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UPSTART: THE DIGITAL FILM REVOLUTION MANAGING THE UNMANAGEABLE
Over the last couple of decades, a new generation of startups born from creative industries but enabled through new technologies has invaded the world of business, stamping their mark in fields as varied as virtual to human avatars, augmented reality, video games, and even artificial intelligence. However, many such budding entrepreneurs lack what it takes in experience and knowledge to manage or scale such enterprises.
Upstart sheds light on the many successes and some of the challenges involved in navigating a top creative business in an ever-changing technological landscape. While it provides insights for those within the industry, this book also offers broader lessons intended for all entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The key questions it explores How does one manage the unmanageable in a tech-driven, fast-paced environment?What can the rise of this new industry reveal about business models and the assumptions that underpin them?How might creative tech businesses begin to challenge traditional business paradigms?Scott Ross, former general manager of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Sr Vice President of Lucasfilm and co-founder of Digital Domain, brings unmatched experience to this discussion. Under his leadership, ILM transitioned into the world's leading digital VFX Company, winning five Academy Awards. Founding Digital Domain with partners James Cameron (Avatar, Titanic) and Stan Winston (Jurassic Park) Ross led the company to three Oscar wins for Titanic, What Dreams May Come, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
While many see the VFX revolution as a technological milestone, Upstart places equal emphasis on another critical the human factor. Ross explains how the character of those wielding the technology makes all the difference in the impact created—much as King Arthur's character defined the legend of Excalibur. This book dives into the blend of technology, human imagination, and leadership, presenting insights that are humorously engaging, honestly incisive, and aimed at a vision for a better world.
Upstart sheds light on the many successes and some of the challenges involved in navigating a top creative business in an ever-changing technological landscape. While it provides insights for those within the industry, this book also offers broader lessons intended for all entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The key questions it explores How does one manage the unmanageable in a tech-driven, fast-paced environment?What can the rise of this new industry reveal about business models and the assumptions that underpin them?How might creative tech businesses begin to challenge traditional business paradigms?Scott Ross, former general manager of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Sr Vice President of Lucasfilm and co-founder of Digital Domain, brings unmatched experience to this discussion. Under his leadership, ILM transitioned into the world's leading digital VFX Company, winning five Academy Awards. Founding Digital Domain with partners James Cameron (Avatar, Titanic) and Stan Winston (Jurassic Park) Ross led the company to three Oscar wins for Titanic, What Dreams May Come, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
While many see the VFX revolution as a technological milestone, Upstart places equal emphasis on another critical the human factor. Ross explains how the character of those wielding the technology makes all the difference in the impact created—much as King Arthur's character defined the legend of Excalibur. This book dives into the blend of technology, human imagination, and leadership, presenting insights that are humorously engaging, honestly incisive, and aimed at a vision for a better world.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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July 4, 2025I was there at Digital Domain at the beginning. I was employee #13.
I liked the book, but knowing Scott as well as I do I knew what was sour grapes and what was not.
He was entitled to some sour grapes though.
I know how much he agonized over that business and what it meant to him. It killed him to have to sell the business.
Having said that, it is a good account of the "business we've chosen" (to quote Hyman Roth) and just how dysfunctional the business model is. That continues to be true today.
We all got into this business because of our love for the melding of art and technology, and unfortunately, none of us knew what was going to happen, but I was more prepared than most, because by the time I got to DD I had already been in business and knew how quickly it could all go south.
That taught me one thing: You love the art, you hate the business part (especially when you have a responsibility to your employees.
Many have argued with me that DD was just one of the shops that got the Digital Revolution in our artform started. And that's true. But that shop is close to my heart.
If you want to read a really interesting account of someone's career, this book is for you.
If you want to read a really interesting account of a new artform taking shape, this book is for you
If you want to read a really interesting account of how a business can go sideways in a minute, this book is for you
If you want to read a really interesting book written by a pretty good guy. This book is for you.
Scott (and Ed Ulbrich) were responsible for sending my career into the stratosphere and I'll be eternally grateful for that.
I liked the book, but knowing Scott as well as I do I knew what was sour grapes and what was not.
He was entitled to some sour grapes though.
I know how much he agonized over that business and what it meant to him. It killed him to have to sell the business.
Having said that, it is a good account of the "business we've chosen" (to quote Hyman Roth) and just how dysfunctional the business model is. That continues to be true today.
We all got into this business because of our love for the melding of art and technology, and unfortunately, none of us knew what was going to happen, but I was more prepared than most, because by the time I got to DD I had already been in business and knew how quickly it could all go south.
That taught me one thing: You love the art, you hate the business part (especially when you have a responsibility to your employees.
Many have argued with me that DD was just one of the shops that got the Digital Revolution in our artform started. And that's true. But that shop is close to my heart.
If you want to read a really interesting account of someone's career, this book is for you.
If you want to read a really interesting account of a new artform taking shape, this book is for you
If you want to read a really interesting account of how a business can go sideways in a minute, this book is for you
If you want to read a really interesting book written by a pretty good guy. This book is for you.
Scott (and Ed Ulbrich) were responsible for sending my career into the stratosphere and I'll be eternally grateful for that.
March 19, 2025
Fascinating story about an industry few people know well. Well written, great narration, and I learned a lot. It’s balanced (open about mistakes made and gives deserved credit even to terrible people) and the author is very self-aware. It tells an easy to understand story about the brilliant people who have made our movie going experiences amazing, but these talented people are being unnecessarily exploited unfairly by the film industry. The prescriptions at the end are crisp and I hope the industry can act on them. Excellent book.
October 13, 2025
I loved it very very much. I didn't know DDs story nor who Scott was. Now I do and so happy for it. One of the loudest voices for change in broken VFX business model. I especially loved shown acceptance of own mistakes and constant growth up and beyond retirement. Very uplifting and inspiring. I so hope Scott and James C. will bury the 🪓 and maybe even collab on that Thousands Cranes project 🤞 Unlikely but one can't stop dreaming.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews