Dear producers, how do you do the voodoo that you do?
No joke, I both respect your skills and fear my lack thereof.
I'm early stage in my first feature (15 years and 100+ shorts later), and as it's my first full-crew project, I'm out of my comfort zone.After pitching the script on Stage32 and getting really (really!) good feedback, I'm happy to move ahead. The script is on the 5th draft, I've shot the first two scenes as sample footage, in terms of crewing & shooting, I could start tomorrow.
And now I'm looking at a circle of requirements; sales agents, producer, investors, distributors, business plan. Is it supposed to be a catch 22, or is there an actual starting point, here?
Any advice? Also, any of you wonderful people willing to look at the written pitch (purely for friendly advice) and give your opinion on viability? (Not looking to bypass the jobs board. Just building relationships & exchanging advice) :)
(Sample. One of three scenes)
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Being out of your comfort zone is the right place to be.
Very exciting to hear some details, keep up the great work!
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The Catch-22 is real! LOL Business plan in film terms is basically a Pitch Deck, and that's a great place to "start". I feel like we need to clarify a couple of things before any more advice can be dispensed:
1) What do you have, ready to go?
2) What do you still need from others (e.g. funds, named cast attached, above-the-line crew, locations, etc.)?
3) What is the ideal distribution channel (e.g. theatrical release, streamer, VOD)?
Let's start there and see how we can help guide your next steps!
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Jon, feel free to message me if you have more questions. If you do not have financing for your film yet, then obviously this will be your first obstacle. Either on your own, or with a producing partner, I would encourage you to build out three different potential tiers of budgets. Dream Budget, Realistic Budget, and Floor Budget. This will help you work through some of your own expectations and help you realize how to move forward.
If you already have financing, then it would be wise to move into pre-production by first building out a small but trusted executive team to walk you through the film. Build a collaborative team so that you can focus on only what you can do. Find others within your budget to do the rest.
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You're barely out of your stating blocks with miles to go. Write an awesome feature script first before worrying about other things. Why work on proposal lines when you haven't gotten past the first date?
Great advice, Jacob Matthew! I often suggest a "Dream Budget" to start and then a "Realistic Budget" to follow up, but what a great idea to have a third option that would give you a bare-bones look at what it would take to move forward. Thanks for that!
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I think it's like a good game of juggling live cats. It's fun, sporty, dangerous, fun and maddening all at the same time.
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The Catch 22 is 100% real and will only get more complicated as you go! Networking is key, so is being realistic about your budget and shoot size when approaching financiers - and make sure you don't miss the little things like bank fees from your finance plan. Staying in control and offering that reassurance is so important!
Wow! Some amazing replies, thank you all! Apologies for the slow reply, just got back from family vacation (with orders not to work)
Karen "Kay" Ross , so far,...
1) I have a script, dossier, synopsis, logline, 70% of the locations, and a plucky attitude and winning smile(!). Currently working on story board and line-iteming (is that a word?)
2) This is the bit I'm wondering. I need funds, named talent (I know who I want), crew. Not sure in what order I approach getting those things, or how to approach them.
3) I'm in 'theatrical-or-bust' mode. Mostly because I'm looking to build a following to the franchise as a secondary goal (I'm all in on the film as a standalone, but this is part of a much bigger project which I have to keep in mind). The film will sit alongside other chapters I'm making on other media platforms. It's all very complicated but... I'd like to get this film in theatres.
@Cherelynn, could I give you my cats to juggle? My life would be so much easier with an experienced juggler (not a sentence I ever thought I'd say)
Suzanne Garnett, thank you! Aside from on this site, where would you say is good to network? I'd never thought of bank fees, good shout!
What opportunities are there where you live? Do you have a centralized film office or institute. Most places will have at least one or two mixers (even online) throughout the year and that can be really useful for connecting with local filmmakers.
Erik A. Jacobson Script written and revised many times! Dossier done, synopsis, storyboard will be soon. The package is pretty much ready (I think), and this is where my expertise runs out
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Ok now I’ve just seen where you’re based! You have a LOT of options! Drop me a message and we can chat more if you like.
Jacob Matthew what brilliant, detailed advice! Message coming your way!