Beating the Entertainment Business at Its Own Game Part IV

Here is the long-awaited wrap to this article series!

 

Prosperity and Longevity Tips 

Mentors & Friends in High Places

It pays to have name recognition on your side. In the case of George Lucas, he and his friend, Francis Ford Coppola, they co-founded American Zoetrope Studios in the 70’s.

The studio took a hit with the dystopian Lucas sci-fi film “THX 1138”, but having the man behind “The Godfather” supporting you goes a long way.

Lucas and Copolla were part of the “New Hollywood” wave of filmmakers in the early seventies, along with Brian DePalma, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg. Lucas had his friends, DePalma, and Spielberg critique his rough cut of, Star Wars Episode 4, “A New Hope". The critique was brutal, but Marcia Lucas, (George's ex) saved the movie in the edit, making it the classic that we all know and cherish.

Tip: Having a second set of eyes can work wonders!

Rodriguez and Tarantino were admirers of each other's work and became fast friends. They both had a fondness for “B” movies and collaborated on the Grindhouse double feature, “Planet Terror” and “Death Proof”.

In 2001, Roberto Rodriguez was mixing sound for his movie "Spy Kids" at Skywalker Ranch and ran into the legendary George Lucas. Lucas was aware of the jack-of-all-trades wunderkind who shot his first feature film for $7000 and was impressed by the then 33-year-old mixing sound by himself at his facility. He invited the filmmaker to talk in his office.

Lucas convinced Rodriguez of the benefits of filming digitally
and the use of greenscreen compositing, which he took to heart with his later films, including the all-digitally composited film, “Sin City”. Rodriguez claims that the change to digital put him on the radar of James Cameron.

Genius can Recognize Genius. James Cameron, director/producer of "Titanic & Avatar", had always wanted to do a live-action version of the 1993 Japanese animated,“ Battle Angel Alita”. Due to scheduling conflicts with the Avatar sequels, he handed the reins to Roberto Rodriguez in a joint venture with both their production companies in 2019.

Jon Favreau, who was working at Lucasfilm, was impressed with the filmmaker’s direction and use of CG in “Battle Angel Alita”, and hired Rodriguez to direct a few episodes of “The Mandalorian”. This led to his work as a showrunner and directing episodes of “The Book of Boba Fett”.

The lesson here is to do good work. Take the advice of your mentors. If you have success in the industry, don’t forget to network and see where it leads you.

Don’t be the Cog. Be the Machine.

In the case of James Cameron and Roberto Rodriguez, they created their own production companies. Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment was responsible for Terminator 2, The Abyss, True Lies, Strange Days, Titanic, Solaris, and the Avatar franchise. Creating a special effects company, Digital Domain has also served Cameron well.

Roberto Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios was responsible for the Spy Kids franchise, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, The Grindhouse series (Planet Terror & Death Proof), Predators, the Sin City franchise, and Alita: Battle Angel co-produced with Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment.

George Lucas created Lucasfilm Ltd. back in 1971 when creating Star Wars to control legal and financial options including copyright, sequel, and merchandising rights. Lucas also produced the Indiana Jones franchise through Lucasfilm as well. That worked out great when he decided to sell his company to Disney in 2012 for an estimated $4 billion in cash and $1.8 billion in stock.

Let’s not forget Christopher Nolan. Writer-director Nolan, along with his wife Emma Thomas as a producer, formed the production company Syncopy in 2001. All of Nolan’s films have been produced and co-produced through his company, including the Batman franchise, Inception, Tenet, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer.
Don’t be expendable. Be irreplaceable. Create your own destiny and produce your stuff.

Distribution and The Deal. The COVID epidemic in 2019 allowed streaming
sites to compete in the same league as the more established motion picture companies for movie distribution. People stayed home watching movies on their flatscreens. The genie is out of the bottle. People have not gone back to theaters the way they used to. Movie ticket sales are down 31%. $852 million tickets sold in 2023 vs $1.23 billion in 2019.
What does this mean to big-name directors, producers and actors? You can negotiate a deal directly with streaming companies and get a cut on the backend. Know your worth and don’t get sucked into the Squid Game debacle.

