We earn commissions if you shop through the links below.  Read more

45 Entertainment Business Ideas

Back to Business Ideas Categories

Written by: Natalie Fell

Natalie is a business writer with experience in operations, HR, and training & development within the software, healthcare, and financial services sectors.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on July 13, 2022 Updated on November 10, 2023

45 Entertainment Business Ideas

Let the good times roll! As entertainment outlets reopen and people gather for all kinds of celebrations , the entertainment industry is bouncing back big-time. If you’re looking to start a business, you’ve come to the right place.

You could launch your own record label, open a karaoke bar, or begin offering DJ services. Other possible businesses include party room rental, a gun range, and go kart. These are just a few of the possibilities from our long list of excellent entertainment business ideas.

1. Party Planning

How to start an event planning business

Ready for good times? As the pandemic recedes, parties are coming back. The US party and event planning industry is worth more than $3 billion and growing as more and more people plan the big blow-outs they’ve been delaying for so long. Graduation parties, weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday bashes and much more. If you’re well organized and know how to have a good time, you could start your own party planning business and ride this wave to a major payday. 

With minimal investment, you can run your business from home to keep costs low, and charge 15-20 percent of the total budget for the event. The biggest hurdle will be getting those first few clients, and for that you’ll probably want to set up an appealing website and launch a strong marketing and promotional campaign. Once you’re able to provide those early customers with excellent service and unforgettable gatherings, you might want to start partying yourself, to celebrate your future success.

2. Party Rental

How to start a party rental business

Let’s get this party started! Lockdowns have been lifted and people are getting out and about again, which is good news for parties, gatherings and other big events. US party rentals represent a $5 billion industry that’s expected to see sharp growth in the coming years.

You could start a party rental business, grab a share of that vast market and help people have fun by providing tents, bars, bouncy houses, karaoke machines and more to people looking to have a good time. You could also offer more standard party supplies such as tables, chairs, tents, food and beverage carts. Whichever route you choose, buying the equipment will require a significant investment, but that’s the only major hurdle standing in your way. After that, you’ll just need to register as a business, set up an appealing website and let the good times roll!

3. Karaoke Bar

How to start a karaoke business

The pandemic dealt a blow to karaoke bars across the US, but the industry is expected to recover as the economy bounces back and consumer confidence improves. There are over 1,500 karaoke bars across the country, and there’s still room for more so start your own karaoke business now. The market is expected to grow in terms of revenue in the next five years. 

The first thing you need to do is scout for a good location. Your karaoke bar should be accessible to your potential customers. Next, you will need to come up with a business plan to determine what services you’re going to offer. Most karaoke bars also serve food and drinks to their customers, so you might want to work on your menu before you get started. Once you’ve prepared everything and complied with all regulations, you should promote your business. A karaoke business can be highly profitable if you hit the right notes.

4. Film Production Company

How to Start a Film Production Company

Are you a movie buff? You can have some control over what kind of movies the public sees by starting your own film production company. The US film industry is a huge market with plenty of growth opportunities despite the closure of theaters at the start of the pandemic. The industry is expected to grow at least 4% per year through 2025.

You’ll need some funds to acquire the necessary equipment, build a creative team, create content, and finance the production process. Before you can start production, your team needs to do research, scout for locations, and identify the cast. It’s a good idea to link up with theaters and streaming services for the distribution of your movie. Starting a film production company is not easy.

Keep in mind that you’ll be competing with many big names in the industry like Paramount, Universal, Warner, and more. You’ll have to offer something fresh and unique to attract an audience and make your film production company successful.

How to start a circus business

Circuses are still traveling around the US and giving performances that include aerials, acrobatics, and other traditional acts. Some still travel with animals, with strict adherence to animal welfare and safety regulations. As many Americans still watch live performances, plenty of opportunities await entrepreneurs like you who are thinking about starting their own circus. 

Before you launch your circus, you’ll need to get the necessary permits and licenses. It’s also important to come up with a business plan, identify your target market, and put together an amazing show. Besides their regular shows, circuses can also perform for private events such as family gatherings and fundraisers. Some, like the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus from New York City, also hold circus workshops, children’s after-school programs, and summer camps. You may also want to consider these additional revenue streams or you can come up with your own innovative acts that will boost your circus and attract your target audience. Good luck!

6. Dance Studio

How to start a dance studio

If you have some remarkable dance skills and an open space, you can start your own dance studio and earn some cash while teaching others the basics of ballroom dancing, jazz, hip-hop, or Kpop dance breaks. There are nearly 70,000 dance studios across the country and the number is expected to increase more than 3% annually in the coming years.

Before you can open your dance studio, it’s a good idea to scope out the market and come up with offerings that will make your studio stand out. Keep in mind that you’ll be competing not only with other physical dance studios in your locality but also with online dance classes. Being up to date with the latest trends in dance can give you a competitive edge. It’s also important to map out a business plan that will employ both traditional and digital marketing strategies to bring in the clients. With these in place, you can start bopping to the top!

7. Wedding Planning

How to start a wedding planning business

Who doesn’t love a big wonderful wedding? Of course, everything has to be absolutely perfect, which is why so many Americans choose to hire a wedding planner. Wedding planning is a nearly $900 million industry in the US, and poised to do well as many couples are finally able to put their long-delayed nuptials on the calendar. If you’re well organized and enjoy making grand plans, you could start your own wedding planning business and create magical memories for countless couples and their loved ones while grabbing a share of this major market. 

The first decision is to choose what type of wedding planning you’d like to offer: full-service, partial service, or event coordination. Full-service planners take care of absolutely everything, from the flowers to the table placements and even the weather (they wish!). Partial service planners provide assistance with key aspects of the wedding, such as outfits or location, and event coordinators just keep an eye on the details for couples who’ve done most of their own planning. You might want to offer all three services, and optimize your chance of success!

8. Bounce House

How to start an inflatable bounce house business

Bounce houses are terribly silly, which is precisely why they’re so much fun. From wild toddlers to boring adults, sometimes we all need to bounce around and let our worries go. That’s why bounce houses have gotten so popular — you’ll see them at church and school events, birthday parties, fairs and festivals, even graduations and frat parties. The US bounce house and party supply industry took a hit in 2020, but it’s coming roaring back as the pandemic recedes, expecting 16% growth in 2022 alone. 

You could ride that wave by starting your own bounce house business and helping people of all ages enjoy themselves while making good money. You don’t need to make a major investment and you could work from home, offering your items online. You’ll just need to buy a few appealing bounce houses, build an appealing, easy to use website and start doing some marketing. You’ll also want to get some insurance, because bounce house injuries are a real thing. But they’re quite rare, as most bouncers thoroughly enjoy their experience, and come back for more!

9. Art Gallery

How to start a art gallery

Are you passionate about art? If so, now might be the right time to follow your dreams and open an art gallery. The US art dealers’ market is worth $9 billion and growing, so the opportunity is there for the taking. Getting started isn’t as easy as drawing a stick figure, but nor is it as difficult as painting the Sistine Chapel.

First, you’ll need to decide which type of art you’ll focus on. It should be a genre that’s personally meaningful to you. Maybe you’re into 20th-century Russian art, or contemporary South American artists. Or maybe you’d prefer to highlight up-and-coming artists from your area. Alternatively, you could embrace several of these options, but it tends to be better for a gallery to build a brand focused on a certain concept or genre. 

Once you’ve nailed down your concept, you’ll just need to rent out a good space, start reaching out to artists and collectors and, last but not least, launch a major marketing blitz to promote your first show. Good luck!

10. Tarot Reading

How to start a tarot reading business

One of the many unexpected outcomes of the pandemic was sharply increased interest in tarot cards. People stuck at home started looking for answers and many, including countless millennials, turned to the mysteries of tarot. The US psychic services industry is now worth more than $2 billion after years of steady growth. So if you enjoy peering into the future, now is a good time to start your own tarot reading business and make good money. 

One crucial choice will be choosing the right tarot deck, because some focus more on functional concerns while others are more oracular, or forward-looking. If you’re already experienced in giving readings, you could gather some testimonials from your friends and other people for whom you’ve done readings. This is one of the best ways to promote yourself as a psychic and a reader of tarot. Without any reputation, you’ll be starting from scratch, which will make success considerably more difficult.

11. Lottery

lottery business idea

The global lottery market is expected to bounce back from a pandemic-induced decline and grow around 10% each year. If you’re looking for a new business venture, then maybe you can consider starting a lottery business. The earning potential is big as a lot of people regularly purchase lottery tickets in the hope of winning the jackpot.

To get started, it’s important to decide which segment to focus on: terminal-based games, scratch off games, or sports lotteries. This will determine the kind of equipment and supplies that you will need, and answer the question on how big your shop or stall is going to be. You also need to look at government regulations, comply with documentary requirements, and address any legal issues. Anticipate technical issues with regards to accepting payments and processing wins, among others. Once you hurdle these, you should be well on your way to profitability.

May the odds be ever in your favor!

12. Modeling Agency

How to Start a Modeling Agency

About 500 job openings for models are expected each year through 2030 as the corporate sector bounces back from the pandemic and resumes advertising. You can take advantage of this opportunity by starting a modeling agency. You won’t be alone, though, as there are over 7,000 modeling agencies in the US with total revenue of around $2 billion.  

Models pose for magazines and print ads, promote products and services for a client, strut down the catwalk in fashion shows, and more. A modeling agency guides, trains, and helps models develop successful careers by presenting them to booking agents and arranging placements. 

You can start this business from home and just pay for a virtual office to save on overhead costs. But it’s important to have a vast network of contacts in this extremely competitive industry. Being able to tap the right contacts can help you land big contracts and get your business up and running.

13. Brewery

How to start a brewery business

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own brewery business, you’re in luck. The brewery industry in the US is anticipated to rebound from pandemic decline as consumer spending increases. The number of breweries in the US has been steadily increasing over the past decade. As of 2020, there were close to 10,000 breweries across the country, and many survived the pandemic by shifting to packaged and to-go sales. 

It takes hard work and substantial investment to start a brewery. To keep up with the latest consumer trends, you might want to focus on craft and regional beers as well as alternative alcoholic beverages such as ready-to-drink cocktails. You need to check federal and state laws relating to the industry first and comply with these. It’s to your advantage to carefully plan your business, from the licensing process to choosing the right brewing equipment. If you do this right, your brewery business has nowhere to go but up.

14. Limo Business

How to Start a Limo Business

Limousine rental outlets continue to enjoy good business despite the emergence of more affordable ridesharing services . The global limousine services market is anticipated to grow 7% a year through 2025. Clients cite the luxury, comfort, safety and professional chauffeur services that limousines provide. Besides, what better way to make a grand entrance at an event than to arrive in a limousine?

If you’re considering a limousine rental business, be prepared to make hefty investments. You’ll need to invest in a fleet of luxury cars unless you partner with someone who has a fleet that you can use for your business. You’ll also need capital for chauffeur training, vehicle maintenance and operating costs. You’ll want to invest in the latest technologies to stay ahead of the competition. But once you get your business up and running, you’ll find there’s no shortage of people craving luxury and comfort.

15. Craft Business

How to start a craft business

Do you have a creative hobby? If it involves some sort of craft, you might want to consider turning your favorite at-home pastime into a business, and potentially a major revenue stream. With people stuck at home for months on end looking for something creative to do or something interesting to buy, the arts and crafts industry has exploded since the start of the pandemic. In 2020 alone, the revenue of the leading online arts and crafts marketplace Etsy more than doubled, to $1.72 billion. That means right now is a great time to start your own craft business, provided people with wonderful products and ride this wave to prosperity. 

You’ll be your own boss, working at home at times that are best for you. You’ll be able to embrace and express your creativity, producing goods that could be sold around the world. But you will need to decide which products to focus on. This could be anything from crocheted blankets and clay jewelry to embroidered handkerchiefs and knit hats. Whatever you choose, be sure to research what’s already out there and offer a unique twist on existing products. Building a strong brand will be key to the success of your craft business.

16. Party Bus

How to start a party bus business

Ready to party? As the pandemic recedes, everybody wants to get back out there and have fun. For a lot of people that means renting out a party bus and dancing and drinking the night away while cruising the streets. Party buses are part of the $8 billion US limousine industry, which expects strong growth as people schedule long-delayed events and nights out on the town. 

Starting your own party bus business will require considerable investment. The major cost will be, of course, the bus itself. Hopefully you’ll be able to find a reliable one at a reasonable price and then deck it out with all the trimmings, from a bar and disco ball to a DJ booth and more. Once you’ve done some marketing and gotten the word out you’ll be able to charge as much as $700 per night, so it shouldn’t take too long before you see a major return on your investment. 

Just be sure to get all your licenses, permits and insurance — the last thing you want is for the party to get parked on the curb.

17. Wedding Venue

How to start a wedding venue

Maybe you’ve heard — the pandemic is finally over! Weddings are a coming back strong, which is good news for the $60 billion industry. If you own or have your eye on an appealing venue for wedding receptions, you could launch a wedding venue business and make a good living by giving happy couples and their families memories that will last a lifetime. 

The biggest expense is of course the venue itself. If you already have a big space in a appealing wedding location, you’re halfway there — and probably should have launched your wedding venue business years ago! Assuming you still need to find one, your best bet might be to look for aging and abandoned barns and farmhouses in rural areas, which have become an increasingly popular place to get married for hipsters and millennials. 

Once you’ve nailed down a great venue, you just need to do some marketing and let that gorgeous setting do the work for you. With any luck, you’ll soon be booked solid through the spring and summer.

18. Online Gambling

online gambling business idea

Ready to start your own online gambling business? Make sure you do business in any of the six states that have legalized online casinos – New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, West Virginia and Nevada. Seven other states have introduced laws, hoping to do the same. The online gambling market was valued at more than $2 billion in 2020. It is projected to grow at least 17% annually in the next five years as bettors continue to migrate from offline to online gambling activities. 

So if you’re ready to take the plunge into the world of online gambling, start by choosing the software provider. There are several in the market, so you have to research each provider’s pros and cons. Once you have the software, you select your gambling content and apply for a license. You also need to establish safe and sure payment processes. Finally, develop your website and promote your business through social media and other platforms. You should be ringing the cash register soon!

19. Slot Machine

slot machine business idea

Have you tried your luck at the slot machine? Gaming has been around for a long time and it’s still going strong. There are nearly a million slot machines across the US. Most are found in casinos, though some are in airports, convenience stores and grocery stores. Globally, the slot machine market is predicted to grow at least 12% per year through 2025. 

Most of the 50 states regulate ownership of slot machines. The regulations differ from state to state, so you will need to check with your state before you acquire a slot machine and start your business. You will need to choose a good location, one with plenty of foot traffic so that people will pass by regularly and get used to seeing your sign. Be sure the location allows for outdoor signage so even if it rains, your sign will still be visible. With careful planning and great marketing, your slot machine business can be very lucrative.

20. Nightclub

How to Start a Nightclub

Do you love the nightlife? If so, starting a club might be right up your alley. Clubs form part of the US bars and nightclubs industry, which suffered a sharp decline in revenue in 2020 due to pandemic-related regulations. The market is poised to rebound strongly and grow 14% to exceed $28 billion in revenue in 2022 due to pent-up demand, according to market analyst IBISWorld. 

Before you open your club, it’s important to know that the industry is heavily regulated, especially when it comes to alcohol consumption. You’ll need to meet both state and local regulations and licensing requirements so it’s best to inquire about the details from your local authorities first.

Next, it’s a good idea to research the market and find out what other clubs in your area are offering. You’ll have to innovate and come up with a unique selling proposition and a creative marketing plan for your club to attract customers. With these in place, your club can be very profitable.

21. Dating Service

How to Start a Dating Service

Do you ever feel like playing Cupid? Starting a dating service might be a good move for you. It’s a fun way to earn some money and help strangers find their match. Online dating surged in popularity during the pandemic lockdowns, when many people were forced to stay home. It is expected to continue expanding and reach $6 billion in 2022. 

A dating service business facilitates romantic dates via phone, internet, or in-person. No federal regulations are in place apart from the usual legal requirements for new businesses. Some states, however, regulate dating services to protect consumers and stop people from misrepresenting themselves. It’s a good idea to provide your clients some safety tips before they sign up with you so they’ll know what to look out for. With the use of advanced technology, you can run your business from home and save on overhead costs. Good luck!

22. Arcade Business

How to start a arcade business

An arcade business is a great way to have fun and make money. The market is set to bounce back from a pandemic-induced slump as the revenge spending phenomenon takes consumers to the arcades and malls to splurge after months cooped up in quarantine. The broader arcade, food and entertainment industry in the US is set to earn $3 billion in 2022. If you’re thinking of starting an arcade business, now would be a good time to put your plans into action. 

You’ll need to invest in the coin-operated machines, so make sure you have the financial resources. Arcade games include video games, pinball machines, and more. You’ll also need to find out the permit and license requirements. The key to success for this business is location, so you’ll need to find an area with high foot traffic. Most arcade games are placed in restaurants, bars and shopping arcades. Make sure you offer the latest and popular games to attract customers.

23. Event Space

How to start a event venue business

If you’re looking for a new venture, starting an event space business could be a great option. Event spaces can be used for all sorts of occasions, from weddings and corporate events to birthday parties and baby showers. The market suffered a blow in the last two years because of the pandemic, but is expected to bounce back now that in-person events are allowed again. The global events industry is expected to grow at least 11% per year through 2028.

Starting your own event space business is not as easy as throwing some chairs and a few tables in a room. There are a lot of things to think about, from the type of events you want to host to the legalities involved. One of the most important things is how much money you’re willing to invest. If you don’t have enough money, then starting a small corner in your house will be enough for now or you can rent a warehouse and build something from scratch. In order to be successful, it is important to always adhere to safety standards.

24. DJ Business

How to start a mobile dj business

What’s a huge event without a DJ setting the mood? As the events industry bounces back, so will the DJ market. Global sales of DJ equipment are expected to reach $732 million by 2026. If you love creating new tracks and hot mixes, setting up a DJ business would be a fun way to earn some cash. 

But a DJ business is not just about having the best beats. There’s a lot of work that goes into setting it up. Having easy access to digital platforms and streaming services will likely lessen the burden. What’s important is that you have the necessary skills and equipment. You also need to establish your brand, promote your services and grow your social media following to get your business up and running. With excellent service, you can easily gain loyal customers and sustain your business.

25. Paint and Sip

How to start a paint and sip business

Recreational painting classes where Americans go to learn some art skills while having a few drinks have exploded in recent years. If you’re looking to start a paint and sip business, all you need is some basic supplies, a cozy space and some creativity. 

Paint and sip studios offer professionally-led painting classes with alcoholic beverages, often wine. Some studios allow BYOB while others set up a bar and sell the drinks. If you plan to sell wine, you’ll need to apply for a license. You could also carry snacks or allow customers to bring their own munchies. Your studio’s location can spell the difference, so make sure to find a venue that is accessible to your prospective customers. You will also need to check out your state’s laws and regulations. Once you have found the perfect space and stocked up on painting supplies, promote your studio aggressively. Paint, drink and make some cash!

26. Paintball

How to start a paintball field

Paintball is fun, but did you know that it’s also big business? Paintball fields across the US are bouncing back and expect to earn more than $1 billion in 2022. The game is so popular that major companies like Nike and Adidas have designed shoes for optimal paintball performance. Other companies are sponsoring paintball tournaments. 

If you’re already in the paintball industry, starting a paintball business is just a matter of choosing the right location, introducing innovations and marketing your business. If you’re starting from scratch, it would be best to decide first whether you will open a paintball field or just sell supplies and accessories. It’s also important to learn the game and its rules, join an online community of paintballers, identify your potential customers, and aggressively promote your business before launch.

27. Webcam Business

webcam business idea

So, you’ve decided to start a webcam business. That’s great! A webcam, or web camera, is a device that records and transmits video in real time and can be used for streaming , surveillance, monitoring, live events, tele-health, online tutorials, and more. 

Some 11 million meetings are held each day in the US, and more and more of them occur online, thanks to the latest webcam tools. This creates a strong outlook for the webcam market. 

Before you launch your webcam business, it’s important to learn about the different types of webcams and the latest innovations. Some models come with enhanced resolution and more storage. It will be to your advantage to develop a strong online presence in order to find clients. It’s also a good idea to keep yourself updated with the latest market trends to be able to properly advise your customers.

28. Balloon Business

How to start a balloon business

Everybody loves balloons! They make the perfect gift for children and adults alike, and they make even virtual parties fun and exciting. The global market for party balloons has continued to thrive and is anticipated to grow 5% per year through 2030. If you’re looking for a fun business idea, you might want to consider starting a balloon business. 

The first step is to pick the type of balloons that you want to create, whether latex or foil. Latex balloons are more commonly used and considered the gold standard in parties, while foil balloons offer more diverse options in size, shape and color. They also last longer than latex balloons, although they’re less elastic and more vulnerable to heat damage. Each type of balloon presents advantages and disadvantages, so carefully considering these is important. Actively promoting your business to attract potential customers or prompt past customers to make repeat orders could also spell success for you.

29. Radio Station

How to start a radio station business

More than eight in 10 US adults regularly listen to the radio, making it one of the most powerful media tools. And with the rise of podcasts, radio’s tapped into new generations. Radio has been able to stay relevant by adapting new technologies. It’s now accessible through smartphones, laptops, and other mobile devices. 

Starting your own radio station would be a great way to launch your broadcasting career. It’s fun and highly profitable — US radio stations earned over $22 billion in 2021. Depending on your budget, you can apply for a license to operate a web radio station or a traditional AM/FM radio station. Broadcasting on the web requires lesser startup investment and allows you to reach more listeners.

It’s important to decide on your programming early on, whether you want to just play music, podcasts, or both. Keep in mind that the number of podcast listeners in the US has more than doubled in the last five years. If you play your cards right, you’ll be making money from your radio station soon.

30. Drive-In Movie Theater

How to Start a Drive-in Movie Theater

Drive-ins are back! These cool outdoor theaters, which enjoyed immense popularity in the 1950s, accounted for 85% of box office revenue in North America from April to August 2021, due to pandemic restrictions. If you’ve been thinking about starting a drive in movie theater, it’s time to make it happen. 

Although indoor cinemas have reopened, drive-in theaters maintain their own appeal. The US has about 300 drive-ins today, so there’s room for a lot more. To get started, you’ll need to invest in or rent a large empty piece of land where you can set up an outdoor movie screen and some food and beverage stands. You’ll also need to comply with applicable laws and regulations before you can promote and launch your business. Once you’ve met all regulatory requirements, you can just sit back and watch some movies while making money.

31. Escape Room

How to start a escape room business

We can’t talk about Disney’s Bruno, but you can take a leaf from his book and find a way to escape from a secret room. Escape rooms are becoming increasingly popular in the US, with pre-pandemic revenues doubling each year. As of February 2021, industry watchers placed the number of operating escape rooms in the US at 2,080. This is expected to grow as the pandemic wanes and people are able to gather again. If you love puzzles, an escape room business could be right for you. 

In this game, you put a team of players in a windowless room and give them a limited amount of time to jointly search for clues, solve puzzles and complete tasks. The goal is to get out of the room. Critical thinking, problem solving and social skills are important. You see, the players don’t even know which of the items or decorations in the room are clues. Some people may find it scary, while others will find it exciting. Whatever the case, it’s going to be an immersive and fun experience. You’ll just have to make sure your rooms are more challenging than the competition.

32. Videography

How to Start a Video Production Company

More than 8,000 new US jobs for film and video editors and camera operators are expected each year through 2030, making this one of the fastest growing employment sectors. Globally, the massive film and video market is predicted to double by the end of this decade. If you have video production and editing skills, you might consider setting up a videography business. With the increasing use of videos in the digital marketing landscape, there will probably be no dearth of opportunities for you.

Starting a videography business is not easy, but it’s not impossible either. First, it’s important to develop your brand and come up with an attractive business name and logo. Next, invest in the right cutting edge equipment and keep yourself updated with the latest technologies. To promote your brand, you can set up social media accounts, make video samples and develop a website. Finally, tap into your creativity to propel your business to the top. Grab that opportunity to make a profit now!

33. Go-kart Business

How to Start a Go-kart Business

Are you looking for a fun and exciting business? Look no further than go-karts! Go-karts are a great way to get your adrenaline fix while also making some money. Go-kart businesses suffered losses in the last few years, but as the economy recovers go-kart tracks in the US are expected to earn more than $115 million in 2022 and enjoy higher earnings through 2026. 

To set up your own go-kart track, you may want to explore financing options to acquire go-karts, safety equipment and a property that is accessible. You can start small and offer just a few go-karts. It’s easy to expand once you have increased your client base. You will also need to build a team of mechanics and other staff, prepare a business plan that includes an effective marketing campaign, and make sure to comply with insurance, zoning and other regulations.

34. Podcast

How to start a podcast

The number of Americans who listen to podcasts is increasing by millions each year. Most are younger consumers — the ideal audience for advertisers!

