HBO drama “I May Destroy You” lands in my top ten favorite shows that I watched in 2020 (and I watched a ridiculous amount of TV), and I was thrilled that its creator, Michaela Coel, took home the Emmy in the Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category this year.
The show stood out at a time where we have more programming, channels, and streaming platforms than any of us truly need, but it’s what it took to get the show made that has intrigued me more.
The series, based on a personal incident in Coel’s life, got an offer for $1million from Netflix, and she turned it down. She turned down $1million and the “opportunity” to have her show on the world’s largest streaming service.
Here’s what you can learn from the Emmy winner:
1. Play the long game
With few exceptions, big wins and long-term success in business generally take work and time. So doing something for 90 days may not cut it. Michaela began pitching the show in 2017. It didn’t air until three years later (first on the BBC and then HBO).
2. Ownership & Understanding what you bring
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. [1]
Your (IP) is an asset that you own. And just like anything else you have ownership over, you get to decide what you want to do with it.
Coel understood what she owned, she protected it, and fought to keep it. And she did this even though she had a prior relationship with Netflix. She also courageously fired her U.S. agency for supporting a deal that would have left her without any ownership.
Every small business owner needs to understand how to operate within a partnership, and how to move on when the partnership no longer aligns with your mission, values, or personal goals.
3. Make sure you understand the deal in front of you
The contract usually comes after the pitches, meetings, and excitement about the project and initial proposal numbers ($). If you are the creative or service provider, make sure you understand what you are giving up in exchange for the $$. If you are outsourcing or hiring a creative or service provider, make sure you understand what you own when the project is complete.
Don’t get dazzled by the numbers. Once you sign and move forward it’s almost impossible to modify later.
You can read more about Michaela, the show, and the deal she walked away from HERE and HERE. There are plenty of nuggets in both, more than I can cover.
And if any of the above got your attention - you need help understanding how to protect and keep your work, or you need help with your contracts - reach out to us now.