Business of Film Mastery Journal There was a time when there was a sense of security for those in the film and entertainment industry, because there were not as many mediums at the hands of the inexperienced. Now there are multiple things that cut across creative goods, software, and distribution. Due to technological advances there has been a disruption to the traditional. What was once secure is now in jeopardy and just might go away all together. For example, many filmmakers today have never dealt with actual film on a project from start to finish because the digital camera is within arms reach. There are now more things to pay attention to contractually than there were before. Piracy was not an issue that “The challenge for nearly everyone involved in media is the business model—and how to migrate from fixating on the “way we used to make money” to the unchartered waters of changes in windowing, rental-supplanting sell-through, subscription services, cord-shaving, “cord-nevers,” over-the-top streaming…” Even though much has changed, one thing still remains, and that is the fact that the customer/consumer is always right and in charge. Thinking otherwise as a filmmaker will lead you down the road of “shoulda, coulda, woulda”, which usually means making films that generate no revenue. If you ever plan on being taken seriously and having a studio back your project, at some point and time you have to show that their investment is worth the risk (your film generates profitable revenue). Risk in regards to money is something that you want a studio to take and not one personally, because these risks will not be marginal and managing large revenue is not for the weak. There is no golden rulebook to follow as a new filmmaker, but there is a “yellow brick road”, so to speak. Following the guide of those who have had success is not a guarantee, but is more likely to lead to being apart of that feature length film that has your name attached to it and is worth talking about. Breaking some rules will work for some and won’t for others, but this is the day and age that we live in. If you are going to break the rules/norm, make sure that it is a calculated risk that your reputation and work ethic can afford. Making this decision will depend heavily on if you are an “independent contractor” because no one can fire you when you work for yourself. I personally find it helpful to freelance for a while and then venture into large studios/corporations because you will have a dose of both worlds. Whatever you may choose, make sure that you have made the proper moves, so that you do not starve and never get to make or be apart of anything. References Ulin, Jeff. The Business of Media Distribution, 2nd Edition. Focal Press, 2013. Safari file
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