Starting your own podcast can be daunting, but if you can get your podcast on iTunes or Spotify, you can engage millions of people not only in the US but also worldwide. Podcasts on iTunes may be streamed or downloaded on Apple devices while those on Spotify are available on both Android and iOS, desktops, smartphones, smart TVs and even gaming consoles. 

Submitting your podcasts for upload on iTunes or Spotify is easy, but the challenge is getting an audience to listen to you since you’ll be competing against popular podcasters with tens of thousands of loyal listeners.

35. Face Painting

face painting business idea

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a fun and creative way to start your own business, then starting a face painting business could be a perfect option for you! Face painting is increasingly being used for entertainment and this trend will continue in the coming years. It is a great way to connect with children and adults alike during Halloween, children’s parties and other special occasions. You might think it’s as simple as applying colors to the face, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to designs and styles.

To start your face painting business, you’ll need supplies. You can buy face painting kits online or at your local craft store. The basics include face paint, brushes, sponges, and water cups. Next, create a portfolio of your work. This can be done by photographing your finished face paintings or by videotaping yourself as you work. Finally, start advertising your services. Social media is a great way to reach potential customers, but don’t forget word-of-mouth referrals too! Friends and family are the best way to get started in any business.

36. Sex Shop

sex shop business idea

Who doesn’t love sex? Growing sexual awareness and acceptance are sure to drive demand for sex toys in the coming years. The US sex toys market, valued at more than $12 billion in 2021, is projected to grow steadily through 2026, so you might want to get in on this steamy action.  

Before you can start selling, you’ll need to comply with local regulations for the setting up of new businesses. You can set up either an online shop or a specialty store. Aside from sex toys for all sexes, segments enjoying an increasing demand are creams and lotions.

Manufacturers are also launching advanced self-care merchandise and products. Just make sure your goods meet design and safety standards. Once you decide on your business model and identify your target market, it’s important to draw up and implement a marketing strategy to promote your business.

37. Video Game Company

How to start a video game company

Nearly 230 million Americans of all ages play video games and most of them say they’re likely to continue playing even after social distancing rules are eased. The rapidly growing video game market, valued at more than $95 billion, awaits you if you’re thinking about launching a new video game. Who knows? Your new game might dislodge Minecraft, Fortnite, or League of Legends as the most popular game, so start a video game company now. 

If you’re designing the game, you’ll need to collaborate with a script writer and graphic artist. It’s important to build your team first and brainstorm on your game’s features, characters, story arcs, and more. Although you can run this business from home, you’ll still need to register it and make sure it’s legally compliant. Once you’ve completed and tested your game, it’s important to apply for a patent. Just make sure it doesn’t bear any similarities to existing games. Starting a video game company is not easy, but you’ll be reaping the rewards if your game catches on.

38. Hookah Lounge

How to start a hookah lounge

A hookah lounge is an establishment, often a coffee shop, where people can smoke flavored tobacco from a hookah pipe. Starting a hookah lounge can provide you with a steady source of income. According to the American Lung Association, 2.6 million American adults used hookah, water pipes, or pipes in 2017.

Before you open your hookah lounge, you need to know that hookah tobacco is covered by FDA regulations. Some localities have imposed restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products but many cities that prohibit cigarette smoking in bars have granted exemptions for hookah use. It’s a good idea to check the regulatory policies in your locality.  

It’s also important to understand that hookah use has been found to contain toxic substances and is associated with health risks similar to cigarette smoking such as heart disease, pulmonary diseases, and cancer. It’s wise to evaluate the pros and cons thoroughly as well as create a comprehensive business plan before you proceed.

39. Luxury Picnic

luxury picnic business idea

Who doesn’t love a picnic? And because gathering outdoors is safer than indoors, one of the few businesses that did well during the pandemic is the luxury picnic, or pop-up picnic, industry. Across the United States, luxury picnic companies have seen their revenues increase as much as 10-fold in the last few years, driven by people sharing Instagrammable picnic photos. So if you’re a whiz in the kitchen and enjoy curating high-end dining, you could start your own luxury picnic business and help countless people enjoy outdoor meals together while making a good living. 

You could start your business from home for a relatively small investment. First, you’ll need to experiment with your favorite dishes and nail down a few different menus. You’ll want to make sure that every customer has the best experience possible, which means you will need nice blankets and pillows, tablecloths and silverware and additional design flourishes of your choice. From there, you’ll just need to get the word out via strong branding and a robust marketing campaign. With any luck, you’ll soon be living the high life, just like your customers.

40. Princess Party

princess party business idea

Most little girls have probably dreamed of one day becoming a princess. You can help bring a little girl’s dream to life by starting your own princess party business. A princess party is probably the most popular party theme for toddlers to preteen girls. As of 2020, more than 25 million American girls were under 12. What are the chances they all want a princess party? 

You will need to familiarize yourself with the different fictional princesses to be able to come up with fun ideas for the perfect princess party. The invitations, props, costumes and wigs, decorations and giveaways must correspond with the theme. And don’t forget the tiaras! 

But before you launch your business, it is important to make sure that it’s legally compliant. You will also need a business plan, including a creative marketing plan to attract clients. If you do it right, a princess party business can also be profitable.

41. Hotline Business

How to start a call center

Calls to crisis hotlines spiked in the last two years as people tried to cope with the pandemic. In the US, calls to the federal disaster helpline jumped by nearly 900% in just one month while more than 2 million people call the suicide helpline every year. The US telemarketing and call centers industry, valued at $24 billion in 2022, is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. If you’re looking to tap into this opportunity, you might want to consider starting a hotline business. 

A hotline is a 24/7 contact number, usually toll-free, that people call during a crisis or emergency. It may also be used for whistleblower complaints and customer service concerns. To be able to offer this service, you must be able to provide expert advice or hire helpful and highly trained people who are competent enough to deal with any concerns a caller might have. It is also important that you comply with insurance and other requirements before you launch your business.

42. Music Production

How to start a music production company

If you’re passionate about making music, why not build your own music empire? Music helps people shake off the blues and cope with their troubles, or get loose and dance the night away! Listening to music helps improve the mood, promote relaxation, boost creativity, and more. As millions of people turned to music, the recorded music industry soared to new heights and broke sales records. In the US, the industry earned nearly $15 billion in 2021, its highest annual revenues in history.

Starting a music business can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to determine what kind of music you will focus on. Artists can make money by selling their music, using social media, or creating branded content for clients. But first, you will need to build up an audience. Be creative and think of ways to attract a large following in social media and get them to view your videos. You’ll be competing with the likes of Harry Styles, but with some patience and hard work, it can be done!

43. Rage Room

How to Start a Rage Room

This unique business idea taps into the growing demand for unconventional experiences that allow individuals to unleash their pent-up frustration and indulge in controlled destruction. The concept is simple: customers enter a specially designed room equipped with various objects, such as old furniture, electronics, and glassware, ready to be shattered. Armed with protective gear and a range of tools, from baseball bats to sledgehammers, they are given the freedom to release their anger and smash away their worries in a safe and controlled environment.

The rage room offers a cathartic experience for people seeking an outlet for their everyday stress, whether it be work-related pressures, relationship struggles, or simply a desire for exhilaration. It provides a safe space for individuals to express themselves without judgment or consequence, fostering a sense of liberation and relief.

44. Trampoline Park

How to Start a Trampoline Park

Trampoline parks have surged in popularity over the past decade, positioning themselves as a leading entertainment business idea for entrepreneurs looking to tap into a combination of fitness and fun. These establishments are not just playgrounds for children; they cater to a wide demographic, including teens seeking a unique hangout spot, adults looking for a fun way to keep fit, and even corporates eyeing team-building activities . The rise of trampoline fitness classes and dodgeball leagues further attest to their broad appeal.

Investing in a trampoline park is a strategic venture that demands a keen understanding of the target audience, suitable location scouting, adherence to safety regulations, and innovative marketing strategies. With the right approach, a trampoline park can offer substantial returns on investment. Moreover, as more people prioritize experiences over possessions, experiential businesses like trampoline parks are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving entertainment landscape.

45. Haunted House

How to Start a Haunted Attraction

A haunted house attraction stands out as a thrilling entertainment business idea, particularly appealing to those with a creative flair and a penchant for the eerie. In the age of experience-driven leisure, people are constantly on the hunt for unique and memorable activities. A haunted house offers just that—a blend of theatrical drama, intricate design, and adrenaline-pumping surprises. With the right mix of ambiance, storytelling, and genuine scares, entrepreneurs can turn an ordinary space into an immersive experience.

Starting a haunted house attraction requires a meticulous blend of creativity and business acumen. Location plays a pivotal role; the venue needs to be both accessible to a large audience and conducive to creating a spooky atmosphere. This venture is not just about the scares, though; safety regulations, staff training, and effective marketing are paramount. Tapping into local legends and histories can offer a unique selling proposition, making the attraction stand out in the market.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Party Planning
  • Party Rental
  • Karaoke Bar
  • Film Production Company
  • Dance Studio
  • Wedding Planning
  • Bounce House
  • Art Gallery
  • Tarot Reading
  • Modeling Agency
  • Limo Business
  • Craft Business
  • Wedding Venue
  • Online Gambling
  • Slot Machine
  • Dating Service
  • Arcade Business
  • Event Space
  • DJ Business
  • Paint and Sip
  • Webcam Business
  • Balloon Business
  • Radio Station
  • Drive-In Movie Theater
  • Escape Room
  • Videography
  • Go-kart Business
  • Face Painting
  • Video Game Company
  • Hookah Lounge
  • Luxury Picnic
  • Princess Party
  • Hotline Business
  • Music Production
  • Trampoline Park
  • Haunted House

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Featured resources.

10 Best Business Ideas For Musicians

10 Best Business Ideas For Musicians

Esther Strauss

Published on November 4, 2022

Music is big business and could provide you with a steady stream of big profits if you make the right connections and know what your audienceneeds.& ...

18 Party Business Ideas

18 Party Business Ideas

Carolyn Young

Published on July 21, 2022

If you like to socialize and have great organizing skills, then starting a party-related business might be the perfect career choice. Greatattention ...

How to Start a Small Business

How to Start a Small Business

Published on January 15, 2022

Owning a successful business is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your life. It’s empowering and liberating, and allows you toprodu ...

No thanks, I don't want to stay up to date on industry trends and news.

  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • Small business guide
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

14 Entertainment Business Ideas

Nina Godlewski

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you love the fun and the excitement of the entertainment industry, then you might be considering starting a business in this sector. But in such an expansive industry, you may be wondering what type of entertainment business idea is best for you.

Keep in mind that the term “entertainment business” covers a large range of ideas from those supporting the entertainment industry, like publicists or photographers, to others that pertain to the entertainment itself, like party planning or a karaoke bar or concert venue. We cover an array of entertainment business ideas in this guide.

new business ideas entertainment industry

What is an entertainment business?

Many businesses could be considered entertainment businesses since so many things fall under the “entertainment” category. There isn’t one thing that defines an entertainment business because it can really be anything that touches the entertainment industry or provides entertainment of some kind.

So much goes into the entertainment industry, from offering personal assistant services to catering and publicity. There are also entertainment business ideas that have to do with offering actual entertainment to customers like a movie theater or karaoke bar.

The broadness of this category means there is no shortage of entertainment business ideas and plenty of openings in the market to carve out a space for your new business.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

How to choose an entertainment business idea

After reading this list of entertainment business ideas, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for you. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when debating what kind of business to start:

What do you have previous experience in?

Does your location permit the business type you’re considering?

What materials or space will you need for the business?

Are you willing to travel?

Do you want to work alone or have employees?

Will you need an entertainment business loan to get the business running?

14 entertainment business ideas

With this information in mind, let’s get into some popular entertainment business ideas to see which spark your creativity the most.

1. Publicist

One of the most direct ways you can support the entertainment industry is by being a publicist for artists in the industry. If you’re highly organized and have a way with people, this could be the perfect entertainment business idea for you.

A publicist has many responsibilities, from getting your clients media coverage—including TV interviews and online features—to helping protect their reputation—or doing damage control if they find themselves in hot water. If you have previous publicity experience and a network of contacts, this could be a natural way to break into the entertainment industry.

2. Photographer

People in the entertainment industry are constantly in need of professional photos—whether for portfolios, photoshoots, to capture events or awards shows, and more. By starting a photography business, you can capitalize on this high demand.

If you already have experience as a photographer, you’re already well-positioned for this job, but if you’re just starting out, you may want to offer your services at a discount while you build up your portfolio. With all the starving artists out there looking to land their first big job, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding clients.

3. Makeup artist

Celebrities and other public figures constantly have to look their best. This means that makeup artists are in high demand in the entertainment industry. They’re needed on set and prior to events or photoshoots for those in the entertainment business. And as you can gather from any celebrity’s Instagram account, good makeup artists are crucial to the getting-ready process.

To become a makeup artist you will likely need to go to cosmetology. Once you have the credentials, you’ll want to start building your portfolio. And remember, discretion is also key.

4. Hair stylist

While hair stylists and makeup artists go hand in hand, they are two separate—and equally important—jobs. If you’ve ever seen a celebrity getting ready for an event or photoshoot, you know that it sometimes takes an entire squad to make them look glamorous and camera-ready.

Again, you’ll need credentials for this one, but if you love creating the perfect blowout or updo, this could be the right fit.

5. Craft services provider

Another necessity for photo and film shoots is frequently food services and catering for the talent and crew. Opening a business providing the food for craft services is another entertainment business idea. If you have a gift for cooking large quantities of food, are consistent and punctual, your services could be in demand. Just make sure, as with any food services business, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper licenses and permits to handle and serve food.

6. Costume designer

One of the most creative outlets in the entertainment industry is a costume design business. Every television show, movie, or play requires a wardrobe, and if you have a passion for fashion it might be the perfect entertainment business for you to start. With the continued rise of historical dramas, there’s an ever-growing demand for costume designers who can create period-specific clothing. However, even shows that take place in the present-day need someone to curate the wardrobe of each character.

This business is similar to being a publicist but instead of being (solely) concerned with a client’s image, they help manage the career path of their client instead. This entertainment business idea has to do with helping your clients make solid decisions that will help them further their careers, as well as helping them decide where their career will go.

This is a very personal job, which is why many public figures appoint a family member to this role; however, if you have a proven track record of working with clients and shaping their career development, as well as a loyal and altruistic character, you could excel in this field.

If you’re the one your friends always consult before buying a new outfit and you have a passion for the latest trends, then starting a stylist business for those in the entertainment industry could be the perfect fit.

To be clear, a stylist is different from a hair stylist or makeup artist but works together with these roles to create a unified style for their clients. You’ll be the point person to contact designers for potential awards show outfits, as well as doing everyday shopping to curate their day-to-day attire (paparazzi are everywhere, after all).

9. Event planner

From primetime awards shows to smaller affairs, there’s no shortage of events in the entertainment industry. That means the need for good event planners is high. You’ll need exceptional organizational skills, a host of caterer and venue contacts, and the ability to handle demanding personalities, but if you check these boxes and love planning a good party, this could be the perfect business for you.

10. Karaoke bar

If you’re more interested in offering people the atmosphere or the activities to be entertained, then these entertainment business ideas might be better business options for you. Opening a karaoke bar where people can come and sing along to their favorite hits could be a roaring entertainment business idea.

11. Bowling alley

A bowling alley is yet another activity that you can capitalize on when starting an entertainment business. Bowling is a fun activity for all kinds of groups—from families to employees to competitive bowlers. While bowling alleys can feel outdated, newer venues are opting to overhaul that connotation by including fun decor and restaurant-quality drinks and bites.

12. Batting cages

Similar to bowling alleys, batting cages are a form of entertainment that offers the added perk of some exercise as well. If you’re positioned near a school, you’ll likely have some surefire business from their softball and baseball teams. They don’t require too much equipment either, so the startup costs of this entertainment business idea are low. However, keep in mind the increased risk of accidents and make sure you have the right business insurance.

13. Escape room

One of the most popular entertainment business ideas in recent years are escape rooms. This new trend that involves players working through a real-life board game to solve a puzzle and beat the clock is a fun and definitely entertaining business. Escape rooms can have all different kinds of themes, so you can really use your imagination on this one.

14. VR experience

Virtual reality experiences are getting more popular and as the new technology becomes more accessible, more people want to try it out. Entertainment businesses can take advantage of the new equipment and offer a new experience for customers. Unlike with escape rooms, you won’t have to spend big money on the physical location of your business, but you will need to create or invest in the technology to take your customers to all kinds of far-flung places—in their minds.

ZenBusiness

Start Your Dream Business

The bottom line

Coming up with the right business idea can be one of the most difficult parts of starting a business. Luckily, there is no shortage of entertainment business ideas. We encourage you to start with the ones above, but know there are countless other options you can explore as well.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

ProjectPractical.com

33 Exciting Entertainment Business Ideas in 2024

Editorial Team

Exciting Entertainment Business Ideas

Many industries are included in the entertainment sector, including those related to television, telecommunications, music, video games, and live performances. Large media corporations dominate the market, despite the presence of several specialist companies.

Every year, there is significant development in the worldwide entertainment sector. It dramatically rises, and it doesn’t matter if you are the one-hundredth proprietor of an entertainment business in your city. Customers will always be crowding around your store.

Many firms create value by offering consumers fascinating things to do or watch in the entertainment sector. We’ve prepared a list of the most intriguing entertainment business ideas in this article to help you make decisions.

1. Website Or Blog

Starting a fan page or an entertainment blog might not seem profitable. However, the rise of social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter has made creating this fan material a full-time job.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of influencer culture, there is more competition in this industry, but the perfect combination of ad sponsors could let you establish a reliable income stream.

2. Food Delivery For The Production Team

Food services and catering for the cast and crew are frequently required for photo and film shoots. Another entertainment business concept is to start a company that offers food in exchange for craft services. Your services can be in high demand if you are proficient at cooking large quantities of meals and are reliable and on time. Ensure you have the appropriate licenses and permits to handle and serve food, as with any food service enterprise.

3. Wedding Marketplace Online

An online wedding marketplace is a website that matches eligible men and women.

Creating a website that acts as a matchmaker or wedding marketplace is subject to several laws and standards. Before you leap, thoroughly research the prices, procedures, regulations, and other business-related factors.

4. Hair Stylist

Although hair stylists and makeup artists work closely together, the two professions are distinct and equally vital. If you’ve ever watched a celebrity get ready for a function or photo session, you know that it frequently requires an entire staff. This one requires credentials, but it might be for you if you enjoy blowouts and updos.

5. A Dance School

Learning different styles of dance is something everyone enjoys, and dancing is a lovely form of entertainment. If you enjoy dancing and wish to teach it to others, you can open a dance studio.

A certain amount of money is required to rent or purchase a space. You can lose weight by doing Zumba, salsa, tap dancing, or ballroom dancing. Ensure adequate room for at least 7-8 individuals to dance in the area.

6. Event Or Birthday Party Location

If you wish to accept reservations for parties or events at your location, set aside enough space to hold the expected attendees.

This will cause your venue to draw families, business meetings, and school functions, giving your company a high-revenue activity during typically low-revenue days.

Add gaming passes for indoor attractions, meal deals, and loyalty discounts to clinch the deal on this bundle.

7. Instrumentalist

There is a strong need for drummers, keyboardists, guitarists, and other specialists who can play various instruments for various events and by various musicians.

Religious institutions constantly seek somebody to provide them with excellent beats and noises.

As a result, you can make money playing music without quitting your day job. However, please be aware that in the long run, this may be able to replace your current salary.

8. Make Listening Parties Available

Listening gatherings are more well-liked than ever these days.

A musician usually throws a party for fans to hear the new songs when he announces the arrival of a new album. You might wish to start your firm if you have good organizational skills . Nowadays, musicians enjoy hosting listening events. Then you are worried about this, especially if you are well-organized. You can relieve the musician of organizing the listening party, which is a terrific way to earn a lot of money.

9. VR Adventure

Since more and more people are interested in virtual reality experiences, entertainment firms can use the new technology to give clients a fresh experience.

More people want to test the new technology as it becomes more widely available.

With escape rooms, you won’t need to invest in a physical site; instead, you’ll need to develop or buy the technology that will allow your customers to travel virtually anywhere for free.

10. Acting School

If acting is your passion, you could start a school where students may learn the craft. 

Over 2000 years have passed since the beginning of acting as a profession. Some people have a natural talent that makes it obvious that some people can act. This is among the most promising enterprises you may launch with a minimal initial cost. Even starting a business from home is an option. To start an acting school successfully, you must possess the necessary knowledge and abilities.

11. Comedian

People are struggling greatly with life’s hardships, and life expectancy is steadily declining. By simply making people laugh, you can become a comedian and earn a tonne of money every year. Medical studies have shown that happiness and laughing can extend a person’s life.

Can you make folks giddily roll about on the floor and laugh? Instead of keeping your jokes to yourself, be brave and ask your pals attending events whether you may share them with them for 5–10 minutes.

You can start there, and if you’re successful, you can quickly become the next great thing.

12. Publicist

The publicist is a significant area in the media business, with increasing profits over time. This company idea is ideal for someone with a knack for connecting with people and a desire to actively assist artists. Publicists are responsible for various tasks, such as public relations for their clients, publishing interviews, and crisis management if a client is in difficulties.Being a publicist could be a terrific business venture for you if you have the necessary publishing industry experience, which is the only prerequisite.

13. Service for Clipping Advertising

Ad films are commercial video material. Most businesses create commercial videos to advertise their goods and services in electronic media. Ad film production is entirely creative labor. Additionally, you must possess the necessary skills to launch your own company. Old advertisement clipping services that concentrate on monitoring ads are boring. They won’t be among the best ideas for the entertainment industry as a result.

Today’s clipping services focus specifically on media analysis and information surveillance. If you know how to track and examine the advertisements for rival products, you’ll succeed in this enterprise without a doubt.

14. Entertainment Blogging

Because it attracts a large following and gives your blog site traction, which is what advertisers want, blogging is a highly lucrative business. Due to this significant amount of traffic, advertisers would be prepared to pay only to offer their goods and services on your blog.

However, if you know your onions, you can do this for relatively little money out of pocket.

15. Choreographer

In essence, choreographing refers to the process by which a choreographer develops new choreographies. There are several industries where choreography is applied. The list includes synchronized swimming, ice skating, musical theater, cheerleading, cinematography, gymnastics, fashion displays, marching band, show choir, and animated art. And if you’re a gymnastic coach, using gymnastics class management software to streamline your business is a good idea.

16. Tour Interaction

The potential for bus and walking trips is enormous. Depending on where you are, you can concentrate on either city or nature tourism. Additionally, starting a tour business doesn’t cost a lot of money.

This concept has drawbacks, such as rivalry in big places like Toronto, but it also offers the benefit of being well-versed in the subject. To give a tour-based experience a 21st-century twist, you’ll need to go beyond the box.

17. Ad Film Production

Due to its reliance on advertising and public relations, investing in the media sector is a great business idea.

Whether it is for films, television, print, or journalism, many media sources spend a lot of money advertising and promoting their work.

A bigger profit margin will be attained because of the increased demand. This company plan calls for a sizable investment and strong networking abilities. If you have those two resources, investing in the production of ads is a terrific idea.

18. Presenter On Television

What makes your favorite TV presenter tick, and who is he or she? You do understand the rationale behind the selection of your favorite, though. Regardless of their income, the television host is well-known.

The rewards of being a presenter on television are comparable to those of radio. In other words, as long as no two programs clash, you can present as many as you like. The fact that you can pursue other interests is a positive aspect of this business.

19. Company Management For Artists 

Companies handle an artist’s essential daily tasks so they can focus on creating art in peace. In addition, they give the artist career guidance, alert them to new projects, and advocate for them in powerful circles. Thus, the majority of well-known and, these days, even emerging musicians have managers. It’s a good idea to start an artist management company. Before starting this business, keep in mind that you must have excellent networking abilities.

20. Writing Songs

The fact that not every artist who makes hits is skilled at doing so should not deceive you, even those who occasionally have other people write their songs for them.

In other words, if you can write but not sing, it is still a great business idea and might help you make a lot of money. Additionally, if you write successful songs, you may charge more and make more money.

21. Opening A Nightclub

Another lucrative business venture on our list is a nightclub, as the nightlife in the US is unmissable. However, you will require a sizable amount of money to open a nightclub. The location is critical because it will keep people from leaving for a distant nightclub in the middle of the night. In addition, you must follow the rules and laws of the city in which you intend to open your business.

22. Anchoring Service

An extremely lucrative job option in the media and entertainment sector is hosting programs as an anchorperson. If you’ve worked as an anchor before, you can bill more than a typical professional. If you are aware of what is going on behind you, you will have a better chance of meeting people and seeing experts perform their best work.

