Carol Lombardini, JD ’79, might not be a household name, but her influence in Hollywood is substantial. As the president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), Lombardini has been the force behind many key labor negotiations within the entertainment industry. Her role in finalizing numerous collective bargaining agreements for big studios like Disney, Amazon, Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Netflix, particularly during last year’s strikes by writers and actors, although often behind the scenes, has been pivotal in keeping the often fragmented industry operational.
Lombardini’s career, spanning over four decades, has established her as a critical negotiator handling the labyrinthine layers of Hollywood’s labor laws. The Los Angeles Times once described her job as the “least glamorous in Hollywood,” but those who have interacted with her — whether allies or opponents in the bargaining room — respect her thoroughness and tenacity. According to her colleagues and former SLS professor William B. Gould IV, her ability to navigate through multifaceted negotiations while keeping the industry running smoothly is remarkable.
Lombardini’s meticulous approach to labor law is highlighted by the challenges she faces, such as ever-changing interpretations by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and the diverse interests of the multiple unions in Hollywood, from set builders to high-profile actors. Her unparalleled memory for past agreements and the historical context of negotiations provides her with a significant advantage in the discussion room, enabling her to handle complex issues like those arising from generative AI technology.
Her understated yet formidable persona has earned praise from peers like David P. White, former chief negotiator for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), who lauds her as one of the best in the business. While Lombardini’s outside-the-bargaining-table demeanor is described as friendly and engaging, in negotiation, she is known for her unyielding stance on essential points, ensuring that agreements reached are equitable and sustainable.
Lombardini’s history and commitment to labor negotiations have seen her tackle significant shifts, such as the industry’s move towards streaming and dealing with the potential disruption from AI advancements. The landscape of Hollywood labor continues to evolve, but with Lombardini at the helm of AMPTP, the industry looks set to weather future storms as it has in the past, adapting and innovating while protecting both creative and operational stakeholders.