East West Bank recently financed The Accidental Getaway Driver, a powerful drama that won directorial acclaim for filmmaker Sing J. Lee at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024.
At a Los Angeles screening hosted by East West, our Chairman and CEO Dominic Ng engaged in a lively conversation with one of the film’s investors Barbara Broccoli, renowned for producing the James Bond franchise alongside her brother, Michael G. Wilson. Their discussion delved into Barbara’s distinguished career in film production, touching on her father and longtime Bond producer, Albert R. Broccoli, her upbringing in the Bond film milieu, and her journey to becoming one of the industry’s most successful women.
Dominic Ng: What attracted you to The Accidental Getaway Driver project?
Barbara Broccoli: The film is inspired by the story of Long Ma, a Southern California driver of Vietnamese descent who was held hostage by three Orange County prison runaways. It is directed by Sing J. Lee, who made his name in the music video industry. What I loved about the film is the relationship between the men. It was so enlightening to see men depicted in an emotionally complex story. It is an antidote to so much of the toxic masculinity that is often depicted on screen.
Dominic Ng with actor Dustin Nguyen and director Sing J. Lee of The Accidental Getaway Driver
Dominic Ng: You are one of the most successful women in the film industry. What achievements matter most to you, and why?
Barbara Broccoli: I have been so fortunate to work with so many incredible people on such varied projects throughout my career. The success of the Bond films began way before me, in 1962, when my father and his partner Harry Saltzman started the series. It has been challenging for my brother and producing partner Michael and me to maintain the film series at the same level of excellence as it began, but it is down to the amazing collaboration of writers, directors, cast and technicians who have kept the films entertaining and relevant for over 60 years. It’s important to me that women have a voice in the industry and that the films they make reflect the female perspective. I’m very proud of the film "Till." It is such an important story in American history. It stars Danielle Deadwyler as mother Mamie Till Mobley whose courageous pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son Emmet Till, brutally murdered, needs to be shown in every school today.
Dominic Ng: How did your father “Cubby” Broccoli empower you to become involved in film production at a young age?
Barbara Broccoli: I inherited my passion for filmmaking from my father, who adored his work. I just loved spending time with him. He was very generous with his knowledge. My father instilled in me the confidence to believe that I could achieve anything through hard work and perseverance. My mother Dana Broccoli was very involved in my life too. She was the woman beside my father. He consulted her on everything. She instilled in me my love of theatre. I think of them every day.
Dominic Ng: How do you see the film industry continuing to evolve in the years ahead?
Barbara Broccoli: In order for the film industry to continue to evolve, we need to double down on diversity and tell a multitude of stories from diverse voices and ensure that training exists for the next generation of filmmakers.
Dominic Ng: Despite the proven success of films with diverse casts, such projects can struggle to secure funding from major studios. What are the reasons for this trend, and has it changed at all in recent years?
Barbara Broccoli: These are turbulent times in the industry, and there is always a desire in difficult times to play it safe—which is not the solution. I feel strongly that diversity is the key to having a successful industry both creatively and commercially. With "Till" it took 18 years to get the film made. It was a long process to secure funding, but fortunately Orion Pictures recognized the importance of this movie.
Dominic Ng: Which James Bond movie is your favorite, and why?
Barbara Broccoli: Each film has a special place in my heart—as does each actor—so I will give you my favorite film from each actor:
Sean Connery in "Russia with Love"
George Lazenby in "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service"
Roger Moore in "The Spy Who Loved Me"
Timothy Dalton in "The Living Daylights"
Pierce Brosnan in "Tomorrow Never Dies" with Michelle Yeoh!
Daniel Craig in "Casino Royale"
Dominic Ng: Could you see a woman directing a Bond movie one day?
Barbara Broccoli: Yes. There are so many exceptional female directors, and I think a woman would bring an exciting perspective to a Bond film.
Dominic Ng: Based on your experiences, what are the greatest challenges facing women in the film industry?
Barbara Broccoli: There are many challenges starting with just being taken seriously as a young woman. Often, I would be second guessed when filming around the world, and my authority would be questioned. It has become a lot easier now that I’m older and have more confidence in my ability—but I still find myself in situations that are reminiscent of earlier times.
Dominic Ng: Can you share one piece of advice for women who are pursuing a career in film and television?
Barbara Broccoli: Women have good intuition. I often tell women that they should follow their instincts on their choice of material and collaborators, and if they believe in something, never, ever give up!