The People’s Network

Filmmakers today have countless educational resources available to help advance their careers. Those engaged in the art of blending visuals, audio, and other elements to tell compelling stories have likely encountered targeted Instagram ads promising to elevate their video businesses by securing more clients. The question remains: is the return on investment (ROI) worth it? With that in mind, I was pleased to be introduced to Bobby M. Peoples Sr., co founder of The Peoples Network, along with his wife and co-founder, Renee Peoples. 

Bobby is passionate about running a successful film production company. Even if your primary focus is creating content such as advertisements for local businesses or corporate entities, there is much to learn from his business model—a model shaped and driven by passion. The Peoples Network, an independent film production company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, boasts over 30 listed productions on its website (www.tpn1.com). But beyond production, The Peoples Network serves as an educational resource for the film industry, offering valuable insights into what it takes to succeed. 

Marketing programs claiming to help filmmakers gain more clients are abundant, but Bobby contributes a unique and practical perspective to this pool of knowledge. His book, How to Make Movies and Money Manual: Second Edition, is a must-read for anyone looking for a tested and practical guide to the filmmaking process. This manual takes readers through every stage—from writing, shooting, directing, and editing to marketing content across various platforms. While thousands of books cover filmmaking and its many facets, Bobby’s manual stands out for its straightforward approach. It provides clear, actionable steps, making it an essential read for anyone pursuing film school or a self-taught path. Not all film programs emphasize the business side of filmmaking, yet it is crucial to success. Filmmaking is an art, but it is also a business—a massive industry where creative expression and financial strategy must go hand in hand. 

The inspiration behind the book is a story worth telling. The first edition was not originally in book form but was a compilation of notes, memos, and filmmaking project insights Bobby shared with his son, Bobby M. Peoples Jr., who has ADHD. When Bobby Jr. was twelve, he needed to complete a school project, with filmmaking as one of the options. Since both of his parents were deeply involved in the film industry, he wanted to create a film. Given Bobby Jr.’s ADHD, Bobby Sr. found himself repeatedly explaining the filmmaking process. To simplify matters, he developed a step-by-step manual for his son, allowing him to follow along and create his project successfully. This initiative led to the eventual publication of the How to Make Movies and Money Manual: Second Edition. Unlike many filmmaking books, which often present complex terminology and conflicting methodologies, Bobby’s manual is designed to be simple and intuitive, guiding aspiring filmmakers from concept to completion without unnecessary confusion. 

The second edition includes updates on evolving technologies, social media strategies, and streaming platforms like Tubi, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. Every principle in the book is actively practiced by Bobby and Renee in their own productions. Having read the manual myself, I found actionable insights that I will implement in my own filmmaking process. 

Bobby and Renee’s journey into filmmaking is equally fascinating. Bobby, originally from Virginia, and Renee, from Michigan, met on a film set in Atlanta, Georgia. A mutual industry friend introduced them, and while Bobby was a camera operator, Renee co-directed the project. Renee had previously seen Bobby’s work in Atlanta and expressed interest in auditioning for one of his upcoming films. Bobby, recognizing her talent, suggested that her audition would be her existing responsibilities on the set. That moment marked the beginning of their journey together. Since moving to Las Vegas nearly five years ago, Bobby has completed more than 20 films—exceeding his output in Atlanta. His disciplined approach, rooted in his book’s principles, has been instrumental in this success. These feature films have secured funding and distribution across major streaming platforms, including Tubi, Vudu, Amazon, and Xumo. 

The Peoples Network specializes in producing African American-focused films with an emphasis on distributing content within that community. Their recent release, Vegas Vixens, premiered in January 2025, followed closely by Mistress for Hire. Vegas Vixens was commissioned by a distributor who provided only a title, leaving Bobby to craft a film tailored to their needs. The storyline follows three diverse women of color who unite in a Charlie’s Angels-style mission to combat crime in Las Vegas. This ability to customize films based on market demand highlights the strategic approach Bobby and Renee take in their filmmaking endeavors. 

The secret to their success lies in structured planning, effective workflow management, and disciplined execution—all of which are covered extensively in the How to Make Movies and Money Manual: Second Edition. The book provides a clear blueprint for independent filmmakers seeking to finance, produce, and distribute their films. Bobby and Renee do not claim to be the definitive authorities in independent filmmaking, nor do they claim their films are superior to others. Instead, they offer an accessible, proven process that anyone can follow to achieve similar success. Filmmaking is their full-time livelihood, and they share their knowledge to inspire others to tell their own stories. 

A crucial aspect of their method  can sometimes mirror guerrilla filmmaking—a cost-effective approach that helps filmmakers produce quality work with minimal resources. The book delves into working with actors, storyboarding on a budget, camera techniques, and creative audio solutions. One of their recent films, Deadly Bonds, was shot 40% on an iPhone, demonstrating that high-end equipment is not always necessary for success. Bobby and Renee have access to professional cameras like the Red and Arri Flex, yet they embrace innovation and accessibility in their filmmaking process. 

Beyond their film productions, Bobby and Renee are committed to educating and mentoring aspiring filmmakers. They have established a 501©(3) nonprofit organization, The Peoples Studio Coalition (www.tpsclv.org), to support independent filmmakers through educational programs and resources. Their certification courses cover directing, scriptwriting, production assistance, and cinematography. The organization is actively fundraising to acquire a facility where filmmakers can receive hands-on training and build sets for future projects. The studio’s vision is clear: to create an industry where opportunity transcends barriers, empowering individuals—particularly ex-felons and at-risk youth—with skills and confidence to pursue filmmaking careers. 

Over the next five years, The Peoples Studio Coalition aims to train thousands of filmmakers and establish a fully equipped production studio for real-world experience. They also plan to launch two regional training hubs to support graduates with mentorship, resources, and industry connections. By fostering inclusivity and accessibility, they aspire to redefine the film industry’s future. 

Like many filmmakers in Las Vegas, Bobby is eager for major studios to establish a presence in the valley. This expansion could provide new opportunities for his company and support his educational initiatives. We also discussed the potential for studio-backed training programs, especially with the anticipated passage of Nevada’s film tax credit bill (AB 238). Developing a skilled, local filmmaking workforce is crucial for Nevada’s film economy. 

Ultimately, How to Make Movies and Money Manual: Second Edition equips readers with everything they need to transform their filmmaking ambitions into reality. The only missing ingredient is personal drive. You can’t teach passion! Whether you dream of launching a professional film career or simply wish to tell a meaningful story, Bobby and Renee’s blueprint offers a practical path forward. The Peoples Network’s success model is replicable, and Bobby firmly believes that if he can make it work, so can you. The only question is: do you have the passion and determination to make it happen?