23. Portrait Photography 

Portrait photography is a lot of fun and fascinating. Individuals or groups of people are photographed by portrait photographers, who typically operate out of their studios. Photographers that focus on weddings, religious rituals, or student portraits may work on-site. Actors must submit current headshots and portraits when submitting applications or answering casting calls. If you own a high-definition camera, you can take pictures on the side without quitting your day job. Since you don’t need expensive lighting equipment to take natural images, the expense is negligible.

24. Balloon Bouquet

A balloon bouquet service company makes and sends balloon arrangements to customers for a range of occasions. Many balloon entrepreneurs begin by working from home. This allows them to discover what kinds of decorations, events, and customers they enjoy working with so that they can market to those needs specifically. The advantages of the balloon bouquet business include inexpensive initial expenses, the ability to work from home, and the ability to start it part-time. You’ll also enjoy this career if you’re creative.

25. Bounce House 

Since children enjoy jumping, bounce houses are a huge hit at fundraisers, business events, and birthday celebrations. Additionally, you have the option of starting this business full- or part-time. The firm needs to make a start-up expenditure to buy the bounce house, and the majority of bounce house providers also provide advice on how to launch the business.

26. Professional Emcee 

If you are strong at communicating and have a flair for public speaking, you can launch a freelance professional emcee business from your home. Emcees are frequently employed by both small and large businesses to host events, conferences, and seminars. Professional emcees are frequently hired to host events, introduce seminar series, or serve as master of ceremonies at occasions ranging from charity auctions to huge business annual meetings. The company can also be launched and run on a part-time basis.

27. Service for Voice-Overs

Employing voice actors or voice talent involves using voice-over services. These are the most typical ones, though there are many others.

  • Radio commercials
  • Audiobooks 
  • Demonstrations of product vocals

A professional voice actor’s responsibility is to read aloud text that has been supplied by a customer. These texts can be of a variety of genres, such as advertising, animated film scripts, or dialogue from an audiobook. Nevertheless, professional voice actors need a certain set of abilities regardless of the subject matter. By launching a home-based voice-over service business, you may start making money with essentially no investment. The most important component in achieving long-term commercial success is networking. Even on a part-time basis, you can start this business if you have a clear voice and decent pronunciation skills.

28. Arcade Of Video Games

An arcade is a place where everyone who visits can have enjoyable, carefree times while testing their skills against a machine. Starting an arcade business can be exactly up your alley if you enjoy gaming and offering a timeless type of entertainment. Even though having a good time is among the least expensive types of entertainment, this kind of business often has substantial initial costs. In the US, HV video games are not only well-liked by children; adults also like them. People will adore an arcade, but to draw people to your arcade, you must be aware of the most well-liked videos. Additionally, make sure your arcade offers a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The optimum location for your arcade is inside a mall or other shopping center.

29. Puppet Show

A great approach to starting and running your own business is to offer puppet shows for kids. Puppets are inherently fascinating to children. A portable stage and a few dollars spent on puppets—either bought or made yourself—could be the start of a lucrative company for you. Simply create some flyers and hand them out to the neighborhood daycare facilities and children’s shops to attract customers. For your puppets and puppet shows, try to stick with contemporary and well-liked kiddie themes like dinosaurs and space creatures. If you have an imagination, you might want to think about making characters to amuse them. It might be a live performance, a radio or television program.

30. Karaoke Bar

One of the most well-liked places for group entertainment is a karaoke bar. Although they remain popular in suburban and rural areas, they are more common in metropolitan centers. A karaoke bar offers a venue where customers may perform their favorite songs in front of an appreciative crowd. Karaoke bars come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While karaoke consumers come in all shapes and sizes, some of your best customers will be young adults in their early to mid-20s. Some bars are “open” bars where singers perform for everyone in the bar, while others offer small rooms for folks to perform in with friends and family. Duets give this group—who also have more spare time and are more lenient with their money—an opportunity to connect as they frequently perceive karaoke as a fun way of both socializing with friends and meeting love partners.

31. Music Studio

Musician works on many projects in the studio for a considerable portion of their time. However, if you are a big earner, a studio can be a fantastic source of money. A recording studio helps create the music, sound effects, and voice-overs needed for soundtrack dubs in many languages, animation, and commercials. A recording studio may also be used as a venue for imparting knowledge and training in audio engineering to others. Consequently, you might want to think about beginning one. Although making one of these videos may not be simple, in the long run, it is incredibly profitable.

32. Movie Maker

It seems like the small screen is everything these days. While fewer and fewer people are going to the movies to pay a significant price for two hours of enjoyment, more and more people are congregating at home to binge-watch shows. The COVID-19 epidemic has made this disparity much worse. Filmmakers sometimes hold certifications since they have degrees in the field. One of their qualifications is that they are capable of producing extremely successful movies since they are so knowledgeable in their field.

Making movies is something you want to do, but doing so requires a lot of money.

33. Chat Show

If you enjoy conversing with new people and have good communication skills , launching your own talk show service company can be of interest to you.

You could schedule chat shows for radio and television. Podcasts, usually known as web-based talk programs, are also gaining popularity.

One of the most challenging aspects of beginning a business is finding the perfect business idea. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for entertainment businesses. Start with the examples above, which we strongly advise.

The entertainment sector is undoubtedly alluring, and to succeed in it, one needs to use expertise and a smart strategy.

  • A Guide to Product Analytics: Understanding and Optimizing Your Product Performance
  • 11 Strategies For Starting a Photography Business [Business Plan]
  • 25 Examples of Business Purpose [+How To Write]
  • Data Analyst Vs Business Analyst – Which One Should I Choose?

most recent

SeaWorld Parks Entertainment Interview Questions and Answers

Top 33 SeaWorld Parks Entertainment Interview Questions and Answers 2024

Senior Financial Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Top 33 Senior Financial Analyst Interview Questions and Answers 2024

Time Series Analysis Interview Questions and Answers

Top 33 Time Series Analysis Interview Questions and Answers 2024

© 2024 Copyright ProjectPractical.com

entertainment business ideas

Top 40 Profitable Entertainment Business Ideas in 2024

Are you interested in starting a family entertainment business? If YES, find here the best entertainment and amusement business ideas you can start with low investment.

Broadly, the media and entertainment industry consists of the broadcasting and cable TV market, the publishing sector, advertising, and the movies and entertainment markets.

There is no doubt that the global media industry has been growing at a phenomenal rate in recent years. The growth is primarily being fueled by the rapid development in BRIC countries and other emerging markets.

Digital media continued to be a significant factor in the growth of the media industry. To maximize content and distribution strategies, companies need to understand how technological advancements and the user experience are driving change within the entertainment & media industry.

Table of Contents

List of 40 Entertainment Business Ideas

#1. acting school.

If you are passionate about acting, you can open an acting school to teach how to act. This is one of the most promising businesses you can start with a small capital investment. Even, you can start a business at home. However, you must have adequate knowledge and skills to initiate an acting school successfully.

#2. Ad Film Making

Ad films are commercial video content. Most companies produce ad films to promote their products and services in the electronic media. Making ad films is purely creative work. And you must be competent enough to start this business of your own.

#3. Amusement Park

Starting an amusement park is a large-scale entertainment business. For establishing an amusement park, you will need to have a large amount of area. Additionally, you will need to invest a substantial amount of money in procuring and establishing the park infrastructure. However, the business is highly profitable and self-rewarding.

#4. Anchoring Service

Anchoring or event hosting is a highly specialized job. However, anchoring is a very lucrative career option in the media and entertainment industry. If you are an experienced anchor, you can charge more money than the regular professionals charge with varied experience.

Keep yourself updated about the events happening around you. It will maximize your chances of meeting people and seeing professional anchors doing what they do best.

#5. Balloon Bouquet

In a balloon bouquet service business, you will design and deliver balloon arrangements for all occasions to your clients. The balloon bouquet business’s advantages are that you can start part-time, you can work at home, and your startup costs are relatively low. Additionally, if you’re a creative person you will enjoy the work.

#6. Bounce House

In general, every kid loves to bounce. Therefore, bounce houses are very popular at birthday parties, corporate events, and fundraisers. Additionally, you can start the business both on a part-time and full-time basis. However, the business demands an initial startup investment for procuring the bounce house. Also, most of the bounce house supplying company guides in starting the business.

#7. Bungee Jumping

If you are an adventure lover, you can consider starting a bungee jumping business. It is already a very popular means of entertainment worldwide. The business is profitable. However, the business demands initial investment and licensing from the local authorities.

First of all, starting a casino business demands significant investment, accurate planning, and good business management. gambling, including charitable and online gambling, are legal in most areas within the United States. However, you must check the local laws and regulations before initiating a casino business in your area.

#9. Choreographer

A choreographer creates choreographies by practising the art of choreography, a process known as choreographing. Choreography is used in a variety of fields. the list includes musical theatre, cheerleading, cinematography, gymnastics, fashion shows, ice skating, marching band, show choir, theatre, synchronized swimming, video game production, animated art, etc

#10. Circus

Generally, a circus company performs diverse entertainment shows. The list includes clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, dancers, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, magicians, unicyclists, as well as other object manipulation and stunt-oriented artists.

#11. Comedian

A comedian entertains the audience by making them laugh. As a comedian, your primary responsibility is to make people happy by saying and acting funny things. If you are passionate about comedy, you can offer the service to your clients.

#12. Comedy Club

The comedy club is a more organized entertainment business in the amusement industry. Generally, comedy clubs offer stage comedy shows with different types of foods and drinks to the patrons. In this business, location plays an important role in the overall success of the business. The business demands substantial capital investment and strategic planning.

#13. Comedy Shows

If you don’t want to establish a big entertainment business like the comedy club, you can initiate a comedy show service for your clients. Generally, people look for this type of service in both family and corporate gatherings. The business demands adequate networking skills, passion, dedication, and willingness to work long hours.

#14. Dance Studio

Are you a passionate dancer? Do you enjoy dancing and love to teach others how to dance? Then you can consider starting a dancing school of your own. The business demands a very small capital investment initially. Even, you can start a dance studio at home. However, you must offer a good-looking interior for your clients.

DJ stands for Disc Jockey. These days, DJ is one of the most profitable businesses any individual can start with low capital investment. However, you must enjoy the sounds and rhythms. Additionally, you must have adequate skill and knowledge about how to operate the machines and mix the sounds.

#16. Karaoke Bar

First of all, opening a karaoke bar demands a lot of space in a prime location. This type of business demands substantial capital investment. Additionally, you will need to obtain different licenses and permissions from the Govt. authorities. Initially, if you don’t have your own space, start with rental space.

#17. Magician

Magic is an art. Magicians perform this art with tricks or illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means. This is among the most popular entertainment business ideas globally. If you have the right skills and you enjoy making people happy, then you can offer a magic show service to your clients.

#18. Mobile Sauna

Mobile sauna service has a tremendous demand in the US and European countries. Generally, this type of sauna comes with a sound system installed so clients can listen to a selection of relaxing sounds and LED lighting to create the perfect atmosphere. The business demands upfront startup capital investment.

#19. Modelling Agency

A modelling agency represents people of various appearances, shapes, sizes, races, etc. These models are used to promote or display a product or service for paying a client. In this business, you can attract a wide range of clients. The list may include photographers, ad agencies, fashion designers, and even tradeshow participants.

#20. Musical Band

Do you love music? Do you enjoy creating music to entertain others? If yes, you can start a musical band of your own. The business is only for creative personnel. The demand for music bands is huge. Additionally, there are numerous ways to promote your band including blogs and social media.

#21. Music Production

Generally, starting a music production company requires experience, skill, and a talent for analyzing music. Additionally, it demands an upfront capital investment in recording equipment and studio space. If you already have an educational background – well, otherwise you must consider conducting some courses.

#22. Nightclub

The nightclub is a large-scale business in the entertainment industry. If you don’t have a financial backup, we won’t advise you to start this business. However, a nightclub is one of the most profitable businesses that ensures a huge social reputation too. The business demands strategic planning and tremendous dedication to long-term success.

#23. Party Entertainment Services

Party entertainment service providers offer a wide range of entertainment services to clients. Additionally, according to the theme, you can also advise the clients on what type of entertainment service is most suitable for him/her or them. Generally, it is a low-cost business. And you can start the business part-time from home.

#24. Party Planning

Party planning and event planning is a traditional and profitable business globally. As a party planner, you will need to plan the venue, theme, catering, photography, entertainment, etc. In this business, you can address both social and corporate clients. Additionally, you can offer services to a wide range of audiences. The list may include birthdays, wedding receptions, baby showers, and family reunions.

#25. Professional Emcee

If you have good communication skills and a knack for public speaking, you can start this business. Often, small and big businesses hire professional emcees to host events, conferences, and seminars. You can start a freelance professional emcee service from home. even you can start and operate the business part-time also.

#26. Puppet Shows

Initiating a puppet show service business is a great way of earning good money from home. If you enjoy entertaining others, you can start the business from home also. However, the business demands startup capital investment. You will need to procure a portable stage and accessories for making your puppets.

#27. Radio Jockey

A radio personality that hosts a radio show is known as a radio host or radio jockey. If you have a good voice and you enjoy the commentary, you can start offering a freelance radio jockey service business. You can start the business as home-based and part-time also.

#28. Recording Studio

If you have space in a good location, you can start a recording studio business. The business is highly profitable and you can earn for a long duration of time after a one-time investment. You will need to invest in creating a soundproof interior with all modern equipment for recording.

#29. Script Writing

If you enjoy writing stories, you can consider starting a scriptwriting business of your own. The business demands specific writing skills and creativity. However, you can start the business from home with almost zero investment.

#30. Singing

Every people don’t have a good voice. And if you have, you can consider becoming a singer. As a professional singer, you can stage shows, playback singing, etc. In today’s era of technology, you can easily establish yourself as a professional singer.

#31. Song Writing

Becoming a professional songwriter demands specific skills and adequate knowledge. Simply, a songwriter is a professional who is paid to write lyrics and melodies for songs. The music industry has tremendous pressure to produce popular hits. And renowned songwriters earn millions from their songwriting services.

#32. Strip Club

In the USA and other countries, strip clubs are gaining immense popularity day by day. Though the business is capital-intensive, it is profitable too. Additionally, you must check the local rules and regulations before initiating a strip club business in your locality.

#33. Talk Show

Do you have good communication skills? Do you enjoy talking or chatting with new people around? Then you can consider starting a talk show service business of your own. You can organize talk shows on television or radio. Currently, web-based talk shows are becoming hugely popular too.

#34. Trade Show

Trade shows or trade fairs are popular throughout the world. It is an exhibition where companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services.

Also, they meet with industry partners and customers, study the activities of rivals, and examine recent market trends and opportunities. You can start the business of organizing trade shows in different industries.

#35. Urban Park Business

Starting an urban park business is a quietly profitable business. The business demands substantial capital investment. However, it ensures good revenue too. Generally, a modern urban park offers wide green lawns, playing areas for children, water bodies, restaurants, boating, etc.

#36. Video Game Arcade

These days, video games are one of the most popular games for children. Even, young adults enjoy playing video games. Hence, the popularity of video game arcades is growing very fast. Typically, a video game arcade offers different types of interesting video games to clients.

#37. Videography

If you are a passionate videographer, you can start a videography business from home. In both corporate and social events, people look for the videography service. However, you must have a good quality camera with other equipment and tools. Additionally, you must have adequate communication and networking skills to achieve overall success in the business.

Check: Best Online Videography Courses

#38. Video Editing

If you have sound knowledge of video editing, you can start a home-based video editing service business of your own. In starting this business, you will need to have a computer with the internet and different software solutions. Also, you can promote the business both offline and online.

#39. Voice Over Service

A home-based voice-over service business is a good way of earning money with almost no investment. If you have a good voice and pronunciation capacity, you can start this business even on a part-time basis. Networking is one of the most crucial aspects of achieving long-term business success.

#40. Water Park

The water park is a large-scale business in the amusement and entertainment industry. The business demands adequate capital investment and strategic planning with a good marketing setup. Additionally, for establishing a water park, you will need to have a large area of land.

Next What Business Research Team

Next What Business Research Team

The Editorial Staff at NextWhatBusiness is a team of Business Consultants having years of experience in small and medium-scale businesses.

Start an Entertainment Business

Painting the Town: Igniting Leisure and Creating Unforgettable Memories with Your Entertainment Enterprise

group of people in front of stage

ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, entertainment mini business plan, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, marketing and customer acquisition:, sales and customer experience:, cost control:, business operations:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if the business is the right endeavor, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples of ways to make money, step 2: name the business, step 3: create a business plan, step 4: obtain licenses and permits, how to obtain licenses and permits, cost of licenses and permits, time frame for obtaining licenses and permits, step 5: secure financing, step 6: market the business, promote special events, develop a website, step 7: hire employees, training employees, step 8: develop a business structure, choosing a business structure, registering the business, step 9: monitor the business, explore more categories, take the next steps.

new business ideas entertainment industry

  • Copywriting
  • Advertising
  • More Side hustles
  • Personal Finance
  • Mindset & Psychology
  • Real Estate
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Financial markets
  • Alternative investments
  • Grow your business
  • Start your business
  • Entrepreneurship tips

></center></p><h2>20 Best Entertainment Business Ideas</h2><p><center><img style=

Entrepreneurs Tutor

new business ideas entertainment industry

Best Entertainment Business Ideas

The entertainment industry is a super lucrative investment venture.

As per the latest projections, the entertainment business is poised to show an annual growth rate of 8.54 percent, thus reaching a projected market volume of 40.74 billion USD by 2024.

It is also one of the most innovative business segments. There is no lack of new ideas for running an entertainment business.

The entertainment business is one of the most recession-proof businesses. During the corona time, many successful businesses flourished in the virtual space. They capitalized on whacky and out-of-the-box business ideas, giving people some great fun quotient in the comfort of their homes.

What is an Entertainment Business?

Broadly speaking, any business falling under the entertainment category is an entertainment business.

For example, the business of mass media comes under the entertainment industry. But the business of entertainment is not just limited to media or films. It encompasses a range of unique local businesses such as circuses, magic shows, trade shows, etc.

An entertainment business could be involved with directly providing entertainment to customers or be a part of a larger profitable setup.

For example, many people are employed on a film production set. They provide a wide range of services such as technical, logistics, catering, etc. Even though they are not directly entertaining the audience, they are still a part of the entertainment industry.

Choosing the right entertainment business ideas

Deciding that you want to start a business in the entertainment industry is the first step.

Next, you must figure out what kind of business you should start.

Selecting the right entertainment business ideas requires considerable research and a foolproof assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.

You must not launch a business in a hurry and resist the temptation of going for an idea only because it’s commercially viable.

These are the points you should keep in mind while choosing the right profitable business ideas in the entertainment niche:

  • Do you have experience in the business you are choosing?  – This is the most crucial point to consider. You must start a business in an area you are familiar with and have some working experience.
  • Is it something you are passionate about?  – To sustain your business long-term, you must be passionate about it. Think of your hobbies, and then plan an entrepreneurial venture around them.
  • What kind of investment would it require?  –  Every business has a different investment threshold. Finalize your budget, and then go for the business ideas that fit that ceiling realistically.
  • What kind of space and materials would be needed?  – Logistics are crucial when planning a new venture. You might think that I’ll figure this out later, but that’s not the right approach. You must figure out in advance what all arrangements you will have to make for your new business.
  • Would the business require frequent traveling?  – You must figure out the requirements of a business in advance to ensure it goes with your priorities. A business that requires significant traveling around the year might or might not be your cup of tea.
  • Would you want to go solo or work with others?  There are many business ideas where you have the option of going solo. Then, there are others where you must work with a team. You must figure out your preference and start a venture accordingly.
  • Is your idea profitable?  – This is the million-dollar question. Before finalizing an idea for your business, you must do some research to find out if your idea has the potential to earn profit. No matter how brilliant your idea is, if it cannot generate revenue, you can’t sustain the business.

How to start an entertainment business

1.      Select a niche – You must select the niche in which you want to start the business.

It could be films, music, choreography, food business ideas, family entertainment business, etc.

The first step is to select an area and then create a viable business idea around it.

2.      Research your niche – You must thoroughly research your niche.

Whichever area of the entertainment industry you are launching your business in, you must have the basics at your fingertips.

For example, if your startup caters to the wedding market, you must know all about the latest popular event trends amongst your consumer base. The wedding market is very customer specific, so you must narrow your target customer base.

3.      Zero down on profitable business ideas  – Now that you’ve finalized the niche and done some research, it’s time to make a list of the best business ideas.

 Think of ideas that can be implemented within a reasonable time frame and have the potential to generate decent revenue.

Make sure that the ideas are specific and not too broad or generic.

4.       Create a business plan  – Now that you’ve decided what business you want to do, you must create a business plan.

 Your business plan should ideally spell out all the important details of your business – structure, organizational set-up, company goals, vision, marketing plan, budget, and blueprint for generating revenue, etc.

You could use a business plan template to make planning easy.

5.      Networking – Networking is like the backbone of the entertainment industry business.

 A successful business requires the cooperation of many stakeholders. Whatever the nature of your company, you are always dependent on other players.

Attend as many industry events as you can. Look for new ways to make your services more innovative and profitable. Learn from the expertise of the best in the industry.

6.       Marketing Strategy  – The next step is to create a marketing strategy for your startup.

 Do thorough market research. Analyze what your competitors are offering and how your services score over theirs.

Remember that the marketing strategy must be innovative, cost-effective, relevant to your business idea, and realistic enough to be implemented in a reasonable time frame.

No matter how good your marketing strategy is, you wouldn’t achieve the desired objectives, if it’s unrealistic or confusing.

Top 25 Entertainment Business Ideas

The entertainment industry is massive and includes a whooping range of businesses including telecommunications, music, video games, events, art fairs & festivals, live concerts, etc.

 The business of entertainment is not just about directly entertaining people. It involves managing artists and also includes innovative startups that create new kinds of interesting activities for people.

If you are looking for a business with a generous dosage of creativity, then this is the right field for you.

Here is a list of the top 20 business ideas in the entertainment business.

1.       Photographer

This is one of the most lucrative businesses in the entertainment world.

        If you are good with your skills and can click pictures that capture the soul of the place and the essence of the subject, then this is just the business for you.

As a professional photographer, you can specialize in portfolio shoots of models and actors. For this, you need to be a good portrait photographer and invest in a decent studio setup.

You could also specialize in events photography and make a living by capturing events and award shows.

Photography is a great family entertainment business as well as many photographers do exclusive family portraits and cover family events like festival celebrations, parties, weddings, etc.

The business of photography has great entrepreneurial potential. But you need to network and have the right contacts.

2.      Makeup Artist

This is a sought-after business in the entertainment industry.

As a makeup artist, you can work directly on film sets, for events, and photo-shoots, etc. You can directly develop your celebrity clientele base and thus become their personal makeup artist.

As a makeup artist, you help clients look their best for weddings and other events. If you have the right skills, certifications, and contacts, then there will be no lack of work.

The entertainment industry has a plethora of opportunities for makeup artists. From fashion shows to theatre performances, and music and dance festivals, there is plenty of work available around the year.

3.      Social Media Influencer

Becoming a social media influencer in the entertainment segment can be a great business option. And you don’t need any specific experience. If you are creative, enterprising, hard-working, presentable, and have a good camera presence, you can start right away.

The work opportunities are endless. You can become a lifestyle vlogger by covering the latest hotspots and happenings in town – cafes, bars, restaurants, music festivals, book events, art exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, etc.

You could become an Instagram influencer entertaining people with catchy and funny multimedia content. The online entertainment business is big these days, and social media is its most popular medium.

If traveling is your thing, you could become a travel vlogger or blogger, showcasing picturesque locations and venues for entertainment.

This is the kind of business that offers you many opportunities to exercise your creativity and talents.

4.       Amusement Park

Starting an amusement park is a great business plan for those looking to generate long-term revenue.

Since it’s a large-scale business, you need to invest a significant amount of capital,l to begin with.

It’s a great business for passionate and fun-loving people who want to start a profitable venture.

The Amusement Park niche is the kind of business that allows you to think big. You must be creative with your approach and curate the park around fun themes that can pull in crowds. Once your concept gets popular, there is no stopping. Within no time, other people would be buying franchises of your business. Such is the power of brand creation in the amusement park business.

Before starting this business, be prepared to do your research well. Who is your target audience? What will be the USP of your amusement park? You must figure out all these aspects. There are numerous case studies of successful amusement park brands you can take a cue from.

5.       Recording Studio

If you have a passion for sounds and music, this is the perfect business opportunity for you.

Recording studios are in great demand in the entertainment industry. Thus, it can be a super profitable business.

You can start a generic recording studio or set up a specialized music studio, depending on your needs and expertise. A general studio can also be used for recording voiceovers and dialogues, whereas a music studio specializes in recording songs and jingles.

It is not an easy business to start. You need some amount of industry knowledge and expertise. You also need to make some capital investment and follow a well-planned strategy in running your business.

