David Polemeni is a founding partner of Related Pictures Group. His success for innovative and profitable deal making in the worlds of music publishing & film make him a highly sought after executive. Currently Vice President Film & Television Publishing at BMG – Polemeni develops music publishing partnerships in Film and Television worldwide. He is also the Executive Producer of LOCATING SILVER LAKE (Amazon Prime) starring Josh Peck (Drake & Josh, Grandfathered) and Finn Wittrock (Judy, La La Land), Producer of 40 YEARS OF ROCKY; THE BIRTH OF A CLASSIC (Narrated by Sylvester Stallone) (EPIX), and Producer of the award-winning documentary STALLONE, FRANK THAT IS (Amazon Prime). He is currently Executive Producing, LATCHKEY KIDS starring ( Minari) break out star and Critics Choice Award Winner Alan Kim.
FMM: Tell us about your career in music publishing & film.
I started out as a songwriter for the band Boystown. We were a popular New Jersey band in the 1980s. Our album Angels With Dirty Faces had two songs that were licensed into the hit TV show 21 Jump Street starring Johnny Depp. That was my first experience with music in film. Shortly after, I was signed to Famous Music/Viacom Publishing as a songwriter. I started to receive royalty checks from the television performances and found that fascinating. I started to place my musicians friends songs in TV & Film and realized that was an actual publishing job. I was hired by S1 Songs to do that very job . S1 Songs owned the Dreamworks and Wind Up Records copyrights. S1 allowed me to sign filmmakers and help build their publishing catalog alongside their film catalog. Two assets! I continue to do that today for BMG . By working with filmmakers for twenty years I learned how films were put together and sold, so it was a smooth transition into filmmaking. I enjoy putting the deals together from the script, finance, and distribution side. You won’t see me on the “set” for more than ten minutes.
FMM: How did the pandemic change your trajectory?
The Pandemic forced everyone to stay inside. For me, it became a natural place to study and learn. Film Production was shut down so I was able to get a real sense of what makes a good script – the jobs of Producers – and the new world of broadcast platforms. I call them studios in the sky! In 2020, you acquired the songs from the global phenomenon NETFLIX series TIGER KING. Tell us about this negotiation. I was impressed with the songwriting of Vince Johnson in general. He is unique. The importance of songs we remember is they define an era. I felt when we look back at the pandemic Tiger King will be the show that stands out. From a music publishing standpoint that means the songs will have licensing life for years to come. I think a Tiger King film is in the works with Nicolas Cage.
FMM: Tell us about producing 40 YEARS OF ROCKY; THE BIRTH OF A CLASSIC. Why is this timely?
I think our children need the Rocky story now. They need to be inspired to reach greatness when opportunity knocks and to work hard. They are living in a very divided world and they are anxious. Sylvester Stallone is still a positive role model and example that dreams are still possible. I believe “Keep Punching “ is his line. To be a small part of the Rocky canon is a privilege and I thank my friend Frank Stallone for bringing me in on the project.
FMM: What have you learned over the years?
You have to stay in the game through every disappointment. Most people do not have staying power and they vanish when things don’t go their way. If you keep moving forward you will be better at your craft and people will notice. The big thing that matters is to love what you do. Every job in life will have challenges. If you love what you do the challenges are just opportunities to learn. What doesn’t matter is worry. There’s a story of an old man at the end of his life being asked about regret. He said he regretted worrying so much, because most of what he worried about never came true.
FMM: You also produced the award-winning documentary STALLONE, FRANK THAT IS (Amazon Prime). What do you want people to know about Frank Stallone?
I would like people to know he is one of the best singers period! He is known for his hit FAR FROM OVER. However, his big band album IN LOVE IN VAIN shows he is a singer that can stand with Sinatra and Bennett. The American Songbook is very difficult to sing correctly. Frank is a natural. He is also one of the most well read and funniest people you’ll meet. The documentary is inspiring!f
FMM: To be successful in this business, what do you need?
You need to find a mentor you trust. One that has a track record of wins in the field you want to be in. Be of service to other people. You will get back tenfold. Selfishness is a quick death.
Take time to recharge. We are in a 24-hour business that will eat you alive mentally and physically. You must find a quiet place so you can come back and be great at what you do. You owe that to your family and whoever pays you!
FMM: Tell us about your new project, LATCHKEY KIDS starring ( Minari) break-out star and Critics Choice Award Winner Alan Kim.
This is a wonderful project from my producing partners Ken Keller and Caron Rudner. We are so thrilled this will be Alan’s next film after Minari. He is such a talented young man and quite charming. I think you will be seeing lots of him in the future. Latchkey is a dark comedy that also stars Elise Fisher (Eighth Grade).
FMM: What do you want your legacy to be?
Wow! That’s a big word! Perhaps if people remember me they might say…. “He helped!”
