Does one have to invest big to make it big? Perhaps if you are playing blackjack, but investing is not the same as gambling. Yes, luck is always an important factor (some would argue the most important) but there is more to it than that. Also, where, or rather, what we invest in is not always that obvious.

There is no correlation between the effort/time you put into something and the rewards (financially speaking) that you may possibly get out. And also, there is no correlation between the money you invest in something and what the possible returns could be. Yes, if you were investing in a shopping mall then the numbers would be rather large I would imagine. But, intellectual property, on the other hand, does not necessarily require a big financial injection.

Consider a musician or a film maker, or someone sitting at home writing software on their laptop. They could be even be sitting on a beach somewhere doing their thing. Yes, consider this for a moment. This is really a function of time, effort and talent, and of course, inspiration. Ultimately, it is a function of a person, or a group of people. And that’s what you are investing in, people.

A hard-working, enthusiastic, talented person can hide away behind their computer and the end result could be magic. The next big thing could be developed in someone’s bedroom and this is what is happening in the world today. When it comes to investing, look towards someone’s character. Remember, personality opens doors, but character keeps them open. And, when exploring your opportunities out there, consider those who see themselves as Alchemists.

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But, it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that!”

Getting a film to market must be one of the toughest challenges in the world. Competing on the world stage is overwhelming. Going up against all the big budget Hollywood films is a monster exercise. Getting an indie film released in the USA must one the hardest things you could ever try to do; now imagine getting a non-American indie film out there – wow, talk about a big mountain to climb! Yes, competing in the arts is not easy: there are very few winners and lots and lots of losers.

When you go to a cinema or a book shop or a CD store, you don’t ask to see the international products or the local stuff, etc. You simply want to check out what’s hot – you want the best. Your leisure time is precious. Simply put, you don’t want to waste your time with something that is average or mediocre. Then, consider that South Africa is not a big film going country – it is not a big part of our culture. Sports, on the other hand, is all everyone talks about. So, how then does one get a local film to stand out? The chances of success are slim in the film business at best. And when it comes to SA films, well, it is even more difficult. Then, when you consider how low the cinema ticket prices are here compared to the rest of the world, and all the other factors, well, you have better odds just going to a casino (financially speaking that is).

I love storytelling, and the creative process, and inspiring people, and capturing imaginations, and magic. But if your business is that of storytelling, then it needs to be sustainable (like for any other business). If we keep losing money in our local film industry then we will eventually hit a brick wall. Yes, yes, I am stating the obvious, but we see the vast majority of our local movies losing every cent so I am confused. Perhaps there is no brick wall. Perhaps there is just endless money to burn. I certainly don’t get it.

If life/comedy/magic is about “timing”, then choreography is the art of making “timing” look impromptu when it actually has been planned (where timing = knowing when to do the sleight, body movement, ask question, make joke, etc.). I’d attribute at least 50% of how my close-up magic “works” to choreography – the art of making timing look effortless (when it is actually planned). – Marcel Oudejans

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery. – Winston Churchill