6.       Truck business ideas

Truck business ideas have great potential to earn solid revenue.

The game truck business is a new rage.

If you are passionate about gaming and want to work independently, this could be your unique startup.

As a game truck business owner, you’ll be typically booked for various events and parties. You’ll provide guests with multiple options for gaming systems. You need to have considerable knowledge and expertise on the popular games in the market along with the technical know-how of the system and games offered.

This is an adventurous business with erratic work hours and unpredictable schedules. So it is not meant for those who prefer predictability and regularity.

The game truck business requires some capital investment. You also need to register your business for taxes and get the necessary licenses and permits.

7.       Food business ideas

This is one of the top business ideas in the entertainment world.

Food business ideas in the entertainment industry are endless.

You could start a catering company providing services for events, parties, weddings, shoots, etc. You could also run a food truck startup. The food truck is preferred to opening a restaurant since it’s a flexible business model and requires considerably low investment.

As a food truck business owner, you’ll be taking your truck to multiple public events and festivals.

A food business niche is a lucrative option for those who nurture a passion for food. However, you need to plan out things well and be good at the logistics part to run this kind of business.

8.      Bowling alley

Starting a bowling alley is one of the most popular business ideas in the entertainment niche

Bowling is a fun activity enjoyed by people across all age groups. There is no minimum criterion to participate in this indoor sport. Employees, families, and competitive bowlers, all visit an alley.

This business can be incredibly profitable as such spaces typically attract large groups of customers. There can be many streams for revenue generation including shoe rentals, playtimes, food services, etc.

Starting an alley business needs a lot of meticulous planning. You need a large amount of space, to begin with, so you must choose the location carefully.

You must have some add-ons to attract customers and ensure they can relax and unwind alongside the bowling experience. Many new-age alleys come equipped with a commercial kitchen and bar setup. They also incorporate other fun games such as ping pong tables, pool tables, dart boards, etc.

With the right investment and technical know-how, such a business can generate huge returns.

9.      Open a Karaoke bar

Starting a karaoke bar can be a fun business for people passionate about singing and music.

You got to create an intimate space where people get the right kind of atmosphere to exercise their vocal cords for good.

It can be an immensely profitable business idea since karaoke bars typically draw huge crowds.

You don’t need any specific skills to start this kind of business. But you must know the popular music scene so that you can offer your customers the right options for singing.

Your customers would typically sing along to their favorite hits.

10.      Nightclub business

This is one of those adventurous business ideas that can be immensely exciting. You have to incur huge expenses in starting a nightclub, but the returns can be massive.

Once you get past the initial investment phase, the nightclub business can be very rewarding.

People across all age groups love socializing in such spaces. The holistic experience offered by a nightclub in form of great live music, dance floors, and theme-based parties adds to the fun quotient.

Starting such a business is not easy. You must do meticulous research on the existing nightclub scene and see what your place can offer by way of USP.

You must search for a good location, finalize the right size for your nightclub, and select a concept for your club.

The nightclub business is very competitive; running a generic place offering just food, drinks and music won’t get you many takers. You have to create hype around your business by offering something unique.

11.       Video Game Arcade

Starting a video game arcade is one of the best service business ideas.

People from all age groups enjoy video games. Although online gaming is getting more popular, playing games in the social atmosphere of an arcade is a different experience altogether.

If you are passionate about video games and have some knowledge of popular videos, this is a great business for you.

Video game arcade is a flexible business model that allows you to scale up or down as per your budget. You could go for a traditional arcade that requires lesser space. Or, you could go for a larger space that offers customers the option of buying food and drinks.

In this business, the look of the place is very important. Your interiors must be trendy, warm, and welcoming. It’s best to place your arcade in a place that gets a lot of footfall, like a shopping mall.

12.      Stand-Up Comedy

It’s a great business for all creative souls out there who love to make people laugh.

You could perform as a stand-up comedian yourself or begin a comedy club. You could initiate a startup that manages stand-up comedians.

Stand-up comedy is one of the fastest-growing entertainment genres. The best part is this is the kind of business you can easily do on the side. If you have a regular job, you could reserve evenings and weekends for stand-up comedy gigs.

As a comedian, you could land up gigs in bars, cafes, and restaurants. You could also get an opportunity to perform in various comedy shows and festivals. Opportunities to excel in this business are endless. But you need great content, cracking delivery, and the perfect comic timing.

13.      Video editing services

It is one of the fastest-growing businesses in the entertainment sector.

With the phenomenal rise of social media, the demand for professional video editors has skyrocketed.

As a video editor, you cater to a wide variety of customers. Your clients will not be just professionals but people from all walks of life looking for help to edit their social media video content.

Your work would involve giving a polished and professional look to the YouTube videos of the clients.  As your business grows, you could work for big production houses, modeling agencies, etc, on a contract basis.

There is no limit to the kind of money you can make in this business. But you need to constantly hone and upgrade your skills.

14.      Billiard Room

The Billiard room entertainment business is popular in the entertainment niche.

Billiard is a much sought-after indoor sport by people from all age groups. After a hard day at work, people want to relax and unwind in the evenings. Billiard room business allows them to do that.

 You need to do some research before starting this kind of business. The location is very important. You must survey the population and find out if billiard is popular in that location before buying a space out there.

You also have to do preliminary market research to find out if you have competitors and to assess the purchasing power of the local people to set a price for your services.

The billiard room business is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to build a long-term and reliable local business model.

15.      Event planning

Event management is a thriving business in today’s time.

You could start an event planning company and organize many events including weddings, private parties, corporate events, musical concerts, etc.

Event planning and management is a very lucrative business. No matter what level of the ladder you are at, there is immense potential to earn a lot of money.

Event management is no mean feat. To plan an event well, you need stellar organizational skills, extraordinary planning acumen, and a host of venue and caterer contacts.

It’s a highly unpredictable and demanding business where you got to be on your feet all the time.

Event planning is ideal for resourceful entrepreneurs looking to make it big with hard work and dynamism.

16.       Online Wedding Marketplace

There is no lack of exciting business ideas that can be pursued on the side. An online wedding marketplace is one of them.

The wedding business is an evergreen industry. It is one of those entertainment business ideas that would never fade out. Folks are always looking for suitable matches to get hitched.

An online wedding marketplace is a matchmaker website that allows single men and women from diverse backgrounds to get connected.

Depending on your customer base and your site algorithm, your business would offer many services including virtual meet-ups, personalized chat options, etc.

This sort of business requires a lot of preparation. To start an online wedding marketplace, you must follow the local rules and regulations.

You must thoroughly research all aspects including process, costs involved, legalities, etc before starting your business.

17.      Dance Studio

Opening a dance studio is a fun business for those who love dancing and know a lot about various dance forms.

A dance studio is an innovative startup that gives you the chance to make a living out of your passion. But you need to plan things meticulously.

The most important step is to look for a suitable space with an intimate and cozy vibe. The location is crucial to the dance studio business. You must start your studio in an area easily accessible from all parts of the city.

You can start a generic dance school where you teach the basics of different dance styles. Or you could start a specialized one for specific dance styles like salsa, flamenco, etc.

18.      Musical Band Management

An idea needs to be innovative and out-of-the-box to be saleable.

The business idea of musical band management fits the bill.

This is an important business in the music industry that involves managing different music bands. You could run this business in two ways. You could start your own band and perform at various events and venues. Or, you could start a company that manages multiple bands.

The musical band management business has immense potential for a good profit turnover. But, you must stay up-to-date with the latest music trends and be able to catch the pulse of the market.

19.      Virtual Reality Experience

The virtual reality experience is an online business getting extremely popular these days.

The idea of being transported to exotic locations and being able to enjoy wonderful experiences from the comfort of your home is appealing to many.

VR business uses artificial intelligence and augmented reality to give unique experiences to customers.

The advantage of this type of business is that you don’t need to invest in a physical office space. But, it requires considerable investment in setting up the relevant technology infrastructure.

Offering VR experience is a fairly expansive business segment that involves many verticals like content creation, streaming services, VR café, data visualization, VR app development, 3D animation, VR equipment business, etc.

Whether you are directly offering virtual reality experience to consumers or running a business that deals with any other aspect of VR industry, this business has a lot of potential for long-term growth.

20.      Pop-up Hotel

A pop-up hotel is a new business concept that’s gaining popularity worldwide.

It is one of the most innovative business ideas that has gained ground over the last decade.

A pop-up hotel literally means a hotel that pops up suddenly. Pop-up hotels are temporary accommodations for tourists that come up in popular areas overnight. These could be open office spaces or other properties leased out for a short time. A pop-up hotel can last for a few days up to a few weeks.

It’s an exciting business for those looking to earn some quick cash on the side.

Mobile pop-up hotels can be in great demand in popular tourist locations hosting international fairs and festivals.

This business takes advantage of the sudden increase in demand for accommodation and cashes on the gap between demand and supply.

You must thoroughly check the local rules and regulations before starting this business.

Bottom Line

An idea is the lifeline of the success of a business.

This might sound exaggerated but it’s true. In the entertainment industry, businesses are woven around unique experiences that can be offered to customers. Most of the time, the success of a business depends on the novelty of the idea.

Novelty is the starting point. An idea must be practical enough to offer a product or service in demand.

Generating new demand is all good, but you cannot sell something in the absence of a market. So an idea needs to have some potential in terms of saleability.

The business of entertainment is exciting and unpredictable. It’s also a business of constant change. New concepts are coming in every day. To be successful in this business segment, one needs to keep a tab on all the latest developments in this field.

You must be able to think on your feet and adapt your business to the changing times.

The corona period witnessed a surge of virtual events, conferences, and festivals. From dance and yoga classes to guitar lessons, everything was being offered online. This created new and exciting opportunities for this business segment.

Change is at the core of the entertainment business. As an entrepreneur, you must be flexible enough to let go of your assumptions and interpret market trends judiciously. You should also have the foresight to anticipate and predict future trends.

new business ideas entertainment industry

How to Start an Entertainment Business

From musicians to clowns to magicians to comedians, an entertainment company specializes in supplying performers for everything from birthday parties to company retreats. While most companies will specialize in one particular type of performer, it's also possible to employ a wide range of people with different skills to meet a variety of needs.

Learn how to start your own Entertainment Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Entertainment Business Image

Start an entertainment business by following these 10 steps:

  • Plan your Entertainment Business
  • Form your Entertainment Business into a Legal Entity
  • Register your Entertainment Business for Taxes
  • Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  • Set up Accounting for your Entertainment Business
  • Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Entertainment Business
  • Get Entertainment Business Insurance
  • Define your Entertainment Business Brand
  • Create your Entertainment Business Website
  • Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your entertainment business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

  • What are the startup and ongoing costs?
  • Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Entertainment Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your entertainment business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening an entertainment business.

Entertainers can typically get started without a lot of capital. The main costs will be taking care of their normal living expenses as they attempt to build a steady clientele. Direct costs are usually administrative (e.g., Wi-Fi, website domain-name, advertising. etc.) Performers will also need to factor in how much it will cost for them to maintain/replace their equipment.

What are the ongoing expenses for an entertainment business?

Entertainment companies will need to account for travel, equipment maintenance, and employee salaries. They may also want to invest in ongoing education, depending on their specialty.

Who is the target market?

Most private clients who hire an entertainer will be financially comfortable enough to absorb the expense. However, entertainers can easily be employed by schools, commercial operations, and even government organizations who may be on more limited budgets.

How does an entertainment business make money?

Performers will usually charge a specific fee either per hour or per show. Entertainers set their rates based on not only their time but also any business expenses they may have, such as supplies, employee salaries, etc.

Performers can charge based on their popularity as well as their business expenses. It’s not unusual for an established company to charge hundreds of dollars an hour or more a performance. Realistically though, an owner should set their rates based on their direct competition. If there is nothing like what you’re offering in an area, then work out a reasonable hourly rate that you believe people in the area would be willing to pay.

How much profit can an entertainment business make?

Because ongoing expenses are so little, most of the money made by an entertainment company will be pure profit. A person with a two-hour act making $45 an hour for their services would need to work 20 shows a week to make around $93,000 a year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Entertainers should consider experimenting with different types of acts and audiences to appeal to more people. They can also consider doing community events where they give mini-lessons to people who want to learn a magic trick or a guitar skill for a small fee. Or they can start doing private lessons for more dedicated people.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your entertainment business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an entertainment business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

An entertainment business is generally run out of an office. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location :
  • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
  • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a entertainment business.
  • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location :
  • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
  • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your entertainment business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Entertainment Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Entertainment Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an entertainment business

Marketing needs will vary based on the neighborhood an owner serves. A community that’s mainly filled with young families may be most likely to hear about the business via the school or another community stronghold. Traditional paper flyers may be old-fashioned, but the right one could catch the right eyes. Websites like NextDoor or Craigslist also offer community-specific information. Finally, social media (whether via paid ads or organic content) can make it easier for people to find and share information about the company. Websites must be professional but personal enough to attract the desired audience base.

How to keep customers coming back

The goal is always to make clients happy and be memorable enough to stand out in their minds. With all of the available entertainment in the comfort of people’s living rooms, it’s the performers job to connect with their audience so they understand that it’s not always as fulfilling to turn on a TV as it is to have a live person in front of them.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

The person who chooses this business must either love to be in the spotlight or have a knack for spotting people with talent. Owners and employees should have an inherent love of entertaining to thrive. If the owner is the performer, they should be willing to work on their craft constantly and change it according to audience expectations as time goes by.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an entertainment business?

The bulk of the work of an entertainer is their actual time spent on stage, but an owner also has to be willing to devote time to advertising and marketing their services, as well as organizing the administrative end of things (e.g., payments, scheduling, etc.)

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful entertainment business?

Entertainers should have some level of expertise before getting started. A comedian doesn’t have to be equal to Jerry Seinfeld to strike off on their own, but they should have enough of a following to justify a transition. Most won’t need formal training to do what they do, but it helps to have logged plenty of professional hours mastering different types of routines.

What is the growth potential for an entertainment business?

Entertainers may be more in demand than they think because they can perform anywhere from a school to a home to a business. Who they end up working for will depend on the entertainment company’s rates, but entertainment companies serve enough needs in a community for there to be some flexibility in the business model. Ultimately, that flexibility can translate to better growth potential.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an entertainment business?

Most people will begin offering their services on a part-time basis to understand more about the demand of performers in their area (and hopefully stoke the fire for demand as well.) Owners must be prepared to alter their routines based on who’s hiring them. An engineering company who wants a comedian for a black-tie dinner will want very different material than a company who wants to reward their sales team after a record-breaking month.

Part of being a performer is creating a need for your services in a community. It’s ultimately a luxury good no matter how you look at it, so it’s about showing people that their dollars are well spent. A good performer can turn a dull gathering into the place to be. This is also the time to look for angles that may not be readily apparent. For example, a guitar player could play a couple’s song on their anniversary, or a magician can be hired to perform a disappearing act during a company retirement.

If choosing to hire performers, an owner will need to catch people at the beginning of their careers before they turn into the competition. To keep them happy, they'll need to be well-compensated for their time. Owners should ideally be able to convince their employees that the day-to-day business drudgeries aren't worth becoming their own boss.

How and when to build a team

Entertainers don’t necessarily need to hire anyone initially unless they truly don’t believe they can handle the more tedious parts of their business, such as collecting money from clients and staying on top of various commitments. Once the entertainer reaches critical mass, they can either hire an assistant or additional performers to meet the demand.

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

wisebusinessplans logo

  • Customer Reviews
  • Net 30 Account
  • Wise Services
  • Steps & Timeline
  • Work at a Glance
  • Market Research at a Glance
  • Business Plan Writing Services
  • Bank Business Plan
  • Investor Business Plan
  • Franchise Business Plan
  • Cannabis Business Plan
  • Strategic Business Plan
  • Corporate Business Plan
  • Merge and Acquisition Business Plan (M&A)
  • Private Placement Memorandums (PPM)
  • Sample Business Plans
  • Professional Feasibility Study
  • PowerPoint Presentations
  • Pitch Deck Presentation Services
  • Business Plan Printing
  • Market Research
  • L-1 Business Plan
  • E-2 Business Plan
  • EB-5 Business Plan
  • EB-5 Regional Centers
  • Immigration Attorneys
  • Nonprofit Business Plan
  • Exit Business Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Business Formation
  • Business License
  • Business Website
  • Business Branding
  • Business Bank Account
  • Digital Marketing
  • Business Funding Resources
  • Small Business Loans
  • Venture Capital
  • Net 30 Apply

Wise Business plans logo

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Business Credit Cards
  • Talk to Us 1-800-496-1056

Most exciting entertainment business ideas

61 Most Exciting Entertainment Business Ideas

Get our professional business plan services now.

The entertainment industry includes a wide range of businesses, including television, telecommunications, music, video games, and live concerts. Despite the existence of several niche players, the industry is dominated by large media conglomerates.

61 Best Entertainment Business Ideas You Can Start Today

The importance of a business plan for starting an entertainment business.

The global entertainment industry undergoes a massive change every year. It increases significantly, and even if you are the hundredth entertainment business owner in your city, it doesn’t matter. You will always have clients swarming near your shop.

Many businesses generate value by providing people with interesting things to do or watch in the entertainment industry. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the most interesting small business ideas that might ease the decision-making process.

1. Fan Page or Blog

Creating a fan page or entertainment blog may not seem lucrative at first. But with the advent of apps like Instagram and Twitter, these types of fan content have become full-time jobs.

In this field, there is more competition due to the sheer popularity of influencer culture, but you could create a steady income stream with the right combination of ad sponsors.

2. A dance studio

A dance studio

One loves to learn dance of various types, and dancing is a graceful form of entertainment. You can start your dance studio if you love dancing and want to share it with others.

It takes a fixed amount of capital to rent or buy a space. You can choose to do Zumba for weight loss, salsa, tap dance, or ball dance. Make sure the space is spacious and has enough room for at least 7-8 people to dance.

3. Food Service for Entertainment Crew

Food services and catering for talent and crew are often a necessity for photo and film shoots. 

The idea of opening a business that provides food for craft services is another entertainment business idea.

If you are good at cooking large quantities of food and are punctual and consistent, your services may be in high demand. Make sure that, as with any food service business, you have the right licenses and permits to handle and serve food.

Related Resources :

  • 25 Creative Food Truck Business Ideas
  • How to start a food truck business
  • Food house business
  • Food truck business plan template
  • Coffee shop business plan template
  • Business plan template for a BBQ restaurant
  • How to start a BBQ business
  • Restaurant business plan template
  • Catering business plan template

4. Video Editing Services

Moreover, video editing has transitioned from professional clients to amateur clients mainly due to social media crazes. 

Just take a look at YouTube to see how many people are willing to pay for smooth video editing that only professionals can offer.

Due to its timely demand, it deserves a place in the top 10 entertainment business ideas.

5. Online Wedding Marketplace

Creating an online wedding marketplace or a matchmaker website is subject to many rules and regulations.

Do your homework thoroughly about the costs, process, legalities, and other business aspects before you take the plunge. 

6. Birthday party or events venue

If you want to offer party or event bookings at your venue, allocate a certain amount of real estate to accommodate the number of guests you anticipate.

As a result, your venue will attract families, corporate gatherings, and school activities, which will give your business a high-revenue activity during normally low-revenue periods.

Include game passes for indoor attractions, food packages, and loyalty promotions to seal the deal with this bundle.

7. Hairstylist

There is a strong correlation between hair stylists and makeup artists, but the two jobs are separate-and equally important.

 If you’ve ever seen a celebrity getting ready for an event or photoshoot, you know that it often takes a whole team.

You’ll need credentials for this one, but if you love blowouts and updos, this might be for you.

Bonus Tip: You need a business plan for running a successful hair salon business, You can write a plan by downloading this hair salon business plan template . 

8. Voice Over Service

You can earn money with almost no investment by starting a voice-over service business from home. Networking is one of the most crucial aspects of getting long-term business success.

If you have a good voice and pronunciation capacity, you can start this business even part-time.

9. Indoor playground or soft play

According to the IAAPA survey, toddler attractions and facilities like inflatables, indoor playgrounds, and ball crawl rank third among the top revenue sources in FECs.

You can also offer party or event spaces, food and beverages, and areas where adults can enjoy themselves while their kids are playing.

10. Wearable Band

Wearable band

Wearable bands are also known as drum pants. Drum pants enable people to play music by arming themselves and wearing leggings. It’s an innovative business idea that’s already gaining immense popularity globally.

11. Esports Team

The Esports phenomenon combines competitive sports with video games to form a fast-growing phenomenon. It’s a global phenomenon. If you’re looking for entertainment business ideas at teen age , this can be a good choice.

The growth potential is exponential, but the industry is still in uncharted territory; only time will tell if E-sports is here to stay.

12. Video game arcade

Video games are not only popular among kids in the United States but they are also enjoyed by adults. People are going to love an arcade, but you have to know which videos are popular so you can attract them to your arcade.

You should also make sure that your arcade has a nice atmosphere for visitors. It is best to place your arcade in a shopping mall or shopping complex.

13. Sound Engineering Services

As a result of the demand, sound engineering services are one of the best entertainment business ideas, not only because of customer convenience but also because of the convenience of their service.

If you’re an adept one, it shouldn’t be hard to start a business like this. You just need a few software packages and you’re good to go.

14. Music Reality Show

It is possible to earn income and even wealth from starting a music reality show. If you didn’t know this, then you know now. Think about great reality show brands such as American Idol, X-Factor, and so on.

This sounds like a good way to make some money, doesn’t it? You might want to tinker with this idea if you are financially able.

15. Modelling Agency

Young entrepreneurs who want to build careers in Entertainment can easily start a modeling agency with a little capital. It is a popular business idea.

16. Puppet Shows

Keeping the kids entertained is an excellent way to keep them entertained. Some adults enjoy watching puppet shows as well.

If you have a sense of creativity, you might want to consider creating characters to entertain them. It could be a live show, a television show, or a radio show.

17. Laser tag arena

It is crucial to invest in design, aesthetics, and gameplay in an FEC such as this because it is highly immersive. 

To create a competitive and fun laser tag arena for customers, a professional sync of lights, sound, voice, and other factors is needed.

If you need help making the magic happen, you can consult a design consultant.

18. Instrumentalist

The demand for drummers, keyboardists, guitarists, and other specialists who can play many different instruments is high today for different concerts and by various musicians. 

Religious houses are always looking for those who can give them very good beats and sounds.

Thus, you can earn money from playing musical instruments without leaving your regular job. Please note that this can replace your regular income in the long run.

19. Strip Club

Strip clubs in the USA and other countries are becoming increasingly popular. While the business is capital intensive, it can also be very profitable. 

However, you must consult your local laws and regulations before starting a strip club business.

20. Singing

Singing

If you have a good voice, you can become a singer. As a professional singer, you can perform live shows, do playback singing, etc. In today’s era of technology, it’s very easy to become a singer. You can also make money by uploading your singing videos on YouTube. 

21. Party supplier

It is common for people to have engagement parties, wedding parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, graduation parties, and success parties, in addition to birthday parties. 

No matter what the reason, you could be providing all the party necessities.

We suggest choosing a niche if you’d like to be organized since it could be challenging to cater to all the different types of parties.

22. Karaoke Bar

A karaoke bar is one of the most popular forms of group entertainment. They’re more popular in urban areas but are still popular in suburban and rural areas.

Over the next few years, gathering spaces like these will be in high demand as a result of the pandemic keeping friends apart for an extended time.

In the past, if you were a child and enjoyed watching circus shows, as well as the experience, you would agree that circuses today are more entertaining. 

If you think that this is one business that you want to do, you can take flight.

Keep in mind that running a circus has a lot to do with music since you will need to serenade the people who come to your circus with some of the finest tunes.

ProTip: It’s necessary to have a business plan if you want to start a circus business. To help you write your own plan, download our free business plan sample pdf .

24. Organize Listening Parties

Increasingly, listening parties have become more popular these days than ever before. 

When an artiste announces the release of a new album, he invites people to a party to listen to the new tracks. If you are a good organizer, you might want to take it up as a business.

Musicians these days love to have listening parties. Then this concerns you – especially if you possess good organizational skills.

You can take the burden of planning the listening party for the musician, which is a great way to make a lot of money.

25. Mobile Sauna

The demand for mobile saunas in the United States and Europe is tremendous. 

It usually comes with a sound system, LED lighting, and a selection of relaxing sounds so clients can relax and enjoy the experience. Startup capital is required for the business.

26. Music Studio

A musician spends a large part of his or her time in the studio, cooking up something or another. Nevertheless, a studio can be a great source of income, especially if you are a high-income earner.

Therefore, you might want to consider starting one. Starting such a video might not be easy, but in the long run, it is very profitable.

27. Miniature golf course

Family attractions like mini golf are a great way to attract people of all ages to your FEC. If you have a lot of space, you may want to consider either an indoor or an outdoor miniature golf course.

