Taking a break from this place - come find me (and posts about how to profitably invest in indie film) over on LinkedIn https://t.co/tiqPeU3chy

SO excited this episode is finally out. It was such a joy to hang with Nathan Barry and the team at Kit in Boise a few months ago. This episode is a MUST WATCH for filmmakers, especially those trying to grow an audience and raise money for their projects.

You've heard of Trump's "Foreign Film Tariff" announcement by now. But do you have the context for why such things are happening in this moment? I wrote about it here: https://t.co/qVhwH8rPCs

Yes, filmmaking is hard. But it's not so hard that it's not worth it. We got real in this episode of Truly Independent https://t.co/s00NHg8bxm

🎥 Step inside the future of filmmaking. Go behind the scenes of WATCH THE SKIES, the first-ever theatrical feature to use AI for immersive dubbing. Only in @AMCTheatres May 9th!

Play The Long Game https://t.co/uonG5T4xkJ

The Gift Of Time https://t.co/DeR1p7XNhm

Or check out my essays at

Each week I write essays to help you learn how to (profitably) invest in indie films They hit your inbox every Monday If you want to get the next one, sign up for free at

My new book, BLOCKBUSTER, comes out in a few months... But you can read it for free now! Check it out at

Weekend thoughts... There are people who have large audiences because of what they do *on* the platform And there are people who have large audiences because of what they do *off* of the platform I want to be the latter Have a great weekend everyone!

This is bonkers: Brandon Sanderson (yes, THE Brandon Sanderson) is filming and sharing his lectures from his writing class at our Alma Mater BYU For free. On the internet. Check it out:

(PPS - I'm hosting monthly live Q&A sessions over zoom with a group of amazing filmmakers If you'd like to join us, the first one is free! Just join at https://t.co/zyUZbvusCS and I'll send you the link.

PS - Here's the link to the chat between Daniel and Steven https://t.co/vtLu6F17Yz

Yes, Ted Sarandos and Netflix are outliers But the framework is universal The real questions are: 👉 How can you move from Level 1 to Level 2? 👉 From Level 2 to 3 or 4? Take a moment to consider it - it could change your career What do you think? Let me know in the replies!

Netflix itself is the ultimate Level 4 company: • IP: Original films & shows • Media: Global distribution • Data: Millions of user insights • Software: The largest streaming platform All packaged into a public company worth $400B.

In 2000, Ted joined Netflix. That leap gave him ownership—moving him into Level 2 & 3. As Netflix grew, so did his wealth. Today, he’s one of Netflix’s largest shareholders, earning $50M annually, with a net worth of $240M.

Let’s use Ted Sarandos (Netflix’s co-CEO) as an example: He started at Level 1 in the early '80s, working at a video rental store He climbed the ranks, eventually managing 500 stores Still Level 1: trading time for money

Level 4: Financial Assets The final level? Packaging everything - your IP, media, data, and software - into a business A company that generates revenue and builds equity Here, the business itself becomes valuable - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Level 3: Data & Software This level is all about platforms and data Think email lists, streaming platforms, rental services The more you know about your audience, the better you can serve them - and the more leverage you have to grow