Taku's Blog

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 ...