Now this is an interesting article on how Shyamalan gets his movies made. Yes, he self-finances them. Of course, I wouldn't recommend re-mortgaging your house. Please don't. Shyamalan has a bankable track record and an audience that loves his films, which let's face I don't have and probably you don't either.
It's interesting that this is all about controlling the narrative and making the films he wants to make. But are there any takeaways from this for you?
https://nofilmschool.com/shyamalan-self-finance?utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=How+M.+Night+Shyamalan+Has+Been+Self-Financing+His+Films+to+Great+Success%20-%2010037626
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WOW!! His ROI is phenomenal!! So risky though - this doesn't speak to the average filmmaker's experience.
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Shyamalan is in a league of his own. He also works out of Philly instead of Hollywood. Was shocked when I found out he backs his own projects. Incredibly risky but in his case it paid off.
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Shellie Schmals true, but I think it shows he has a strategy. Commercial success has given him, the opportunity to invest in his own projects. At the end of the day, he wanted control over the narrative.
My rule of thumb here though, would be to NEVER mortgage your house to finance a film! My wife would never forgive me…
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Sam Mannetti well, that all adds doubt on whether or not you need to be in Hollywood to succeed!
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He's such a passionate filmmaker. And, fun fact, the writer of his new film CABIN IN THE WOODS is an educator for Stage 32, he teaches incredible craft webinars on writing: https://www.stage32.com/webinars?search=steve+desmond And, we also had him in the Writers' Room last month! https://www.stage32.com/writers-room
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Geoff Hall I've just decided it's my dream to work on a film with you. I don't care what it's about. It could be a clay motion film about eggs boiling. Only because you're a great, encouraging friend and colleague. But yeah, his ROI is crazy good.
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Amanda Toney I love his work and his passion for visual storytelling. My faves are Signs and The Sixth Sense. How about you?
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Leonardo Ramirez Leonardo! You are an inspiration. I shall now write The Hard Boiled Eggs of Madison County.
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Geoff Hall I can be the hand that puts the eggs in to boil.
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Sam Mannetti Perhaps, an AMA on Stage32 with M Night?
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Leonardo Ramirez I suppose that would come under Stunt Coordination! Haha!
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Geoff Hall I'm a 4th degree BB with weapons training. Hopefully, that helps qualify me for hand modelling. LOL!
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Leonardo Ramirez there are many physical stunts in Seeing Rachel, Protocol, A Little Death, Death Spirit, Imperium (physical trauma aplenty!) SR has a whole fast and furious kung fu fight. Wince and you’ll miss it! Teehee! It will be shot and edited Hong Kong style.
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Geoff Hall That all sounds amazing! May be time to sharpen my swords! Of course, I've always wanted to act so maybe I can do both?
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You know, getting financing from Other Peoples Money, helps to provide feedback on your project. And just because he can "the films he wants to make," doesn't mean that they're any good. Same goes for Spike and Tarantino (all three being on my 'no watch list').
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Robin Chappell well, Robin, have you seen the box office returns on his films? The only feedback he seems to care about is from his fans.
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wow! i never knew that