A non-conformist’s tips to excelling in life
If it wasn’t all over the internet, the fact that Comweb Group Inc.’s chairman and CEO Paul Bronfman has been living with multiple sclerosis for two decades would come as a surprise. The charming, selfdescribed “non-conformist” established the Canadian film and television production giant in 1988 and has always refused to let the disease define him. Aside from Comweb, he’s also the chairman of Pinewood Toronto Studios and the chairman and CEO of William F. White International Inc., Canada’s largest supplier of production equipment. Bronfman has lost the use of his hands and legs, but continues to be one of the most hardworking people in the city. He spoke with the Star about the importance of mentorship, how congestion on Toronto streets is affecting the film industry and who he would have voted for in the last Oscar race.
If I asked your employees what it’s like to work for you, what would they say?
I think they’d say it’s a positive, highenergy environment with room for personal and professional growth. I have an open-door management style, so all my employees are free to come talk to me
What kept you going after the diagnosis?
My desire to live life to the fullest and to not let this disease affect my outlook on life and what I was doing. I’ve had to adapt to some situations, and obviously as the disease progresses, I have to make changes. But after 20 years, I’m still fighting the good fight, and my attitude — and I don’t know if you can print this — is I’m not going to let multiple f---ing sclerosis beat me. It’s just that simple.
What kind of changes have you had to make?
That’s a long list. Everything from getting help to get out of bed every morning, getting dressed, being driven and being fed. I’m a high-maintenance guy. I travel, go to work every day and work out every day. I’m always on the go.
What is it about your job that keeps you coming back?
The people. They keep me coming back. They’re my friends and colleagues. My clients, who I’ve grown up with, they keep me motivated. I don’t think there’s another business anywhere that’s like the Canadian film and television production industry — we’ve got the smartest, brightest, quirkiest, non-conformist people, and I can relate to all that. I am a nonconformist. I don’t go with the flow, necessarily. I do what I feel is the right thing to do.
You were inducted into the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences fairly recently. What was that like?
It was quite an honour. They do a pretty good job of vetting their nominated candidates. I had to go through a whole interview and send them my film background. It’s only my second year.
You’ve received a ton of accolades throughout your career. How important is that kind of validation to you?
It’s important when it comes from your colleagues. I don’t know if important is the right word — it’s flattering and humbling to be honoured by your colleagues. I’ve been fortunate to receive some awards, but it’s the people I work with who make me look good. They’re the ones who make the company look as good as it does.
Did you get to vote for the Oscars this year?
I’m a non-voting member, but if I were to vote, I’d have voted for The
Imitation Game . . . I do not understand for the life of me how Birdman won anything, let alone Best Picture.
Really?
I thought it was dreadful. Absolutely dreadful. I don’t know why, but awful.
What challenges does your business face trying to grow in this city?
The biggest challenge we have is congestion, and I think John Tory is the right guy at the right time for the job. I’m a big fan of his.
The city is growing rapidly, which is fantastic, but the streets are clogged, buses are clogged and it’s becoming tough to get around. It’s affecting the film industry too.
It’s taking our vehicles longer to get back and forth. The Gardiner construction is a complete nightmare. And we have such a crappy hockey team.
I’ve been a Leafs fan since 1962 — I’ve never seen anything as bad as they are now. Even in the Harold Ballard years, they weren’t this bad.
What advice do you have for young people trying to break into the production side of film in Toronto?
Find a mentor. Find somebody who’s going to find the time and energy to give you their expertise.
Follow your heart. Go with your gut. Follow your passion. The money will come.
The money will be a byproduct of the service you provide. Worry about the experiences and the people you work for, who can help you grow your career.