Studios are merging. I'm building. (Plus: NYC mixer announced 🗓️)

Hey, it's Jerrica.

Everyone's spiraling about the WBD/Paramount deal this week. My LinkedIn comments are full of people asking what it means. Whether they should be worried. What happens next.

Here's the truth: I don't know what happens next. Nobody does.

But I do know what happens every time studios merge.

Layoffs. Restructuring. Projects getting shelved. People who did everything right suddenly out of a job because two companies decided to become one.

That's real. And if you're feeling anxious about it, I get it.

But after 12 years watching this cycle play out at Netflix, CAA, Lionsgate, and everywhere in between, here's what I've learned:

The studios have always been playing chess with themselves.

The game changes. The board shifts. New logos. New leadership. New "strategic priorities."

But the pawns? The creatives, the filmmakers, the storytellers? We keep waiting for someone to tell us it's safe to make our move.

It's not safe.

And it never was.

So while everyone debates whether this merger kills competition or ends theatrical releases, I'd rather talk about what you can actually control.

Here's where I'd put my energy right now:

1. Own your distribution.
A newsletter. A community. A channel. Something that's yours regardless of what deal closes next quarter. If your entire audience lives on someone else's platform, you're renting. Start owning.

2. Build your IP now.
Don't wait for a greenlight. Develop the thing. The proof of concept. The short. The pilot. Buyers want traction. Give them something to point to.

3. Diversify your income.
If your entire livelihood depends on one studio, one platform, or one deal, you've built on someone else's foundation. Brand partnerships. Coaching. Digital products. Consulting. Build your own floor.

4. Stay visible.
LinkedIn. Substack. TikTok. Wherever your people are. When the dust settles, decision-makers look for who stayed consistent through the chaos. Keep showing up.

5. Connect with other creators.
The consolidation of power at the top is exactly why community matters more at the ground level. Find your people. Build together. Nobody's coming to save us. But we can save each other.

The entertainment industry will always be uncertain. That's why I'm building something that survives it, instead of waiting for it to be safe.

How I'm greenlighting myself right now:

I've been deep in my own creative work lately. Writing my feature film. Developing my vertical series. Planning out my full content slate for the year.

It's a lot. But it's mine.

I'll be sharing more about what I'm building next week. For now, just know: I'm not just talking about greenlighting yourself. I'm doing it. In real time. And you get the inside scoop so you can do it too.

Speaking of building together...

🗓️ NYC MIXER: Tuesday, March 24th

The next Greenlight Yourself mixer is happening in New York City.

Writers. Filmmakers. Creators. Execs. People who are done waiting for permission.

First 30 people to arrive get a free drink ticket. 🍸

RSVP HERE

Proudly sponsored by The Wishly Group.

Last month in Jersey, we had 450+ RSVPs. People stayed late. Strangers exchanged numbers. Real conversations about building audiences you actually own, IP, and content creation.

This is the room I wished existed when I was coming up.

Now it does.

See you there?

Jerrica ✨