At a recent visit to a local Library, the book The Story Solution written by Eric Edson, published by Michael Wiese Productions, 2011 was an interesting find. Mr. Edson believes there are 23 interlocking steps used in every successful screenplay to create dynamic, 3-D heroes, and captivating emotion filled plots. My bias, similar to most people, is over the years, I have watched many movies – some good, some bad, but never took the time or desire to analyze why. Fortunately, there are people such as Mr. Edson who has to come up with 23 steps which a movie script needs. When we watch a movie, at some point we determine if we care about the movie or not. The 23 steps are designed to ensure the audience does care, for if the steps are not in the screenplay we definitely do not care about the characters.

Linking to dividend producing stocks, there are two reasons for tackling the subject – one if you ever invested in a movie company, you need to ensure the multi million dollar feature will actually bring in millions of dollars to the company. If it does not, the company is good short. The second reason is in most industries, including the creative industries,  there are steps to go thorough. Does following the steps automatically make it a winner? no. But not following the steps will ensure losses. Similarly with investing – does buying a company because it pays a dividend ensure you will profit for years to come? no, but it does dramatically increase the potential for that result to happen and then your can spend more time watching movies.

There are always more questions than answers, till then next time – to raising questions.