to enter the market?
Curiosity, self-awareness and a can-do attitude. I had a great mentor at Disney named Ben Pyne, who told me in our first meeting that “nine times out of ten, attitude trumps aptitude.” If you’re curious, willing to put in the extra work and be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, I think you’ll do just fine in whatever field you choose.
Pre-workday, what is your morning ritual?
I’ve really leaned into my morning routine to get the day started right and try not to check my emails until I’ve finished my daily routine, once completed, I then transfer into “work mode.” Separating the two gives me the opportunity to compartmentalize and give my full attention to both family and work. 1) Wake at 5:45 am 2) Morning stretches 3) 7-minute meditation (I listen to Jay Shetty on Calm) 4) Make breakfast for the kids (usually cereal) 5) Morning run with my daughter and dog 6) Cold Shower
What about your job keeps you up at night?
Previously I’d let work challenges keep me up at night until recently when I adapted to a healthier turndown routine which consists of a brief journaling exercise before bed to jot down anything on my mind, so that I can pick it back up again in the morning. Then I read something for fun, a physical book, not on a device, to give my eyes a break and relax from the day just before falling asleep. It doesn’t always work, but more often than not it does!
In an industry brimming with information, what isn’t talked about enough?
One thing that I don’t think gets talked about enough is the impact that the generational shift in entertainment behavior will have on the entertainment industry of tomorrow. Most adults I know grew up watching TV and going to the movies, but young kids today are doing much less of that… and sometimes none at all. Instead they’re watching videos on YouTube or TikTok, or playing or watching video games. This will have a profound impact on what the entertainment industry will look like in 20 years. The most impactful companies will probably not be primarily focused on producing and distributing films and tv shows but will be creative in finding ways to meet their audience where they are.
