Producing a movie and leading a tech product might seem worlds apart, but according to Emmy-nominated actor and producer Bastiano Ferrari, the two share striking similarities. As someone who has successfully navigated both the entertainment and business worlds, Ferrari believes that structuring a film is much like building a company—both require vision, leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of collaboration.
Having worked on major film productions while also closely observing the evolution of the tech and entrepreneurial space, Ferrari has developed a unique perspective on what makes projects—whether a movie or a startup—succeed.
- The Vision: A Strong Idea as the Foundation
“Every great film starts with a compelling story, just like every successful company begins with a powerful idea,” Ferrari explains. “Without a clear vision, both projects are likely to lose direction.”
Bastiano Ferrari – Photo credit Igore Malakov
In Hollywood, producers work with writers and directors to develop a narrative that captivates an audience. Similarly, in the tech world, a founder or product leader must identify a problem and build a product that effectively solves it. In both cases, clarity of purpose is crucial, as it sets the foundation for all decisions moving forward.
- The Team: Assembling the Right Talent
A movie is only as good as the people making it, and the same goes for a startup. “Casting actors in a film is no different from hiring the right engineers, designers, or marketers for a company,” says Ferrari. “Each person needs to bring a unique skill set, but they also need to work together seamlessly.”
Just like a producer must ensure that the director, cinematographer, and actors complement each other, a startup leader must build a team with diverse yet complementary expertise. In both industries, the challenge isn’t just finding the best talent—it’s creating an environment where they can collaborate effectively to bring a vision to life.
- The Structure: Pre-Production is Like Product Development
Before a movie ever reaches the set, extensive planning takes place. Script revisions, budgeting, scheduling, and location scouting all happen in pre-production. This phase is comparable to the product development stage in a startup.
“In both cases, preparation is everything,” Ferrari notes. “You have to anticipate potential challenges, allocate resources wisely, and set a realistic timeline. Just like rushing into production without a solid pre-production phase can ruin a film, launching a product without proper research and planning can doom a company.”
- Execution: Filming vs. Product Launch
Once pre-production is complete, a film moves into the execution phase—shooting. This is when the vision is transformed into reality, much like the development and launch phase of a product in the tech world.
“On set, unforeseen issues always arise, and as a producer, you have to think on your feet to solve them quickly,” Ferrari says. “It’s the same in business—startups need to pivot when faced with unexpected market shifts, user feedback, or technical challenges.”
Both filmmakers and entrepreneurs must be adaptable, ensuring that changes don’t derail the core vision but rather enhance the final outcome.
- Distribution & Marketing: Selling the Vision
A great movie isn’t enough—it needs an audience. Marketing and distribution play a critical role in a film’s success, just as customer acquisition and growth strategies determine a product’s success in the business world.
“A well-executed movie that nobody hears about is like an amazing product that no one downloads or buys,” Ferrari explains. “Understanding your audience, crafting the right messaging, and choosing the right distribution channels is key in both industries.”
In Hollywood, producers collaborate with studios, PR firms, and distributors to ensure their movie gets visibility. In tech, product leaders work with marketing, sales, and customer success teams to drive adoption and long-term engagement.
- Success Measurement: Box Office vs. Business Metrics
A film’s success is measured by box office revenue, critical reception, and audience engagement. In the tech world, success is determined by KPIs such as user growth, revenue, and market penetration.
Ferrari emphasizes that in both cases, success isn’t just about the launch—it’s about long-term impact.
“Some films don’t perform well initially but become cult classics over time, just like some products struggle at first but eventually find their market fit. It’s about continuously improving, listening to feedback, and adapting to changing trends.”
Bridging Two Worlds
Ferrari’s insights demonstrate that the process of building something impactful—whether in film or tech—requires vision, leadership, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.
Bastiano Ferrari – Photo credit Igore Malakov
“At the end of the day, both industries are about storytelling,” he concludes. “A great film tells a compelling story that resonates with audiences. A great company tells a story through its brand, its product, and the experience it creates for customers. The principles are the same—you just have to know how to execute them well.”
As Ferrari continues expanding his footprint in Hollywood, his entrepreneurial mindset ensures he remains a forward-thinking force in the industry. Whether producing films or observing the tech world’s rapid evolution, he sees the parallels—and knows that the key to success in any field is bringing people together to build something meaningful.
