ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXHow to approach a commissioner?
2 years, 9 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt
I am networking a lot and have got lots of contacts. Now, I want to email the commissioners / exec producers with my film idea proposal. But I don't want to appear pushy or desperate, especially when it's the first time I am emailing them. So, how do I send them a polite email with my film idea proposal? Anybody who has done it before? Was it a successful attempt? If yes, how did you do it? I thank you in advance for your help.
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2 years, 9 months ago - Azeem Khan
Keep the email brief and to point, adding only the facts about the project, without unnecessary adjectives to try and embellish it. I wish you all the best
Response from 2 years, 9 months ago - Azeem Khan SHOW
Response from 2 years, 9 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt SHOW
2 years, 9 months ago - Zan Barberton
There's 2 ways - either go through a production company or direct to commissioners. Production company will be infinitely easier as they will be much more prepared to listen to your idea and support you in making it good. In fact unless you have a really strong track record of filmmaking, and can evidence you can deliver a broadcast film a commisisoner would probably partner you with a company anyway.
So I would advise approaching a company who has done some stuff you admire, and that is similar in feel to your idea. It's worth researching that they are nice people, and personally I would go for a small company with a reputation for excellence. They are less likely to just nick your idea (which sadly still happens). Then approach the head of development - who will be much more open than an exec or a commissioner. If they are interested then they will help you approach a commissioner.
Also companies can't receive actual ideas cold I think (because they might get accused of nicking them and they don't want that). You would need to approach them with a quick email detailing your experience and some tantalising things about your idea (the sort of access you have, famous peeps involved, what sort of production - returnable series / feature doc / kids drama - why it is timely and relevent) and ask if they are open to discussing a proposal with you.
Sorry lots of info there. I've spent a good bit of my career trying to do this. I've kind of stopped asking "permission" now because it is very exhausting! Maybe someone out there has a better approach but this is my understanding of how it works. Unless you have amazing access it's very hard to get through the door as a newbie.
Response from 2 years, 9 months ago - Zan Barberton SHOW
2 years, 9 months ago - Zan Barberton
I should also say that I do have a track record of originating and winning broadcast commissions and financing ideas, although the holy grail of financing my own creative idea AND gettign to make it remains elusive. A lot of it is about being the right person at the right time so deffo go for it!
Response from 2 years, 9 months ago - Zan Barberton SHOW
2 years, 9 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt
Thank you so much. In my case, like I said in my post, I've already got some commissioners' emails. They gave it to me themselves. I'm just too afriad to approach them since I don't want to seem too desperate or pushy.
Response from 2 years, 9 months ago - Buppha Wittaya-Amponpunt SHOW