Chartoff-Winkler Productions

Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler began their partnership in 1965 and quickly developed a reputation as producers who prioritized strong directors and character-driven material over following trends. Their early projects reflected this approach, including John Boorman's cold, intelligent revenge thriller *Point Blank* starring Lee Marvin, and the Depression-era dance-marathon drama *They Shoot Horses, Don't They?*, which received multiple Oscar nominations and established them as producers of serious intent.

Their fortunes changed with *Rocky*, a film that originated from an unknown actor, Sylvester Stallone, who insisted on starring in his own script about a Philadelphia club fighter with one shot at the title. Despite initial resistance, Chartoff and Winkler supported the project, which was released in 1976 and became a major success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture. The producers remained involved with the franchise for every sequel that followed.

The success of *Rocky* allowed them to continue taking creative risks, and their collaboration with Martin Scorsese resulted in two significant films of the era: the ambitious musical *New York, New York* and the boxing drama *Raging Bull*, frequently cited as one of the greatest American films ever made. Their partnership also included Philip Kaufman's *The Right Stuff*, an astronaut epic that was critically acclaimed and an Oscar contender.

By 1985, after over two decades and more than twenty-five films, Chartoff and Winkler dissolved their joint company—not due to conflict or financial failure, but because both had decided to pursue individual projects. Winkler transitioned into directing and continued producing acclaimed films like *Goodfellas*, while Chartoff continued producing independently. Their partnership ended in a rare and amicable manner, marking one of the most artistically respected producing collaborations of the New Hollywood era.