Hell or High Water — Financial Strategy

Hell or High Water (2016), directed by David Mackenzie and starring Jeff Bridges and Chris Pine, became one of the defining films of the year. As VP of Marketing Finance at CBS Films, I was responsible for the financial strategy that helped position this film for both commercial and critical success.

The Challenge

The film represented a unique challenge: a mid-budget, character-driven drama in an era increasingly dominated by franchise blockbusters. The financial strategy needed to be as sharp and efficient as the film itself.

The Result

Through strategic marketing spend allocation and targeted distribution, the film became a cultural phenomenon, earning 4 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. It demonstrated that with the right financial strategy, quality filmmaking can still break through in a crowded marketplace.