Everybody wants to be in show business these days. And I mean everybody. Don't believe me? Check around your social circle; go ahead, do it. It won't take long to find a dream or two (or 20) lurking within your circumference of friends.
Of course, dreaming isn't enough; neither is talent. Action is wholly necessary to break into one of the most exclusive clubs on the planet. If you want to be an actor, writer, or director, one of the best things you can do concerning such a goal is make your own independent film. Everyone's doing it (once again, look around you).
Sony
On an anecdotal basis, I can tell you that more and more people want to shoot their own movies as each day passes by (I'm one of them). In fact, there are more markets and opportunities for aspiring film creators than ever before. Festivals are popping up all over the place, especially at fan conventions celebrating horror and science fiction; cablers such as Viacom's
Everyone thinks they have what it takes to be a star in this era of reality TV. As the base of aspiring filmmakers expands, Sony can leverage its brand appeal and win over a lot of buyers (keep in mind the youthful aspect of this section of the culture, and think of the loyalty Sony probably wields just off the love of the PlayStation system alone -- many teenage players who eventually get into the celluloid rat race will definitely consider the electronics icon for their needs).
For an excellent overview of this phenomenon and its potential effect on companies such as Apple Computer
Fool contributor Steven Mallas owns none of the companies mentioned and is currently shopping his own short scripts around the neighborhood.