Leslie Cohen

Leslie Cohen is a senior film and content executive who helped lead the evolution of HBO brand portfolio programming from linear to streaming. 20+ years developing and acquiring ground-breaking content across platform including multi-year multi-million-dollar studio content, independent DEI films, concerts and standup comedy. Recognized as a collaborative, creative curator with exceptional diplomacy and resourceful deal making skills. Committed to supporting unheard voices and cultivating relationships with filmmakers, content developers, producers, musicians, and comedians. Currently Head of Global Acquisitions at The Mediapro Studio. As Senior Vice President of Content Acquisitions for Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO/HBOMAX, Leslie was responsible for acquiring films from major studios, independent suppliers and international partners. Studio deals include A24, Sony, MGM, Warner Bros., Paramount, Bleeker Street, Magnolia and Neon among others. During her tenure, Leslie curated Latin/DEI content including feature films, concerts, comedy specials, and series as well as artist-forward films for Warner Bros. Discovery 150. Leslie expanded and organized the acquisitions team to source and supply content for SVOD as the company launched HBOMAX in 2020. Select notable titles include 2022 Academy Award Winning Drive My Car; Latin Grammy winning Juan Luis Guerra Entre Mar Y Palmeras and En Letra De Otro- Pedro Capo; International Emmy nominated Isabel and A Tiny Audience; International series The Head. In her previous roles at HBO, Leslie sourced and negotiated long-term, multi-million-dollar library deals with most of the major studios. Leslie also headed up licensing of all Spanish language content for HBO Latino. She oversaw the creation of HBO’s “first ever” music and comedy brand attributes for the channel by licensing a staple of concert films including artists Shakira, Romeo Santos, Camilo, J. Balvin and the Entre Nos comedy series featuring comedians such as Orlando Leyba, Aida Rodriguez, Frankie Quinones and Ian Lara. Leslie also led the relationship with HBO Latam acquiring the first ever Spanish language series, Epitafios, to air on the HBO main channel as well as the first International Emmy Award winner Sr. Avila. Leslie is currently Executive Producer on the 150 award winning project Brownsville Bred (Audience Award at SXSW and Urban World 2022, Jury prize at Newport FF 2022).