From Silver Screen to Silicon Valley: Parallels Between Film Producers and Product Managers
kHUB post date: June 14, 2023
Read time: 12 minutes
Photo Credit: Jakob Owens - Unsplash
The launch date has finally arrived! You're surrounded by your crew, ready to roll the dice on your vision, releasing a masterpiece that'll leave people on the edge of their seats and trending on your favorite social media platforms. You've led a team through months of hard work, turning your vision into reality. Now, we could be talking about making a film, or we could be talking about developing a product. It turns out, that the two worlds aren't that far apart. They're like two sides of the same coin, each reflecting a unique aspect of creativity yet intrinsically connected by their shared passion for innovation and storytelling.
Product managers and filmmakers are both storytellers. They use their creativity and vision to bring stories to life, whether a new app or a feature film.
Like filmmakers, product managers must start with a strong idea. They must then develop a detailed plan to bring that idea to life. This plan includes identifying the target audience, defining the product's features and functionality, and creating a marketing strategy. Just as a great producer starts with a script, shaping the vision of story on a screen that drives the audience's emotions in their seats.
Once the plan is in place, product managers must assemble a talented team to help them execute it. This team may include engineers, designers, marketers, and customer support representatives. The parallel in filmmaking is that the producer selects the creative and production team to assemble the film.
Just like filmmakers, product managers must be able to manage a variety of moving parts. They must be able to deal with unexpected challenges and setbacks, and they must be able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
The goal of both product managers and filmmakers is to create something that people will love. They want to create products and films that are both entertaining and meaningful.
Photo Credit: Jakob Owens - Unsplash
Here are some of the specific similarities between product management and filmmaking:
- Both require a strong understanding of the target audience. Product managers need to understand who their users are and what they need. Filmmakers need to understand their audience and what they will find appealing.
- Both require a clear vision for the final product. Product managers need to have a clear idea of what the product will look like and how it will work. Filmmakers need to have a clear idea of the story they want to tell and how they want to tell it.
- Both require the ability to manage a team of talented individuals. Product managers need to be able to work with engineers, designers, marketers, and other stakeholders. Filmmakers need to be able to work with actors, directors of photography, production designers, and other crew members.
- Both require the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. Product managers need to be able to make decisions about product features, pricing, and marketing. Filmmakers need to be able to make decisions about the script, the cast, and the shooting schedule.
- Both require the ability to deal with unexpected challenges and setbacks. Product managers need to be able to deal with technical problems, budget overruns, and customer feedback. Filmmakers need to be able to deal with bad weather, sick actors, and other unexpected challenges.
The Vision: Setting the Stage for Greatness
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Both the product manager and the film producer start with a vision. The spark, the catalyst, sets the wheels in motion. They paint a vivid picture of what could be, convincing stakeholders to buy into their grand idea. The product manager dreams of a world where their product makes life better and solves a customer need, while the film producer envisions a cinematic experience audiences will remember for generations.
Imagine a product manager pitching a new ride-sharing app that aims to revolutionize urban transportation. They're selling stakeholders on the potential impact, convenience, and lucrative opportunities. Conversely, a film producer might pitch an idea of a raw, emotional drama that delves deep into the human psyche, promising a thought-provoking and moving story that will captivate audiences.
They are both selling a creative vision to stakeholders that will provide financing and resources with the expectation of a return on their investment.
Designing the Experience: Crafting the Blueprint
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Storyboarding is to filmmakers what wireframing or roadmapping is to product managers. They're both designing the user experience, laying the groundwork for their masterpieces. The film director sketches out scenes, piecing together the narrative like a jigsaw puzzle, while the product manager maps out user journeys, sculpting the products's architecture to ensure seamless functionality. It's all about creating an immersive experience that hooks audiences and keeps them returning for more.
