Within the rapidly evolving entertainment industry, where creativity is highly regarded and trends shift rapidly, our approach is often influenced by the stories we read. While squeezed into a tiny apartment, I read Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, and the lyrics really spoke to me. It was not your average self-help book; rather, it was a call to action and a reminder that we are often the biggest obstacles to our own achievement. For those of us in the entertainment industry who work in a field where rejection and uncertainty are constants, books like this one can be a source of inspiration and guidance through the challenges of making art. They remind us that determination and willpower are equally as significant as skill.
With their insights on resilience, creativity, and leadership, inspirational books have long been used as catalysts for change in the entertainment industry. Books like Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic and Ed Catmull’s Creativity, Inc. have shaped our understanding of risk-taking, cooperation, and creativity. These books teach us tools for pushing boundaries, accepting failure, and conquering fear in addition to encouraging us to dream large. These books have become indispensable resources, influencing how we produce, lead, and prosper in a constantly changing environment in a field that requires both creative vision and commercial savvy.
Table of Contents
Storytelling’s Role in Social Impact
One book that has profoundly influenced my understanding and approach to the entertainment industry is “The Power of Myth” by Joseph Campbell. This book delves into the role of storytelling in shaping human experience and societal values, which resonates deeply with my passion for using storytelling to create positive social impact.
“The Power of Myth” explores the universal themes and archetypes that transcend cultures and time periods. Campbell’s insights into the hero’s journey have helped me understand the timeless elements that make stories compelling and transformative. This understanding has been instrumental in my work, from producing impactful documentaries like “Impact Hope,” which sheds light on the struggles and resilience of Rwandan refugees, to creating films like “The Abandon,” which explore critical mental health issues and PTSD through engaging narratives.
Reading this book reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to inspire change and foster empathy. It has guided me in crafting stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought and drive social awareness. Campbell’s exploration of myths and their relevance to modern society has helped me see how our work in the entertainment industry can connect with audiences on a deeper, more meaningful level.
If you’re passionate about the profound impact of stories and their ability to change society, “The Power of Myth” is an essential read. It has shaped my approach to filmmaking and reinforced my commitment to telling stories that matter.
Regis Terencio, Film Producer, SCAYE
Music Business Negotiation Guide
I was a former touring guitar player with a band called Circuit. The band was discovered by the late Casey Kasem of America’s Top 40. The one book that had a significant influence on my understanding of the music industry was called “All You Need to Know About the Music Business” by Donald S. Passman.
The book put me in a position where I was able to negotiate my management contracts that would come in, record label contracts, booking agent contracts, and more. I would then take what I had negotiated to my entertainment lawyer, and he would either approve all of the changes I requested or would just give me a little further direction. This book literally saved me thousands upon thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Fast forward the clock, I became a college professor teaching a course on the music industry. This was the textbook I would use to help educate my students who were interested in life as a professional musician or working in the industry.
Michael Wood, Consultant, Professor, Ottawa Consultants
Embrace DIY Spirit and Innovation
“Rebel Without a Crew” by Robert Rodriguez is a great memoir and read. It tells the tale of using the DIY spirit—keeping projects low-budget but still the highest quality (just as he did when he created “El Mariachi” with a $7,000 budget). I personally love how this translates into innovation and creativity. Another aspect of this book I appreciated is keeping the entrepreneurial mindset at the forefront of tackling challenges. He encourages readers to stay resourceful and optimistic—and who doesn’t need that reminder these days? Lastly, he gives tips on screenwriting and production throughout the memoir in a way that is understandable to readers with all kinds of backgrounds. I recommend this inspiring guide for anyone looking to make their mark in the entertainment industry or who is looking for an inspirational story.
Bill Rudman, Director, The Musical Theater Project
Practical Filmmaking Tips From Sidney Lumet
I believe the gold standard for filmmakers is Sidney Lumet’s “Making Movies.” It’s a straightforward, accessible approach, providing tons of practical tips for aspiring directors. For example, Lumet discusses his early work in television, understanding how changing lenses impacted his perspective on working with a camera. Creating a mental image of what each lens can cover, from close-ups to wide shots, he was able to make quick decisions in the filmmaking process for how to cover a scene. This was very helpful advice for me early in my career, because zoom lenses are much more accessible than they were when Lumet began his career. We can easily utilize these tools to tell stories, but understanding how a fixed lens creates a relationship between our story and the viewer helps us to understand how to frame better films.
James Kicklighter, Film Director and Producer, JamesWorks Entertainment
About ‘What Experts Read’
In our unique series, ‘What Experts Read,’ discover the literary inspirations and must-reads of thought leaders and industry experts. Each article highlights the books that have impacted the viewpoints, tactics, and success of successful entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders in their respective areas.
Discover a wide range of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, as professionals share their best book suggestions and talk about the significant influence these reads have had on their careers. Discover priceless information, expand your horizons, and gain insightful knowledge from experts at the forefront of their fields.
‘What Experts Read’ is an insightful look at the relationship between knowledge, experience, and the written word, and it may be of interest to anybody looking for motivation, strategic advice, or just to learn more about the reading preferences of prominent industry figures. Join us for this insightful tour of the most important leaders’ bookshelves of today.
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Oh, I love “The Power of Myth”! That’s a great read, whether you are in the entertainment industry or not.