Discover how Napoleon Hill’s principles can help indie filmmakers gain the specialized knowledge needed to excel in the film industry.
by Carole Dean
Imagine standing at the crossroads of your filmmaking career, with the potential for greatness on one side and stagnation on the other. Napoleon Hill’s classic book, “Think and Grow Rich,” illuminates a path forward for those who dare to dream big.
Hill emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people whose expertise complements your own and who can provide guidance when needed.
Among its many transformative principles, Hill’s emphasis on specialized knowledge holds a special significance for indie filmmakers striving to carve their niche in a competitive industry. “General knowledge,” Hill writes, “no matter how great in quantity or variety it may be, is of little use in the accumulation of money.”
This distinction between general and specialized knowledge is the cornerstone of success, and for filmmakers, it’s the key to not just surviving but thriving.
General vs. Specialized Knowledge
Hill makes a bold but crucial distinction between general and specialized knowledge. General knowledge is broad and often unfocused, while specialized knowledge is targeted and directly applicable to achieving success. Hill’s observations ring true when he points out that even highly educated professors often struggle to translate their knowledge into wealth because they lack the practical tools and strategies to monetize it.
“Knowledge will not attract money unless it is organized and intelligently directed through practical plans of action to the definite end of accumulation of money,” Hill writes.
This principle is a game-changer for filmmakers. Whether you’re an aspiring director, producer, or screenwriter, acquiring specialized knowledge and applying it with precision is key to success.
The Film Industry: A Haven for Specialized Knowledge
In the film industry, specialized knowledge is your currency. For instance, understanding the nuances of distribution deals, the mechanics of crowdfunding, or the art of crafting a compelling pitch can set you apart from the competition.
When I started buying and selling short ends of Kodak motion picture stock, my only resource was a small blue book from Kodak detailing film types and uses. It had a list of film types, ASA’s and a short explanation on the use of that stock. When I spoke to people in the industry to either buy or sell film stocks, I was often asked questions that I did not know, and I was never afraid to say, “I don’t know, but I will find out.”
This gave me a reason to call them back. That is how I closed many sales. It meant that I had to call someone in our industry and “get more educated.” I always found people in our industry are generous with their knowledge. They gladly share information.
By doing this I created a group of advisors that allowed me to call them with questions. They knew I was dedicated to learning all I could about film stocks. They were my mastermind group.
Building a Mastermind Group
Hill emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people whose expertise complements your own and who can provide guidance when needed.
Napoleon tells the story of Henry Ford being called an ignorant pacifist by a Chicago newspaper during World War. He objected and sued the paper. When the suit went to court the attorneys for the paper pleaded with justification and placed Mr. Ford himself on the witness stand to prove that he was ignorant. They began asking him or variety of questions all of them to prove that, even though he had considerable knowledge about automobiles, he was an ignorant man.
They questioned him on American history and wanted to know silly questions like how many soldiers did the British send over to America to put down the rebellion of 1776. Ford said, “I don’t know the exact number of soldiers the British sent but I have heard that it was a considerably larger number than ever went back.”
He became very tired of this and responded, “If I should really want to answer the foolish question you have just asked or any of the other questions you have been asking me, let me remind you that I have a row of electric push-buttons on my desk, and by pushing the right button, I can summon to my aid men who can answer any question I desire to ask concerning the business to which I am devoting most of my efforts.
“Now, will you kindly tell me, why I should clutter up my mind with general knowledge, for the purpose of being able to answer questions, when I have men around me who can supply any knowledge I require?”
A Mastermind Group for Filmmakers
In the film world, your mastermind group might include seasoned producers, cinematographers, editors, or legal experts. These individuals can fill gaps in your knowledge and elevate your projects.
While a broad understanding of various subjects can enrich your storytelling, it’s your specialized knowledge—about the film industry, production techniques, financing strategies, and audience engagement—that will determine your success. You can find out that by accessing your mastermind group.
It is important that you meet and get to know people in the industry that you have chosen. There was a time when people put on their stationary the names of their advisors. I always thought that was a brilliant idea, to let us all know that you might not know everything, but the people attached to you have all the knowledge you need. In fact, putting in a list of advisors on a deck or in a proposal makes a lot of sense to me.
The Value of Letting Others Know You Have a Mastermind Group
When we are choosing people for our film grants, we sometimes find brilliant emerging filmmakers. Often this will be their first film.
