Tanya Lopez
By | November 1, 2013
SVP, Original Movies Lifetime Networks
Lopez’s leave-it-all-on-the-table approach to movies is, in a word, gutsy. It isn’t only about big ratings, but about taking big risks. “I just want to make sure we tried our best and didn’t do anything out of fear of failing,” says Lopez. That sort of philosophy is why Lifetime movies continue to shine, attracting Oscar and Academy Award winners for ambitious projects like the upcoming “Bonnie and Clyde” major miniseries.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
It is rare you get the freedom to really think outside the box. We are always trying new directions and to think of concepts and projects that one doesn’t expect to see on Lifetime. It’s challenging, but exciting, all at the same time.
How do I define success in the workplace?
Ratings are the brutal report card every day. But if I took ratings out of the equation, it would be the quality of the production and the decisions to make risky choices that succeed or even fail. I just want to make sure we tried our best and didn’t do anything out of fear or failing.
Who would you want to swap jobs with for a month and why?
I would love to swap jobs with Samantha Power, Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations. The world is much bigger than my day-to-day life and I’d love to experience that way of thinking.
