Hello everyone, I'll get right to it: One WWII true story feature - 3 Stage32 executives; 2 passes; 1 pending. Hot mess? Not this time.
First exec who has the full script passed - not her type of project, but she insists I find a mid-level director "...and make this project a reality!"
Second exec passed on the pitch - recently added a project in this genre, but "I think the story is powerful and that this needs to be made.".... this off the pitch mind you.
The pending is from a Literary manager. All the same, finding a "mid-level director" at the minimum will be nearly impossible for someone like me, so I wonder if this is something I should look into making myself? Yet, I have zero experience in the entertainment industry, and would have to rely on the expertise of others.
I don't know, what do you think?
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Sounds like paid execs dont want to work, no effort in your projects. They want finished/production ready ideas with attachments (again, no effort on their part).
As for making it yourself, i dont know your finances or your background. Making a movie requires lots of sacrifice and time, and you need to be all-in in this lifestyle.
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I say keep pitching to find the right fit. My "first" screenplay is very high budget and against all odds a producer with a multi-billion dollar company asked to read and has had it for six months now. The budget scares most off, despite positive feedback. Definitely glad I didn't give up. Or maybe set it aside as you work on another, and pitch again after a break? May just be a timing thing. (fyi I lost count of how many times I pitched to get to this point, with mostly great feedback but only 2 read requests)
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It's a period piece, so it can be expensive potentially.
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Abdur Mohammed this is timely and relevant, I appreciate your acumen and there are many emerging filmmakers in our same kind of situation. Stay with it.
Also I am thinking of traveling from Baltimore down to Virginia Beach this summer so I'd like to meet up with you and we could talk about projects.
I'm focusing on a paradigm of multiple pathways to production for my most contemporary concepts and screenplays, and I think in our situation there is a balance of commitment and flexibility, you nurture the leading project but you're kind of always prepared to shelve that and move forward on the next one in your portfolio, down to the local reels that we would be able to self-produce.
I waded clumsily through a swamp last week in waterproof boots at my favorite lake to capture on my phone two minutes of remote-control toy racing-boat footage
for an Instagram post, it's a really grass-roots / theatre-arts approach, and even if no one sees it, it's keeping ME tethered to the maximum-overdrive story in my portfolio, even as I write something new to push back and stay in the creative zone. You are a filmmaker, boots on the ground.
I see your Portfolio Development, the Concept Art you've created, as your powerful "leading-edge" visuals, so there might even be industry people out there who are less interested in READING your scripts but will be WOWED by your Pitch Deck?
Just sayin', stay flexible, stay in your power, you are doing amazing work!
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It's a whole nother deal to make it yourself -- 3 passes isn't much. Especially when you received such positive feedback. My two cents. Keep pitching it for at least another few months.
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What is a 'mid-level Director'?
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Thanks all...Daniel Stuelpnagel that will be great if you make it to Virginia Beach this summer...keep in touch. I do have a planned trip to Albania though...but we will see how things fit. It will be great to meet up and see what's up. Hey Doug, I have no idea what a Mid-Level director may be. Thanks again you all.
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That is actually a pretty good review and advice. To find a "mid-level director" just find films that are similar to yours in style, genre, and budget, and jot down who the director is. Look them up on IMDB pro and it will tell you who they are repped by, then pitch the rep. So it's not impossible. It is difficult but so is everything else in this business. Good luck and stay strong!
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Ask execs you paid if they are "mid-level" executives? They must be if they need $ on the side selling advice. Somewhat backhanded dis, "mid-level director."
My college pal is a DGA director for 15-years+, directed studio funded movies, Emmy tv and flies in private jets with Capt America actor Chris Evans. Is he a "mid-level" director?... and no, he is not interested in new projects/ideas. He's got 50 ideas he cant make, created 100s of lookbooks/whatever on his own time & money, all passes.
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Dan - you always go to the money - why? I'm a Director when I feel like it. I work for free, helping new filmmakers/screenwriters - so that must mean I'm a 'low-level' Director. So when I was working as a tv Field Producer/Director for a pretty good (not great) salary, I must of been a 'mid-lever' Director. I think more creatively and I'll stack my cinematic story vision up against any one, so as far as I'm concerned, that makes me a 'high-level' Director. Nah, we're all just Directors. Don't tierize the profession by money.
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Yep, Dan, this business is tough, and tougher to have a career
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Every career that is competitive is tough. I worked as Creative Director at Ad Agencies for many years and it was always a challenge. Being a screenwriter or director is no different, just a higher level of competition. But we are currently in the best time ever, when more money is being spent for more quality content than ever before. You have to be highly committed and super positive to succeed, but you can succeed. Not everyone will succeed, but if you aren't super confident and believe in yourself, you certainly never will.
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@Abdur Re “Find a mid level director” from one passes comments feels condescending. A director aims to toss a hail Mary all across field whether Indie with thousands or a studio with millions.