Producing an indie film is like running a bootstrapped startup | Hacker News Reader

Producing an indie film is like running a bootstrapped startup

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17 pointsmansigandhi11 comments

There is lot of overlap in how the film industry and the tech industries work - and startups and indie films are a great analogy!

I think the analogy is actually pretty weak. The film industry enjoys a strong monopoly over distribution and talent. The Internet offers startups a much more level playing field. That's a really good thing. SV isn't Hollywood and startups aren't like creating a film and we shouldn't restrict ourselves to such simplistic comparisons.

I'm not really making a comparison between the industries. I'm talking about how the process and work involved as a producer/COO has an overlap and how my experience making a film can be translated in some ways to my startup.

Sure, the film industry is tough to break into. But making a good indie film to get a crack at a studio production (or a crack at a higher budget independent) is very similar to making a startup to become a talent acquisition for example.

If you don't like the analogy, pick another one. But more broadly, there is a lot of similarities between the types of people involved. I've advised creative, driven indie filmmakers who fit right into the creative, driven mould of startup entrepreneurs.

Not surprising given that the term "Angel" has its roots in the arts, more specifically Broadway.

The use of Angel as an investor term originates with Broadway shows, and the “Broadway Angels” that provided investment capital so “the show could go on.” Anyone who has been in the entertainment industry knows that most shows lose money. But, that didn’t bother Broadway Angels – they invested to promote the art form, rather than merely to make money.

Sources:

http://foundercorps.org/node/67

http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/ces/resources/angel_financing.ht...

whoa.

In many ways Groupon reminds me of The Producers.

^ i lol'd

we're a startup that results in shorter post-production and editing times during video review. we're all about supporting fellow "startups" too. check us out - http://firstcutpro.com - use reddit promo code - "allhailcats" for more video credits.

hope this can help save some costs for you guys and good luck!

Thanks taylorhou. We're done with post production, though your startup looks pretty neat.

Good read !!

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