Are there any producers here that have seen projects and passed on them because the writer also wanted to play the lead? If so, I'm curious: would there be a negotiation point at which you might not pass on that project? Would you recommend writers who act to cast themselves as side characters instead? I'd love to hear everyone's perspective! I recently got feedback from a producer on my pitch, and that seemed to be the only hold-up, so I was wondering if there's a recommended way to pitch myself and my projects together. Again, if you have insight, please let me know!
Side note: I really did enjoy reading the feedback from the producer I pitched to, and even though she passed, it made me feel good to know it wasn't because of my concept. If it's because of a preference for more acting chops, I can definitely be flexible with that. I hope she's having a nice day!Producing : Getting projects made as a multi-hyphenate by Yan Ju Zeng
Getting projects made as a multi-hyphenate
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I've known producers, and have seen studio projects not back a project where the writer also wanted to be the lead. Once money is involved, and I'll use $200K (because I had a friend who made movies for this amount), the producer (and studio) has to protect the investment by using talent that is recognizable from other films and TV shows. This helps the distributor sell it so audiences who will be interested in viewing. As the money increases so does the talent. If you wish to write, and be the lead, go finance and shoot for under $50K, distribute, and do it again. Build your recognition! (and make some amazing short films that can be used as calling cards). All this is very doable. Break a leg! (And I've seen writers, whom also wish to produce, and they have zero experience doing this so it makes getting financing next to impossible).
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Lindbergh E Hollingsworth thank you for the advice. Out of curiosity, would you say it’d be easier or harder to request a supporting role I wrote instead?
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Always mention it, like it will happen. If you ask, it's easier to say, "No." It also depends on the supporting role.
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You'll have to find a producer that has the power to make you play the lead. I have been working with known people in the industry that stated everything is possible, so better believe it. But it will be a hard find, so you have to have some luck.
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If an actor is also funding the project, then sure, play the lead.
Also - it depends on the budget level you are after.
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Hi Yan Ju Zeng - I second Lindbergh E Hollingsworth 's advice and will add yet another avenue - if the producer would do the project with other actors, do the project. make the film. have a writing credit. then continue creating whatever is possible with yourself as actor, and then the next time you pitch yourself as wanting to do both, you'll have these stronger elements with which to convince a producer to take it on. good luck! :)
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Do what you want to do.