James C. McGinness President RCM Media, Inc.
In the beginning... I grew up on a Charolais Cattle Ranch just outside of Kansas City. I was very fortunate to have experienced the best of both worlds- The culture of Kansas City and the day to day chores of a working cattle ranch. I got my work ethic, my character and my generosity from my father Robert who himself was a hard working honest man who had a firm handshake and never met a stranger. I’ ve tried to live my life the same way.
Schooling...
I attended Westminster, a Liberal Art College in Fulton, Mo.( Churchill gave his famous Iron Curtain Speech there in 1946.) I received a Bachelor of Science Degree. I always thought I wanted to study Law but decided a business career was a better path for me, so I attended the University of Missouri’ s Business School. Looking back, I feel I made the right choice.
Person( s) who influenced me the Most...
My parents, of course. Fortunately, I’ ve had many mentors that have strongly influenced me in my business career. I was lucky to know Stan Durwood, the founder of AMC Theatres, long before I got into this business. Stan was a friend and gave me lots of good advice. He always said to“ Dream Big” which he certainly did. I never forgot that and will cherish the time I spent with Stan. Phil Pennington who headed up Concessions and Operations for AMC educated me on the inner workings of the theatre concessions business and probably had more impact on me than anyone else in the industry.
Family...
Married to my lovely wife Nancy who keeps me young. We have lots of nephews and nieces that we love taking to the movies. Skippy and Ralphie, our two Pomeranians( who a lot of you have met) are our best buddies. We also have horses, a pony named Spike and our Barn Cats who are all like Family!
Giving back...
When asked, we always try to give to our industry charities. Both Will Rogers and Variety are very important to us. RCM did have an opportunity to work directly with WR in the development of their in-theatre marketing and merchandising for their new Brave Beginnings Campaign launch last year. We helped them with the design of the canisters that the patrons drop money into. That was fun and in a small way we are helping to raise money for their cause!
Favorite Movies... I have several, but the ones that come to mind are Chinatown, Dances with Wolves, Empire of the Sun and of course It’ s a Wonderful Life.
Hobbies...
As a younger guy I loved to water ski, snow ski and fly airplanes. Now I enjoy spending quality time on the MM Ranch driving around in my 1968 Ford pickup. I still like to ride our horses when I am not mowing and weed eating. Charcoaling a good steak and have a cold beverage at the end of a summer day is the best!
Biggest concern about the industry...
That ticket prices and concession cost get so high that the average American Family can’ t afford to go see a movie and buy enough popcorn, soda and candy for the whole family.
Biggest reason to be optimistic...
I have now been working in the business for about 25 years. I continue to be impressed by the quality of people working in all aspects of the industry. This includes the writers, producers, theatre owners and of course the studio executives. As long as the industry attracts creative people there is bright future for this wonderful medium called“ Moving Pictures.”
70 • ShowTime Preview Guide – Fall 2016