Films are products, and products tell a story. For instance, think of Quentin Tarantino as a product manager. He's known for his nonlinear storytelling, creating a unique experience for the audience. Similarly, a product manager designing an innovative e-commerce app might focus on creating an unconventional user journey that makes online shopping more engaging and enjoyable as they tell an intriguing story about the experience! Maybe the app donates to a charity or sells goods from disadvantaged populations.
Building the Dream: Lights, Camera, Code!
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Production is the most intense phase of filmmaking. It is where the director and the crew work long hours to capture the film's story on film. The director is responsible for making sure that each shot is captured as they envisioned it, and the crew is responsible for executing the director's vision.
The production phase is the most exciting phase of filmmaking. It is where the film's story comes to life on the screen. It is a time of great creativity and collaboration, where the film's director can make their mark.
Inception is an excellent example of hard work and creativity in the production phase. The film is a mind-bending thriller that tells the story of a team of thieves who use dream-sharing technology to steal corporate secrets. The film is full of intricate and complex scenes, requiring much planning and coordination to bring them to life.
Christopher Nolan is a director known for his meticulous attention to detail. He is also a director who is not afraid to take risks. In Inception, Nolan pushed the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking. He used innovative camera techniques and special effects to create a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film.
On the other side, the product manager is responsible for overseeing the entire development process and ensuring the product stays true to its vision. They work closely with engineers to ensure that the product meets the needs of the users and the business goals. They also work with designers to create a user interface that is both visually appealing and functional.
The development phase is a critical part of the product development process. It is the stage where the product is brought to life, and the product manager's vision is realized. It is a time of great creativity and collaboration, where the magic of product development happens.
The iPhone is one of the most outstanding products created in our generation. The iPhone was a revolutionary product that changed how we interact with technology. It was the brainchild of Steve Jobs, who worked tirelessly with his team to perfect the product. Like Christopher Nolan, Steve Jobs had a meticulous obsession with detail and would stop at nothing short of perfection. The iPhone was a huge success, and it revolutionized the smartphone industry.
Product managers should learn from Steve and Christopher; while they are creative geniuses, their value is their strong attention to detail and their thriving on the challenge of perfection. They are passionate about their work and always look for ways to improve the products they create to better meet customer needs. They are also excellent communicators and can work effectively with various stakeholders; whether you agree with their management style or not, they get things done and are done exceptionally well.
Iteration: The Art of Refinement
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Both the film and the product are never truly done. They both are constantly evolving, adapting to feedback and criticism. It's the curse of creation. The film director pores over hours of footage, painstakingly editing and refining their magnum opus. Think of Martin Scorsese spending countless hours in the editing room, perfecting every scene in Taxi Driver, ultimately crafting an iconic and unforgettable film. On the other hand, the product manager is consumed by user feedback, tweaking features, and making improvements to ensure the product stays relevant and competitive. They're like the team behind Instagram, who consistently iterate on their platform, introducing new features like Stories to keep users engaged.
Both the film and the product are never truly done. They both are constantly evolving, adapting to feedback and criticism. It's the curse of creation. The film director pores over hours of footage, painstakingly editing and refining their magnum opus. Think of Martin Scorsese spending countless hours in the editing room, perfecting every scene in Taxi Driver, ultimately crafting an iconic and unforgettable film. On the other hand, the product manager is consumed by user feedback, tweaking features, and making improvements to ensure the product stays relevant and competitive. They're like the team behind Instagram, who consistently iterate on their platform, introducing new features like Stories to keep users engaged.
The director's work is not done even after the film is shot. Filmmakers spend countless hours in the editing room, painstakingly editing and refining their magnum opus. They watch the film repeatedly, looking for ways to improve it. They make cuts, add music, and adjust the pacing. They want the film to be perfect and are only satisfied once it is.
Martin Scorsese is a director who is known for his continual improvement. He is also a director who is not afraid to take risks. In Taxi Driver, Scorsese pushed the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking. He used innovative camera techniques and special effects to create a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film. But even after the film was released, Scorsese wanted more. He continued to tinker with it, making small changes here and there. He even released a director's cut of the film that added more footage and scenes.
