Shared values and different visions

Kerry Washington and Pilar Savone don’t always agree but work through ideas together to find their true north.

“Kerry Washington and Pilar Savone don’t always agree, but working through ideas together helps them find their "true north."”

Production company foundation

Washington founded Simpson Street, and Savone serves as its president of production and development.

Recent collaboration

Both worked on Django Unchained, with Washington as actor and Savone as producer.

Conflict as leadership lesson

Embracing conflict is a leadership lesson most founders agree with but few practice.

Their superpower

They start projects by evaluating commonality before inviting disagreement to balance their creative process.

“When they evaluate a new project, they "start with each other," asking whether the story feels right and whether it’s something they want to live with for the long haul.”

Why it matters

This approach helps them produce award-winning films and TV shows like Little Fires Everywhere and American Son.

What happens next

Their differing perspectives continue to drive creative success in the film and television industry.