ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

5 years, 7 months ago - John Lubran

An interesting and reasonable call Alwyne. Have you had any enquiries yet? It's be good to know if such arrangements can work.

Just to be provocatively iconoclastic though, so that we might start a pithy debate on the issue.

I've noted that good effective creative producers often make things happen more than do good directors, writers and actors. Effective grant getting is a skilled job. The best project often doesn't get the prize, just the best pitch. Functionaries prefer other functionaries, it's a box ticking thing. I used to apply for grants and benefits and to tender for commissions from non commercial and public sector entities a lot in the past; I always had excellent projects and plans to offer. My success rate was probably about one in six or seven, which is good, particularly if one is honest, because not being honest usually works better. These days I wouldn't waste the time and energy unless I have an 'edge'. For ethical reasons I won't go into what an edge might be though. Sadly, after analysis of most outcomes of projects and grants that we didn't win, I've developed an antipathy to most of the worthy specialist arts and institutional entities that offer funding. It's evident that if one is prepared to promise the undeliverable together with a slick presentation, knowing full well one won't fulfil the whole promise, ones chances increase significantly. By the time the first payments are in the bank the benefactor/commissioner is well entrenched and won't be able to change proverbial horses in mid stream. They just have to accept what they get and then try to big up the outcome to cover their error.

But I'm being too cynical, there are good outcomes, sometimes. Just not consistently enough for me.

I prefer other business models. It does mean focusing on projects with viable pre-identified audiences, long tail special interest groups and front loaded productions rather than courting worthies and arts/culture critics. But then I am an old fart and energetic youngsters might find those worthies a lot more fun than I do!

It's ironic that the noble term 'worthy' can be deemed contextually pejorative when perceived as a contradiction in terms. Apologies to the many lovely noble worthies who do a great job.

5 years, 7 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy

Thanks, John.

I've had one enquiry, but as far as I can tell so far, the person seems to want animation done that will require drawing skills. I have no drawing skills. Hand me a pencil and ask me to draw a cat and I would have to write "cat" next to my drawing to avoid people confusing it with a dog or maybe even a giraffe. And I can't blame unfamiliarity with the appearance of cats as I had cats for decades.

5 years, 7 months ago - John Lubran

Ha, cats are always tricky, Alwyne, especially when trying to herd them. I guess the sort of scenario that your concept offers is quite specific, which narrows the chances. It'll be a caprice of circumstance and timing thing.

It's a challenge for a one man producer, so many different things that need to be done well, especially when the spectrum includes everything from being producer to runner. It's not uncommon though with low budgets and simpler narratives, but a lot less common with complex ones. I imagine that doing stuff without money or a great funding opportunity leaves one with collaboration as the most likely prospect. Forging viable and mutually appetising collaborations with strangers is usually as much a social achievement as it's a professional one. The more one tries though the luckier one gets.

5 years, 7 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

I think bartering is a great idea. If you're looking for non-film skills, you might try one of the business bartering exchanges (they might have fundraisers or even accountants that can help with some of the paperwork.)

I think your website looks fantastic, and think that perhaps you have more skills to offer (but perhaps you're only interested in filmmaking.) I'd probably be more interested in animation than filling out forms.

5 years, 7 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy

Thanks for the bartering exchange tip, Vasco. I'll have a look for some sites. In reality, that means I'll twiddle my thumbs for another year or so...

5 years, 7 months ago - Adrian Bracken

Hi - I pitch my own projects and need a couple of teasers "redoing" - I have the raw footage & script.
I am happy to help you create a pitch - I do my own writing, budgets, & can supply a couple of current pitches.
However although I can point you in a couple of directions I am not "pushing" the project on your behalf,
as Executive Producer, just so we are clear, I have enough projects on the go but though happy to give advice.
Where are you in UK ? I'm north of London.

5 years, 7 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy

Thank you for responding, Adrian. I think I'll give your offer a miss, though. It seems I would be doing Lord knows how many hours of post work for you in exchange for information I could acquire myself from a little bit of googling.

5 years, 7 months ago - Cedar D. Wolf

Hi Alwyne,
I might be able to help out with your funding applications.Obviously, UK funding is tricky. There are more opportunities in mainland Europe but I'd gladly help getting your paperwork in order.
I don't have any post production needs at this point, but I believe what goes around comes around. Surely, you will know some people who might need your help at some point.
Just email me, if you feel, I might be the right person to help. I am fairly experienced in applying for funding (both for film and stage) and I have a good track record
Best,
Cedar

5 years, 7 months ago - John Lubran

Lovely message from Germany Cedar. Sadly we Brits have just shot ourselves in the face, so our European funding opportunities and a great many other benifits, are unlikely to remain in place.

5 years, 7 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy

Hi Cedar,

Sorry for the delayed response. Blame my inclination to wilt.

Anyway, thank you for your message – I'll send you a response directly later today. No, really I will. I've almost started it. I'm pretty sure it's actually going to happen.

Alwyne




Alwyne

5 years, 7 months ago - nanc cohen

i just enjoyed reading the wit of this exchange, something so sadly missed on my side of the Atlantic.
nancy
new york stuck

5 years, 7 months ago - Jordan Bunton-Williams

I use a funnelling strategy to finance all of the films I work on, and this doesn't even require having to submit for funding grants. I have a free tutorial video that you can watch on how I do it: https://www.ohdff.com/home31657948

5 years, 5 months ago - John Lubran

Click bait