Hi

Its not hard to transition if you are just trying to get a job. The entertainment industry is filled with a lot of bs people so someone who has a good education and experience can be extremely useful to an organization (private company or studio)

The hard part is being/staying profitable if you are trying to run your own business. Numbers are only one part of the equation in movie production plus at the end of the day, it is still a toss up if the film will be financially profitable.

Relativity entered the distribution business as well, not just production.

moneymogul:

Hey I appreciate it man, didn't see this.

I'm interested in getting into the film industry down the road, probably in the form of venture capital / PE and transitioning into a production role, something similar to Relativity did. Maybe you could share a bit about your background?

Its not hard to transition if you are just trying to get a job. The entertainment industry is filled with a lot of bs people so someone who has a good education and experience can be extremely useful to an organization (private company or studio)

The hard part is being/staying profitable if you are trying to run your own business. Numbers are only one part of the equation in movie production plus at the end of the day, it is still a toss up if the film will be financially profitable.

Relativity entered the distribution business as well, not just production.

Mzz:

Yo

Thought about this too. Too bad leonidus is too busy to answer...hes made a pretty similar transition I believe. Finance -> Film Production....the guy is a boss. I am sure he would have a lot to say on the topic.

Im guessing the easiest route is Media Group at an IB -> Media PE -> Move over to the film industry in some sort of finance capacity....and just work your way up.

A buddy of mine however went from a generalist role at a BB to Disney's Corp Dev group (which is a TOP group if you don't already know). Not the most ideal place, but a great way to break into a finance / hollywood role I think.

One path a friend of mine took: Analyst role at JP Morgan focusing on leveraged finance for media, technology and telecommunications businesses --> Associate @ PE firm focused on media/entertainment and communications --> VP of Finance for a production company.

happypantsmcgee:

Sidenote but Disney's Corp Dev group is probably one of, if not the, single best group you could be in long term.

Agreed.

moneymogul:

Well, here I am a year later, still interested. Anyone been following the crowdfunding space? Interested to hear opinions on how this will change the indie film scene.

On another note, I'm halfway into my banking internship and I think I hate it. Debating with myself on whether or not to try on consulting and possibly shoot for an exec role in the media industry later on, or just focus on money, or who knows.

Finish your internship and if you can, go through the analyst program. This will put you ahead of a lot of applicants if you want that executive position down the road. You wont be much of a consultant at this point in your life :) you need a lot more experience, dealing with both good and bad situations.

Crowdfunding will possibly provide more production, however distribution is a separate issue. Large distributors wont pick up most of the films that are made through this type of financing as the quality probably wont be up to par but that is just my assumption. Still...with a low budget and the right type of film, someone can make a small domestic and foreign deal and hopefully walk away with something.

moneymogul:

Thanks for responding Leonidus. How's your venture going?

Good, lots of work but I like it. Doing a tech play in real-time bidding and big data.