Mastery Journal: Media Publishing and Distribution
At the outset of this course, my primary goal was to gain a comprehensive understanding of media publishing and distribution, specifically focusing on its application to my career as an artist, performer, and entrepreneur. I aimed to enhance my knowledge in critical areas such as copyright registration, creating professional press kits, and ensuring my musical works were adequately protected and registered with ASCAP. Furthermore, I had a long-term goal of learning what it takes to publish film work and books as I aspire to grow in my writing craft, particularly in scriptwriting and book publishing.
I can confidently say this course has met and exceeded my expectations. One of the first significant milestones was gaining a deeper understanding of intellectual property protection, particularly copyright law. Before this course, I had a basic understanding of copyright but lacked the in-depth knowledge necessary to protect my creative works fully. Now, I know the importance of registering my songs with ASCAP and how copyright law extends into other areas of publishing and distribution. This knowledge has been instrumental in giving me the confidence to navigate the business side of my career with more precision and clarity.
The course provided invaluable insights into press kits. I learned how to craft an effective press kit beyond just a resume and portfolio, incorporating elements like audience reactions, high-quality visuals, and a straightforward narrative of who I am as an artist. This has been particularly useful as I prepare for upcoming live shows and music tours, including my recent focus on preparing for my next show, The Magic Hour, on November 9, 2024. The skills I’ve gained in presenting my work professionally will ensure that my brand stands out when it reaches agents, venues, and media outlets.
This course introduced me to the world of publishing beyond music. Learning the steps involved in publishing film work and books was an unexpected but welcome benefit. As someone who has always been passionate about storytelling, mainly through scriptwriting, understanding how to navigate the legalities and distribution channels within the film and literary industries has opened new doors for my career. It’s exciting to think that I can now begin to pursue projects that involve writing scripts or even publishing a book with confidence that I have a foundational understanding of the publishing world.
On a professional level, the knowledge I’ve gained will allow me to take greater control of my career. I will now be able to manage my intellectual property, ensuring that all my works are properly registered and protected. I feel more empowered to explore new creative avenues, such as writing and producing films or publishing books, knowing that I have a grasp of what it takes to bring these projects to life from a legal and business perspective.
In summary, this course has been a pivotal part of my journey as an artist and entrepreneur. It gave me the tools to protect, publish, and distribute my work across different media platforms. As I continue to evolve in my career, I plan to apply everything I’ve learned, not only in my music career but also as I branch out into writing scripts and possibly publishing books. This course has truly aligned with my long-term goals, helping me fine-tune my understanding of the entertainment business and laying the groundwork for future success.