Land leases and improvements, décor, architectural plans, insurance, basic equipment, POS/ticketing/redemption systems, and golf equipment are estimated to cost about $500,000.

28. VR experience

People are increasingly interested in virtual reality experiences, which is why entertainment businesses can utilize the new equipment to offer a new experience for customers. 

As the new technology becomes more accessible, more people want to try it out.

With escape rooms, you won’t need to invest in a physical location, but you will need to create or invest in the technology to take your customers to all kinds of far-flung places—in their minds—for free.

One of the professions that have been around for more than two thousand years is acting.

 It is a natural endowment that some folks exhibit that makes one appreciate that some individuals are naturally born to act.

You watch them on TV and you are mesmerized by the way they perform their roles. Sometimes you wonder if what you see them doing is the way they are in real life.

Access our free business plan examples now!

30. water park.

Waterpark

In the amusement and entertainment industry, water parks are essentially large-scale businesses.

To establish a water park, you will need a large amount of land, adequate capital investment, and strategic planning. Furthermore, you will need a good marketing strategy.

31. Magician

Magicians perform tricks or illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats by using natural means. 

This is one of the most popular entertainment business ideas worldwide.

Magic shows can be offered to your clients if you have the right skills and enjoy making people happy.

32. Trade Show

Organizing various types of trade shows is a potential revenue generator for businesses.

It gives potential buyers and sellers a platform to meet. It is extremely effective not just in B2B businesses but also in retail and brand building.

33. Urban Park Business

Urban parks are quietly profitable businesses that require a considerable amount of capital. Although they require a great deal of capital investment, they also ensure good revenue.

 Modern urban parks are usually well-equipped with wide green lawns, children’s play areas, water bodies, restaurants, boating, etc.

34. Movie Maker

In some cases, moviemakers are certified, as they’ve got degrees in filmmaking. One of the things that qualify them is that they know so much about their niche that they can make very profitable movies.

It’s no secret that being a movie maker is one thing you want to do, but it takes a lot of money.

35. Costume designer

A costume design business can be one of the most creative outlets in the entertainment industry. 

To make a television show, movie, or play successful, you need a wardrobe, and if you’re passionate about fashion, this could be your perfect entertainment business.

In the era of historical dramas, costume designers who can create period-specific clothing are in ever-growing demand. Even shows set in the present need someone to curate each character’s wardrobe.

36. Trampoline park

A trampoline park is another fun family FEC (Family entertainment center) that promotes fun and healthy activities for both kids and adults.

Unlike arcades or other simpler FEC types, trampoline parks should take particular care to ensure that guests are safe.

In case something goes wrong in this type of business, insurance is one of the most important costs involved.

37. Talk Show

If you have good communication skills and enjoy chatting with new people, then you might be interested in starting your own talk show service business.

You could arrange television and radio talk shows. Web-based talk shows, commonly known as podcasts, are also becoming increasingly popular.

38. Pop-Up Hotel

A pop-up hotel is a new entertainment concept that offers accommodations in prime locations. It is a cash-intensive business, so you should check your state’s laws regarding such businesses.

39. Comedian

The challenges of life are weighing heavily on people and life expectancy is lowering gradually. 

You can become a comedian and start making heaps of dollars a year by just making people laugh. Medical research has proven that joy and laughter can help a person live longer.

Can you make people laugh and possibly roll on the floor? Take a bold step and ask your friends who have events if you can crack some jokes for 5 – 10 minutes instead of just telling those jokes to just yourself. 

You can start from there and if you’re good, you might become the next big thing very soon.

Dj

The DJ business is one of the most profitable businesses anyone can start with low capital investment. However, you must enjoy the sounds and rhythms.

In addition, you need adequate skills and knowledge to operate the machines and mix the sounds properly.

41. Publicist

In the media industry, this is a major area, and one with higher returns over time. This business idea is perfect for someone who has a way with people and would like to support artists directly.

Publicists have lots of responsibilities, including PR for clients, publishing interviews with them, and doing damage control if a client gets into trouble.

The only requirement is some experience in the publishing industry, so if you have that, becoming a publicist could be a great business idea for you.

Bonus Tip:  Learn  what does a public relations specialist do

In most states of the United States, gambling, including charitable and online gambling, is legal. However, you must check local laws and regulations before establishing a casino business in your area.

A casino business requires significant investment, accurate planning, and good business management.

43. Comedy Club

The comedy club business is a great business idea in the entertainment business sector. Comedy clubs are popular places for people of all ages. The business can be started either in permanent locations or on mobile.

44. Advertising Clipping Service

Nothing is exciting about old advertising clipping agencies that focus on monitoring ads. That definitely won’t make them one of the top entertainment business ideas.

Clipping services now specialize in media research and information monitoring. You’ll certainly succeed in this venture if you know how to monitor and analyze competing products’ ads.

45. Musical Band Management

In the entertainment industry, band management is one of the most important ideas. You can start this business by establishing a band or representing multiple bands. It is a profitable business.

46. Entertainment Blogging

A blogging business is a megabucks business because it generates a lot of followership and brings traction to your blog site- which is what advertisers are looking for.

As a result of this huge traffic, advertisers would be willing to pay just to have their products and services listed on your blog.

Mind you, if you know your onions, you will be doing this at a very minimal overhead cost.

47. Choreographer

Essentially, a choreographer creates choreographies by practicing the art of choreography, a process known as choreographing.

There are numerous uses of choreography, from musical theatre and cheerleading to cinematography, gymnastics, fashion shows, ice skating theatre, synchronized swimming video game production, and animated art.

48. Amusement Park

It is a large-scale entertainment business to start an amusement park. To establish an amusement park, you will need a lot of space.

Additionally, you will have to spend a lot of money purchasing and building the park infrastructure, but it is extremely profitable and rewarding.

49. Tour Experience

Tour experience

There is a great deal of potential in bus and walking tours. You can focus on city or nature tourism, depending on where you are. Plus, tours don’t require a huge investment to get started.

This idea has limitations, such as competition in major cities like Toronto, as well as the advantage of being an expert in the area.

You’ll need to think outside the box to incorporate a 21st-century twist into a tour-based experience.

50. Artist Manager

Are you a coordinated person who can help others manage and coordinate their time and schedules? Consider managing an artist like John Legend!

You will be responsible for arranging his schedules, securing deals, reminding him of appointments, and generally keeping him on his toes. I guess that is not too much to do and yet you’ll be making millions.

51. Ad Film Production

It is an excellent business idea to invest in the media industry because it relies heavily on advertising and public relations. 

There are a lot of media outlets that spend large amounts of money advertising and promoting their work, whether it is movies, television, print, or journalism.

As a result of this high demand, a higher profit margin will be achieved. This business idea requires substantial capital and good networking skills. The Ad Film business or production is a great business to invest in if you have those two assets.

52. Become Anchorperson

In the media and entertainment industry, hosting programs as an anchorperson is a very lucrative career option. If you have experience as an anchor, you can charge more money than a regular professional.

It will maximize your chances of meeting people and seeing professional anchors doing what they do best if you are aware of the events happening around you.

53. Professional Emcee

A freelance professional emcee service can be started from home if you have good communication skills and a knack for public speaking. Small and big companies often hire emcees to host events, conferences, and seminars.

The business can also be started and operated part-time.

54. Balloon Bouquet

A balloon bouquet service business involves designing and delivering balloon arrangements to clients for a variety of occasions.

The balloon bouquet business’s advantages are that it can be started part-time, you can work at home, and you have low startup costs. Additionally, if you’re creative, you’ll love this job.

55. Television Presenter

Which TV presenter is your favorite, and what makes him or her tick? Well, you do know why you chose the person you do as your favorite. The television presenter is famous, regardless of how much money they make.

A television presenter job is as rewarding as a radio presenter job. In other words, you can present as many programs as you want, as long as none clash. A very good thing about this business is that you can pursue other interests.

56. Start a Nightclub

A nightclub is another profitable business idea on our list, as you cannot miss out on the nightlife in the United States. However, you will need substantial capital to start a nightclub.

The venue is extremely important as people won’t feel tempted to go to a far-away nightclub in the middle of the night. Additionally, you will need to comply with the laws and regulations of the city in which you will start this business.

57. Bowling alley

Adding bowling lanes to your FEC will ensure that you capture the entire family as your target market. Bowling also attracts larger groups of customers, and revenue streams can come from playtimes, shoe rentals, and food services.

58. Bounce House

Kids love to bounce, so bounce houses are extremely popular at birthday parties, corporate events, and fundraisers. Also, you can start this business either part-time or full-time.

To acquire the bounce house, the business requires an initial investment, and most bounce house suppliers offer guidance on starting the business as well.

59. Artist Management Company

Management Companies take care of an artist’s basic day-to-day affairs so that they can create art in peace.

 Besides this, they also offer career advice, bring new projects to the artist’s attention, and promote the artist in influential circles.

Therefore, most big and, now even up-and-coming artists have managers.

 Setting up an artist management company is a great idea. Before entering this business, keep in mind that exceptional networking skills are a requirement.

60. Song Writing

Song writing

You should not be misled by the fact that not every musician who writes hits knows how to write them; even those who do sometimes have other people write their songs for them.

In other words, if you cannot sing but can write, that in itself is an excellent business idea that could help to generate a lot of income for you. In addition, you will be able to charge and earn more if you write hit songs.

61. Bungee Jumping

The bungee jumping business can be very lucrative. It’s already a very popular form of entertainment that is popular in many parts of the world.

The business can be very profitable if you’re looking to start it up. However, you have to invest money upfront and seek licenses from local authority.

Recommended: A business plan will help you get funding to start an entertainment business. For assistance in writing your own business plan, you may download our business plan pdf .

Get our business plan professional services now!

If you’re interested in starting an entertainment business, having a solid business plan is crucial for success. It helps you outline your goals, identify your target market, evaluate competition, and create a roadmap for achieving your objectives.

At Wise Business Plans, we specialize in crafting comprehensive business plans for entertainment businesses that help entrepreneurs like you achieve their goals.

Our business plan writing services is designed to provide you with a well-researched and tailored business plan that meets your specific needs and objectives. 

In addition to our business plan writing service, we also offer free resources to help you create a business plan on your own. Our website features business plan examples , business plan templates , and articles on creating a successful business plan.

Some unique entertainment business ideas include starting an escape room facility, launching a mobile gaming truck, organizing live trivia events, creating a virtual reality arcade, or offering customized event planning services.

Yes, there are entertainment business ideas that cater to specific demographics or niches, such as children’s party entertainment, senior citizen social clubs, specialized dance studios, themed karaoke lounges, or niche-specific online streaming platforms.

Consider your interests, skills, target market, and local demand when choosing an entertainment business idea. Conduct market research, analyze competition, and assess the feasibility and profitability of the chosen idea.

Yes, there are entertainment business ideas that can be started with a small budget, such as starting a podcast, launching a YouTube channel, offering mobile DJ services, hosting trivia nights at local venues, or organizing small-scale community theater productions.

Yes, when starting an entertainment business, it’s important to consider legal aspects such as obtaining necessary licenses and permits, copyright and trademark regulations, liability insurance, and compliance with local entertainment and event industry regulations. Consulting with legal professionals is advised to ensure compliance with the law.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Quick Links

Made in USA

  • Investor Business Plans
  • M&A Business Plan
  • Private Placement
  • Feasibility Study
  • Hire a Business Plan Writer
  • Business Valuation Calculator
  • Business Plan Examples
  • Real Estate Business Plan
  • Business Plan Template
  • Business Plan Pricing Guide
  • Business Plan Makeover
  • SBA Loans, Bank Funding & Business Credit
  • Finding & Qualifying for Business Grants
  • Leadership for the New Manager
  • Content Marketing for Beginners
  • All About Crowdfunding
  • EB-5 Regional Centers, A Step-By-Step Guide
  • Logo Designer
  • Landing Page
  • PPC Advertising

Wise Business Plan New Logo White

  • Business Entity
  • Business Licensing
  • Virtual Assistant
  • Business Phone
  • Business Address
  • E-1 Visa Business Plan
  • EB1-A Visa Business Plan
  • EB1-C Visa Business Plan
  • EB2-NIW Business Plan
  • H1B Visa Business Plan
  • O1 Visa Business Plan
  • Business Brokers
  • Merger & Acquisition Advisors
  • Franchisors

Proud Sponsor of

  • 1-800-496-1056

US flag

  • (613) 800-0227

Canada flag

  • +44 (1549) 409190

UK flag

  • +61 (2) 72510077

Australia flag

  • Discovery Platform
  • Innovation Scouting
  • Startup Scouting
  • Technology Scouting
  • Tech Supplier Scouting
  • Startup Program
  • Trend Intelligence
  • Business Intelligence
  • All Industries
  • Industry 4.0
  • Manufacturing
  • Case Studies
  • Research & Development
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Corporate Innovation
  • Open Innovation
  • New Business Development
  • Product Development
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Sustainability
  • All Startups
  • Circularity
  • All Innovation
  • Business Trends
  • Emerging Tech
  • Innovation Intelligence
  • New Companies
  • Scouting Trends
  • Startup Programs
  • Supplier Scouting
  • Tech Scouting
  • Top AI Tools
  • Trend Tracking
  • All Reports [PDF]
  • Circular Economy
  • Engineering
  • Oil & Gas

Top 8 Entertainment Trends in 2023 - StartUs Insights

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Top 8 Entertainment Trends & Innovations in 2023

Are you curious about which entertainment trends & startups will soon impact your business? Explore our in-depth industry research on 840 entertainment startups & scaleups and get data-driven insights into technology-based solutions in our Entertainment Innovation Map!

The entertainment industry is constantly evolving with digitalization being among the main drivers. Innovations in digital entertainment technologies and the transition to home entertainment are making an impact on the entertainment industry. The way people find and consume entertainment is drastically different from even a few years ago. For example, immersive technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and other interactive content maximize user engagement. Read more to explore the top trends and innovations impacting the entertainment sector.

Innovation Map outlines the Top 8 Entertainment Trends & 16 Promising Startups

For this in-depth research on the Top 8 Entertainment Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 840 global startups and scaleups. The result of this research is data-driven innovation intelligence that improves strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies & startups in the Entertainment industry. These insights are derived by working with our Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform , covering 2 500 000+ startups & scaleups globally. As the world’s largest resource for data on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to identify relevant startups, emerging technologies & future industry trends quickly & exhaustively.

In the Innovation Map below, you get an overview of the Top 8 Entertainment Trends & Innovations that impact companies worldwide. Moreover, the Entertainment Innovation Map reveals 16 hand-picked startups, all working on emerging technologies that advance their field.

Entertainment-trends-innovation-InnovationMap-StartUs-Insights-noresize

Click to download

Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top Entertainment Trends

The Tree Map below illustrates the impact of the Top 8 Entertainment Trends in 2023. Developments in the metaverse and immersive technology are making content to be more engaging and interactive. Advances in AI and blockchain speed up content creation and distribution while also making them more secure. In addition to this, startups are developing innovations in streaming video on demand, smart home entertainment, and social and social entertainment apps. Lastly, AdTech solutions utilize developments in immersive technologies to create highly engaging content.

Top 8 Entertainment Industry Trends

  • Streaming Video-on-Demand
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Smart Home Entertainment
  • Social Entertainment Apps
  • Immersive Technology

Entertainment-trends-innovation-TreeMap-StartUs-Insights-noresize

Global Startup Heat Map covers 840 Entertainment Startups

The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the global distribution of the 840 exemplary startups & scaleups that we analyzed for this research. Created through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, the Heat Map reveals the most startup activity in the Hollywood & Eastern USA regions followed by moderate activity in the UK, India, and parts of Asia.

Below, you get to meet 16 out of these 840 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop. These entertainment startups are hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.

Entertainment-trends-innovation-Heat-Map-StartUs-Insights-noresize

Schedule your platform demo!

Top 8 Entertainment Innovation Trends in 2023

1. metaverse.

The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on movement accelerated the adoption of metaverse technologies. Startups develop immersive and collaborative tools to allow companies to create shared environments. These allow users to interact using avatars regardless of their location in the world. Moreover, the applications of the metaverse go beyond entertainment to increase office productivity using gamification through avatars and collaborative virtual environments.

RD Land creates a Virtual Events Platform

British startup RD Land develops a multi-sensory virtual events platform. The platform uses extended reality (XR) to create pre-made and prefabricated worlds. It also lets users create, publish and monetize their own all-inclusive, safe, and explorative worlds. These worlds enable self-expression, arts, social interaction, or virtual relationships.

Topia develops a Social Interactivity Platform

US-based startup Topia replaces traditional social interaction and engagement with interactive experiences in the metaverse. It lets users build and explore immersive worlds using a fully customizable canvas. The startup’s solution features peer-to-peer web real-time communication with decentralized, end-to-end encrypted connections that protect privacy. Moreover, it makes daily stand-ups, happy hours, and other social meetings and gatherings more engaging and entertaining.

2. Streaming Video-on-Demand (SVOD)

The shift to work from home marked an uptick in the use of video streaming services. Additionally, streaming services provide a wide range of benefits over cable television such as personalized content, lower costs, and accessibility from any device and location. However, factors such as poor bandwidth and inconsistent video quality the growth of SVOD services. To alleviate these problems, startups are creating software and hardware infrastructure to provide consumers with seamless viewing experiences.

ClippTV develops an AI-based Streaming Platform

Singaporean startup ClippTV creates an AI-based video clipping and streaming platform for event organizers. Its platform provides organizers with a unique and shareable link for each special moment in their ClippTV event channel. Additionally, authorized guests can clip and upload their own special moments to organizer streams. In this way, the startup’s solution provides event organizers and guests with a social experience during the event streaming.

Condense specializes in Live-Streamed Volumetric Video

British startup Condense enables content creators and performers to live-stream events into 3D virtual worlds. It combines a portable multi-camera system with a cloud platform for real-time rendering and streaming with features like high-performance decoding and variable bitrates. It also renders volumetric videos on the web or on mobile devices. The platform reduces the technical complexity of streaming live events into the metaverse for businesses, venues, and performers.

3. Artificial Intelligence

The rate of content consumption has been consistently growing since the advent of online streaming. This creates new challenges such as creating high-quality content fast enough to meet consumer demand and engaging advertising. Startups are addressing these concerns by automating video and music creation by implementing AI algorithms to target audiences. AI also assists the entertainment business in detecting and identifying fake and copied content to protect their brands.

Artmetrix provides AI-based Script Analysis

Indian startup Artmetrix develops an AI-based filmmaking platform that features intelligent script analysis. Trained on over 10 000 film databases, it evaluates scripts on key storytelling parameters. It also compares actors using proprietary metrics as well as enables filmmakers to understand their film’s position relative to historical databases. This results in faster and better script selection as well as improves the economics of promotional activities.

Clipcil offers an AI Music Composer

Clipcil is a Turkey-based startup that offers Cevelyn , an AI music composer. It features emotional awareness to produce personalized music. Cevelyn finds use in a wide range of application areas including composing music for malls, movies, commercials, games, and TV shows. It speeds up music creation while making synthetic music sound more natural and personal.

4. Blockchain

The entertainment industry is increasingly adopting digitalization through technologies such as streaming, peer-to-peer sharing, and immersive technologies. However, this exposes the industry to vulnerabilities associated with digital sales and transactions. Startups are leveraging blockchain to secure intellectual property in the digital economy. Blockchain’s open and decentralized nature enables developers to monetize assets through smart contracts and secure digital transactions. Entertainment companies are also leveraging to offer unique fan experiences such as with digital collectibles.

Dramebase develops a Decentralized Media Streaming Platform

Nigerian startup Dramebase develops a blockchain-based decentralized media streaming platform. Its platform uses Blockchain InterPlanetary File Systems (IPFS) to provide transparency, security, and control to royalty payments as well as prevent copyright infringements. Besides this, its music smart contracts execute transactions immediately to credit artists and let artists mint their content as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Moreover, the platform tackles problems such as underpayment of royalty to music artists, lack of clarity in revenue generation, and copyright infringement.

PlayTreks provides a Blockchain-based Music Marketplace

Belgian startup PlayTreks develops a blockchain-based music distribution marketplace. It allows artists to secure songs and digital proof of ownership of their creations. Besides digital rights, it features unlimited music data, free music distribution, airplay monitoring, and NFTs. This way, PlayTrek’s solution increases transparency in music content ownership and distribution. Moreover, when a creator uploads music from PlayTreks to any major traditional streaming platform, it automatically gets added to the blockchain marketplace.

Book a call today!

5. Smart Home Entertainment

Home automation systems are a fast-growing technology trend in the entertainment industry. The foundation of connected homes lies in the use of smart sensors that were previously only associated with industrial applications or were uneconomical. However, with advances in IoT technology, smart sensors are finding use in home systems, mainly for entertainment. Moreover, as sensors become smaller and more capable, startups are integrating them into devices to provide them with additional intelligent functions.

WooBloo manufactures a Smart Projector

US-based startup WooBloo manufactures SMASH , a smart projector that also serves as a multifunctional entertainment device. It uses digital light processing (DLP) technology to project up to a 120” display. It also features an AI-driven voice assistant, far-field voice recognition, and wireless screen sharing. Moreover, the device is portable and enables users to stream content from their laptops or smartphones which the device projects. This increases the value customers gain from their smart home devices.

Smart Ohm provides Smart Home Automation

Indian startup Smart Ohm creates smart home automation technologies. Its smart home entertainment solution controls lighting, TV, audio, and curtains in living rooms with sensors for presence detection. Additionally, it connects multiple rooms with audio controls. These solutions optimize and uplift the home entertainment experience.

6. Social Entertainment Apps

The global mobile app market is growing exponentially with applications for gaming, health, fitness, music, finance, social networking, and retail. Social entertainment apps are impacting how people discover and consume entertainment on their apps. These apps allow brands to engage targeted audiences, leading to greater retention. Startups are developing social entertainment apps that combine social interaction with entertainment and lifestyle activities.

ROJU develops an eSports Fitness App

Hong Kong-based startup ROJU creates an eSports fitness app that combines eSports, entertainment, and online training. The app lets users track their progress and calories burnt and provides global athletes and coaches as mentors. It gamifies fitness by offering medals and ROJU coins for performing rope skills, workouts, and challenges. ROJU also promotes eSports and engagement with competitions for users.

Live Tech Games creates Live Mobile Tournaments

UK-based startup Live Tech Games offers live mobile games during tournament broadcasts. Its mobile games complement the events by connecting players from across a region. Its live mass-participation technology enables broadcasters and advertisers to create additional fan engagement. This, in turn, increases customer conversion and retention.

7. Immersive Technology

Digitalization, miniaturization of devices, and increase in computing power are also lowering the barrier of entry to immersive technology, promoting its use for both commercial and personal purposes. Entertainment companies are leveraging immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) to create engaging content and experiences for users. Smart devices also offer new opportunities to implement immersive experiences. Other hardware solutions make immersive solutions more portable and easier to implement.

oARo Studio develops Object Tracking Cameras

French startup oARo Studio develops EZtrack , a modular object-tracking camera solution for virtual production. It is a compact system that provides accurate tracking and is compatible with any camera type as well as multi-camera setups. EZtrack reads zoom and focus data from a wide range of digitally encoded lenses as well as prime lenses. It makes it easier for studios to track and record people or objects when creating 3D media.

Blue Ring Imaging creates Mixed Reality Interfaces

US-based startup Blue Ring Imaging provides mixed reality hardware and software tools to teleoperate underwater vehicles. Its system features a multi-lens camera that provides 360 3D streaming with software that performs sensor fusion for AR and VR functionality. Besides this, it contains intelligent multimodal interaction software for voice, gesture, and eye tracking. The startup’s solution collect 3D data for movie productions as well as entertainment broadcasts.

Advertising companies are adopting advancements in technologies such as AR and VR to create more entertaining ads. This is further amplified by the upward trend in e-commerce. Moreover, the shrinking patience of consumers means that unlike before typical video ads do not attract attention. This is why startups are creating interactive ads that allow users to interact with them via video or with AR or VR. These technologies not only reduce the possibility of viewers skipping ads but also direct improve revenue generation.

Darabase creates Outdoor AR-based Ads

US-based startup Darabase creates location-based outdoor AR-based ads. Its AR ad formats are quick, simple, and cost-effective and use existing digital assets with templates for immersive experiences. The ads augment new and existing outdoor media. In addition to proving interactivity through mobile devices, it integrates wayfinding and map-based functions to direct viewers to nearby stores. This improves sales conversion through the gamification of ads.

Odeeo offers In-Game Audio Advertising

Israeli startup Odeoo develops an ad platform for non-intrusive in-game audio advertising and experiences. Game studios only need to provide a script while the platform handles the recording, sound, mixing, and producing. It also analyzes the average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU). It provides game developers with a transparent way to monetize and measure user engagement, enabling them to create more engaging games.

