Five ways Larry Ellison has made his mark on Hollywood (so far)
Larry Ellison, the billionaire founder of Oracle Corp., built one of the biggest companies in the technology industry, but his influence hasn’t stopped there. He’s also, indirectly, a major influence in Hollywood.
Ranked by Forbes as the world’s fifth-richest person, Ellison could be described as the real-life version of a billionaire in a superhero movie.
Since founding his software giant in the 1970s, he’s drawn attention for his enthusiasm for yachting and Malibu real estate and Hawaiian islands. As for the film industry itself, he’s done a cameo and founded a documentary film festival.
Then, of course, there are his two wealthy children, who have become prominent movie producers.
He will remain with Oracle as its executive chairman and chief technology officer, so he’s in no way out of the tech game.
But here are five reasons Hollywood has not seen the last of Larry Ellison.
Producer progeny (Part 1)
Daughter Megan Ellison is the founder of Annapurna Pictures, a company that continues to show strength in Tinseltown. Her early producer credits include the Coen brothers’ western remake “True Grit,” which grossed $171 million at the U.S. box office. Her 2012 film “Zero Dark Thirty” was nominated for a best picture Oscar, as were “American Hustle” and “Her” last year. “Foxcatcher,” a new wrestling drama starring Steve Carell and Channing Tatum, is already getting awards buzz.
Producer progeny (Part 2)
David Ellison, Larry’s son, is the founder of Skydance Productions, which co-finances films with Paramount Pictures. He’s best known for executive producing tent-pole films such as “Star Trek Into Darkness” and “World War Z,” although the Tom Clancy-inspired “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” was a disappointment at the box office. Next up: 2015’s “Terminator” franchise reboot.
Good neighbors
Larry Ellison has displayed a penchant for amassing properties in celebrity-laden Malibu, specifically at Carbon Beach, making him a quasi-neighbor of music mogul David Geffen and director Steven Spielberg.
He’s started a film festival
In July, Ellison, who owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, launched a film festival to take place there. The first Lanai Documentary Film Festival is set for 2016, and purports to focus on social issues including education in developing countries and women’s rights.
That ‘Iron Man 2’ cameo
Ellison isn’t camera-shy. He played himself in an “Iron Man 2” cameo, as did fellow tech power player Elon Musk. It was a fitting involvement, given both executives’ larger-than-life images that mirror Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark.
As for other film roles, Tim Curry’s performance in “Charlie’s Angels” was rumored to be based on the Oracle chief.
Follow Ryan Faughnder on Twitter for more entertainment business coverage: @rfaughnder
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