Business Movers
by Wondery
Latest Business Ideas
Crowdsourced Movie Distribution Platform
The idea revolves around creating a crowdsourced movie distribution platform that allows independent filmmakers to bypass traditional theater systems and connect directly with audiences. This platform would enable filmmakers to raise funds for distribution through pre-sales and audience engagement, creating a shared ownership experience. The system could leverage social media for promotion and audience building, allowing creators to generate buzz around their films before release. This model targets independent filmmakers and small studios who often struggle with distribution, providing a more democratic means of getting films to audiences without the constraints of traditional studios. Tools like crowdfunding platforms (Kickstarter, Indiegogo) could be integrated, and partnerships with local screening venues could facilitate community screenings.
From: Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Selling Scandal | 3
Film Scandal Marketing Agency
This concept involves launching a marketing agency that specializes in leveraging celebrity scandals to promote films and media. The agency would consult with filmmakers and studios on how to navigate controversies involving their stars, turning potential negative press into marketing gold. By developing strategies that capitalize on media attention, such as rapid promotional campaigns or exclusive interview deals, the agency can help studios maintain public interest and box office momentum. Target clients would include independent filmmakers, streaming platforms, and traditional studios looking to harness the power of scandal without damaging their reputation. Tools for tracking media trends and social sentiment analysis would be essential for this agency's success.
From: Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Selling Scandal | 3
Premium (Top-Shelf) Curated Marketplace
What it is: A curated, premium-focused digital marketplace that intentionally avoids commoditized, low-quality offerings and instead sells a small catalog of high-margin, high-quality products or digital goods at premium price points. In the episode George's strategy was to differentiate from competitors who "cut their whiskey" by offering a superior product and charging top dollar—an explicit product-positioning play. How to implement: Identify a niche where low-quality commoditization is common (e.g., stock photography, audio presets, design templates, specialty foods or spirits, or niche SaaS integrations). Recruit a small number of vetted, high-quality suppliers or creators and offer exclusive or limited runs. Build a polished storefront and concierge sales path (gated access, white-glove onboarding, premium bundles) and market to affluent, quality-focused buyers via targeted ads, PR (see idea 2), and partnerships. Operationally, emphasize strict curation, clear product storytelling, high-res media, premium packaging (for physical goods), and elevated customer support. Monetization: commission, listing fees, or direct product sales with higher margin. Problem solved & audience: Solves trust and quality issues for buyers overwhelmed by commoditized marketplaces. Target audience: discerning consumers and small businesses willing to pay for quality and reliability, and creators looking for a premium channel. The episode supports the strategy with the explicit tactic of selling "top shelf" and focusing on customers who will pay for it.
From: The King of Booze | Unspoken Rules | 1
Narrative-First PR & Attention Agency
What it is: A boutique agency (or solo consultancy) that builds publicity-first growth for startups by designing high-impact narratives, staged demonstrations, and attention-driving media hooks. The episode repeatedly highlights George's rule that "people will follow you if you dazzle them," and provides concrete historical tactics—fainting theatrics, dramatic demonstrations (drinking the alleged poison), and manufactured personal stories—that produced outsized press coverage. How to implement: Offer a service package for early-stage founders and digital creators that includes: narrative strategy (core story + hook), press-ready assets (op-eds, press releases, founder narratives), stunt or demo design (ethical, legal attention drivers), media outreach and placement, and ongoing reputation management. Start with case-study based outreach to local press and niche podcasters, run one or two high-signal demonstrations (product demos, founder narratives, or data reveals) and amplify via owned channels. Tools and tactics from the episode: craft a memorable dramatic moment, seed stories to reporters, and use visible demonstrations to create strong press hooks. Emphasize ethics and legal compliance (the episode shows how manipulative stunts can work but also create long-term reputational risk). Problem solved & audience: Solves discoverability and PR inefficiency for early-stage digital businesses and creators who need rapid awareness without huge ad budgets. Target customers: SaaS founders, direct-to-consumer brands, premium creators, and community builders who benefit from earned media and strong narratives.
From: The King of Booze | Unspoken Rules | 1
The Circle — Vertically Controlled Marketplace
What it is: The "Circle" is a vertically integrated business model that owns or tightly controls production, transportation and distribution so the founder can deliver a single, consistent product and capture margin at every step. In the episode George explicitly adopts Rockefeller-style vertical control—produce the product, own logistics, and sell directly to customers to dominate the market. How to implement (digital adaptation): A digital entrepreneur can build a vertically-controlled marketplace or DTC platform that bundles production (or curated suppliers), fulfillment/logistics, and a proprietary storefront. Examples: a niche subscription e-commerce brand that owns manufacturing and fulfillment while using a marketplace front-end; or a curated B2B marketplace that signs exclusive supply contracts and offers integrated logistics and billing. Implementation steps: validate a high‑margin niche, secure or contract with producers (or produce digitally-created assets), integrate fulfillment/3PL or exclusive digital distribution, build a conversion-optimized storefront or marketplace, and launch with a focused geography/audience. Use measurable KPIs (LTV, CAC, fulfillment time) to expand. Problem solved & audience: Solves inconsistent quality, low margins, and fragmented distribution that plague niche product categories. Target audience: founders building niche physical/digital product businesses or marketplaces that need consistent premium supply and higher margins (food & beverage DTC, premium digital asset marketplaces, niche hardware, or subscription boxes). Strategies mentioned in the episode—controlling production, transportation and distribution and aiming to "flood the market with his product"—map directly to negotiating exclusives, bundling logistics, and owning customer relationships.
From: The King of Booze | Unspoken Rules | 1
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