SHOW / EPISODE

The Truth About Making Money From Movies Nobody Talks About

1h 17m | Oct 9, 2026

What happens when you invest over $500,000 into a movie, only to discover that the industry has completely changed?

On this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands sits down with Ernestine Johnson Morrison and filmmaker Cas Sigers-Beedles for an eye-opening conversation about the business behind Hollywood, movie investments, and the challenges of getting films onto major streaming platforms.

After successfully producing and licensing their first film, Scheme Queens, the team decided to go bigger with the sequel, Scheme Queens: Caribbean Heist. But what seemed like another guaranteed success quickly became one of their biggest business challenges.

From changing streaming deals and Hollywood mergers to unexpected financial setbacks and the pressure of paying back investors, Ernestine and Cas share what really happens behind the scenes when you're building a business in the entertainment industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How they raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce their films

• The real business behind licensing movies to streaming platforms

• Why their first movie sold quickly but the sequel struggled to find a buyer

• How Hollywood mergers and changing industry demands impact independent filmmakers

• The unexpected six-figure setback they faced while filming in the Caribbean

• How filmmakers actually make money from Amazon Prime, Tubi, and other streaming services

• The responsibility of managing investors when a business doesn't go according to plan

Whether you're an entrepreneur, filmmaker, content creator, or investor, this conversation is a powerful reminder that past success doesn't guarantee future results and that understanding your industry is just as important as having a great product.

Watch Scheme Queens: Caribbean Heist on Amazon Prime Video.

Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more real conversations about entrepreneurship, business, wealth building, and the lessons learned along the journey.

#SocialProofPodcast #DavidShands #ErnestineJohnsonMorrison #SchemeQueens #Entrepreneurship #FilmIndustry #BusinessLessons #IndependentFilm



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Paused
Audio Player Image
Social Proof Podcast
Loading...