Cory Bennett Lewis
Cory Bennett Lewis is the Head of Physical Production at Bad Robot, J.J. Abrams’ production company.
Nestled inside a beautiful glass box lovingly referred to as “Sugar Shack” (behind it’s quintessentially J.J. headquarters), Cory gave us the three key ingredients for her recipe for success.
Ready?
Deep breathing (generous portions)
Visualization (to taste)
Naps (as often as needed)
Cory began her journey as a set PA. She was certain she’d walk the path of a DGA assistant director. But sometimes, another door opens and you just have to walk through it.
So, when Tommy Harper, a 1st AD/UPM, took her under his wing, she walked in, closed the door, and has not looked back since.
Together, they worked as freelancers for eight consecutive years on many projects under the Bad Robot banner. Some titles include Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Star Trek Into Darkness and The Cloverfield Paradox.
You know, small indies that barely found success. :p
Eventually, Bad Robot gave them the keys to the physical production kingdom by bringing them in house. Eventually, Tommy left and Cory stayed.
Cory and I met at a general, which is when people in our biz drink oodles of coffee or booze to “get to know each other.” (True story, I spent $1,200 in coffee meetings in 2019…and that’s just the ones I paid for!)
They can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially if there isn’t a connection beyond the professional one.
Yet, Cory was easy to talk to and had such a calm demeanor, that I became very curious about her. I am so grateful so let me poke around further, record it, and that I get to share it with you all!
This week, Cory dives deep into the transition from being freelance to going in house at Bad Robot. We also discuss what FORCE AWAKENS taught her about her marriage, being a woman in the sci-fi space, and the two films that had the biggest impact on her life.
As Bad Robot enters a new chapter via an exclusive deal with WarnerMedia reportedly worth $250 million, I’m excited to see what magic they will continue to create.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this week’s episode!