Chuck
Viane is president of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution,
based in Burbank, Calif. Releases he’s overseen of
late include “Finding Nemo,” “Pirates
of the Caribbean,” “Holes,” “The
Lizzie McGuire Movie,” “Freaky Friday,” “Open
Range,” “Cold Creek Manor” and “Under
the Tuscan Sun.”
What about you would most surprise the majority of your
industry colleagues?
That my sons play better golf than I do.
What’s
the best thing about living in Southern California?
The opportunity to visit Coronado on weekends.
Leaving aside family members, who was your first role
model?
Dick Cook.
What would you
wish for if a djinn offered to grant one wish (assuming
you couldn’t
wish for more wishes)?
World peace.
What would you
be if you weren’t
in the movie business?
Broke.
Who is your favorite filmmaker and why?
The one who allows me to get “lost” for a few
hours.
What was your favorite non-Buena Vista movie last year?
“Chicago.”
Which non-Buena Vista movie or movies are you most looking
forward to?
“Seabiscuit.”
Which TV show do you hate to miss?
“American Idol.”
Aside from Disney-owned
facilities, what’s your
favorite movie theatre?
The Village (Coronado, Calif.).
Which sacred cow would you most like to barbecue?
Weekend gross estimates.
What’s
the best thing about running a distribution company?
Opening a hit film.
What’s
the worst?
Downsizing.
What do you wish someone had told you earlier?
Take a vacation.
What was the single best piece of advice you ever got?
To ask Sharon Stamm to marry me. 
