For a short film (or any kind of film, for that matter), is it better to have financing in place before seeking out an AD? Or should I look for an AD, and then get financing taken care of?
Financing / Crowdfunding : The right place to ask by Tony Ray
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Hi Tony Ray - in my experience, its always best to work with an AD, or Line Producer, before seeking financing so you have a realistic production schedule and budget in place before asking for money. Unless its EXTREMELY friendly money, financiers tend to want to know what it will cost and how they're gonna get it back. You need both - realistically - to answer that question. You never want to raise less than you need (happenes often) or too much more than you need (see Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS). A plan you can stand by will help in all ways and a seasoned AD or LP will provide that.
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Absolutely could not agree more Sam Sokolow. Always good to get input from an AD and certainly engage a line producer to do a budget (and schedule.)
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I’ve only ever worked on two shorts that had any kind of budget. If you can, do it for pennies. Learn to break down your script yourself, or work closely with someone who can help. The most important thing to pay for is meals for your cast and crew.
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Here’s my take: Most new and even experienced filmmakers are working with budgets that are realistic and attainable, often relying on self-financing, grants, and other sources of funding. With that in mind, it’s important to first determine how much money you have or can secure before reaching out to potential collaborators. Trying to bring people on board without a clear budget in place can end up being a waste of everyone’s time.
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I get on as many as I can pre-financing. I'm prepping a project now where the dept. heads were as attractive in our packaging as above-the-line.