Remember Scarlet Johansen and Disney? She took them to task over the movie, “Black Widow” when they decided to  release the theatrical version and stream simultaneously. She was guaranteed a theatrical release first with a cut on the backend. Even though she was paid $20 million, she claimed her backend was impacted by this decision.

The payday with a backend percentage is becoming the norm for celebrities. If you are producing, you are guaranteed your money if the film is a hit. Consider Oppenheimer or Barbie as examples. Margo Robbie did very well as both a star and a co-producer for Barbie. A massive double payday made her net worth $60 million as of April 2024.

If you have a good track record, streaming/film companies will try to lock you into a multi-picture deal, guaranteeing creative control, salary, and financing, which can be very lucrative to you as a director.

What have we learned? Here is a quick recap:

●    Take the advice of your mentors.

●    Regardless of your budget, do quality work.

●    Be irreplaceable. Create your own destiny and produce your own stuff.

●    When you achieve success, network! See where it leads you.

●    Know your worth when you sign a deal.

Hopefully, you found this article useful. Did we miss anything in this article series? I would love to hear your feedback.

Are you writing your next film/novel/comic book? Creating a strong story with great characters is 80% of the battle! Get the must-read ebook here.

Idea Genesis is your personal idea factory, engineered to blast through writer's block and supercharge your creative output.



This book is packed with actionable strategies and industry insights, tailor-made to get your writing projects off the ground and flying.

Subscribe to this site with the upper right box to keep updated.

Enjoy, share this link with your friends, and stay tuned!

You may also like these articles:

How to Beat the Entertainment Business at its on Game Part I

Beating the Entertainment Business Part II Beating the Entertainment Business Part III

So You're Thinking About Filmmaking?

Top Ten Tips When Writing for the Entertainment Medium

Is Film School Really Necessary?

Content Creation and Ownership: Keys to the Entertainment Kingdom

 

Ditching the Delay: Why Beating Procrastination Is Your Next Power Move

Image courtesy of Freepik

We've all been there: that nagging task staring us down, while we scroll through social media, binge-watch a show, or suddenly decide the lint trap needs a deep clean. Procrastination, the art of putting things off until the absolute last minute, is a habit most of us wish we could break. But what if we told you that tackling this beast isn't just about "getting things done," but about unlocking more time, freedom, boosting your mental well-being, and genuinely enjoying life more?

Why Do We Put Things Off Anyway?

It’s easy to beat ourselves up for procrastinating, but understanding why we do it can be the first step to overcoming it. Often, it boils down to:

• Low Motivation: Sometimes, we're just not jazzed about the task at hand.

• Fear of Failure: That daunting feeling that you might not be able to finish something, or that it won't be perfect, can stop you before you even start.

• Distraction Central: In our hyper-connected world, it's incredibly easy to get sidetracked by a notification, an interesting article, or anything that pulls us away from the task.

The Sweet Rewards of Taking Action

So, what's in it for you when you kick procrastination to the curb? A whole lot, actually!

• More Time & Freedom: Imagine finishing that dreaded task early and having extra hours for something you actually want to do.

• Financial Gains: Whether it's avoiding late fees or seizing an opportunity, getting things done can save, or even make, you money.

• Physical Space & Momentum: Decluttering a room or fixing something broken frees up space and creates a sense of forward motion in your life.

• A Rush of Accomplishment: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of checking something off your list, knowing you conquered it.

Your 3-Step Action Plan to Combat Procrastination

Ready to turn those "should-dos" into "done-dids"? Follow these three straightforward steps:

1. Craft Your Plan: Before you dive in, take a moment to decide exactly what needs to be done. Break it down and create a clear roadmap.

