Negotiation Tips for the Entertainment Business

There are many aspects must be considered when dealing with negotiation in the entertainment business. Publishing and Intellectual Property are two of the most important areas to understand. When dealing with publishing for music, movies, books, and other forms of intellectual property, seeking legal advice is crucial. Many decisions are involved with licensing, and contracts. That is why independent artist, filmmakers, and musicians must learn how to become the businessman to maximize revenue. Even though most artists prefer focusing on their creativity, artist endeavors are extremely risky, especially at the negotiation table. While dealing with negotiations, we have to remember to be aggressive, persistent, focused, committed, and creative without coming across as annoying.

Four of the key steps in planning model for negotiation model begins with having a strategy. Creating a strategy involves research. We must understand the situation in which we are involved. The more that we understand the situation, the more successful our strategy plan will be. Second is style, we have to be able to create a style that does not offend the other party, and still maintains a strong presence at the negotiation table. Next, we need to have a list of affective questions. Once the other party member realizes that you have questions that pertain to the information discussed, it gives them a better impression of your knowledge and inquisitiveness. The fourth strategy to understand is when to create a block. A block give you more time for questioning, and later scheduled sessions. If you are working with a legal representative, they will create strategies for blocks and share the information with you. You must also have plan incase the other party member has a block as well.

One must keep in mind, that there are no defined steps to take when entering the entertainment business. This is why it is extremely important to fully understand the deals, legalities and contracts. If a filmmaker does not understand the deal with the distributor, then they could ultimately watch their film flourish and not see any profit. Most distributors are smart and perceptive and understand the legal side of the business more than a filmmaker does. It is vital for a new filmmaker or writer to research the background of the distributor before entering a negotiation. It is also important to search the contract for fees and out clauses that are heavily in the favor of the distributor. Pay attention to the maximums for advertisement, and the length of the contract. Try to make your contract for two years with automatic extensions as long as they make a certain return on investment. Do not fall for the normality.

Preparing an opening statement in a negotiation is crucial. Having an opening statement allows you to persuade the other party member to see the situation from your perspective. The elements of a persuasive negotiation argument are being detailed, multidimensional, balanced, focused, and appropriately emotional. Once you possess these elements, you are able to exhibit passion, truthfulness in your statements. In addition, the other members recognized how prepared you are on the law, and are better able to respect your perspective. As long as you remain intelligent with your negotiation, you should maintain a comfortable position. Remember to separate the problem from the people by using objective criteria’s, concentrate on maintaining mutual benefits, and always abide by the BATNA. You can find these examples explained within the following web links I have provided.

Entertainment Industry Business Potential

Greetings family and friends, welcome back to the Showbiz Overdo. Today I just watched the latest video with Lisa Chamblee about the Entertainment Industry Business Potential. Lisa Chamblee has performed in various fields within the music industry. She entered the industry as a Recording Engineer and has since worked as a music producer, studio designer, and many other positions throughout her 11-year professional career.

One point that I felt Lisa hit the nail on the head was her ability to create a comfortable environment. I have worked with several independent artist throughout my career and the one thing that I noticed was congruent was the fact that artist crave comfortable environments for creativity. Personally I agree, I am a writer who requires a quiet setting within a relaxed atmosphere as well. Lisa has identified the very essence of what makes most artists satisfied. It is clear that she understand the bigger picture. She also goes on to explain some useful tips for industry professionals to build great relationships.

One of the important factors that she pointed out was created a good online presence. Word of mouth the most effective form of marketing. However, a good online profile can open many doors as well. The key is having a big picture perception. We as industry professionals must know how to effectively communicate with our clients and customers. Lisa Chamblee stated that we must be able to manage our analog version of self so we are also able of handling the consequences of our digital persona.  

When you are starting out in the industry you will often do work for free. The one problem that you will continue to have is that everyone who hires you will expect you do work for free. This is why your references, referrals, and relationships are important. The idea is to spread word of mouth about how good of a professional you are. At the same time you must let each new client know that you have a price, and each project is prices differently. It is severely important to know your limits and range of capabilities.

Nobody wants to advertise certain qualities and be unable to perform. The more people that you work with the greater your experience level, and level of exposure becomes. After a certain amount of experience you are able to figure out how to service your clients, and you will be able to build trust off of your referrals. The more people that you work with the better, as you continue to expand your network people will spread your brand.

Crowd Acceleration Innovation is Exciting News!

Crowd Accelerated Innovation is exciting news. I remember seeing so many videos online of children doing athletic and musical skills a surprisingly high level. When I view videos such as the "child dancer video", it makes me think of my own level of skills at that age. I have always believed that the Internet is going to help evolve humanity in some way, shape or form. I’ve always imagined that the vast supply of information on the web would somehow connect us in a way that was never possible before. This is why when I watched this video I was completely blown away because the speaker and I shared the same perspective.

