theGrio’s 100: Adriene Bowles, Hollywood shot caller for Worldwide Publicity
theGRIO'S 100 - As president of Worldwide Publicity, and Executive Vice President of Marketing, for Focus Features Adriene Bowles is responsible for promoting a company dedicated to producing, acquiring, financing, selling, and the worldwide distribution of original and daring films...
Who is Adriene Bowles?
As president of Worldwide Publicity, and Executive Vice President of Marketing for Focus Features, Adriene Bowles is responsible for promoting a company dedicated to producing, acquiring, financing, selling, and the worldwide distribution of original and daring films from emerging and established filmmakers. She works directly with filmmakers and talent at all phases of films’ progress, from production through to the theatrical run and awards campaign. She has overseen publicity campaigns for Academy-Award-winning films and some of the company’s top-grossing productions. Her influence is international, developing overseas publicity initiatives.
Why is Adriene Bowles in theGrio’s 100?
Adriene Bowles is the epitome of “proof of performance.” With a Master’s degree from USC’s Annenberg School of Communication Management, she excelled in publicity and promotions in companies such as Gramercy and USA Films. Her efforts in promotion and publicity campaigns helped to gain Golden Globe and Oscar recognition of some of Hollywood’s most notable films such as Brokeback Mountain, The Constant Gardener, The Pianist, Atonement and Anna Karenina, to name a few. She is the embodiment of what a woman of color can achieve in the fast-moving world of Hollywood film production.
What’s next for Adriene Bowles?
Focus Films is growing under the aegis of Comast/NBCUniversal. Variety magazine pointed out that Comcast Chairman Brian Roberts is a well-known fan of independent film. The film company’s mantra is to produce “original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world.” Look to Ms. Bowles to help lead Focus Films in delivering on that promise.
