Francis Ford Coppola's 3 Rules

The 99 Percent scored a really cool interview with Francis Ford Coppola, one of the greatest film makers of all time.  He shared his three rules for success that he’s learned over decades of experience in business and art:

Over the course of 45 years in the film business, Francis Ford Coppola has refined a singular code of ethics that govern his filmmaking. There are three rules: 1) Write and direct original screenplays,  2) make them with the most modern technology available,  and 3) self-finance them.

Entrepreneurs of all stripes can relate to these three key tenets no matter what it is they’re after.

When I look at how I’m building my own practice, I recognize that being original is important.  So is embracing new technology and learning the tools that make my business scalable and efficient.

As to the self-financing part, I don’t borrow money from anyone so nobody owns me.  I’m fortunate that I could afford to survive on The Street without taking advances or signing bonuses designed to keep me locked up.  Not owing anyone anything has enabled me to be flexible and to say no to big commissions that I knew had strings attached.  Other guys haven’t been so lucky.

Head over to the entire interview, Coppola also has some fascinating insights on the importance of risk-taking.

Source:

Francis Ford Coppola: On Risk, Money, Craft and Collaboration (The 99 Percent)