So I have this wonderfully creepy thriller that I need to manifest into existence this fall. It's very important to me, so I've decided to make it myself instead of hunting for a production house. I know I need at least one producing partner because I'm too close to the work -I wrote it, and will be directing. Close is good on set, but can be really bad for the budget and distribution. I also don't want to pitch an unrealistic proposal to prospective investors or sponsors. But I have no 'upfront' funds. I feel like this is a 'chicken and egg' problem because I need the Producer to help me get the funds I don't have to pay him/her and the rest of the crew. I tried posting in a couple different places, but I'm getting random crew spam bombs. I wonder if this is fair considering the situation. My questions: Is there a specific/proper way to approach another about producing a film -as a partner- for gp and deferred funds? Maybe ads are wrong? Should one attempt to approach B-List actors? Maybe they'll want to produce for a role!? Will Producers even take a gig like this, or am I spinning my wheels?
Producing : Finding and Partnering with Other Producers by Lauren McEntyre
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Lauren- As we discussed earlier today. I am in a similar boat with my project. My suggestion is get the book "Bank roll" by Tom Malloy-how to finance your independent film. I have it and I keep it right next to my desktop as a valid resource. You may not find every answer in there that will solve ALL your problems, but it is a $22 investment I do not think you will regret spending. Anything else you want to know or need to know about your project or mine just message me here or email me @ harrissteven954@gmail.com. As you can see from the time, I am a typical New York native night owl and will be up all night. It also comes in handy for my European associates I work with who are just getting up now on their side of the globe and will be reading my emails I just sent shortly. ALL the best on your thriller.
Thanks Steven! Yeah, we're definietly in the same boat, however, the insanity with this film started prior me finding you. I guess what I really want to know is ... what am I doing wrong? I've seen people succeed with less so I don't feel it's the senerio. But I am more than willing to learn so if anyone has an experience to share I'll happily accept. I'm thinking it must by my thinking or my approach. I went to Barbes and Noble -to order Bankroll- on the way home. It's going to take a few days for them to deliver it to the store so I'm just going to order on Amazon. In the meantime I'm reading the screenplay. I think what's really bugging me is that I thought I was doing the right thing by posting the ads. Yet I keep getting random posts that have nothing to do with producing. This would be ok if I got even 1 producer to respond. But I got more response from production houses. It's like applying for one of those high end corprate positions online. You just keep send resumes -with all of the qualifications- and no one responds. I'm flipping out. I hope Tom Mallory has some advice on this too.
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You are not doing anything wrong!! You are going through a process that will have bumps in the road. So don't beat yourself up. You are in the right place at the right time. You have written a screenplay that you have a great deal of passion for. You are going to get responses from people in this industry that are not always what you expect. This is a business of constant rejection. The way you counter it is with constant persistance and conviction. I am fortunate that before I wrote screenplays I spent the last 30 years in advertising and also sales. So I am used to this. Yes, I am an old man surprise!! (64 years old in August). To wrap this up, and not ramble on any more. I can only offer you suggestions on how to get you through this maze of mines and booby traps that passes for the film industry. But reading your background and what you have accomplished to date shows me you will succeed. I hope "Bankroll" gives you some solutions to some of the challenges you are facing. I think we both have to be grateful for this wonderful fellowship that brings us together on this creative journey. Okay then, I'm done for now. Any questions, comments or observations you now know how to reach me.
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I'm working on a feature this year with a local production company that like you,got tired of waiting and wanted to get out there and make it HAPPEN. I've worked with them on a good few projects in the past and I KNOW that they do good quality, purposeful stories with heart and passion. They had approached me about six months ago and asked due to budgeting limitations,would I be interested in jumping in and working for free in a leading role, and in return receiving a producer credit with the responsibility of having input and say so on certain decisions for the project and then, owning a percentage of the film on the back end,a percentage was also offered to main crew (PA's n grips would be grouped together for a percentage,leads paid as I said,day players were investors and working for free). As an actor I absolutely think that is a reasonable discussion to have but I also think that you need to have a collection of prior work that you can show off as incentive to just jump in. If you don't have that then I would at least suggest having folks on board that DO have great work to show...DP for sure ! Jumping in on this was easy for me,more of a calculated risk. All the best as you move forward in bringing your dreams to fruition ! Mark
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Great idea for attaching Actors! I can only suggests making more/smaller projects and working on other people's projects to expand your network and build credibility. You may meet people with common interests who are willing to help out or at least point you to someone who can. I have heard of producers seeking out small production companies and pitching their projects to them. Again, you need a track record or impressive resume to even get in the door. And if you land a meeting, they may decide to fund your project but reduce your involvement with it because they are funding it. Years ago, I briefly spoke to a producer who had budget and attached talent requirements. For him, without those in writing he would not touch a project. People have bills and need certain guarantees. I get it. It's tough but keep going. Your closest friend or relative might be the right one to keep you from going over that edge when things get hairy. In my experience that's what a great producer does. My 2¢
Thank you guys! I really needed the inspiration and confirmation. I'm driven, but somerimes a reality check is in order. Thank you for positivity, help, and honesty!
@Steven The screenplay is really good! I'm finishing up the last 20pgs; can't wait to talk to you about!
@Lynn Thank you! I really apprieciate it!
@Mark Yeah, Steven was suggesting something awesome like that. It sounds like it was an amazing experience. That's kind of what I hope to accomplish! If I may ask, you said a production company approached you. Did you feel comfortable agreeing to the deal because you were approached by a 'business', as opposed to an individual?
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@Landis my concerns exactly. But I think Mark, Steven, and Lynn are right. It's more of a mental block -on my behalf- than anything.
Steven HA, you're a good human being, man. Thank you.
In THIS particular case I'd say it didn't matter because I'd worked with them prior and consider them friends now. putting that out of the equation though I'd say being approached by a production company wouldn't mean a great deal or sway me one way or the other unless they had a body of work to present that was impressive. That and communication will be your currency.
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I'd suggest spending some time on IMDB.com searching for films similar to yours in genre and budget and contacting the producers and exec producers of those films. You'll also discover the names of actors interested in appearing in those films. Even better, subscribe to IMDBpro.com for twenty bucks a month and you'll get the contact info for all these people. But first, make sure you've got all your ducks in a row: a hot, attention-grabbing logline, script, biz plan, and budget.