Taku's Blog

  On October 9th, I attended Chris Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX concert. It was an incredible experience both as a fan and as a filmmaker. Beyond the energy of the crowd and the powerful performances, what stood out to me most was the level of technological sophistication happening behind the scenes, especially in terms of videography. From the moment the show began, the screens came alive with visuals such as planets moving through space, bursts of fire, waves of energy, and abstract graphics that danced in rhythm with the music. These visuals were not just decoration. They were a part of the performance itself, carefully choreographed to enhance the mood and storytelling of each song. What fascinated me most was the seamless integration of live footage with pre-recorded visuals. Cameras captured Chris Brown from multiple angles, including close-ups, wide shots, and aerial perspectives, all edited and displayed in real-time. At times, these live shots were layered with effects that mat...

  This week, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of industries such as Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood in particular, and how they shape the global business of filmmaking. Each of these industries carries a distinct identity, culture, and system of operation, yet they all share one thing in common: influence. Hollywood, for instance, has long stood as the benchmark for global cinema. It built its empire through storytelling, distribution networks, and an unmatched ability to market both films and the culture surrounding them. Hollywood didn’t just create movies; it created dreams and turned those dreams into business models that continue to shape how the rest of the world makes films. Bollywood, on the other hand, thrives on scale and emotion. It produces hundreds of films every year, blending music, drama, and color into an art form that connects deeply with audiences both in India and across the diaspora. What’s fascinating is how Bollywood films are not only cultural export...

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned while studying marketing and distribution in the film industry is this simple truth: everything is negotiable. In filmmaking, negotiation shows up everywhere, from contracts with talent, to licensing deals, to distribution agreements. Nothing is ever fully set in stone. A budget can shift, a release window can change, and even revenue splits can be adjusted, all depending on the power of negotiation. This flexibility reveals an important reality about the business side of film. Unlike the creative process, which often thrives on structure, the business landscape is fluid. The ability to negotiate can determine whether a film secures wide distribution or fades into obscurity, whether a project stays under budget or spirals out of control. What I find most interesting is how negotiation is not only about numbers. It is about relationships, leverage, and timing. Knowing when to push, when to compromise, and when to walk away are skills that I...

  When we think about intellectual property in film, copyright usually gets the spotlight. But trademarks are just as important for building a sustainable creative business. A trademark is a word, symbol, phrase, or design that distinguishes your brand from others. In entertainment, this could mean the name of your studio, a unique logo, or even a catchphrase that becomes recognizable to audiences. Think about the Disney castle logo before every film or Marvel’s comic flip intro. These are trademarks that immediately communicate brand identity and trust. For an independent filmmaker, trademarks are a way to transform creative work into a lasting brand. If I create a character, story, or even a production company name that gains recognition, protecting it as a trademark ensures that I can expand it into other areas of business. That might be merchandise, clothing, toys, or even a theme park experience. While copyright protects the story itself, trademarks protect the way that story ...