My Top 4 Film & TV Productivity Hacks

Most filmmakers:

• Chase random ideas
• Try to reinvent the wheel
• Get distracted
• Make excuses

Filmmakers who sell their ideas:

• Keep up with the state of the industry
• Create ideas based on that research
• Stick to the plan
• Finish what they've started

I’m going to share with you my top 4 productivity hacks that have led me to creating and selling multiple film & TV ideas.

My Top 4 Film & TV Productivity Hacks

Hack 1: Decrease the time between having an idea and getting it done

We've all been there, multiple times. 

You have a killer film or TV idea.

Then months pass, and you’re still researching.

I have a hot take:

You don't need to plan more.

You don’t need more time.

You need to decide on a deadline and stick to it.

I've created, produced, and released multiple films & TV shows for one reason: by the time others are done preparing, I've already made multiple mistakes and found a better way to get to the finish line.

If you decrease the time between having a film or TV idea and actually making it happen, you will increase your probability of success.

Now get moving!

Hack 2: Study industry trends

I've said this multiple times, so let's try something different today.

Set your phone timer for 1 hour.

Research the film & TV trades, articles, books, newsletters, or social media that talk about films or TV shows in the genre you are interested in. 

Write down your best film or TV idea that touch on any of the themes or topics you found.

Create 3 concrete steps to make progress:

• i.e. "write logline"
• i.e. "write description"
• i.e. "create pitch deck outline"

When your 1 hour timer goes off, do your first step immediately. 

For every 1 hour you spend planning, spend at least 2 hours taking action towards your goals. 

Endless planning mode without action can kill your ideas.

Hack 3: The best film school is making films

Go get your hands dirty!

You've rewritten your film idea multiple times, but you’ve never actually spoken to anyone about it.

Write a one-paragraph description of your film or TV idea.

Send it to 5 people in your direct network for collaboration.

Testing your idea in the real world is more important than anything you’re doing right now.

I was able to bring my first film projects to life through this exact strategy.

Filmmaking is a team sport, and you won't be able to start building your team until you start sharing your ideas.

Hack 4: Surround yourself with builders

This one is super simple, but sometimes the hardest to implement.

If you want to hit your goals, you need to surround yourself with goal-oriented people.

They get how hard it is.

They don’t say you’re working too much.

They help.

They don't want to party every weekend.

They want to get ahead. 

You are who you hang out with.

I've been judged for missing social events and working too hard.

Then I sold my first TV show.

Summary

Here is my strategy for creating and selling your next film or TV show:

1. Finish what you started

2. Study industry trends

3. Make films

4. Surround yourself with builders