The hospitality of cinema: the interview with the Global Film Director of Soho House

In a world where art and hospitality are increasingly intertwined, Soho House has established itself as a global epicenter for creatives from every sector. Over the years, this members-only club has fostered collaborations across fashion, music, cinema, and art, creating unique platforms for both emerging and established talent. Expanding across four continents and becoming a benchmark of excellence within the hospitality industry, Soho House has launched projects like Soho House Shorts and the recent “Awards Season Picks'”, providing unprecedented opportunities to members and creatives worldwide. Jo Addy, Global Film Director, has been one of the key figures behind Soho House’s transformation into a cultural incubator. Addy shared her journey within Soho House, from its early days in London to the current global expansion, offering an exclusive look behind the scenes of an ever-evolving reality.

Soho House has made a very significant impact on the creative world. And as a creative yourself, how have you navigated the Soho sphere in your work?

When I first joined Soho House London as part of the events team, the space was primarily tailored to professionals in the film and entertainment industries. Moving to New York to establish our first North American house, I initiated the film program, which marked a shift to a more creative role for me. Over the years, we’ve expanded to embrace a broader spectrum of creatives beyond media and entertainment. In Los Angeles, for example, we developed “Fashion Cinema,” (a series of events focused on the relationship between fashion and cinema) collaborating with fashion-focused members to showcase films - from documentaries like The September Issue featuring Anna Wintour to classics like The Devil Wears Prada. These events bring together the fashion community for screenings, panels, and vibrant discussions. In music, we collaborate with Dom Chung to develop a documentary series in London. During award seasons, we highlight the contributions of film writers, such as hosting the writer of The Holdovers last year. Initially, our film program centered on new releases, but we’ve since broadened our scope to encompass all creative pillars at Soho House, including a significant focus on costume designers, especially in LA. Currently, we’re planning a fashion talk and film screening with Arianne Phillips, who worked on Joker 2 and is now working on A Different Man, the upcoming Timothée Chalamet film where he portrays Bob Dylan.

Cinematography is increasingly intersecting with the hospitality industry. As someone with experience in both worlds, how do you see this relationship developing?

I often say I work in the entertainment industry, even though I’m part of a hospitality group because the two fields have truly merged. Private members’ clubs have proliferated globally, many inspired by the ones in London where we started. An interesting project we’ve been involved in is the shorts competition with Campari. While Campari has produced short films before, our collaboration this past year was unique. The films are excellent, and you might notice subtle nods to our brand - like someone ordering a Negroni at a Soho House bar. For example, the recent winner of the Campari Shorts in London was previously on our shortlist. I helped him secure representation with an agent, and after our recent film celebration in London, he was approached by three production companies interested in his future work. His film has already been accepted into festivals, aligning with our goal of having these works showcased widely. Looking ahead, I aim to expand the project further. With Campari, we’ve operated in the UK, Europe, and Asia, and we’re seeking a partner for North America since we couldn’t include it last year. 

You founded the project Soho House Shorts back in 2018. Reflecting on these past six years, how do you feel this project has grown and what do you wish for its future?

The project has grown remarkably since we first launched it, initially open only to members in North America before expanding globally. It’s been fascinating to watch its evolution and see the compelling films produced through the program. Participants who started as actors, producers, or writers have now become filmmakers, seizing the opportunity to create short films without financial risk thanks to our partners. Some have progressed from making shorts to developing feature-length projects. One notable outcome from our competition was a participant in London who didn’t make the shortlist but went on to partner with the Standard Group. They created their short film at the Standard Hotel, which funded it as branded content to highlight their cocktail menu. As Soho House grows in markets like Asia and India, I’d like the program to become more market-specific, producing films in local languages across Asia, the UK, Europe, and Latin America, since all our films so far have been in English.

Can you tell us a bit more about your newest project "Awards Season Picks'”? Can you give us some spoilers?

During the pandemic, when all our houses were closed, I initiated “Awards Season Picks'” by hosting a virtual screening series. We interviewed filmmakers and appended the Q&A sessions to the screenings. Since talent was still campaigning from home, often ready with hair and makeup for Zoom, we were fortunate to host many great guests in what became my virtual studio. We’ve been running this series for about four years now. As we’ve transitioned back to in-person events, we’ve featured numerous Oscar-winning Soho House members. Just last week in West Hollywood, we kicked off the latest season with a screening of The Order, produced by and starring Jude Law, alongside Nicholas Hoult and Jurnee Smollett, as they launch their BAFTA campaign. We’re also showcasing international films submitted for the Oscars. In London, we recently screened Lost Ladies, India’s submission, with the director in attendance. At Soho House Bangkok, even without a screening room, the director of Thailand’s submission will host a screening. Globally, we’re presenting many films, and since much of the talent is based in LA, we often book events there. Upcoming highlights include Rachel Morrison with The Fire Inside, and on September 5th, the director and cast of another awards-circuit film will join us. We’re also in talks with Sean Baker about his film Anora, which I saw at Cannes and found exceptional. We’re in a fortunate position where studios and publicists approach us to book their talent. Under the “Award Season Picks'” banner, many of the films we feature go on to receive Oscar nominations and wins. It’s been a successful endeavor so far.

Who do you think is going to win Best Picture this year?

I can't tell you yet because it’s too soon (laughs) but I do have a few candidates already.