ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 2 months ago - Andrew Morgan

Yes! More money than ideas here! (I wish!)

Seriously though, a lot of filmmakers (or wannabe filmmakers) are enthusiastic creatives with what they think is a great idea and no business sense whatsoever.

And that's fine if all they're doing is working within their means and using the resources available to them to hone their skills and make some lo-fi films.

Problem is the number of people that believe they have 'the greatest story ever told' but have no script, no cast, no skills or experience and still think people are going to give them money.

When they realise all the work that's needed just to get a project into production, all that enthusiasm can quickly melt away...

11 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Not at all Tim, not at all! I also work in live event production (ours tend to be overseas as of late but also UK stadium and arena events and tours). I saw your posts with interest but didn't respond as I'm not really doing shorts, but features. I'd love a chat if you have finance looking for projects and want to come in on a feature instead - got one going into studio for 4 weeks next month. Loan, equity both considered.

Maybe the problem you're hitting is that shorts are not commercially viable entities generally, so don't attract commercially or business minded people? Anyway please do feel free to PM if you want to get involved in this film, recognisable cast, directors last feature sold internationally, etc. We take it seriously!

11 years, 2 months ago - David Graham Scott

Hi Tim et al,

This thread appears in the 'documentary' board. Aren't you chaps specifically talking about drama? Are you in a position to support documentary projects Tim? I'm a documentary maker with a slate of authored docs under my belt. Latest one concerns a magic bullet to help 'cure' drug addiction. It's called Iboga Nights and is next screening at an event endorsed by New Scientist: http://www.opencitydocsfest.com/films/iboga-nights

The prequel was commissioned & broadcast by the BBC and this one was largely financed through a successful crowdfunding campaign. If Iboga Nights has half the impact of Detox or Die (BBC, 2004) then it will seriously alter the lives of many struggling addicts in a very positive manner. I've been stunned at the reaction to my work in this area and believe that with the right support the possibilities are truly immense!

Anyway, I'm not on a mission to aimlessly plunder funds from whatever sources are available. Just thought I'd enter into the discussion from a documentary maker's perspective. With my camera kit in hand, I'm actually able to create a project with a minimal amount of money. It's post-production and marketing that costs a bit. My current film has great potential but I still lack a good marketing manager to really help push the project.

I also have funds available from Creative Scotland to develop another documentary on a completely different subject. Again there is potential to take this a stage further by finding additional funds to really move it forward. You can have a look at the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/49341502

I hope I don't come across as being too bold and brassy by posting all that. I certainly don't want it to look like I'm holding out the begging bowl. My primary aim, at this point, is to communicate with others in the industry and develop relationships that would be mutually beneficial to one another. Please drop me a line at: davidgrahamscott@yahoo.co.uk if you'd like to chat with me privately. That goes for any of the other guys in this thread, by the way.

Many regards

David Graham Scott

11 years, 2 months ago - alexander osman

Hi Tim

Reading you discussion with a wry smile here.

I'm about to start shooting a self-funded 5 min short this weekend with a great cast and crew already attached. So far I have written, produced and am about to direct. I would have loved to have someone come onboard to help with production but found very few realistic collaborators in this department. My finances have been greatly stretched to provide to quality equipment and production expenses to date. The next stage is post for which I have little budget left. Would you be interested in hearing more and potentially being involved at this stage?

If not I be happy to share what we've achieved with a view to a possible future collaborations.

Cheers

Alex

11 years, 2 months ago - Tony Oldham

Hi Tim, I would also love the possibility to speak with you. I run a very small production company with only bare bone finance & equipment. I presently have two ultra Micro-budget feature films that should complete post later this year and often struggle for resources. But any helping hand would be welcomed for possible exchange of co-production credits etc. I also have a slate of ongoing projects, but have chosen this year to concentrate on completing the two features; one a documentary shot in 2013, and the second a fiction shot in february this year.

It would be great to meet or speak with you.

Thanking you in advance

Tony

11 years, 2 months ago - Andrew Morgan

Would love to meet up next time you're in London - I've sent you an email - best, Andrew.

11 years, 2 months ago - Oliver Mason

Hello Tim,

I'm a short filmmaker, just putting the finishing touches to my latest piece. I have a detailed treatment for another short I want to shoot this summer, along with plans for a webseries.

If you're interested, I'd love to send some examples your way and to then discuss them.

All the best,
Oli