I think this is a very interesting question and worth debating. The problem with startup equity is that the chance of a payout is extremely small. I've also won

I think this is a very interesting question and worth debating. The problem with startup equity is that the chance of a payout is extremely small. I've also wondered, if you switch jobs 10 times, and pick up a slice of equity each time, what are your chances of a life-altering exit? And joining a FAANG at a later stage means you won't get a huge payout if you create something valuable. Your equity might just appreciate and if you are lucky maybe you'll get a refresher. In contrast, in the movie industry, you don't have "equity" that can vaporize or become worth nothing overnight. You share in the revenue. You know with a higher likelihood whether the movie will work or not. So this increases the chances of getting a payout and this payout could potentially last decades. Look at major 80s movies from which people are still making good money. @tgflynn you are incorrect that a movie or other artistic work only requires a few people. Movie productions require very large teams and these people all need to get paid and get a revenue share. It's also heavily unionized in contrast to the situation with our software industry. You are also incorrect that most people are employees in the film industry.