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Starting a Production Company

9 years, 7 months ago - Chris Bogle

So on the back of the 'how to start a corporate production company' thread below I wondered if I could poll for some advice on starting a drama production company, and where the revenue streams come from in the early days.

I've been running a corporate company for many years, and as some of you know made my first short last year. I'm currently in pre production for my second, budgeted short as producer and director, and much to my surprise I'm really, really enjoying the producing side of things, and I think I'm doing a pretty decent job of it.

I have the structures set up for a drama production company, but I've never pressed the launch button because I'm really not sure how to approach it - especially from a revenue point of view - other than as a container for my own work. I'd love to have a go at producing someone else's work in those long gaps between my own, but would want to start with shorts to build up my producing CV, and I know there's little to no money in shorts.

There certainly seems to be a niche up here for producers, and I also love the idea of helping other new talents get a foot on a rung whilst developing work which could provide an income. If I wanted to do this, should I go straight for a feature where there are many more funding streams or is trying to be a producer in between being a director just a ridiculous idea?

I want make a leap away from, or at least a step away from commercial promo work as my primary source of income, but not sure if I want to wait until Hollywood calls. Can you make money from drama at this level?

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Response from 9 years, 7 months ago - Andrew Morgan SHOW

9 years, 7 months ago - Cathy Kostova

Hi Chris,

When I read your post initially I was going to say to just go ahead and produce a feature film, because unfortunately, it is close to impossible to make any revenue from short films.

I did watch your first film - "Turn Of The Screw", right? and now I would say that you are on the right track and you need to first make a couple of higher end short films before you jump on a feature film production.

However, just the fact that you enjoy producing is putting you in a better position to most of us directors who have to do it, even though we would rather just direct :)

There are various short film funds and competitions, that make raising budgets for narrative shorts possible. Shooting People regularly posts information on those. Another very viable option is crowd-funding, however a crowd-funding campaign is a huge project on its own and it may take even more effort and time than producing the short.

I think your best bet is to partner with another person. I'm based in London, and I see you are near Glasgow, but we can talk if you're interested. I'd be happy to pick your brain on the corporate side of things.

Cheers,
Cathy

Response from 9 years, 7 months ago - Cathy Kostova SHOW