What's the single most important factor in economic success? It might surprise you.

The Economic Freedom Index tells a concerning story: The US has fallen from 81% in 2005 to 70% in 2024. This decline isn't just a number—it represents a fundamental shift in how freely people can make economic decisions for themselves.

But why does this matter?

Economic freedom is the backbone of widespread prosperity. When people have the ability to make their own economic decisions, they tend to make better choices for their lives. The evidence is clear: countries with greater economic freedom consistently show less poverty and more innovation than their restrictive counterparts.

For those of us in creative industries, this shift has profound implications. We're witnessing the largest transformation of media and entertainment since the advent of television.

Consider how the pandemic reshaped our economic landscape:

These shifts reveal an important truth: Real economic growth comes from entrepreneurs creating new value, not redistributing existing wealth. When entrepreneurs build something new and investors value it, they expand the entire economic pie rather than fighting over existing slices.

Think about the evolution of film financing and distribution. Twenty years ago, you needed a major studio's permission to reach an audience. Today, independent creators can build direct relationships with viewers and investors alike. This isn't just about technology—it's about economic freedom in action.

For those looking to thrive in this new reality, the path forward requires four key steps:

As someone in the film industry, I can't go back to 1990s indie filmmaking—the landscape has fundamentally changed. When streaming giants like Netflix are spending $17 billion annually on content, and individual creators are building million-dollar media businesses, the opportunity is clear. The only way forward is to learn what's growing, align with those trends, and create new wealth through innovation.

The backbone of any thriving economy isn't government intervention—it's entrepreneurs starting businesses. With 65% of ultra-high net worth individuals being self-made, the data supports this view. This is particularly relevant in entertainment, where the most successful companies are often built by creators who understood both the creative and business sides of the industry.

The real question we should be asking isn't whether the system is fair—it's how we can increase our personal agency and create value in an increasingly digital world. Your success depends far more on what you create than what you consume.