Do you use “vertical” logic to solve a problem? This classic method for problem solving works out a solutions using a step-by-step method until a person arrives at a conclusion. Engineers I’ve known, have used this approach.
Or do you address problems “horizontally”? That is, having a thousand ideas but being unconcerned with how to implement the strategy of arriving at your destination.
Many will look at these two approaches and say the first is more left brain, the second more right brain. However, the better approach is to use both sides of your brain and think more entrepreneurial.
This appears to be the thinking of Joshuah Bearman, the “Argo” writer according to a Los Angeles Times article. According to the article, “Argo” prompted Bearman, …to think about storytelling in a different way–and to go entrepreneurial with his latest project, a tale of San Diego drug smuggler called ‘Coronado High’.” According to the article, Bearman negotiated a trifecta revenue package with publishing with GQ magazine( print), Atavist (a digital e-book publisher), and Sony Pictures (movie). These avenues displayed different “colors” of the project serving different audiences.
This strategy pushes Bearman into his own “Blue Ocean” by distinguishing his project from other journalists, novelists, and screenwriters. Though these multiple platforms operate separately, they will complement each other making this project greater than the sum of its parts. Why? Because one person hearing the audio version may want to see the movie, for example.
Some say that other writers will not be able to duplicate Bearman’s strategy because of his “Argo” clout, but I disagree. In business, there is always an industry leader that tests the water. If Bearman is successful, these(and other) publishers will be looking for other authors to replicate the success.
Multimedia is hear to stay, but the industry leader will be the person who can change with it. Multimedia platforms are not stagnant and demand a dynamic entrepreneur to change with them.