The product manager's work still needs to be done even after launching the product. They are constantly monitoring user feedback and making improvements to the product. They tweak features, add new functionality, and fix bugs. They want the product to be successful and are only satisfied once it is.
The team behind Instagram is an excellent example of a product team constantly iterating on its product. Instagram was initially launched as a photo-sharing app, but the team quickly realized users wanted more. They added new features like Stories, Live, and IGTV. They also made changes to the user interface to make it more user-friendly. As a result of their constant iteration, Instagram has become one of the world's most popular social media platforms.
Both film and product development are a labor of love. They are both challenging and rewarding. But they are also both cursed. The curse of creation is that it is never indeed done. There is always something that could be improved. There is always something that could be added. And so, the creator is always striving for perfection. They are always chasing the impossible dream.
But that is the beauty of creation. It is a never-ending journey. It is a constant search for something better. And it is a journey that is worth taking.
The Launch: Unleashing the Beast
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Release day. The culmination of blood, sweat, and tears. The film producer and product manager watch their babies take their first steps into the world, hoping one is a box office hit, and the other is to see customers buying their product.
For the film director, release day is nervous and exciting. They have poured their heart and soul into this film and are eager to see how audiences receive it. They hope that the film will succeed and that audiences will remember it for years.
One female director who has experienced the excitement and anxiety of release day is Kathryn Bigelow. Bigelow is a director known for her groundbreaking films, such as The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. She believes the film is a powerful medium to change people's lives. The Hurt Locker was a critical and commercial success. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director.
For the product manager, release day is a day of anticipation and excitement. They have been working on this product for months and are finally about to share it with the world. They hope that the product they've poured their life into will be a success and make a difference in people's lives.
Spotify is a music streaming service that was founded in 2006. It quickly became popular and disrupted the music industry by making it easy to listen to music on demand. The people who created Spotify were excited about the potential of their product, but they were also nervous about how the music industry would receive it. They knew that the music industry would be resistant to change. Despite the challenges, Spotify was a success. It changed the way people listen to music and disrupted the music industry. The music industry has had to adapt to the new reality of streaming music. This has led to changes in how music is recorded, distributed, and promoted. Spotify is a reminder that new products can significantly impact the world.
The Aftermath: Measuring Success and Embracing Change
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Once their creations are out in the world, product managers and film producers must face the music, gauging their success through metrics like revenue, user engagement, and critical acclaim. Just as a film producer scrutinizes box office numbers and reviews, a product manager pores over app download figures, store data, user reviews, and engagement metrics. They analyze the data to understand what resonated with their audiences and what fell short.
Take, for example, the producers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They've managed to create a film franchise that has become a global phenomenon by analyzing the success of each movie, learning from their mistakes, and adapting their strategy to deliver even more compelling stories. Similarly, the team behind the wildly successful Pokemon Go app listened to user feedback, introducing new features and improvements to keep players engaged and maintain their massive user base.
Ultimately, product managers and film producers are kindred spirits, navigating the treacherous waters of creation. They're the unconventional siblings, separated by industry but united by their passion for storytelling and drive to innovate. As they walk down their respective paths, their skills are more interchangeable than one might think, ultimately proving that the creative process transcends the boundaries of profession and industry.
So as a product manager try stepping out of your confort zone and try your hand at film making. So pick up your camera or phone, and start shooting. See where it takes you. Capture a story you want to tell. It could be a user who has had their life changed by your product. You may see a disparity you want the world to know about. Maybe it's of your family, and you direct a short film that you'll be laughing at 20 years from now. Expand your mental model by playing the role of a filmmaker; it's a manageable stretch, as you would imagine.
About the Author
Mike Hyzy is a principal product management consultant, author, and producer of short films. His latest documentary, Prevention Through Engagement, is about a social enterprise trying to tackle substance abuse as the rise of fentanyl in the illicit drug market exacerbates overdose deaths. You can watch the trailer here: www.ptefilm.com