Innovators have always been the centerpiece for advancements in creativity. I’m not surprised to see them at the top of the list. Commentators provide the essential feedback for the innovators. When you log into YouTube, or Amazon, one of the most helpful tools to assist new buyers is reading reviewer and comments. The majority of us base our decisions on likes and dislikes, and comments of others. Trend spotters are actively searching for new trends, and they feel compelled to spread the work rapidly. Skeptics also play a huge role in the advancements of humanity. People who constantly search for the failures and solutions to problems often find them. It is valuable feedback for everyone when there is room full of corrective criticism.

I believe that the innovators benefit the most because they are able to reanalyze themselves and improve along the way. Cheerleaders matter because they spread the word together or separately, and they don't mind looking good doing it. Everyone starts to cheer when the cheerleaders are leading the way. The Mavericks are the ones who take the next step. They are making all the remakes, and sharing the initial idea, with there own creative spin. Then we have our Super Spreaders who creates viral trends. These elements add speed to our own evolutionary curve. It will be interested to see how the web video powers continue spread global innovation.

Netflix takes a Step Outside the Box

Every since the company started in 1999, Netflix has maintained a vision towards redefining how we consume our media. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings spoke about timing and opportunities back in 2011 during an interview with Fortune Magazine. He understood when he first founded Netflix that technology would eventually support a connection for live stream. So he first developed a DVD rental company to establish brand recognition and precedence. Hastings stated that the turning point happened in 2005 with the rise of online viewing platforms such as YouTube and Netflix. Streaming quality improved over the years and Netflix has not taken a step off the gas pedal since.

The key strategy for Netflix has always been developing good relationship with content providers. The success of the original DVD service is what catapulted Netflix’s success with online stream subscriptions in the first place. They established such a great reputation with their content providers that they were able to sign major contracts to secure exclusive licensing deals for streaming movies and TV shows online. Netflix has built an impressive portfolio including exclusive licensing deals with Disney, DreamWorks Animation, and Marvel nearly quadrupling their stock just last year in 2013.

It was Netflix CEO Reed Hasting’s supreme sense for timing and technology improvements that helped the company get started, while continually preparing themselves for their instant streaming business model. Over the past decade Netflix has encountered several stumbling blocks, including their ongoing debate regarding the monthly subscription cost. In 2011 Netflix separated the DVD and streaming services which infuriated many of their monthly subscribers, including myself. After Netflix lost many of their original subscriptions they refocused their attention towards creating original content.

Netflix has been known for being partners with content providers. Netflix would normally obtain the rights to license use and stream a variety of movies and Television shows. This process would result in Netflix releasing year old TV series, and limited Blockbuster films. That was the moment when Netflix decided to take a step out of the box. Since unleashing their recently celebrated original series House of Cards, and Orange Is the New Black. Both of which are brilliant. They have transformed Netflix into a direct competitor with many of the most prestigious cable channels offering high quality content.

Netflix burst onto the award scene last year for original content receiving fourteen nominations for the 65th Annual Primetime EmmyAwards. Most of the nominations went to standout series House of Cards, which was nominated for Most Outstanding Drama, with Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright also nominated for outstanding lead actor and actress awards. Even though the cable channel giants such as HBO's Game of Thrones received 16 nominations alone, which HBO getting 108 total. It’s safe to say that Netflix is heading in the right direction, promising to both innovate and entertain.

Pearl Jam's Sustainable Business Practices

Welcome to the Showbiz Overdo. In today’s blog I will be discussing sustainable business practices in the entertainment business. I found a very inspirational article geared towards protecting our environment. Many leaders in our industry maintain fan communities and reach out to their followers through social sites. While basic communication is important when building a community. Grunge group Pearl Jam is taking it to the next level by establishing a conscious environmental music industry. They have dedicated themselves towards making a difference around the world.

Pearl Jam’s official fan community, The Ten Club has teamed up with UPS to create an eco friendly distribution process. UPS provides 100% recyclable boxes with tape free enclosures and soy based ink. All of the supplies for the project are also locally sourced. The boxes that UPS uses for them have official carbon neutral shipping insignias. Many successful brands in our history have stepped outside of the box and connected with their fans by demonstrating how much that they care for their community. Today one of the most efficient trends in business is creating an eco friendly service. Pearl Jam understands that their positive actions also influence their employees and fans to be more conscious about eco friendly materials.

The relationship that Ten Club has with their community is an extension of Pearl Jams relationship with their fans. Ten Club continues to improve their service because they constantly ask the right questions. They are always looking for opportunities to improve their customer service. They use their influencers to help push the eco friendly attitude towards their fans and followers. While many industry leaders today spend a lot of time in the media talking about their latest fashion trends, creative works, or their journey towards fame. Pearl Jam has dedicated an entire decade to provide a more eco friendly product for their fans.