December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 27. Partying Down: Robert Clasen and Bill Myers

Robert Clasen
Title: Chairman/CEO, Starz, LLC Age: Old enough to remember Paul Maxwell editing CableVision mag
Education: BA, MA, Bowling Green State U
Social Media Quotient: 0

Bill Myers
Title: Pres/COO, Starz
Age: Much younger than Spartacus
Education: BA, Accounting, New Mexico State
Social Media Quotient: 1

Why Them? Without doubt the retiring Clasen leaves Starz better than when he found it as CEO in ’06. Under Clasen "Starz grew subs, doubled cash flow, expanded original programming and added services," Liberty Media chief Greg Maffei says. And in its first year, Overture Films finished 11th in box office. Myers can point to re-branded Starz adding 1.4mln subs in ’09 and reaching a record sub count and revenue of $1.2 bln in ’08.

Blood and Sand: Starz’ biggest foray into originals comes in Jan with Spartacus: Blood and Sand, a stylized re-interpretation of the Kubrick/Kirk Douglas original, with Lucy Lawless the most recognizable name. Early clips show plenty of blood, sand and sex.

Year Ahead:

Much will depend on Spartacus and a bit on Party Down, season II.

Clasen

Most Admired Trait: Good listening skills

Best Business Advice: Content is king but convenience drives adoption.

Myers

Favorite Food: Cookies

Last Book Read: The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss

Trait I Most Admire in People: Strong work ethic

I Wish My Kids Would: Take a longer view regarding their careers.

Best Business Advice: The day you say you are comfortable with your competitors is the first day of the end of your career.