2. Weigh the Pros & Cons (Cost/Benefit Analysis): Ask yourself: What will you gain by doing this task? Will it save you time or money in the long run? Will it make you more effective or proficient? If the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, it’s a clear sign to move forward.
   
   

3. Execute: Once you see those clear advantages, don't overthink it. Just go for it!

Procrastination-Busting Tips to Live By

Here are a few smart strategies to keep in your back pocket:

• Start ASAP: The sooner you begin, the sooner it’s done.

• One Thing at a Time: Focus on a single task to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Chunk It Down: Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your massive project be.

• Remember the Rewards: Keep the benefits in mind as motivation.

• Track Your Progress: Seeing how far you’ve come can be incredibly encouraging. This isn't just for chores; it applies to any task of value.

Real-World Wins: See the Impact

Let's think about how this plays out in real life:
Decluttering a Room: Will it give you more efficient workspace? Can you donate or sell unneeded items, freeing up cash or space? Will the time spent lead to peace of mind for months to come? Learning a New Skill: If you're considering a class on content creation or marketing, will it significantly boost your knowledge and shave weeks or months off your learning curve? Could it increase your email list by 30% or more? Can it lead to side income? Equipment Maintenance: Spending a little time on basic upkeep for a piece of equipment now could save you from having to buy entirely new gear a year or two down the line.
The message is clear: follow your plan and execute. The benefits are waiting for you!
What's one task you've been putting off that you're ready to tackle this week? Plan, analyze, and execute! Don't forget to subscribe at the top of this page to get more posts like this.

You may also like these articles:

How to Beat the Entertainment Business at its on Game Part I Top Ten Tips When Writing for the Entertainment Medium

Beating the Entertainment Business Part II

So You're Thinking About Filmmaking?

Phoenix Fan Fusion Panel 2025

At the Phoenix Fan Fusion Comic Con on June 7th,  
I will be hosting two panels. 

Idea Genesis: Crafting Killer Concepts
for Comic, Novels and Films

Ever wonder how the pros come up with those mind-blowing plots and concepts? In this panel, we'll crack the code on Idea Genesis, dissecting how to brainstorm, develop, and refine truly great ideas for your comics, novels and films. we'll be showcasing material from my books, giving you a peek behind the curtain of the creative process.

Idea Genesis:

Creating Great Ideas for your Comics, Novels and Films.

 Room 225A 3:00-4:00 pm



Creating Iconic Characters: Monsters, Heroes, and Villains

What makes a character truly unforgettable? Whether it's a terrifying monster, a valiant hero, or a deliciously complex villain, their impact on the story is everything. Join me for Creating Iconic Characters, where we'll explore the secrets behind bringing these figures to life. Plus you'll have the chance to join a special workshop that dives into the creative  writing and artistic design steps used to build these unforgettable personalities.

Don't miss out on these unique opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Come ready to discuss, discover, and maybe even get a bit wild with your imagination!

Creating Iconic Characters:

Monster, Heroes, and Villains
 6:00 - 7:00 pm

The book Idea Genesis and the Cartoon Production Resource Guide 
will be showcased, plus a must-see workshop.
(And some special surprises)

Hope to see you there!

 

Beating the Entertainment Business at Its Own Game Part III

The Writer-Director Combination and 5 Insider Tips to Thrive

What do Quentin Tarantino, James Cameron, Roberto Rodriguez, George Lucas, and Christopher Nolan have in common? They’re all writer-directors.

Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino was never a loss when it came to making films. Although he never went to film school, he was obsessed with films and fed his encyclopedic knowledge by working at a video store in California for five years. He knew the importance of writing and always wanted to write and direct. Quentin attended acting classes at the James Best Theater Company to up his improvisation & writing chops.

His bank heist movie, “Reservoir Dogs”, was a success and put him on the map as one to watch. “Pulp Fiction”, an ode to pulp novels that Quentin was into, was his writer-director follow-up. A smash hit that also resurrected John Travolta’s career.

