Last night I found myself captivated by a New Yorker article about Wes Anderson. Not surprising, given my predilection for both the New Yorker and Mr. Anderson. What was somewhat surprising was the thought that emerged:
What if we started businesses like we run movies?
They already both have inflated salaries, and Wall Street is just as much a rumor mill as tabloids. Why not make the development of a business like the development of a movie, specifically a Wes Anderson movie.
Elements of the rather extended metaphor (hear me out):
- Anderson has a cast of regular characters that he brings together to work on projects. He knows their strengths as well as weaknesses and he has the capability to bring in new blood when the project requires something more.
- The cast of characters in an Anderson movie, generally have a familial relationship with him as well as the other actors. This is largely due to the fact, they generally knew Anderson in a different context prior to working together and have worked together so often There is a certain amount of trust and camaraderie that results from this.
- Anderson has figured out what he does best and who his audience is. Each new movie is a derivative of this.
- He has funders that trust him, and consequently $20 million is his with little fan fair.
So, what would this look like in the realm of startups?
- I’d like a cast of regular characters that I trust, I know the quality of their work, and I know that they’ll be enthusiastic to work on a project together. A technical guru, the sales god, a lawyer that is competent and unexcitable, and a strategic thinker. In Industries where it is needed, outside tech talent could be brought in.
- Hopefully, by working together time and time again, a level of trust would be developed, which makes constructive criticism possible, and I would argue, the innovation and development of the business quicker.
- With a consistent group, and hopefully a proven track record, funding would be much easier. You’d know what funders you’d like to target and they’d know you. Or even better, your initial ventures are so successful you can self-fund the rest. This eliminates a large portion of distractions.
- When the venture is up and running – the group disbands. Maybe some stay with the company until the time when the next movie script is being written.
- A side note – for Anderson’s latest movie (The Fantastic Mr. Fox an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book by the same name), the writers moved into Roald Dahl’s old house. The intention was to remain focused and true intentions of the original author. And while this seems largely symbolic, the need for perpetual focus in the midst of artistic license is essential to the success of a startup.