Barbara Trent, AA winner for Panama Deception, taught me years ago that if an emerging filmmaker has surrounded themselves with highly qualified, possibly award-winning, filmmakers, do not be afraid to finance them. If they’re smart enough to admit the areas in which they are weak and have put people in place to guide them through these areas, you can take a chance on them. They are worth the investment. This has proven to be very true.
If a first-time filmmaker surrounds themselves with experienced professionals, it signals that they understand the value of specialized knowledge and collaboration. This is often the deciding factor in whether we take a chance on a project.
Practical Applications for Filmmakers
- Identify Your Knowledge Gaps: Pinpoint the areas where you need more expertise. Whether it’s budgeting, legal contracts, or marketing, being honest about your weaknesses allows you to seek out the right mentors and resources.
- Build Relationships: Don’t be afraid to approach industry veterans for advice. As I’ve discovered, most people in the film industry are generous with their knowledge. Be genuine, show your passion, and make specific asks. For example, request a 30-minute call every two months for guidance.
- Leverage Advisors: When creating pitch decks or grant proposals, include a list of your advisors. This demonstrates that you have access to specialized knowledge, even if you’re still building your own expertise.
- Never Stop Learning: Stay curious and continuously educate yourself. Attend workshops, read industry publications, and participate in networking events. Every piece of specialized knowledge you acquire brings you closer to your goals.
Success Stories Rooted in Specialized Knowledge
One year my three judges came to a stalemate deciding who was to win our fall film grant. Their choice was between a foreign film that was getting a lot of world press that could market our grant internationally or to take a chance on a young man who was making a film on how diet and environmental changes can help autism.
They finally decided to give this young man a chance. I promised the judges that I would spend time with him and help him in any way possible.
Fast forward and three years later, he raised all the funds and finished his film. One of the best things he did was to use a donation from our animator, Charlie Canfield.
Ryan Hetrick, the filmmaker, hired Charlie to do his animation. He spent hours with Charlie explaining the brain-gut connection. Charlie hit the jackpot with his animation. It is astonishing to see how what you eat directly affects your health. Everyone should see the film Restoring Balance. It is such a visual way to understand that what you eat affects you and your mental well-being. Believe me, when you see this film, you will immediately change your diet.
Ryan was brilliant at supporting himself with knowledgeable people. He is a humble man who had an important vision, and he succeeded by manifesting the film he envisioned, through which he has enlightened hundreds of thousands of people.
The Role of Specialized Knowledge in Manifesting Success
Hill’s teachings align closely with the principles we discuss in our film funding guidance classes. Manifesting success begins with a clear vision of your goals and the specialized knowledge required to achieve them.
As Hill writes, “Before you can be sure of your ability to transmute desire into its monetary equivalent, you will require specialized knowledge of the service, merchandise, or profession which you intend to offer in return for fortune.”
This principle is particularly relevant for indie filmmakers, who often wear multiple hats.
While passion and creativity are essential, they must be paired with practical knowledge and strategic planning. For example, understanding how to structure a crowdfunding campaign or negotiate a distribution deal can make the difference between a dream deferred and a dream realized.
Learning from Success Stories
Hill’s book has inspired countless successful individuals, including Oprah Winfrey, Tony Robbins, and Will Smith. These icons credit Think and Grow Rich with shaping their mindsets and teaching them the value of persistence, visualization, and specialized knowledge.
For indie filmmakers, the takeaway is clear: success is not just about talent or luck. It’s about cultivating the right mindset, acquiring specialized knowledge, and building a strong network. By following these principles, you can transform your passion for filmmaking into a sustainable and rewarding career.
Blueprint for Success
For indie filmmakers, the journey to success begins with a commitment to learning, building relationships, and applying knowledge strategically. Remember, the film industry is full of generous, passionate people who are eager to share their expertise. Don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and build your own mastermind group.
As you navigate your filmmaking journey, keep Hill’s words in mind: “An educated man is one who has so developed the faculties of his mind that he may acquire anything he wants, or its equivalent, without violating the rights of others.”
With specialized knowledge, a clear vision, and the support of a strong network, you have the tools to achieve your dreams and make a lasting impact in the world of film.
Carole Dean is president and founder of From the Heart Productions; a 501(c)3 non-
profit that offers the Roy W. Dean Film Grants and fiscal sponsorship for independent filmmakers.
She is creator and instructor of Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production. Essential classes for indie filmmakers on how to produce their films.
She hosts the weekly podcast, The Art of Film Funding, interviewing those involved in all aspects of indie film production. She is also the author of The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts. See IMDB for producing credits