Discover all Entertainment Trends, Technologies & Startups

The increasing adoption of the metaverse and immersive technologies is reinventing the entertainment industry. With changing preferences, consumers now spend more on entertainment such as streaming services, esports, and mobile gaming. In the years to come, entertainment technologies will continue to make these services more interactive and engaging.

The Entertainment Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our data-driven innovation and startup scouting process. Among others, experiential audio, immersive gaming, and metaverse will transform the sector as we know it today. Identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies to implement into your business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage. Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout startups, technologies & trends that matter to you!

Discover our Free Waste Management Report

Your Name Business Email Company

Get our free newsletter on technology and startups.

Protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Schedule a call with us!

New-Employee-Productivity-Solutions-SharedImg-StartUs-Insights-noresize

Entertainment

Industry 4.0 22 pages report, mobility 22 pages report.

Leverage our unparalleled data advantage to quickly and easily find hidden gems among 4.7M+ startups, scaleups. Access the world's most comprehensive innovation intelligence and stay ahead with AI-powered precision.

Get started

Your Name Business Email Company How can we support you?   (optional)

Business Email

new business ideas entertainment industry

Protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google  Privacy Policy  and  Terms of Service  apply.

Seriosity

Entertainment Business Ideas for Adults: 5 Innovations to Start Now

seriosity featured image

Looking for a way to dive into the entertainment industry geared towards adults? You’re in luck! The adult entertainment sector is brimming with opportunities that aren’t just fun but can also be quite profitable. Whether you’re passionate about creating unique experiences or you’re looking for a more traditional approach, there’s something for everyone.

From organizing immersive escape rooms that challenge the mind to setting up sophisticated wine tasting events that tantalize the senses, the possibilities are endless. Imagine creating a space where adults can unwind, laugh, and maybe even learn something new. Let’s explore some of the most intriguing entertainment business ideas for adults that could turn your passion into a thriving enterprise.

Key Takeaways

  • Immersive escape rooms offer a unique blend of storytelling, teamwork, and puzzle-solving, making them a lucrative niche in the adult entertainment industry. Success hinges on choosing the right location, crafting compelling narratives, designing clever puzzles, and potentially incorporating technology like AR and VR to enhance the experience.
  • Sophisticated wine tasting events combine education, entertainment, and networking. Success factors include selecting an enticing venue, offering a diverse selection of wines, incorporating educational components, and leveraging technology to enhance guest interaction and post-event engagement.
  • Stand-up comedy clubs capitalize on the universal appeal of laughter, requiring careful consideration of location, talent selection, and the creation of a welcoming environment. Innovation through themed nights and community building activities can significantly boost popularity and customer loyalty.
  • Outdoor movie nights rekindle nostalgia and community spirit, with success depending on selecting the right venue, utilizing quality technology for screenings, and creating a memorable experience through themed nights and local partnerships.
  • Board Game Cafes tap into the growing adult interest in gaming and socialization, emphasizing the importance of location, a diverse game selection, a welcoming ambiance, and community engagement through events and social media to build a loyal customer base.

Escapades: Immersive Escape Rooms

If you’re always on the lookout for a thrilling business opportunity that combines creativity, teamwork, and sheer fun, then diving into the world of immersive escape rooms might just be your golden ticket. Picture this: a dimly lit room, a group of excited adults, and a mystery that’s begging to be solved. This isn’t just about locking people in a room and throwing away the key; it’s about crafting stories that engage, puzzles that challenge, and experiences that linger.

First things first, location is key . Finding the right spot can make or break your escape room adventure. You’ll want somewhere accessible, yet enigmatic enough to set the scene. Think old warehouses, basements, or even revitalized historic buildings. Each has its own charm and can add an extra layer of immersion to the experience.

Next, it’s time to flex those creative muscles and devise your narratives. The beauty of escape rooms lies in their versatility. You can whisk your customers away to a Victorian detective scenario , a zombie apocalypse , or even a high-stakes heist . The more compelling and unique your story, the more you’ll stand out in a crowded market.

But don’t forget, at the heart of every successful escape room is a series of clever, challenging puzzles. They should be diverse in nature—mixing physical, intellectual, and teamwork elements. Your goal is to strike that perfect balance between frustration and triumph. Too easy and your guests will leave feeling underwhelmed. Too hard, and you risk dampening the fun.

To really make your mark, consider integrating technology. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can elevate the traditional escape room experience to new heights, offering an immersive journey that’s not easily forgotten. Imagine guests solving a puzzle only to have a hidden compartment in the wall slide open, revealing a clue or a new room. The possibilities are endless.

Remember, your passion for creating unique, memorable experiences can turn this entertaining venture into a lucrative business. By paying attention to location, crafting captivating stories, designing clever puzzles, and potentially incorporating technology, you’re setting yourself up for success in the ever-growing world of adult entertainment.

Uncork the Fun: Sophisticated Wine Tasting Events

Imagine turning your passion for wine into a thriving business where every glass pours a bit of profit and a lot of joy. Wine tasting events are not just about enjoying exquisite wines. They’re a sophisticated blend of education, entertainment, and networking. As an entrepreneur, you know the importance of creating unique experiences that resonate with your audience. Wine tasting events are a perfect example.

First, consider the venue. It doesn’t have to be a vineyard (though that’s always a hit). Urban spaces and rustic barns can also set the perfect scene. The key is in how you transform that space into a wine lover’s paradise. Think along the lines of comfortable seating arrangements, ambient lighting, and perhaps a touch of live music.

Next, the selection of wines is crucial. This is where your expertise—or partnership with a sommelier—comes into play. Offering a diverse range of wines from different regions and grape varieties can cater to both novice and seasoned palates. It’s not just about tasting; it’s about storytelling. Each wine has its own history, and sharing that with your guests adds an invaluable layer to the experience.

Don’t overlook the educational component. People love learning something new, especially in an engaging environment. Short, interactive sessions about wine pairing, wine-making processes, or even the basics of viticulture can turn attendees into aficionados.

Finally, think technology. Integrating apps where guests can rate wines, remember their favorites, and even order a bottle on the spot can modernize and elevate the experience. It not only adds a layer of interaction but also opens up avenues for post-event engagement and sales.

In crafting these events, you’re not just selling wine; you’re offering a curated experience that fuses education, enjoyment, and exclusivity. It’s about creating moments that linger in memory long after the last glass is empty.

Laughter Therapy: Stand-Up Comedy Clubs

In the bustling world of adult entertainment, stand-up comedy clubs stand out as a beacon of joy and laughter. As an entrepreneur with a keen eye on business opportunities that not only bring in revenue but also add value to the community, this is a goldmine waiting to be explored. After all, who doesn’t love a good laugh after a long day? The power of laughter to uplift spirits is unmatched, and setting up a stand-up comedy club offers a unique chance to capitalize on this.

First things first, location is key. You’ll want a spot that’s easily accessible, yet cozy enough to create an intimate atmosphere where comedy can thrive. Think about the layout too; a well-designed stage with good lighting and sound can make a world of difference in delivering those punchlines effectively.

Next up, talent. The success of your club heavily relies on the caliber of comedians you host. Scout for both seasoned professionals and rising stars. Diverse line-ups that cater to a broad audience can be your ticket to widespread popularity. Remember, variety is the spice of life and, in this case, the backbone of your business.

Moreover, don’t shy away from innovating. Incorporate themed nights, open mic competitions, and even comedy workshops. These add-ons not only diversify your offerings but also build a community of comedy lovers and performers alike.

Finally, nurturing a welcoming environment is crucial. Your club should be more than just a venue; it should be a haven where people can let loose, forget their worries, and simply enjoy the moment. Customer experience is paramount, and a little personal touch goes a long way. Whether it’s through specially curated food and drink menus or memorable merchandize, make sure your guests leave with a smile.

In a world hungry for happiness and connection, a stand-up comedy club offers the perfect recipe. With the right mix of location, talent, innovation, and ambiance, you’re not just running a business; you’re spreading joy. As you embark on this venture, keep in mind that laughter is a serious business, and you’re in the position to make life a bit brighter for everyone who walks through your doors.

Cinematic Experience: Outdoor Movie Nights

Imagine the stars not just on the screen but also twinkling overhead as you bring a slice of Hollywood to your community. Outdoor movie nights tap into a nostalgia that’s hard to replicate in today’s streaming-focused world. As someone who’s dived deep into the potential of various side-hustles, starting an outdoor cinema could be your next big hit .

Firstly, the venue is paramount. You could opt for parks, rooftops, or even abandoned lots — each offering a unique atmosphere. Securing the right location is not just about space; it’s about creating memories and ensuring comfort. Think about accessibility, parking, and perhaps most importantly, the view of the sky.

Next, the technology needed isn’t as daunting as it might seem. With advances in portable projectors and screen technology, setting up is easier than ever. What’s crucial here is choosing equipment that offers clarity and quality sound to ensure your audience remains enthralled.

Diversifying your offering can set you apart . Themed nights, such as 80s classics or horror marathons, can attract niche audiences. Adding local food vendors and comfortable seating arrangements transforms the event from just a screening to a community gathering.

Finally, the magic of outdoor movie nights comes from the shared experience. It’s about the laughter, the gasps, and the applause that ripple through the crowd. It’s this collective joy that turns one-time visitors into regular attendees.

Given your knack for online businesses and start-ups, promoting your outdoor cinema can leverage digital marketing strategies to reach audiences far and wide. Social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and email marketing can be powerful tools in creating buzz and driving attendance.

In the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, outdoor movie nights offer a canvas to paint unforgettable nights under the stars. By blending nostalgia with a dash of modern technology and marketing, you can create not just a business, but a landmark in your community.

Gamify Grown-Up Gatherings: Board Game Cafes

Imagine turning your love for board games into a buzzing hotspot where adults can unwind, socialize, and indulge their strategic sides. That’s exactly what Board Game Cafes offer, blending the zest of gaming with the comfort of a café setting. Let’s dive into why this concept is catching on and how you can make it your next successful venture.

First and foremost, location is crucial. You’re targeting a demographic that appreciates a cozy, accessible spot where they can gather after a day’s work. Think bustling city centers or vibrant neighborhood streets that draw foot traffic. Your venue needs to be welcoming and spacious enough to host both small and large groups, ensuring everyone has their corner for battles of wit and strategy.

The uniqueness of your board game collection can set you apart. While classics like Monopoly or Scrabble are essential, sourcing indie games that cater to every taste—from mystery and adventure to strategy and fantasy—will keep your customers coming back for new experiences. Partnering with local game developers for exclusive trials can also give you an edge in the market.

Creating the right ambiance plays a significant role. Your café shouldn’t just be about games; it should be an escape to another world. Themed nights, cozy seating arrangements, and ambient lighting all contribute to an environment where laughter and camaraderie flow freely. Moreover, offering a variety of beverages and snacks that cater to your clientele can turn casual gamers into regulars.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of community building. Host tournaments, themed game nights, and workshops to teach strategy or game design. Leverage social media to showcase your lively atmosphere and special events. Building a community not only fosters loyalty but also turns your café into a local landmark.

In the realm of adult entertainment and leisure, Board Game Cafes offer a refreshing blend of social interaction and intellectual stimulation. By carefully crafting your space, curating an enticing game collection, and fostering a sense of community, you’re not just opening a café—you’re creating a destination.

Diving into the adult entertainment business offers a world of opportunity for creativity and connection. Whether it’s challenging minds in an escape room, savoring fine wines, laughing together at a comedy club, enjoying movies under the stars, or competing in board games, each idea presents a unique way to bring people together. Remember, the key to success lies in your passion for the venture and your commitment to creating memorable experiences. So go ahead, choose the path that excites you most and start crafting those unforgettable moments. Who knows? Your business could be the next big thing in adult entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an immersive escape room business.

An immersive escape room business focuses on providing participants with themed adventures where they solve puzzles to “escape” within a set time. The success hinges on a captivating location, enticing narratives, and the strategic use of technology to enhance the experience.

How can one turn a passion for wine into a business?

To transform a passion for wine into a thriving business, start by organizing sophisticated wine tasting events. Key factors include selecting an appealing venue, a curated selection of wines, providing educational content, and incorporating technology for an enhanced experience.

What are the essentials for starting a stand-up comedy club?

Starting a stand-up comedy club requires a good location, discovering and booking talented performers, and fostering innovation. Additionally, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests is vital, along with promoting laughter and joy through the performances.

How can one create a successful outdoor cinema?

Creating a successful outdoor cinema involves choosing an appropriate venue, ensuring technology is used effectively for visuals and sound, and offering diverse themed nights with local food vendors. Promoting the experience as a community landmark through digital marketing is also crucial.

What makes a Board Game Café appealing?

A Board Game Café becomes appealing through its combination of a strategic location, an extensive collection of unique board games, the right ambiance, and community-building efforts. These elements help make it a local go-to spot for adults to relax and socialize.

Share this with your friends...

About the author.

Ryan Kingsley Seriosity Editor

Ryan Kingsley

You might like these articles as well....

David Goggins' Story of Success

David Goggins’ Story of Success: Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Greatness

Tuesday Motivational Quotes

Tuesday Motivational Quotes: Inspiring Words for a Productive Week

Daymond John's Net Worth

Daymond John’s Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysis in 2023

Who is Jim Rohn

Who is Jim Rohn: Unveiling the Legendary Motivational Speaker

10+ Best & Profitable Family Entertainment Business Ideas [2023]

Nick

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 07, 2024

Image of family entertainment business ideas

Our List of 10+ Best Family Entertainment Business Ideas:

Board game cafe, bowling alley, movie theater, mini golf course, go-kart racing, trampoline park, bowling alley bar & grill, indoor playground.

Hey there, future entrepreneurs! Ever dreamt of owning a business that not only brings in the bucks but also spreads joy and laughter? Well, you're in the right place! The year 2023 is just around the corner, and it's high time we start planning for the future. So, buckle up as we take you on a journey through the most profitable family entertainment business ideas for the upcoming year.

Picture this: A world where work doesn't feel like work because you're having too much fun. Imagine a place where the sound of laughter, the sparkle in a child's eye, and the joy of families spending quality time together is your everyday reality. Sounds pretty amazing, right?

Well, it's not just a dream. It's a possibility, and it's closer than you think. Whether you're a newbie in the business world or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for your next big venture, this article is your roadmap to success. We're here to guide, motivate, and educate you on the best and most profitable family entertainment business ideas for 2023. So, let's get started, shall we?

An Arcade is a fun way to do business. It can offer customers an entertainment-based experience, with games and activities they can't find elsewhere. It can be a great way to bring in customers and make money, as there are many ways to monetize the games themselves, or the products and services that are associated with it. Here are some reasons why an Arcade could make a good business idea:

  • It offers customers a unique experience
  • It provides an opportunity to generate more revenue from games, products, and services
  • You can diversify your business by investing in different types of arcade games
  • It has a low overhead cost compared to other businesses
  • There is potential for long-term growth and development

image of a Arcade

A Board Game Cafe is a place where patrons can buy a subscription to play board games, or purchase tokens to play games for a specific length of time. Board Game Cafes are a growing trend for social gatherings and it's not just about the game itself, but also about the atmosphere that it provides. People often linger longer than their playing times because they enjoy the atmosphere. Some Board Game Cafes even provide snacks, drinks, and other refreshments to enjoy with family and friends while gaming. Here are some advantages of starting a Board Game Cafe:

  • Opportunity to build relationships with customers.
  • Offer a fun experience for both regular and new customers.
  • Provide additional services such as snacks and drinks.
  • Create an environment where people can bond over games.
  • Potential for recurring revenue with subscriptions.

image of ZenBusiness logo

Examples of successful businesses:

The family entertainment business industry provides fun, wholesome experiences for people of all ages. It includes activities like amusement parks, movie theaters, water parks and more. Here is a list of successful companies in the family entertainment business industry:

  • Disney Parks
  • Dreamworks Animations
  • Alton Towers
  • Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
  • Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
  • SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.
  • Adlabs Entertainment Ltd.</

A bowling alley is a facility where people can come to bowl. It is a great business idea, as it is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can provide hours of entertainment. Benefits of starting a bowling alley business include:

  • Low start-up costs
  • A wide audience to appeal to
  • A chance to create an enjoyable and exciting atmosphere
  • Opportunities for additional forms of revenue such as from drinks and snacks
  • A steady stream of income from league play and special events

More resources:

A movie theater is a business that shows films to the public. It is a great business idea because it provides entertainment and can generate a steady stream of revenue.

  • Movie theaters offer customers a range of movie ticket options, from matinees to premier viewings.
  • It offers an opportunity to serve food and drinks, as well as merchandise sales.
  • Provides customers with a comfortable environment to watch movies.

A mini golf course is a miniature golf course that consists of a series of holes designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Miniature golf courses are usually smaller in size than regular-sized golf courses and provide a great opportunity to have fun while also improving your golf skills. Miniature golf courses can be built both indoors and outdoors, making them highly accessible and available for people throughout the year.

  • It is an entertaining and engaging activity for people of all ages.
  • It can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.
  • Miniature golf courses can help improve one's golf skills.
  • It is a relatively low-cost operation that can yield profits in a short period of time.
  • Mini golf courses are suitable for both business and leisure purposes.

Related business ideas:

Laser tag is a fun game that has grown in popularity. It is the perfect way to have a good time with family, friends, and coworkers. Laser tag is well-suited for both indoor and outdoor venues, making it an ideal choice for private and public events. The following are reasons why laser tag can make a great business idea:

  • It is a social activity that encourages friendly competition
  • It is perfect for birthday parties, outdoor events, corporate team building activities, etc.
  • The equipment involved in playing laser tag is relatively affordable and easily maintained
  • Laser tag appeals to people of all ages and genders
  • It can be customized to accommodate different sizes of groups or teams

Go-Kart Racing is a type of motor sport that involves racing small, specialized go-karts around a predetermined course. It can be great fun for both the participants and spectators, making it an excellent business idea. Some key advantages of offering Go-Kart Racing as a business include:

  • Low cost – compared to other forms of motorsport, go-karts and their associated parts are relatively cheap.
  • Versatile location – you can race at established racetracks, parks or specially constructed go-kart circuits.
  • Ease of setup – go-karts and their accessories are easy to transport, meaning setup time and costs can be kept to a minimum.
  • Multiple uses – they’re ideal for leisure and recreational activities such as races or parties.
  • Safety – the low speed of go-karts keeps the activity relatively safe for all involved.
  • High returns – participation fees combined with sales from refreshments and merchandise can yield high returns for the business owner.

A Trampoline Park is an indoor facility that provides a safe and secure environment for people of all ages to engage in recreational activities such as trampolining and dodgeball. Trampoline Parks offer a unique experience and can make a great business idea for those looking to capitalize on the growing trend of active entertainment. Such parks can provide numerous benefits, including:

  • Ideal for physical exercise, making it attractive to parents who want to keep their kids active
  • Family friendly atmosphere
  • Attractive for a wide range of ages
  • Unique addition to any city or town that would draw in visitors
  • Creative way to both entertain and promote physical activity

A Bowling Alley Bar & Grill is a business model which combines two popular activities: bowling and dining. It is a great business idea as it provides a unique experience that customers would not find at other businesses. Customers can enjoy the fun of bowling or socialize with friends over dinner and drinks. Bowling alley bars and grills provide something for everyone in one convenient location.

  • A unique experience offering both bowling and dining.
  • Provides something for everyone.
  • Conveniently combines two popular activities into one business.
  • Creates an enjoyable atmosphere that customers won’t find elsewhere.

An Indoor Playground is an indoor facility designed for children to play in that is typically equipped with playground equipment and activities. It makes a great business idea as it provides a safe, weather-protected environment for children and families to enjoy. Additionally, the following benefits make it a great business idea:

  • Affordable - Indoor Playgrounds are more affordable than outdoor playgrounds as they require less space and maintenance.
  • Safety - Indoor Playgrounds are safer than outdoor parks as all activities are contained within the confines of the facility.
  • Flexibility - Due to their smaller size, Indoor Playgrounds can offer more variety in terms of activities and equipment, which can be tailored to the needs of their customers.
  • Convenience - With an indoor playground, customers don't have to worry about weather conditions or crowds. They also don't have to leave the comfort of their homes to participate in family-oriented activities.

More helpful resources about LLCs:

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

12 Entertainment Business Ideas and Opportunities for Maximum Returns

Entertainment opportunities to start a business.

Do you want to know how to start an entertainment business ? “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” is a popular axiom that stresses the need for individuals to find a balance between the rigors of work and everyday toil and creating time to unwind and ease tension.

Entertainment, in its many varied forms, has always played a pivotal role in relaxation. Whether it is watching TV programs to attending comedy shows or viewing films at the cinema, entertainment serves as the vehicle through which mankind dissipates pent-up energy.

At present, the Entertainment industry comprises the music industry, the movie sector as well as support services, and sports like ax-throwing .

Entertainment has become a multi-billion dollar industry with notable entertainment national clusters such as Hollywood in America, commanding hundreds of billions in annual revenues and taxes to the Government.

HOW TO START A CAMPGROUND BUSINESS

For the savvy investor looking to make handsome returns on investment, the following entertainment company ideas can be pursued and developed:

While it is true that not everyone is blessed with a sonorous voice, those who can serve up sweet vocal renditions can earn good money and form small businesses around this talent. Examples of such incidents include singers such as Tuface Idibia, Whizkid, Beyonce, Rihanna to mention but a few. This is one of the easiest families, children, or kids entertainment businesses to start.

Music Production

Music producers provide the structure and framework for the appreciation, promotion, and propagation of the talents and gifts of the musical artist. In other words, the music producer fashions out a concept/theme for a song, evolve beats for the music as well as study market trends and demands. This digital business investment comes with huge financial returns, especially when the artists being managed are talented.

Song Writing

Songwriting can also be a lucrative music entertainment business opportunity, especially when the songwriter churns out collections that have produced famous singers. All that will be required will be ensuring that the song writer’s work is utilized successfully by a singer, such that more recommendations and engagements follow.

Running a Recording Studio

A rise in the number of musicians will concurrently raise the demand for places where music can be produced.

Establishing a recording studio that adheres to acceptable global standards in the quality of sound and acoustic properties. If the entertainment business manager can operate the equipment or get someone who can, then he can gradually make good funds

Artiste Manager

A good number of performing acts are more inclined to concentrating on their singing, whilst leaving record deals, sponsorship packages to a manager. This business entertainment idea is suitable for individuals who are coordinated, have top-notch negotiation and marketing skills, and can put up a professional outlook for the musician. Management fees and commissions can be discussed and agreed upon.

Music Promotion and Marketing

This show business entertainment idea entails the creation of an extensive distribution network, which offers premium returns for the copyrights of the singer. Usually, the music promoter must ensure that mechanisms are in place to stifle copyrights infringement. Standard practice is for the music promoter to pay upfront for the rights to a song and then reap returns with its marketing and distribution.

Organizing music reality shows

Music reality shows are an entertainment trigger, which has the potential to pull millions in viewing numbers, especially where talents abound. This opportunity entails extensive marketing, in bringing corporate sponsorship deals. The returns can be worth the time effort. Shows like the X-factor, American Idol readily come to mind.

Operating a Music School

With the entrepreneurship opportunities in entertainment that come with singing, increasing numbers of people are disposed to wanting to learn the rudiments of singing/songwriting. This business of entertainment media and technology will sit well on individuals who are organized, have people management skills, may or may not have a flair for teaching music. The academy can serve as the launchpad for future stars while earning handsome returns in the process.

Playing musical Instruments Singers need band members and talented ones at that. If you have a flair for playing any number of musical instruments, with a good ear for the sound and rhythm of notes, then this the business of entertainment could serve as a good platform in earning extra income and ultimately being the main source of one’s livelihood.

Script Writing

The movie entertainment industry around the world churns out chart-topping films yearly. There is, therefore, a need for scriptwriters to produce compelling and engaging storylines for audiences. If you have a flair for being imaginative and creative, as well as have a good command of written English, and then you could set-up a scriptwriting business, which services big and small movie studios and entertainment firms.

Video Editing Services

The end of shooting movie scenes and episodes warrants that such clips are edited, to delete errors and unwanted parts of the movie. If you have the drive and determination, as well as the right work tools such as a laptop and video editing software and the know-how, one could easily be servicing movie productions for a reasonable fee.

Make-up Artist

The movie industry is such a vast one, employing a diverse range of professionals and experts. One of such workers is the Make-up Artist, saddled with the responsibility of giving flesh to the physical appearances of actors and actresses, to give their acting the important trait of being believable.

SEE: FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER BUSINESS PLAN

This is one of the best businesses in the entertainment industry that can be implemented by anyone who can creatively put together make-up styles and themes, at a good price.

I hope you have been able to learn  how to get into the entertainment business?

