Creativity Regained

 “Creativity Regained” (Inc., 2003)

The article profiles Robert Redford not just as an actor but as an entrepreneur who founded Sundance, transforming it from two acres of land in Utah into a global brand encompassing a nonprofit institute, a film festival, a cable channel, and related businesses.

Key Themes:

• Starting Small: Redford began with a log cabin and gradually built Sundance into an enterprise.

• Mission-Driven Growth: His goal was always to support new voices and visions, particularly in independent film.

• Impact on Film: Sundance became the hub for independent filmmaking, helping launch films like Reservoir Dogs, Boys Don’t Cry, and Requiem for a Dream, as well as directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson.

• Business Success: Beyond art, Sundance became a strong commercial brand, with ventures like the Sundance Channel and the Sundance Film Series.

• Philosophy of Creativity: Redford emphasized that growth stems from creativity, not accounting. He admired leaders like Steve Jobs and Yvon Chouinard who blended business discipline with imagination.

• Principles at the Institute:

  • Voice matters more than resumes.

  • Contradiction sharpens ideas.

  • Simplicity encourages resourcefulness.

  • Generosity fuels collaboration.

  • Storytelling preserves culture and memory.

  • Conversation drives new thinking.

• Leadership Mindset: Redford consistently reinvented himself and expected Sundance to keep evolving. He resisted compromise, prioritized the quality of revenue over short-term gains, and created an environment where risk and originality were encouraged.

Conclusion:
The article argues that Sundance’s model of nurturing creativity offers lessons for any business: hire for fresh ideas, encourage experimentation, build institutional memory, lead with generosity, and focus on continual reinvention.