James Cameron

James Cameron also knew the power of writing and used that to jump-start his directing career. He famously sold the rights to his Terminator script for a dollar with the provision that he would direct. The success of that movie allowed him to write and direct the sequel, “Aliens” and led to the eventual Terminator 2 movie.

George Lucas

George Lucas had massive success as a writer/director with his film “American Graffiti” which earned him 5 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. He bombed at the box office with his dystopian sci-fi movie follow-up, “THX 1138”.

He had wanted to direct the Flash Gordon movie and was turned down by the major studios. George decided to create his version of a space opera using all of his influences. He did a genre mash-up of Kurosawa, westerns, Knights of the Round Table, and the samurai meet 2001 a Space Odyssey. He wrote and directed Star Wars and the rest is history.

Be a Jack of All Trades

The producer’s job is to know all aspects of production. Knowing the costs for things and who is the best hire for these areas is key. What if you could do more than one thing in the production pipeline?

After seeing Star Wars, James Cameron knew what he wanted to be. He left his job as a truck driver and taught himself the technical aspects of film production at the USC library. He got a job working for Roger Corman Studios on “B” movies. First as a model maker, then art director, and eventually production designer. He was hired as the special effects director for Piranha II and wound up directing that movie before writing the script for The Terminator. Cameron was known to maximize camera set-ups and getting his shots done quickly.

Cameron was also a great artist and was able to visualize characters and environments. His skill was put to good use in the creation of the Terminator and Avatar franchises.

Roberto Rodriguez

Roberto Rodriguez used $7000 raised from medical testing participation to film the action movie El Mariachi. Shot guerilla-style, Rodriguez did just about all production roles except act. Writer, cameraman, lighting, sound, and editor. His journey was documented in his book Rebel Without a Crew. The film was a winner at the Sundance Film Festival and got him a three-picture deal at Columbia Pictures. The Spy Kids franchise, and collaborations with Tarantino, Frank Miller, James Cameron, and Lucasfilm were soon to follow. Talent recognizes talent.

Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan was interested in filmmaking as a child. At age seven he borrowed his father’s super 8mm movie camera to make short films. At age eleven he knew he wanted to be a professional filmmaker. Studying English literature at the University College in London also gave him access to filming and editing facilities on campus where he thrived making 16mm films over the summer. After earning his bachelor’s degree in English literature in 1993 he worked as a script reader, camera operator, and director of corporate and industrial films.

His big break in 1998, was his first feature film, “Following”, which he wrote, directed, photographed, co-produced, and edited. Made on a budget of £3,000 it got rave reviews from the New York Times and the New Times LA. This paved the way for his major hit, “Memento” in 2000 and led to his later success with the Batman franchise, Inception, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer.

Being a jack of all trades not only gives you a bigger paycheck but also gives you more artistic control, longevity, and more opportunities down the road. What have we learned? Here is a quick recap.

• Learn to write and direct, and increase your odds of creative control.
  
  

• Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something.
  
  

• Use genre mashups to create something new (like Lucas did).
  
  

• Be a Jack of All Trades and teach yourself as many aspects of production as possible.
  
  

• Regardless of your budget, do quality work.

  A Bonus tip:

• Talent recognizes talent. If you are that good, an insider will help you out.
  

(Rodriguez's collaborations with Tarantino, Cameron, and Lucas are a testament to that) Are you writing your next film/novel/comic book? Get the must-read ebook here. Practical approaches, tips, and techniques to generate great ideas at lightning speed.

You may also like these articles:

How to Beat the Entertainment Business at its Own Game Part I

Beating the Entertainment Business at its Own Game Part II

So You're Thinking About Filmmaking?

Top Ten Tips When Writing for the Entertainment Medium

Is Film School Really Necessary?

Content Creation and Ownership: Keys to the Entertainment Kingdom

Subscribe with the upper right box to keep updated.

Enjoy, share this link with your friends, and stay tuned!