63. An In-Depth Conversation with Angela Russo-Otstot, Writer, Producer, and Chief Creative Officer at AGBO
Jess and Jenn dive in with the powerhouse creative that is Angela Russo-Ostot who serves as the Chief Creative Officer of the Russo Brothers' outfit AGBO.
Angela leads company executives across all departments to develop and produce innovative, globally resonant creative content. Under her creative direction, AGBO has planted a flag as industry leaders and pioneers of interconnected storytelling “universes” that traverse multiple forms of media.
Overseeing AGBO’s full slate, Russo-Otstot ensures creative quality, brand management, and story cohesion amongst a host of films, series, video games, animation, audio, comics, merchandise, and experiences.
Her AGBO credits to date include executive producer and writer on Amazon’s #2 title of all time, “Citadel” starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, as well as local-language series releasing by way of Italy, India, and Mexico; producer on Netflix’s "The Electric State" starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, directed by the Russo Brothers and currently in post-production; producer on The Bluff starring Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, currently in production ; producer on "Extraction 2" starring Chris Hemsworth and executive producer on Extraction 1, both of which are in Netflix’s top 10 most-watched films of all time; executive producer on "The Gray Man" starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, a top 5 most-watched film of all time for Netflix; producer on the upcoming animated film, "Fudge", for Disney; and executive producer on Amazon’s upcoming event series “Butch and Sundance” starring Regé Jean Page and Glen Powell.
In addition to the large-scale, commercial content AGBO has become known for, Russo-Otstot leads in AGBO’s mission to champion new, innovative, and underrepresented voices via independent films under the company’s Gozie Agbo banner. Among such efforts, she executive produced IFC’s Sundance hit "Relic", awarded a National Board of Review “Top 10 Film of 2020.”
Prior to her position as CCO, Angela served as AGBO’s President of Creative and, before that, as Senior Vice President of Story where she worked under fellow writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, developing projects such as "Extraction 1" and "Everything Everywhere All At Once", A24’s highest-grossing title of all time and seven-time Oscar winner. She eventually co-wrote and executive produced "Cherry", directed by the Russos and starring Tom Holland, which was acquired by Apple TV+.
Russo-Otstot first began her career when she sold a pilot to HBO and then went on to write and produce in television for the next decade on dramatic series that include FX’s critically acclaimed “The Shield.” She has taught screenwriting and playwriting at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Institute of Art.
Angela's first step into the industry as an actor.
How Angela's career has evolved over the years from a tv writer/producer to Chief Executive Officer.
Supporting her brother's on Arrested Development
The creative structure of AGBO
The importance of mentorship and paying it forward.
Staying involved in the community and emerging talent
The Storyteller's Collective
How important a Casting Director is to the process.
The exciting elements of the casting process.
The kinds of projects Angela gravitates towards.
AGBO's philanthropic focus
Angela's retirement dream!
Resources:
Angela Russo-Otstot IMDb
AGBO Instagram
AGBOVerse Newsletter
No Sleep 'Til Film Festival
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