A post earlier on the roles of transmedia creators and contributors past the initial project being created spurred a long need conversation. Transmedia creators, well all creators really but especially transmedia creators need to start seeing themselves as entrepreneurs along side being creators.
Scary to think? Think again!
The entertainment business is a business. In order for creators to function in the business we need to understand the process of entrepreneurship; from creating our product, to setting up a legal entity, to getting investment, to protecting our IP, to granting rights for distribution.
We need to stop praying some big-wig at Netflix is going to see our project and we become megamillionairess doing what we love in a matter of a month.
I HIGHLY recommend the following books. Keep in mind they are business focused books, so bit of creative ingenuity on your part is going to be needed (but that shouldn't be a problem).
The Lean Start Up by Ries - All about building a start-up based on testing ideas, building a market, setting up a Business Canvas to keep you on track.
Get Backed by Baehr & Loomis - Great resource for building pitch decks.
Venture Deals by Feld & Mendelson - Confused about how investments work? You won't be.
I know many creatives don't want to deal with this, so if that's you, find a partner who does :)
2 people like this
I strongly agree with you, Frank! As you are well aware, when I released my tabletop RPG, which is also a transmedia project, I had to do almost everything myself. From graphic design, publishing, marketing, etc. It was very enlightening and rewarding at the end, but it also made me realize how much it is important for a creator to think like an entrepreneur.
2 people like this
Exactly! I'd further that point with reiterating how doing the leg work you have done allows you to be an immovable piece of the Titian Effect Story World. You are etching yourself into the very fabric of the project.
2 people like this
Thanks for book suggestions @Frank You are so spot on. Never before has there been so much scope for free publicity and managing one’s own distribution but many don’t know the ropes. You made me think about finding a project partner for business/distribution side opposed to my sponsors hiring third parties or relying on execs to pick up and take over project. Transmedia’s an eco system of content with many freely available platforms but it’s only the tip of the iceberg and unfortunately some artists grapple with business side. I’m not lazy but know my weaknesses, Did business and producing courses but not my forte, even pub conversations were boring LOL but put me in a room anywhere with anybody I’ll direct. TM project in the can but waited yonks for green light, how much better if could have done it myself years back? So yeah cool idea to find that kind of partner.
1 person likes this
Excellent, Debbie Croysdale ! Exactly it's not laziness but knowing what you lack, knowledge or skill set. The more you can control within your team, owning your audience especially, the better the deals, the more in control of your own destiny with the project.
1 person likes this
I wonder how many transmedia producers make business plans for their transmedia story?
1 person likes this
Ami Mariscal So. I'm working on a transmedia bible along side of the story bible, financial forecasting etc. I'll post about the transmedia bible soon :)
1 person likes this
Yes! I think the business plans and the bible go together! I'm building transmedia bibles as well and it's a rabbit hole. I'd love to compare notes. I want to write some articles about entertainment business plans and transmedia bibles :) If anyone has seen cool examples online please share!