The money-ghost

I was observing a married-friend-couple. They are both so rich. And happy. And we all started out almost on the same page. Makes me wonder if the money-ghost will haunt me throughout my life. I have taken steps to follow my passion instead of money, but the money-ghost still keeps showing up. I dont want to feel jealous of others who have money, but sometimes I do. Coz sometimes I think money is all that's required for a happy life. And then there are times when I think I'd rather live my life working on my passion. I am still confused. The "conviction" to follow my passion is weak at the moment because the money-ghost is visible. I know I'll never be super rich and I dont want to be either. However, I still want to be somewhat rich. The money-ghost will be around for a while...

In a weird frame of mind...

The program at UCLA ends in 2 weeks, and I'm back to India in 3. The reality of many things will hit me in the face...apart from the general environment, I will be plagued by intense boredom and a restlessness to get a job and start working. I know it, I can feel it. My resume will go out this week to some friends who will hopefully try their best to get me somewhere soon. I hate this sort of funk. I want to be too busy to even think... escapism may help if the energy is directed in the right place. Let's see...

Technology v/s Content in the game of money

Lots of exciting developments on the technology front are making content-owners running for cover to courts. While the content-owner (i.e. Studio) spends $$$ making movies, music, etc - technology allows rapid distribution at rock-bottom prices or even free (i.e. piracy). Now, what is interesting for me is that I am equally passionate about both technology and content! I would'nt want to see anyone lose and although this is a long-standing (and life-long) battle, it is always interesting to see which side wins in a court ruling. Redbox has been the victim of studios targeting it for rock-bottom rentals - where Redbox has conveniently sourced the discs from the wholesalers/retailers instead of from the studios. A simple business model. Loss of $$$ for Studios = Gain of $$$ for Redbox. In turn, Redbox uses the internet and floor-space within wholesalers to rent their discs, in effect reducing their operating costs drastically. (The only big expense they should have is paying their people for the supply-chain algorithm!) Studios have now restricted wholesalers from selling their discs to Redbox (!!) and Redbox in turn has sued the studios!
I am compelled to sit on the fence when such debates arise. As much as I love technology (which is the way the world is going), I am equally passionate about the value of content. I am watching these battles with bated breath. Whatever the ruling, there will be further excitement as each of the sides try to win in the game of business.
Where is the audience/consumer in all of this? Well, the audience wants the cheapest price for the product, so my guess is technology will eventually win, and studios will have to think 1o times before spending $$$ on movies that will not make them any substantial returns. I am happy to the extent that since "Stories" are the most important part of the movie, and as long as the story is told with passion, the studios will have to cut costs on other items - actors' salaries, special effects, etc. Exciting industry this!!

The "business" of "entertainment"

The past few weeks have been of great learning for me. On many occasions, I sit through hours of class, think for days on end, and then - in one blinding moment - realization dawns - or rather, clarity dawns. What I have realized through the Producing course at UCLA is that:
1) "Entertainment" is as personal a concept as love and hate. Everyone has a unique definition for it, based on who they are. Thus, when a show/movie is designed, I need to step out of my skin and put myself into that of the target audience. However personal the topic, I cannot cloud the vision of the project with my own biases. The show/movie is being made for the largest possible audience - the lowest common denominator. The show is not for me. It is for the audience.
2) The "business" of entertainment is simply that - a business. It is not meant to change lives or promote talent or prevent crime, or any of those glorious deeds I thought was possible. It is a business like no other - revenue v/s expense, profit v/s loss. I need to make shows for the lowest common denominator so my show makes the most money.

Some of the money I earn in this business can go into a "passion" project - one that is not designed to make money. And to enable these "passion" projects, I need to make many other projects that are not personal at all. Does this mean that I have to "endure the pain" of such projects? No way.
Sidney Lumet in his book "Making Movies" makes a great point. Making a movie (any movie) can fulfill one or many purposes: generate money towards bills and expenses, learn a technical or creative skill that is being used in the project, work with certain "Gods" of a particular profession (camera, sound, etc), etc, etc. In fact, he says do the first movie that comes your way if you are a newcomer - why? Because it will be your first. And you need to have a first, in order to have a second. And the skills you learn on each of your projects only makes you a better professional.

Clarity, really, is a wonderful thing.