Upstart: The Digital Film Revolution Managing the Unmanageable

by Scott Ross

Over the last couple of decades, a new generation of startups born from creative industries but enabled through new technologies has invaded the business world, 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 the 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.

Scott Ross, former general manager of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), senior 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, Paperback

Published December 23, 2024