20 Books Every Entrepreneur in Film, Music, and Entertainment Should Read

1. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
This book introduces the concept of lean startup methodology, which is essential for entrepreneurs looking to innovate in any industry, including film and music. It emphasizes rapid prototyping and validated learning.
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2. “Creative Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business” by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho
A guide tailored for creative professionals that covers essential business practices needed to thrive as a freelancer in the entertainment industry.
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3. “The Business of Music” by M. William Krasilovsky and Sidney Shemel
This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of the music business, including contracts, royalties, and marketing strategies crucial for music entrepreneurs.
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4. “Reinventing Organizations: A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage of Human Consciousness” by Frederic Laloux
Laloux explores innovative organizational structures that can be applied within creative industries like film and music, promoting self-management and purpose-driven work environments.
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5. “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield
Pressfield discusses the challenges creatives face and offers insights on overcoming resistance in order to achieve success in artistic endeavors like filmmaking or music production.
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6. “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell examines what makes high-achievers different, providing valuable lessons for entrepreneurs about opportunity, hard work, and cultural context in achieving success in entertainment fields.
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7. “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
This book explores why certain ideas resonate more than others, an essential read for anyone looking to market films or music effectively.
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8. “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron
Cameron provides a twelve-week program aimed at recovering creativity, which is vital for artists in film and music who may struggle with self-doubt or burnout.
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 9. “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger
Berger’s insights into why things catch on are crucial for marketing films or albums effectively through social media and other platforms today.
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10. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari
While not directly about entrepreneurship, Harari’s exploration of human history provides context on storytelling—a key element in both film and music industries—helping entrepreneurs understand their audience better.
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11. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
Covey’s principles can help entrepreneurs develop personal effectiveness that translates into professional success within competitive industries like entertainment.
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12. “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products” by Nir Eyal with illustrations by Ryan Hoover
Eyal’s book is particularly useful for understanding user engagement—critical for apps related to film distribution or music streaming services.
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13. “The Creative’s Guide To Starting A Business: How To Turn Your Talent Into A Career” by Harriet Kelsall This book provides practical advice specifically tailored for creative individuals looking to establish their own businesses within the arts sector. Link to Book

14. “All You Need To Know About The Music Business” by Donald S Passman A definitive guide covering all aspects of the music industry from contracts to copyright law—essential reading for anyone involved in music entrepreneurship. Link to Book

15. “Film School Confidential: The Insider’s Guide To Film Schools” by Adam Levenberg For those considering formal education in film production or direction, this book offers insights into various programs available worldwide. Link to Book

16. “The Filmmaker’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age” by Steven Ascher & Edward Pincus An essential resource covering everything from pre-production planning through post-production techniques relevant for aspiring filmmakers. Link to Book 

17. “Music Business Handbook and Career Guide” by Timothy D.Patrick This handbook serves as a comprehensive overview of the current state of the music industry along with career paths available within it. Link to Book

18. “The New Rules of Marketing & PR” by David Meerman Scott Scott discusses how digital tools have changed marketing strategies—crucial knowledge for promoting films or albums today. Link to Book

19. “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action” by Simon Sinek Sinek’s exploration into leadership can help entrepreneurs articulate their vision clearly—a vital skill when pitching projects or leading teams. Link to Book

20.”How Music Works: The Science And Psychology Of Beautiful Sounds, From Beethoven To The Beatles And Beyond” By John Powell Powell delves into how music affects us psychologically; understanding this can enhance an entrepreneur’s approach toward creating impactful content. Link to Book