Here's how you can navigate changes in the film production industry and remain relevant as an entrepreneur.

There's a lot of really cool tech that will actually increase your costs. Look for technical solutions that lower your production costs. Today's buyers are very cost conscious.

10,000,000 years ago someone invented a hammer. Anyone can use one but it take skill and creativity to make a chair. All this technology is the same thing. You need skill and creativity to make film. But you can't ignore change. Change will come. A decade or so, ago I was shooting mostly film and now its all digital. 2K, 4K, 8K, Aieeee! It keeps changing. You gave to know what's happening but embracing this technology is a full time job and in the end its just a hammer.

As if in a sea made of columns constantly rising and falling, swarms of graphs overhead, and spreadsheets that threaten your very survival, you need a digi-compass, & so much determination that if you merely turned your gaze & stared into the eyes of another creature, human or otherwise, you see into their very soul. Bits come, bytes go, and occasionally on this volatile sea, you catch a glimpse of a school of megabytes below the surface; a pod of gigabytes, or the giants of the data sea, the venerable terabyte. Your steely gaze cares for none of these. The meaningless trying to conjure meaning unto themselves! But you, & your expert gaze. You see. You see through it all, and you realize you ARE the Master of the Data Sea. Born to rule it.

Be very careful following trends. You can follow what’s popular but it may just be fashion. Remember film is a collaborative process. Work with folks who are already riding those trends. But conform your taste and knowledge so that your value has spices of the trend. Trends can lead to fashion and fashion is transient.

The money wants you to repeat. They want the person who does that- whatever that is. If you are a producer spread out, diversify you portfolio. If you are a director, don't be confusing. Pick projects that build on your previous work that allows you to grow just in a more planned out way.

Leave room for success in your budget, you'll always need it. Budget your business to always have profit and savings set aside. I use the "Profit First" approach to budgeting, forecasting and bookkeeping. This means I am always making sure there is money in the bank to handle lean months or invest in a new approach. As filmmakers and entrepreneurs, we often get lost in jumping from gig to gig and forget to sit down and forecast. How many projects are we doing next month? How many do we need to do this quarter and at what price to meet our goals? Work backwards from your goal revenue numbers, let the numbers do the talking.

Embracing change with open arms. Dive into emerging technologies and trends, from streaming innovations to VR, and continuously enhance your skills. Forge connections with pioneers and integrate fresh ideas through cross-industry collaborations. Adaptability is your most valuable asset. Be prepared to pivot strategies and explore new storytelling avenues. Your ability to anticipate and innovate ensures you don't just keep up—you lead and shine.

Be like water, There's no benefit in dwelling on the past or resisting inevitable changes. Much like a giant wave, change is coming whether you're ready or not. It's best to adapt fluidly, like water, finding your natural equilibrium and moving with the currents of life.