X

The 5 Best Entertainment Business Ideas

The 5 Best Entertainment Business Ideas

Post Highlight

The entertainment industry is undoubtedly glamorous, and to succeed in it, one needs to use intelligence and smart strategy. Every broadcasting medium, including newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio, as well as well-known types of entertainment like movies, music, and books, as well as more recently the internet, are included in the global entertainment and media market.

You may be thinking about starting a business in the entertainment industry if you enjoy the fun and the excitement it offers. You might be thinking about what kind of entertainment business idea is best for you in this vast field, though.

Remember that the phrase "entertainment business" encompasses a wide range of concepts, from those that pertain to the entertainment itself, such as party planning or a karaoke bar or concert venue, to those that assist the entertainment industry, such as publicists or photographers. In this blog, we discuss a wide range of entertainment business ideas.

You May Like

Sports: An Establishing Growth

Sports: An Establishing Growth

Sports: Dive In And Explore

Sports: Dive In And Explore

Sports: A Level Up

Sports: A Level Up

Fastest Cars in the World for 2023: Breaking Speed Limits

Fastest Cars in the World for 2023: Breaking Speed Limits

Continue reading...

The media and entertainment industry is one of the largest industries around the world. It's a billion-dollar industry that employs millions of individuals around the world. In India alone, the media industry is valued at around 1.7 trillion rupees. So there's no lack of opportunity here which is why many people often consider entering this business. But since it's such a huge industry with dozens of fields, one has to have a proper plan and a great idea in place. 

The media and entertainment industry is an expansive industry that includes television, movies, fashion, games, music, journalism, advertisement, and now OTT. This is why it's important to know beforehand which field one wants to venture into before the confusion creeps up on you and things begin to look blurry. So if you are someone who loves the fun and excitement of the media and entertainment industry and wants to venture into it, then this article is just for you. We have listed the 5 most exciting entertainment business ideas that might make things easy for you to decide. 

Before we begin, let's take a little overview of the entertainment industry.

What does the entertainment industry mean?

Since so many activities may be categorized as "entertainment," many businesses could be labeled entertainment businesses. An entertainment business can actually be anything that touches the entertainment sector or offers entertainment of any kind, thus there isn't one thing that defines it.

Offering personal assistant services, catering, and PR are just a few of the many things that go into the entertainment industry. There are additional ideas for entertainment businesses that involve providing consumers with actual entertainment, such as a movie theatre or karaoke bar.

Because of this category's breadth, there are a tonne of entertainment business ideas and opportunities to establish your new business in the market.

How to select an entertainment business idea

You might be unsure about which entertainment business venture to pursue after reading this list of ideas. When considering what kind of business to launch, the following are some questions you should ask yourself:

  • What areas of experience do you have?
  • Does the business type you're thinking about operating in your location?
  • What resources or space would the business require?
  • Would you be open to travel?
  • Do you want to work independently or with others?
  • Will you require a business loan for the entertainment industry to launch the business?

5 Most Exciting Entertainment Business Ideas

1. ad film production.

The media industry relies heavily on advertisement and PR which makes it a great business idea to invest in. Take any field in media, be it movies, television, print, or journalism, they all spend a huge chunk of their capital on advertisement and promotions. This high demand will result in a higher profit margin. But keep in mind, this business idea requires a considerably large capital and a good networking sense. So if you have those two assets in place, Ad Film business or production is a great business idea to invest into.

2. Artist Management Company

Management Company handles the basic day-to-day affairs of an artist so that they can create art in peace. Apart from this they also offer career advice, bring new projects and promote an artist's name in influential circles. This is why almost all big and, now even up-and-coming artists, have managers. So setting up an artist management company is a great business idea. One major requirement for this business is exceptional networking skills, so make sure you keep that in mind before venturing into this business.

3. Comedy Clubs

During the past five-six years, the stand-up comedy scene in India has blown up with many comedians becoming mainstream voices. This is why it's a great time to invest in a Comedy Club. Since watching a comedy show is much cheaper than most of the things out there, it makes sense why the ticket sales for comedy shows have gone up. Thus a good comedy club today can bring a lot of business to you if you manage to play your cards well.

4. Publicist

This is one of the major fields in the media industry and one which can bring higher returns in the long run. If you are someone who has a way with people and wants to support artists directly, this business idea is tailored for you. A publicist has tons of responsibilities including client PR, publishing interviews of your clients, and also doing damage control if a client finds themselves in trouble. But this business idea requires some experience in the publishing business, so if you have that, becoming a publicist is a great business idea .

5. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms have become a major entertainment business model and have gained a lot of traction from young to middle-aged people. These Rooms are like real-life board games where you have to solve a puzzle before the time gets up. People come with their friends and try to solve the puzzle together. This can be a great business idea if you have a creative itch as different escape rooms have different themes and rules. So you can use your creativity here.

The media and entertainment industry is a tricky business and deciding on the right idea to invest in can be a tricky decision to make. There are a lot of factors one needs to consider before venturing into this business. So hopefully you have got some good ideas from this article. Don't forget to do your research too before finalizing anything. 

Also Read:  Top 10 Fastest Growing Industries For 2023 - How To Capitalize On Them

6. photographer.

Professional photographs are frequently needed in the entertainment industry, whether for photo sessions, portfolios , events or award shows, etc. You can take advantage of this substantial demand by beginning a photography business.

If you have prior photography expertise, you are qualified for this position; but, if you are just starting out, you may choose to offer your services at a reduced rate while you develop your portfolio. You shouldn't have any issue obtaining clients considering how many struggling artists are out there hoping to land their first significant job.

7. Makeup artist

Public figures like celebrities must always look their best. This indicates that the entertainment business has a significant demand for makeup artists. Individuals working in the entertainment industry, are essential on the set and before events or photo shoots . And as you can see from any celebrity's Instagram, hiring a talented makeup artist is essential for getting ready.

You should probably enroll in cosmetology school if you want to work as a makeup artist. As soon as you get the credentials, you should begin developing your portfolio. Also, keep in mind that tact is essential.

8. Hairdresser

Although hair stylists and makeup artists work closely together, their tasks are distinct and equally vital. If you've ever observed a celebrity getting ready for an occasion or a picture session, you know that it frequently requires a full team to make them appear glitzy and photogenic.

Again, qualifications are required, but if you enjoy designing the ideal blowout or updo, this might be the job for you.

9. Provider of craft services

Food services and catering for the cast and crew are commonly required for photo and film shoots. Another business idea for entertainment is to start a company that provides meals for artisan services. Your services can be in demand if you have a knack for cooking large quantities of meals and are reliable and on time. Just make sure you have the necessary licenses and permits to handle and serve food, as with any business that provides food services.

10. Costume designer

A costume design business is one of the entertainment industry's most creative outlets. Every play, film, and television production needs a wardrobe, so if you love fashion this might be the ideal entertainment business for you to launch. As historical dramas continue to gain popularity, there is an increasing need for costume designers who can produce period-appropriate clothes. However, even shows set in the present need someone to choose each character's attire.

Conclusion 

One of the most challenging aspects of beginning a business is finding the perfect business idea. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for entertainment businesses. Although there can be a tonne of more possibilities, we advise you to start with the ones mentioned above.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Best Ice Cream Brands In The World

Editorial Segment

TWN_In-Focus

Why #SUBSCRIBE to Our #Newsletters?

#exclusive_access to all of #thinkwithniche's articles and posts as value added information for your knowledge building on topics such as: how to turn business into success, find a quick way to startup, the secret of successful synergy, the ultimate guide to entrepreneurship.

Top Industries for Entrepreneurs in 2024 According to Our Trends Team

Published: April 03, 2024

We’re sharing the top industries for entrepreneurs in 2024. Our Trends team has found data showing why these industries are booming. Plus, we’ve interviewed entrepreneurs who share their success in these industries: what they did, how you can do the same, and who these industries are best suited for.

woman explores top industries for entrepreneurs

Table of Contents

The 2024 Startup Landscape

The top industries for entrepreneurs.

Some elements of entrepreneurship are easier than ever; access to the internet, social networking, and remote work means that some businesses can be started with no money .

According to an Intuit survey of 4,500 respondents, starting a business in 2024 is perceived as the best way to build personal wealth. Millennials, especially, are turning to business and entrepreneurship over buying a home.

new business ideas entertainment industry

Free Business Plan Template

The essential document for starting a business -- custom built for your needs.

  • Outline your idea.
  • Pitch to investors.
  • Secure funding.
  • Get to work!

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

1. Ecommerce

According to the HubSpot Trends team , ecommerce and adjacent industries, such as dropshipping, analytics apps for sellers, Shopify plug-ins, etc., are all worthy contenders for your next entrepreneurial endeavor.

Steve Pogson , founder of the ecommerce agency First Pier , believes that ecommerce offers opportunities for new entrepreneurs.

According to Pogson, the digital landscape has significantly lowered entry barriers, allowing anyone with a unique product, service, or idea to reach a global audience.

“One successful initiative was leveraging Shopify‘s powerful ecosystem to drive unprecedented growth for our clients. This platform, combined with strategic marketing and data-driven decision-making, enabled us to optimize online stores for conversions and customer retention, proving ecommerce’s lucrative potential,” Pogson says.

In support of the findings from the HubSpot Trends team, Pogson believes that technology within ecommerce presents opportunities.

He says, “The rapid evolution of ecommerce technology and consumer behavior means there’s always room for innovation. From implementing AI-driven personalization to utilizing augmented reality for product previews, the tools at an entrepreneur’s disposal are more powerful and accessible than ever.”

AI technology and ecommerce tools can be part of your entrepreneurial journey. They can optimize your offering, website, etc., or you might prefer to create tools that help other entrepreneurs succeed in this industry.

Pogson was not the only ecom pro to share a passion for ecommerce as a top industry for entrepreneurs in 2024.

Jake Munday , CEO and co-founder of Custom Neon , says, “Anyone with a clear idea and a working knowledge of digital marketing can participate in ecommerce. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur starting from scratch or a small team with an innovative product, the key is to start small, learn quickly, and scale responsibly.”

Munday raises an interesting point about ecommerce as an entrepreneurial endeavor: Ecommerce could be suitable for those who want to scale responsibly!

Additionally, Munday’s experience shows that adjacent industries provide opportunities, too.

Munday says, “With resources like dropshipping, social media marketing, and various ecommerce platforms, entering the online market has never been easier. In this area, creativity, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences are highly regarded.”

What makes ecommerce so effective for entrepreneurs?

According to eMarketer , online sales worldwide make trillions each year and are estimated to grow in 2024, reaching 20.3% of total retail sales worldwide.

new business ideas entertainment industry

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

8+ Opportunities to Capitalize on The Legal Tech Boom

8+ Opportunities to Capitalize on The Legal Tech Boom

3 Lucrative Ways to Help Seniors Live That Fit and Fabulous Lifestyle

3 Lucrative Ways to Help Seniors Live That Fit and Fabulous Lifestyle

How Canva Founder Melanie Perkins Found The Secret to A Winning Pitch

How Canva Founder Melanie Perkins Found The Secret to A Winning Pitch

Want to Build A Subscription Business? Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

Want to Build A Subscription Business? Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

How to Cash in on The Rise of ‘Antisocial’ Foodies

How to Cash in on The Rise of ‘Antisocial’ Foodies

How A Small Ice Cream Business Pivoted in Tough Times

How A Small Ice Cream Business Pivoted in Tough Times

The Billion-Dollar Opportunity to Help Women Navigate Menopause with Grace

The Billion-Dollar Opportunity to Help Women Navigate Menopause with Grace

3 Lessons from A Founder of 2 Million-Dollar Companies

3 Lessons from A Founder of 2 Million-Dollar Companies

Social Selling: Launch Your Product to A Crowd of 32 Million on TikTok

Social Selling: Launch Your Product to A Crowd of 32 Million on TikTok

How to Harness the Roaring Trend of Animal-Inspired Workouts

How to Harness the Roaring Trend of Animal-Inspired Workouts

Outline your company's sales strategy in one simple, coherent plan.

Powerful and easy-to-use sales software that drives productivity, enables customer connection, and supports growing sales orgs

Movies are back? At CinemaCon, theater owners and studios will make the case

a row of "now showing" marquee frames

  • Show more sharing options
  • Copy Link URL Copied!

This week in Las Vegas, movie studios and theater owners will gather to bellow a simple message from the Colosseum stage at Caesars Palace, like King Kong roaring from the depths of Hollow Earth:

Movies are back.

Or perhaps more accurately, some movies are back. Alternatively, movies are more “back” than many people had thought they would be.

CinemaCon typically serves as an enthusiastic pep rally for the theater industry, full of heady exaltation for the magic of the big screen and defiant chest-thumping from the National Assn. of Theatre Owners, the Washington-based trade group.

The truth, however, is that the news for the box office has been mixed recently as the cinema business continues its long recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and two overlapping Hollywood strikes that sapped the release schedule. On the plus side, though, it hasn’t been as bad as it could have been.

Film analytics company Gower Street on Sunday estimated that global box office for 2024 will total $32.3 billion, a mild improvement from the firm’s original projection of $31.5 billion published in December. Gower Street attributed the slight bump to better than expected first-quarter results from international markets, excluding China.

Still, the projection, if accurate, represents a 5% decrease from 2023 sales figures. The revised estimate for this year remains 18% lower than the average of the last three pre-pandemic years, the firm said. Total revenue hit a record $42.3 billion in 2019.

Gower street box office forecast chart

In the U.S. and Canada, the first three months of the year generated nearly $1.65 billion for the movie business, which was a tad better than expected but still down 6% from the same period of time in 2023.

Helping matters was a smattering of films that did better than expected, including “Dune: Part Two” ($265 million, domestic), “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” ($135 million) and “ Bob Marley: One Love ” ($96 million). Franchise installments “Kung Fu Panda 4” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” also brought audiences to their local multiplexes.

“The beat wasn’t on a breakout performance, instead, several films outperformed — a sign that consumer demand is robust w/ legs to next year,” wrote Wells Fargo analyst Omar Mejias, in a research report. Mejias upgraded the stock of Cinemark, the nation’s No. 3 cinema operator, to “overweight” (or “buy”), sending the shares soaring .

In a note to clients, B. Riley analyst Eric Wold said the latest results “demonstrate the resiliency of post-pandemic moviegoing demand.”

Most analysts think the domestic box office will total $8 billion to $8.5 billion in 2024, down at least 6% from the prior year. The second quarter got off to a slow start, with the Dev Patel action movie “Monkey Man” and 20th Century Studios’ “The First Omen” doing worse than expected (neither cost much to make, luckily for the studios).

As the overall results show, people still want to go to the movies. But they mostly want to see certain kinds of films more than others. Sequels and reboots continue to dominate the charts, though the occasional action thriller (“The Beekeeper”), rom-com ( “Anyone But You” ) or music biopic can poke through.

Each of the major studios at CinemaCon will try to make their splash with big upcoming movies for the rest of the year and beyond, though the all-important summer slate is thin compared with last year‘s, in part because of strike-induced production delays. (Want to follow the goings on in Las Vegas? My colleague Christi Carras is covering the event for The Times.)

Disney is betting on “Inside Out 2” to reverse its flagging fortunes in animation, as well as the next Marvel installment, “Deadpool & Wolverine”; Universal can tout “The Fall Guy,” “Despicable Me 4” and “Wicked”; Warner Bros. will try to keep its momentum going with “Furiosa” and its “Joker” sequel; and Paramount, as sale speculation abounds, has “A Quiet Place: Day One” and “Gladiator II” to crow about.

The presenter lineup reflects the quirkiness of the film business’ current state, in which niche programming can often do surprisingly well.

On Tuesday, Sony’s Crunchyroll will address exhibitors following the cinema owners association’s state of the industry rundown, a recognition of the increased power of anime on the big screen (props to GKids’ release of “The Boy and the Heron,” which recently grossed a strong $73 million in China ). Later in the festivities, Angel Studios, the company behind last year’s surprise smash “Sound of Freedom,” will give a breakfast presentation.

There remain serious risks in the exhibition business. Attendance was on the decline even before the pandemic shuttered theaters, thanks to changing consumer habits and competition for people’s time and money from other entertainment options.

The industry has demonstrated an over-reliance on Imax-friendly studio action tent poles, when theater chains need a deep and diverse roster of movies in order to thrive. AMC, the world’s largest theater company, continues to see its stock price fall (down more than 50% so far this year) as it contends with its heavy debt load . Alamo Drafthouse has reportedly explored a sale.

It remains to be seen whether the global box office will ever get back to the $40 billion-plus days of 2019 and earlier years. A clearer picture will emerge in 2025 when the writers’ and actors’ strikes are further in the past. But overall, there’s a strong case that moviegoing has proved to be relatively sturdy despite persistent difficulties.

You’re reading the Wide Shot

Ryan Faughnder delivers the latest news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Stuff we wrote

Andy Cohen turned Bravo into a cable powerhouse. Now the ‘king of reality TV’ faces his own drama. Bravo and the producers of shows such as “Real Housewives” face a slew of allegations and lawsuits claiming bullying, harassment and unfair labor practices.

Hollywood celebs are scared of deepfakes. This talent agency will use AI to fight them. WME is partnering with Seattle-based AI and image recognition company Loti to stop unauthorized digital use of images from clients, including deepfakes. Further reading: WME owner Endeavor to go private again.

CNN Originals looks for a comeback after cuts with space shuttle Columbia series . The division that has brought CNN ratings and an Oscar is bouncing back from slashed budgets. Its latest offering is a co-production with the BBC.

Studio owners revise plans for $1 billion update of historic Television City . Owners scale back plans for an upgrade of the legendary studio lot in response to neighbors’ concerns.

Elsewhere in the business:

  • Amazon MGM Studios series ‘Fallout’ to relocate to California from New York for tax credit
  • Vince McMahon sells $311 million in stock to TKO and Endeavor in buyback
  • Jon Stewart continues ‘Daily Show’ comeback with a major dig at his former employer

Number of the week

thirty-one percent

According to a preliminary tally, Disney’s long-anticipated shareholder vote went just 31% in favor of dissident billionaire Nelson Peltz’s effort to join the Burbank giant’s board of directors, a decisive victory for Chief Executive Bob Iger.

Why didn’t the majority of investors buy what Peltz has been selling about Disney’s struggles? Peltz was better at diagnosing the Mouse House’s problems than he was at offering prescriptions, and even if the Trian hedge funder had a point (especially about the company’s bungled succession planning), he was not necessarily the right man for the job .

Anyway, no sooner did Iger vanquish his foe did the rest of us turn our attention to the question of who might replace him in 2026 , assuming he actually retires this time, as planned.

Film shoots

On-location shooting is still down from last year.

film tracker

Best of the web

— TV ratings: NCAA women’s final sets another record . (Hollywood Reporter)

— A deal between Paramount Global and Skydance would work out ( surprise ) quite differently for Shari Redstone than for other investors (Wall Street Journal). One non-Redstone shareholder is already protesting .

— TikTok turns to nuns, veterans and ranchers in marketing blitz. The video app is spending millions on ads amid threat of U.S. ban. (New York Times)

— How ‘Bluey’ became a $2 billion smash hit with an uncertain future. (Businessweek)

— Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have a plan to soundtrack everything . (GQ)

— The ballad of Ray Suzuki: The secret life of early Pitchfork and the most notorious review ever ‘written.’ (The Ringer)

Finally ...

Take a spin through the Los Angeles Times’ definitive ranking of the 50 best Hollywood books of all time .

How many have you read?

This newsletter was written, in part, to the sounds of D.C. metal band Darkest Hour’s latest album, “ Perpetual| Terminal. ”

The Wide Shot is going to Sundance!

We’re sending daily dispatches from Park City throughout the festival’s first weekend. Sign up here for all things Sundance, plus a regular diet of news, analysis and insights on the business of Hollywood, from streaming wars to production.

new business ideas entertainment industry

Ryan Faughnder is a senior editor with the Los Angeles Times’ Company Town team, which covers the business of entertainment. He also hosts the entertainment industry newsletter The Wide Shot. A San Diego native, he earned a master’s degree in journalism from USC and a bachelor’s in English from UC Santa Barbara. Before joining The Times in 2013, he wrote for the Los Angeles Business Journal and Bloomberg News.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Two women pose back to back while carrying helmets in front of a red Ford truck.

Company Town

Women are underrepresented in the stunt-driving industry. These drivers are fighting for change

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Co-Presidents of N.S. Bienstock, Richard Leibner and Carole Cooper attend Variety's New York: Entertainment Elite at Gramercy Park Hotel on September 29, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

Richard Leibner, pioneering agent of TV news stars, dies at 85

April 9, 2024

Charles Rivkin gestures at a podium while speaking into a microphone and wearing a gray suit with a blue tie.

Movie theaters make plea for more films, rail against piracy at CinemaCon 2024

Terry Tang

L.A. Times Executive Editor Terry Tang solidifies leadership position

April 8, 2024

wjxt logo

  • River City Live
  • Newsletters

WEATHER ALERT

2 warnings and an advisory in effect for 7 regions in the area

At movie industry convention, leaders say blockbusters alone aren’t enough.

Lindsey Bahr

Associated Press

2024 Invision

A visitor walks past advertisements for upcoming movies on the opening day of CinemaCon 2024 at Caesars Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Las Vegas. The four-day convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) runs through Thursday. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

LAS VEGAS – Movie theater owners are still feeling the high from “ Barbenheimer .” The counterprogramming of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” brought audiences to cinemas around with the world, ultimately earning nearly $2.5 billion in combined ticket sales. But, gathered in Las Vegas this week for the annual CinemaCon convention and trade show, they're also acutely aware that they need more than two movies to survive.

“It is not enough to rely solely on blockbusters,” said Michael O’Leary, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners. “To have a truly successful filmed entertainment industry, a variety of movies that appeal to movie goers is critical.”

Recommended Videos

That means, O’Leary said Tuesday, “a strong and vibrant market for movies with smaller or medium sized budgets."

At CinemaCon, Hollywood studios, exhibitors and tech companies come together to preview what’s next in moviegoing, from the films that they hope will get audiences to the theaters to the latest and greatest in snacks, seating and projection. On stage, the message is (by design) optimistic about the future of cinemas and the industry’s capacity for evolution. Whether it’s streaming, piracy, VHS or television, the leaders in the filmed entertainment industry are always quick to remind that their business has survived its share of existential crises: Someone is always forecasting its demise.

O’Leary made a plea to “our friends in the financial industry” to invest more capital into the system, calling it a “smart investment” that benefits “creatives, studios, exhibition, local communities and, most importantly, movie fans.”

“We know that a movie that begins its journey with theatrical exclusivity is more successful in every subsequent ancillary platform,” he added. “This should appeal to people who want as many film fans as possible to see their movies, but also to people that want to make money.”

Studios including Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Paramount, Disney and Lionsgate will all take the big stage at Caesar’s Palace to show new trailers or footage from their biggest upcoming films, from “Furiosa” to “Deadpool & Wolverine,” sometimes with the help of movie stars, to stoke excitement in the people who will put these films in their theaters.

2023 was a rollercoaster year for movie theaters . The overall box office was up 20% from the previous year in the U.S., surpassing $9 billion. But that’s still $2 billion shy of where the business was pre-pandemic. There were hits, like “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” of course, and other notable successes from traditional studios, like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Wonka” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” There were surprises like “Five Nights at Freddy’s” and “Cocaine Bear” and sleepers like “Anyone But You.”

There were also moments of successful innovation, including Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s groundbreaking partnership with AMC Theaters to release their concert films, circumventing traditional studio middlemen. “ Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour ” made over $260 million worldwide, making it the highest grossing concert film of all time. Toho studios also self-distributed its first film ever, with “Godzilla Minus One,” which made over $114 million worldwide even with a limited release in the U.S.

But there were flops and disappointments too, and some of the tried-and-true genres like superhero movies proved to no longer be the industry supporting tentpoles that they once were. Streamed entertainment continues to be a formidable competitor for eyes and dollars as everyone continues to recover from the pandemic. In 2024, theater owners and studios are also having to grapple with a changed and somewhat depleted pipeline of films following the work stoppage caused by the dual Hollywood strikes.

But O’Leary said that a “great reimagination” is underway.

“Inflection points like these are moments of opportunity,” he added. “And this last year has shown me that the future of this industry—indeed, the state of this industry—is limitless.”

Charles Rivkin, the chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, talked about the importance of film productions in the U.S., which he said “bolster communities” and account for 2.74 million American jobs. He also made an impassioned plea to combat piracy, which he said costs theaters more than $1 billion at the box office, and hopes to work with Congressional leaders to put for “site-blocking” legislation.

Rivkin closed by quoting best documentary winner and AP journalist Mstyslav Chernov’s Oscars speech from earlier this year , in which he said that “Cinema forms memories and memories form history” while accepting the statuette for “20 Days in Mariupol.”

Chernov's words, Rivkin said, “Reminded us of the power and impact of what we do.”

