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Hollywood's Secrets for Small Business Success

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 12:10 GMT by WISH-TV
      Locales: Indiana, California, UNITED STATES

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - February 22, 2026 - For years, Hollywood has been synonymous with dazzling spectacle, creative risk-taking, and massive logistical undertakings. But increasingly, the lessons learned from the film industry are finding a surprising and effective application: the world of small business. Benny Selekman, an Indianapolis native and former Hollywood executive, is at the forefront of this movement with his recently released book, Lights, Camera, Business: Hollywood Lessons for Entrepreneurs. The book isn't a guide to securing funding from a studio or pitching a screenplay; instead, it's a pragmatic playbook for building a resilient, strategic, and ultimately successful small business.

Selekman's central thesis, articulated in numerous interviews and workshops following the book's release, is that the core principles of successful filmmaking - meticulous planning, collaborative teamwork, proactive problem-solving, and a relentless focus on the 'story' - are directly transferable to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. "People automatically think of glamour when they think of Hollywood," Selekman explains. "But the vast majority of the work is about managing incredibly complex projects, coordinating hundreds of people, and adapting to constant change. That's fundamentally the same as running a small business."

One of the most significant insights Selekman offers is the critique of the common entrepreneur's pitfall: becoming overly fixated on the product or service while neglecting the foundational aspects of running a business. Many startups pour resources into perfecting their offering before establishing a robust operational framework, a clear understanding of their target audience, or a sustainable financial model. Selekman argues this is akin to a filmmaker obsessing over a single shot without considering the overall narrative arc or logistical requirements of the entire film.

Lights, Camera, Business details how filmmakers utilize "pre-production" as a crucial phase, and Selekman encourages entrepreneurs to adopt a similar approach. This involves detailed market research (the equivalent of 'scouting locations'), financial projections (the 'budget'), team building (the 'casting'), and risk assessment (identifying potential 'on-set disasters'). A well-defined pre-production phase minimizes costly errors and maximizes the chances of a successful launch. He emphasizes the importance of a 'business script' - a comprehensive business plan that outlines the company's vision, mission, target market, financial projections, and operational strategies.

Beyond planning, Selekman highlights the critical role of teamwork in both industries. A film crew functions as a highly specialized, interdependent unit where each member's contribution is vital. Similarly, small businesses thrive when entrepreneurs foster a collaborative environment, delegate effectively, and leverage the strengths of their team. He stresses the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and a culture of trust. "On a movie set, everyone knows their role, and they rely on each other to execute. You need that same level of synergy in your business," Selekman stated in a recent interview with Forbes Small Business.

Selekman's book also delves into the art of 'storytelling' from a business perspective. He contends that entrepreneurs must be able to articulate a compelling narrative around their brand, connecting with customers on an emotional level. This is more than just marketing; it's about defining the 'why' behind the business and communicating that purpose effectively. A strong narrative resonates with consumers, builds brand loyalty, and differentiates a business from its competitors. Think of it as crafting the 'trailer' for your company.

Since its release, Lights, Camera, Business has garnered positive reviews from business leaders and entrepreneurs alike. Many have praised its practical advice, relatable anecdotes, and fresh perspective on tackling common business challenges. Selekman is currently conducting a national tour of workshops and speaking engagements, bringing his Hollywood-inspired insights to entrepreneurs across the country. He's also working on developing online courses and consulting services to provide more in-depth support to small business owners.

The book represents a growing trend of cross-industry learning, demonstrating that valuable insights can be found in unexpected places. By drawing parallels between the high-stakes world of filmmaking and the day-to-day realities of entrepreneurship, Benny Selekman has created a resource that empowers small business owners to think bigger, plan smarter, and ultimately, achieve their goals.