What do you mean by “read the trades” | Ashley Renee Smith

If you’re serious about working in film or television—on any level—you need to be reading the trades every single day. That means Deadline, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter at minimum. But there's also IndieWire and The Wrap! These outlets are where the industry announces what’s being made, who’s being hired, what trends are rising, where the money is moving, and how the business is evolving. You can’t position yourself or your project in a meaningful way without knowing the landscape. Reading the trades is one of the simplest daily habits you can build that will help you think and operate more like a professional. As RB Botto says in this video, there’s no excuse not to make this part of your daily routine if you want to be successful in this industry. Take 15 minutes every morning and scan the headlines. Know what’s happening. Know who’s making things happen. Watch the video and let us know—are you already reading the trades daily? If not, which outlet will you start with this week? Let’s discuss.