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines.

new business ideas entertainment industry

  • Consumer Products
  • People Moves
  • Kid Insight
  • Kidscreened
  • Special Reports
  • Latest Issue
  • Talent Pool
  • Global Pitch Guide
  • Kidscreen Summit
  • Asian Animation Summit
  • Industry Event List
  • Kidscreen Awards
  • Kidscreen Hot50

Early Rider hires James Beechinor to run its business Stateside

The company's us division president will focus on setting up licensing partnerships and driving new business for its line of velio balance bikes for preschoolers..

new business ideas entertainment industry

Beechinor will develop and execute a growth strategy in the US market for the company’s wide range of ride-on and balance bikes for kids. He joined Early Rider last week and reports to CEO Andy Loveland. 

Part of Beechinor’s remit is to set up licensing deals with entertainment brand partners. His first business development priority will be Early Rider’s 2023 range of Velio bikes, which feature a patented balance system that helps preschoolers improve their coordination, cognition and control. 

Prior to joining the company, Beechinor worked in the US PR and marketing industry for more than two decades, holding down high-ranking positions at Highwire PR (EVP), Wonderscipt (founder) and Text100 (EVP and NA regional director). 

' src=

About The Author

new business ideas entertainment industry

Adam Sanderson to manage Disney/ABC TV Group franchises

new business ideas entertainment industry

Jon Guerra heads to Wild Planet

new business ideas entertainment industry

eOne names product development manager

new business ideas entertainment industry

Rocket promotes Claire Coopland

new business ideas entertainment industry

This is just some random content to show the different layouts possible

new business ideas entertainment industry

™ Kidscreen is a trademark of Brunico Communications Ltd. Site copyright © 1996-2024

Kidscreen title, tagline and logo are trademarks of, and the events are produced by Brunico Marketing Inc.

View our privacy policy

BRUNICO

Recent Topics

  • Nickelodeon
  • Cartoon Network
  • Spin Master
  • Disney Channel
  • Sesame Workshop
  • Sesame Street
  • Corus Entertainment

Latest Posts

new business ideas entertainment industry

  • Kidscreen East
  • Kidscreen HOT50
  • iKIDS AWARDS

new business ideas entertainment industry

  • Messages @if (ViewBag.UnReadMessages > 0) { (@ViewBag.UnReadMessages) }
  • Edit my profile
  • Account settings

new business ideas entertainment industry

More From Forbes

The 10 Biggest Business Trends For 2024 Everyone Must Be Ready For Now

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

It is time once again to look into the crystal ball and predict the direction that business and industry will take in the coming year.

With the general global economic downturn predicted to get worse before it gets better, companies are likely to remain cautious when it comes to spending and investing in radical new ideas in 2024. However, there are a number of technological and societal trends that are simply too big to ignore or put off until better days. These are the areas where we can expect to see continued innovation and investment, and I'll highlight the most prominent in this article.

As has been the case for the past few years, there's some overlap between these and my other predictions, which focus primarily on technology. Simply put, this is because business trends today are largely driven by technology. However, as we develop a better understanding of a technology - artificial intelligence (AI) being the obvious example - we also understand what it isn't. In 2024, this will lead to new perspectives on what makes us human - a theme I believe is reflected in this year's predictions.

Generative AI Everywhere

The Boston Consulting Group asserts that “to be an industry leader in five years, you need a clear and compelling generative AI strategy today.” AI and machine learning have been making waves for more than a decade, and are thoroughly integrated into many of the products and services we buy from major companies. Now, generative AI puts the power to create and intelligently automate the customer experience - as well as internal operations - in the hands of nearly every organization.

Soft Skills And The Human Touch

As it becomes increasingly feasible to automate technical aspects of work - coding, research, or data management, for example - the ability to leverage soft skills for tasks that still require a human touch becomes critical. For this reason, in 2024, we will see organizations increasing their investment in developing and nurturing skills and attributes such as emotional intelligence, communication, interpersonal problem solving, high-level strategy, and thought leadership.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

The Skills Solution

We’ve been hearing about the skills shortage for several years now. Changes in hiring practices that emphasize selecting candidates with the specific experiences and skills needed for a role, rather than qualities such as educational attainment or age, are a part of the industry's response and will continue to be a strong trend. We will also continue to see increased investment in training and upskilling, particularly around disruptive technologies such as generative AI and skills that will be in demand in an AI-driven economy.

Sustainable Business

One driver is clearly customer demand, as research continues to show that consumers increasingly prefer companies with a solid commitment to reducing their environmental footprint. On the other hand, as the green economy grows, we're learning that green solutions often lead to bottom-line growth. For example, Walmart WMT dramatically reduced its spending on fuel and vehicle maintenance by transitioning to an EV delivery fleet. We'll also get better at spotting greenwashing, where companies pay lip service to environmentalism in an attempt to divert attention from environmentally unfriendly practices.

Personalization-at-Scale

One driver is clearly customer demand, as research continues to show that consumers increasingly prefer companies with a solid commitment to reducing their environmental footprint. On the other hand, as the green economy grows, we're learning that green solutions often lead to bottom-line growth. For example, L’Oréal has developed personalized cosmetics to match customers' skin types, and Nike NKE and other manufacturers offer custom shoes in thousands of combinations of styles and colors. This will lead to companies of all sizes offering customized solutions to build stronger relationships with customers.

The Data Economy

Data is an increasingly valuable business asset. By 2024, more companies will have streamlined their operations and improved their customer offerings by taking a strategic approach to their data. As a result, they will be ready to take the next step - monetizing data itself to drive new business opportunities. Leading the way are companies like John Deere, which has pioneered the model of selling data from its sensor-laden farm equipment back to farmers as insights to improve productivity. As access to large-scale data collection and AI-driven analytics becomes increasingly democratized, we'll see this trend adopted by smaller companies in niche and diversified sectors.

The Customer Experience Revolution

Imagine a line on a graph that rates your customers' sentiment at every touchpoint where they interact with your company, goods, or services. This illustrates the concept of customer experience. While traditionally a company might build a business model around superior quality or value, in 2024 the impetus is to ensure that every single interaction and experience makes the customer smile. This means personalized marketing that delivers what they need at the right time, on-time delivery, frictionless setup and installation, and efficient problem resolution. It's becoming increasingly common for companies and brands to appoint a Chief Experience Officer to ensure these principles are fully integrated into all business strategies.

Remote and distributed work

It's no longer about companies surviving the pandemic, it's about offering flexible arrangements, valuing employees' time and harnessing the potential of a global workforce. Yes, workers returning to the office has been a theme of the past 12 months. But employers are also ensuring that they retain the ability to work with geographically dispersed teams and attract talent from anywhere in the world. For these reasons, we'll see the number of job postings with "remote" or "hybrid" locations remain well above pre-Covid levels throughout 2024.

Diversity and Inclusivity

Talent comes in all ages, shapes, sizes and colors. Unconscious racist, sexist or ageist bias can easily seep into systems around hiring, training, performance management or development, resulting in talent being marginalized, mismanaged or overlooked. There has always been a business case for ensuring diverse and inclusive workforces, but in the age of AI, as we increasingly rely on machines to make decisions that impact humans, it's more important than ever.

Resilience.

Ensuring an organization is protected from whatever threat is around the corner. That could mean cyber attacks, economic downturns, environmental events, war, global pandemics, or the emergence of a disruptive new competitor. It's about taking what we've learned from companies that have survived and even thrived in turbulent times and using it to plan and prepare for what might happen tomorrow. Despite my crystal ball, the future is never certain, and building resilience to any threats that might emerge will be a key business trend in 2024.

You can read more about these topics in my book , The Future Internet: How the Metaverse, Web 3.0, and Blockchain Will Transform Business and Society and ‘ Business Trends in Practice , which won the 2022 Business Book of the Year award. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on X (Twitter ), LinkedIn , and YouTube for more on the future trends in business and technology.

Bernard Marr

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions

an image, when javascript is unavailable

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

International industry says goodbye to miptv, canneseries promises to return.

There was a somber mood on the Croisette ("it feels a funeral march") as the global TV business said goodbye to the decades-old spring market. But there were a few signs of optimism.

By Scott Roxborough

Scott Roxborough

Europe Bureau Chief

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Flipboard
  • Share this article on Email
  • Show additional share options
  • Share this article on Linkedin
  • Share this article on Pinit
  • Share this article on Reddit
  • Share this article on Tumblr
  • Share this article on Whatsapp
  • Share this article on Print
  • Share this article on Comment

Advertising banner from Global Agency saying 'The Last Dance,' a reference to the final edition of international television market MIPTV in Cannes.

The banner outside the Majestic Hotel said it all.

“The Last Dance” read the message on the banner from Turkish-based television sales group Global Agency, a farewell gesture to the international TV market MIPTV , a fixture on the industry calendar since its launch in 1965, which will wrap its final edition this Wednesday.

The billboard summed up the wistful mood of many industry executives who made the final trip to the Mediterranean to say farewell to MIP.

Related Stories

London's garden studios hires sky studios top exec bee devine as coo, with miptv gone, will international execs embrace mip london.

Those days are long gone and MIP’s demise, as a TV market designed for the pre-streaming era, was a long time coming. Event organizers RX France are hoping to transfer the market to London to run alongside the fast-growing TV industry showcase the London Screenings . But the new MIP London, by design, will be a pale imitation of peak MIPTV, intended more to complement the London Screenings rather than stand alone in its own right.

The end of MIP comes as the entire small-screen industry is in the doldrums, with traditional ad-supported and pay-TV struggling and global streamers cutting back on their free-spending ways as Wall Street pressures them to save their way to profitability. Hovering over it all is the great unknown of artificial intelligence, and how fast-evolving A.I. tech will upend, or destroy, existing business models .

Endemaño argued companies who can go “back to the future” by adapting older business models, including collaborating on production and bundling content for distribution and returning to windowing to exploit revenue streams across subscription and ad-supported streaming, as well as traditional free and pay-TV as well as on social media, will be best suited for success in the coming period of disruption.

Others see new opportunities as streamers and other commissioners pull back from worldwide rights, allowing producers to structure deals more creatively.

Elisabeth d’Arvieu head of French production group Mediawan, which owns a suite of companies, including Brad Pitt’s Plan B, said commissioners now are being “very smart and are willing to work on windowing or a geographic split” with producers to get series made. Mediawan’s upcoming slate includes an epic new miniseries adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ revenge classic Count of Monte Cristo , starring Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons and set up as a co-production with Palomar in Italy and France’s DEMD Productions for European public broadcasters France Televisions and RAI in Italy.

The audience demand for high-end international series, at least, does not seem to be waning. Canneseries , a television festival launched alongside MIPTV back in 2017, has seen its profile and popularity rise as MIP’s have fallen. This year’s Canneseries lineup included premieres of some of the year’s most hotly anticipated shows, including Amazon’s big-budget video game adaptation Fallout , from Westworld director Johnathan Nolan ; the French Disney+/Hulu series Becoming Karl Largerfeld , starring Daniel Brühl as the notorious German fashion designer in his pre-ponytail period in the early ’70s; and AppleTV+’s period drama Franklin , starring Michael Douglas as the American founding father, alongside, Noah Jupe, Ludivine Sagnier and Eddie Marsan.

Canneseries has faced stiff competition, not least from SeriesMania , the international TV fest held just last month in the northern French city of Lille. With the end of MIPTV, many have been questioning whether the festival has a future without the spring market. Canneseries artistic director Albin Lewi insists the show will go on. “I can say definitively, there will be a Canneseries next year,” he told The Hollywood Reporter . “We are not going anywhere.”

A small ray of light then, to brighten the mood of an otherwise sombre MIPTV send-off.

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Conan o’brien returns to ‘tonight show’: “it’s weird to come back”, ‘hapless’ review: british-jewish cringe comedy on peacock plays like u.k.’s answer to ‘curb your enthusiasm’, kit harington-led jon snow ‘game of thrones’ sequel no longer happening, nick offerman and amy poehler on making out for ‘parks and rec’ blooper reel: “everybody hated it”, comedian jerrod carmichael sees backlash over race-based slave play joke, ‘chicago med’ showrunners stepping down.

Quantcast

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Justice Department Says It Will Reopen Inquiry Into Realtor Trade Group

On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia made a ruling that opens the door for a renewed investigation into the National Association of Realtors.

A blue building with a large “R” on its glass wall stands against cloudless sky.

By Debra Kamin

The Justice Department will reopen an antitrust investigation into the National Association of Realtors, an influential trade group that has held sway over the residential real estate industry for decades. The investigation will focus on whether the group’s rules inflate the cost of selling a home.

The renewed federal inquiry comes after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on Friday overturned a lower-court ruling from 2023 that had quashed the Justice Department’s request for information from N.A.R. about broker commissions and how real estate listings are marketed.

Friday’s ruling was another setback for N.A.R., still reeling from a March 15 agreement to settle several lawsuits that alleged the group had violated antitrust laws and had conspired to fix the rates that real estate agents charge their clients. Pending federal court approval, N.A.R. will pay $418 million in damages and will significantly change its rules on agent commissions and the databases, overseen by N.A.R. subsidiaries, where homes are listed for sale.

Home sellers in Missouri, whose lawsuit against N.A.R. and several brokerages was followed by multiple copycat claims, successfully argued that the group’s rule that a seller’s agent must make an offer of commission to a buyer’s agent had forced them to pay inflated fees.

The Justice Department now has another chance to peel back the curtain on those fees and other N.A.R. rules that have long confused and frustrated consumers.

“Real-estate commissions in the United States greatly exceed those in any other developed economy, and this decision restores the Antitrust Division’s ability to investigate potentially unlawful conduct by N.A.R. that may be contributing to this problem,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, the head of the Justice Department’s antitrust division, in an emailed statement. “The Antitrust Division is committed to fighting to lower the cost of buying and selling a home.”

Americans pay roughly $100 billion in real estate commissions annually. In many other countries, commission rates hover between 1 and 3 percent; in the United States, most agents specify a commission of 5 or 6 percent, paid by the seller. Those high commission rates have been at the heart of N.A.R.’s mounting legal challenges.

In an emailed statement on Friday, representatives for N.A.R. said the organization was “reviewing today’s decision and evaluating next steps,” adding that they remained “steadfast in our commitment to promoting consumer transparency and to supporting our members in protecting their clients’ interests in the home buying and selling process.”

Should N.A.R. wish to appeal the ruling, it will have to now take it to the Supreme Court.

With 1.5 million members, a powerful lobbying arm in Washington and $1 billion in assets, N.A.R. has an outsize influence on the real estate industry. It even owns the trademark for the word “Realtor,” and an agent must be a member to call themselves one.

The Justice Department sued the trade group in 2005, claiming that N.A.R. promoted anticompetitive practices and inflated commissions, and the two sides agreed to a 10-year settlement in 2008, during which time N.A.R. was required to change many of its policies regarding home listing sites.

After that settlement expired, the Justice Department reopened its investigation, issuing demands for documentation on how Realtors in the United States use N.A.R.-operated databases to list homes and discuss commission rates, as well as the rules on agent compensation that the organization enforces among its membership.

The department even issued statements of interest in two lawsuits against N.A.R., regarding anticompetitive practices, including the Missouri case, which N.A.R. settled in March.

In 2020, it looked like the case had ended — the Justice Department offered another settlement to N.A.R., this one requiring rule changes like more disclosure around broker fees. N.A.R. agreed, and the investigation was closed.

But in 2021, under the new Biden administration, the Justice Department backed out of its settlement and announced it was reopening its inquiry. N.A.R. took them to federal court in a bid to stop them, and initially was successful in January 2023. But the Justice Department appealed, and a three-judge panel of the appeals court sided with the department in a split ruling — with two judges in favor and one against.

In an interview with The New York Times, Michael Ketchmark, who was the lead lawyer in the Missouri home sellers’ lawsuit against N.A.R., called the renewed investigation “great news for homeowners and home buyers across the country,” which would expand upon the impact of the civil cases against the group.

N.A.R.’s agreement to settle came months after a jury verdict in October 2023 in favor of the home sellers that would have required the trade group to pay at least $1.8 billion in damages.

“Through our trial and our settlement with N.A.R., we advanced the ball as far as we could down the field,” he said. “This is an opportunity for the DOJ to continue to hold them accountable, and if they feel additional steps need to be taken through criminal prosecution or regulation, now they have the green light to do it.”

Debra Kamin reports on real estate, covering what it means to buy, sell and own a home in America today. More about Debra Kamin

IMAGES

  1. Top Entertainment Business Ideas

    new business ideas entertainment industry

  2. Best 30 Most Profitable Entertainment Business Ideas

    new business ideas entertainment industry

  3. Incredibly Useful Entertainment Business Idea Tips for Entrepreneurs

    new business ideas entertainment industry

  4. 30 Entertainment Related Business Opportunities (Ultimate List)

    new business ideas entertainment industry

  5. 10 Highly Profitable Entertainment Business Ideas To Start

    new business ideas entertainment industry

  6. Top Highly Profitable Entertainment Business Ideas In 2022

    new business ideas entertainment industry

VIDEO

  1. New Smart High Profitable Business Idea With Low Investment in 2024

  2. Best Business Ideas In 2023

  3. Billboard music awards releases nominations, Bindi Irwin expecting baby girl and more Pop Break on '

  4. Top 30 High Profitable Small Business Ideas For 2023 || New Business Ideas || Shop Business Ideas

  5. 6 Small Business Ideas

COMMENTS

  1. 45 Entertainment Business Ideas to Start in 2024

    These are just a few of the possibilities from our long list of excellent entertainment business ideas. 1. Party Planning. ... As millions of people turned to music, the recorded music industry soared to new heights and broke sales records. In the US, the industry earned nearly $15 billion in 2021, its highest annual revenues in history.

  2. 14 Entertainment Business Ideas

    5. Craft services provider. Another necessity for photo and film shoots is frequently food services and catering for the talent and crew. Opening a business providing the food for craft services ...

  3. Entertainment Business Ideas

    Top Entertainment Businesses for 2022. We've put together a list of our favorite Entertainment business ideas and evaluated each based on startup costs, required skill level, and earning potential to help you find the perfect entertainment business idea for you.. 1. ARCHERY RANGE. Archery has been gaining in popularity in recent years, especially among families.

  4. 33 Exciting Entertainment Business Ideas in 2024

    14. Entertainment Blogging. Because it attracts a large following and gives your blog site traction, which is what advertisers want, blogging is a highly lucrative business. Due to this significant amount of traffic, advertisers would be prepared to pay only to offer their goods and services on your blog.

  5. Top 40 Entertainment Business Ideas for 2024

    Making ad films is purely creative work. And you must be competent enough to start this business of your own. #3. Amusement Park. Starting an amusement park is a large-scale entertainment business. For establishing an amusement park, you will need to have a large amount of area.

  6. Best Entertainment Business Ideas & Examples in 2023

    Some ideas for entertainment businesses could include: A live music venue: You could start a business that hosts concerts, music festivals, or other live music events. A movie theater: You could start a business that screens movies for customers in a physical theater or drive-in. An amusement park: You could start a business that operates a ...

  7. 10+ Best & Profitable Entertainment Business Ideas [2023]

    Below is a list of some of the most successful companies in the entertainment business industry: Walt Disney Company. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Sony Corporation. 21st Century Fox. Comcast Corporation. Universal Music Group. Live Nation Entertainment Inc. Time Warner Cable Inc.

  8. How to Start an Entertainment Business

    Step 4: Obtain Licenses and Permits. In order to start an entertainment business, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain a business license, a liquor license, a health permit, or other types of permits.

  9. 20 Best Entertainment Business Ideas

    Best Entertainment Business Ideas The entertainment industry is a super lucrative investment venture. As per the latest projections, the entertainment business is poised to show an annual growth rate of 8.54 percent, thus reaching a projected market volume of 40.74 billion USD by 2024. It is also one of the most innovative business segments. There […]

  10. How to Start an Entertainment Business

    STEP 2: Form a legal entity. The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your entertainment business is sued.

  11. Exciting Entertainment Business Ideas

    You can focus on children's entertainment, corporate events, or any other niche you prefer. Artistic Clinics. Any creative talent you have can become an event-based business idea. You could host songwriting clinics, photography seminars, or painting lessons. The list of possibilities for this option is almost endless.

  12. Top 61 Most Profitable Entertainment Business Ideas

    This business idea requires substantial capital and good networking skills. The Ad Film business or production is a great business to invest in if you have those two assets. 52. Become Anchorperson. In the media and entertainment industry, hosting programs as an anchorperson is a very lucrative career option.

  13. Top 8 Entertainment Trends in 2023

    Top 8 Entertainment Innovation Trends in 2023. 1. Metaverse. The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on movement accelerated the adoption of metaverse technologies. Startups develop immersive and collaborative tools to allow companies to create shared environments.

  14. Entertainment Business Ideas for Adults: 5 Innovations to Start Now

    Explore top adult entertainment business ideas from immersive escape rooms to sophisticated wine tastings and stand-up comedy clubs. Learn about leveraging technology, selecting the perfect locations, and creating unforgettable experiences. Dive into the potential of outdoor cinemas and board game cafés as unique ventures.

  15. 2023 Media & Entertainment Industry Outlook

    Our 2023 media and entertainment industry outlook explores five trends disrupting the industry—and new opportunities for companies. ... and gaming are helping to enable new business models and reshaping media and entertainment. But the real story for 2023 is that these three sectors are increasingly becoming more interdependent as part of a ...

  16. The 5 Biggest Media And Entertainment Technology Trends In 2022

    Mainstream media outlets will strive to emulate the methods of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch by positioning their stars and celebrities as "influencers" and building more community ...

  17. 10+ Best & Profitable Family Entertainment Business Ideas [2023]

    The family entertainment business industry provides fun, wholesome experiences for people of all ages. It includes activities like amusement parks, movie theaters, water parks and more. Here is a list of successful companies in the family entertainment business industry: Disney Parks. Dreamworks Animations.

  18. 12 Entertainment Business Ideas And Opportunities For ...

    Song Writing. Songwriting can also be a lucrative music entertainment business opportunity, especially when the songwriter churns out collections that have produced famous singers. All that will be required will be ensuring that the song writer's work is utilized successfully by a singer, such that more recommendations and engagements follow.

  19. The 5 Best Entertainment Business Ideas

    1. Ad Film Production. The media industry relies heavily on advertisement and PR which makes it a great business idea to invest in. Take any field in media, be it movies, television, print, or journalism, they all spend a huge chunk of their capital on advertisement and promotions.

  20. The 10 most innovative companies in sports in 2022

    Here's how Fanatics, the NBA, Intel, and other companies are leading the industry forward. Explore the full 2022 list of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, 528 organizations whose ...

  21. 19 Small Business Ideas For 2024

    4. Pet Care Services. A dog walking business is an excellent opportunity for someone who loves dogs and is good with other people's dogs. You get out every day and enjoy fresh air with grateful ...

  22. How To Break Into The Entertainment Business

    Here's how to land one of those coveted roles. Follow the rules. "If an application asks for a cover letter, you've got to include one. The letter should be clear and concise and demonstrate ...

  23. Top Industries for Entrepreneurs in 2024 According to Our Trends Team

    Table of Contents. The 2024 Startup Landscape; The Top Industries for Entrepreneurs; The 2024 Startup Landscape. Some elements of entrepreneurship are easier than ever; access to the internet, social networking, and remote work means that some businesses can be started with no money.. According to an Inuit survey of 4,500 respondents, starting a business in 2024 is perceived as the best way to ...

  24. Movies are back? That's the message at CinemaCon, despite challenges

    Ryan Faughnder is a senior editor with the Los Angeles Times' Company Town team, which covers the business of entertainment. He also hosts the entertainment industry newsletter The Wide Shot.

  25. At movie industry convention, leaders say blockbusters alone ...

    2024 Invision. A visitor walks past advertisements for upcoming movies on the opening day of CinemaCon 2024 at Caesars Palace, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Las Vegas.

  26. Early Rider hires James Beechinor to run its business Stateside

    The company's US division president will focus on setting up licensing partnerships and driving new business for its line of Velio balance bikes for preschoolers. By Cole Watson April 9, 2024

  27. The 10 Biggest Business Trends For 2024 Everyone Must Be Ready ...

    It is time once again to look into the crystal ball and predict the direction that business and industry will take in the coming year. The 10 Biggest Business Trends For 2024 Everyone Must Be ...

  28. Hunting the Northern Lights in Iceland

    On my first night of aurora stalking, despite Ms. Richter's warnings, I joined an expectant group on the Reykjavík Excursions minibus. For $88, I got a seat on the 19-person bus, which left the ...

  29. TV Industry Says Goodbye to MIPTV, Canneseries Promises to Return

    International Industry Says Goodbye to MIPTV, Canneseries Promises to Return. There was a somber mood on the Croisette ("it feels a funeral march") as the global TV business said goodbye to the ...

  30. Justice Department Says It Will Reopen Inquiry ...

    On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia made a ruling that opens the door for a renewed investigation into the National Association of Realtors.