FILMMAKING STUFF Filmmaking Stuff provides resources for independent filmmakers. The website includes articles on how to take a story idea from script to screen, including articles on scriptwriting, producing, finance, shooting, editing, directing, marketing, distribution and how to build an audience. Filmmaking Stuff also has articles detailing how to make money making movies – including interviews with Hollywood Producers, Directors, writers and other filmmaking professionals.

Today, I’m going to offer yet another bit of perspective on the whole question of how to raise money for movies.

As you may or may not know, independent film funding can be a little overwhelming. If you’ve ever dabbled in the business side of making a movie, you know what I mean. The first time I heard people talk about writing a business plan or offering a private placement memorandum, I suddenly felt like I was on another planet. And if you’re like most filmmakers, you would much rather focus on actually getting your movie made, instead of cold calling rich and successful people to set up random pitch meetings.

• So, the first challenge you have in the world of film finance is: How do I find investors for my movie?
• The second challenge is: How will my feature film provide enough ROI (return on investment) for my investor?

Assuming you’ve followed some of my previous advice on creating relationships with rich and successful people, even if you do make a favorable impression on a few rich folks, your potential film investors may still shy away from making an investment in your project. Why? Because without star talent, a known director, a film distribution outlet and an experienced crew – it’s very tough to answer the important question of ROI.

Your potential investors want to know how you plan on spending their money, how you plan on getting their money back, and when. Can you provide your investors with this information? If not, then you can understand why independent film financing, especially for your first feature, can be a pain in the butt.

However, having worked as an account executive for one of the biggest investment banks in the world, I would like to share some thoughts and end today’s article on a positive note. If you can come up with a plan that at least attempts to answer the question of ROI – then you’re in the ball park. While I can’t say it’s common, there are a few potential investors out there, for which their excess cash sometimes burns a hole in their pocket. These folks will assess the potential for gain and loss, and despite the risk (which you will always disclose and never hide!), they will still choose to do business with you.

I have a friend (who I’ll interview in a few weeks) – but anyway, he made a short film that went viral on the internet. One day he gets a call from a random multimillionaire who says he has always wanted to produce a movie. Suffice it to say, my buddy is now in pre-production on his first independent feature film.

Stranger things have happened. What’s important is that you keep pushing forward!

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If you are wondering how to get money for your movie – Almost every resource will tell you that you need a business plan. Very few resources will tell you how to actually go out, find prospective investors, qualify them, contact them, get a meeting and build a relationship.

Since getting money for movies was such a frustrating experience for me, I spent the last few months creating: The Independent Producer’s Guide To Financing Your Movie. In it, YOU will gain valuable insider experience so you can avoid my past mistakes, find investors and make your movie. To learn more CLICK HERE

Posted under Film Financing

I used to know a director. A very talented guy. I mean, super talented. A few years back, he successfully directed an award winning feature that created a lot of buzz and got him noticed in the festival circuit. I can’t exactly pinpoint when this happened, but one day I got word that he ditched town – I mean, completely moved back east. None of his business partners could figure out what happened. Calls went unanswered. Emails were no longer returned.

Fast forward to the end of the month. The company accountant notified the other partners. As it turns out this up-and-coming director did a nose dive. He had drained the company bank account… The statements reflected reckless abandonment of not just a promising directing career, but also friendships. Many people were screwed over. Many people felt betrayed, burnt, pissed – and they had every right to feel this way.

As a piece of advice, mistakes happen. If you make a mistake, fess up to it. Do everything you can to make amends. But if you’re the type who purposefully sets out to disrespect other people, you might get away with it today or next week. But very soon, you’ll have a tainted reputation that will force you to move back east and out of the industry. Should this person ever stumble back into La La land, he will be quickly reminded that relationships are everything in Hollywood. And burnt bridges do not support dead weight.

Posted under Filmmaking

Dear Jason,

I’m very sorry. I know you’ve been calling about the money we owe you for [MOVIE PROJECT X]. We have been incredibly busy as you can imagine – we recently upgraded our editing suite (you should come over and check out our facility – it’s awesome!) But anyway, I know we are a few months behind with those checks. If it’s OK with you, give us a call after the holiday (we are headed to Key West for the fourth. Have you been there? It’s amazing!) And I promise we can discuss payment. Maybe we can settle on half the money we owe you? Anyway, I’m sure we can work it out.

Best,
Robert Rip Off
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I know the above scenario seems pretty far out there. But this sort of thing happens in the movie business more than you know. And no matter what side of the deal you’re on (I assume you will be honorable in all your dealings) – whenever this happens relationships end. Bridges get burnt. Here are some tips I’ve learned through the years:

1. Don’t do business with people who you wouldn’t want to introduce to your mother.
2. Get everything (EVERYTHING) in writing. Even among friends. Especially among friends.
3. Always honor your word. If you make an honest mistake, work to rectify it immediately!
4. Plan for the best, but always ask yourself – what is the worst that can happen? Then plan for that!
5. In filmmaking as in life, treat everyone with respect. The man fetching coffee today, controls the money tomorrow.

Posted under Filmmaking

I’ve been working on a new project – and it’s surprising to me how some people are incredibly nice, hard working, responsible and smart. Yet, I’m equally surprised by the amount of people who are lazy and not-so-responsible.

The other night a friend of a friend of a friend kept telling me how upset he was that someone stole his movie idea. The story had something to do with space and time travel and a villain… I don’t remember. I asked him if he actually wrote a script, or if it was just an idea. He told me it was just an idea. Said he thinks someone overheard him at the local coffee shop.

The thing is, I stopped listening. I’m a nice enough guy. But I get frustrated when people come up with movie ideas and simply expect some Hollywood executive to magically appear and pay for ideas. I’m not saying it can’t happen (I actually know a filmmaker who was given over a million dollars to make a feature, based on the strength of his short movie) – But I’m saying this. If you aren’t preparing yourself for lucky opportunities every day – by actually completing projects, and honing your career skills (writer, director, etc) then please don’t complain.

Everybody has ideas. Few people control the rights to completed screenplays.

Posted under Filmmaking