Popcorn and Compliance: Elf

In this new podcast series, recovering screenwriter (and Mr. Monitor) Jay Rosen and myself will indulge in passion for the movies by looking at them through the lens of compliance. Jay is a contemporary movie fan and I am more of a classic movie maven so we present a well-rounded view of the movie fandom. So if you want to indulge in your love for the movies with two guys who are passionate about Hollywood and get some ideas for your compliance program, this is the podcast series for you. For the holiday season, today we look at the classic favorite, Elf.  Some of the highlights include:Is this movie a story of hero who takes a journey or stranger who comes to town? Or both?A man child uses simple lovable logic to teach lessons to those overwhelmed by their lives or current position.Once Buddy allows his Dad Walter (James Caan), his love interest (Zooey Deschanel) and his little brother to see the world though his childlike eyes, they can find their way forward in the world.How does the director’s Filmography inform this picture?Jay explains how the story structure worked in this movie.The Compliance takeaways:Things are not always as they seem (just like Buddy). The fact that there are no calls on your helpline may be a sign that everything is ok, but maybe no calls means that your organization lacks a speak up culture.It takes time to learn about your environment and discover how to act accordingly.This argues for CCOs and compliance practitioners to get out of your corner office and onto the floor or out into the field to meet with and interact with your employees.Buddy came from a foreign culture, but he continued to act like he was back in the North Pole. Even though he was warned not to pick up hidden candy on the streets of NY, he still did.  In time, Buddy did learn the rules of the city and by using his sweet nature, he combined what he knew to get results in the Big (Bad)Apple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices