ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

6 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

It's almost always better to be able to show that you're actively working on the project than waiting for anything. For a very low budget project like this which is seeking funding, a producer isn't likely to want to commit multiple days of their life to point the boring/unglamorous bits

6 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Oh blast this interface...

It's almost always better to be able to show that you're actively working on the project than waiting for anything. For a very low budget project like this which is seeking funding, a producer isn't likely to want to commit multiple days of their life to point the boring/unglamorous bits of the job - paperwork, contracts, logistics and showing that you've already got that all in hand will be far more attractive if they can just talk through your plans and supervise the production with you still doing the bulk of the work. After all, you're the defacto producer already

6 years, 5 months ago - Mike Waugh

Thanks a lot Paddy - that’s good to hear. I’d hoped it was the case but was unsure

6 years, 5 months ago - Paul W Franklin

Hi,
Just to echo what Paddy said. And perhaps even have a film poster ready to show you're already thinking that far ahead.

6 years, 5 months ago - Mike Waugh

Right, got you Paul, nice idea.

Along the same lines, are there any red flags or pet peeves beyond the obvious? Pie in the sky budgets/shots/sequences/crew requirements spring to mind but sure there's more.

6 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Pie in the sky, as you say, is an immediate eye-roll!

Never compare your film to The Blair Witch Project in your package - it's a sure sign of someone not understanding that TBWP did not "only" cost $20k to produce, but that everyone working on it subsidised it, then it had a year long million-plus marketing push at a perfect storm time of internet growth amongst the target demographic. It doesn't mean your $20k film will generate $100M+. It's an outlier, not a trend.

Don't assume cast you stand no chance of getting - you're not going to get a "name" even for a day unless you have a direct relationship already with one, and they've given you a letter of interest. Ex-soap cast are attainable, and not too expensive, and they generally know how to work hard. There are, of course, thousands of very capable non-soap actors looking for opportunities too, so don't get hung up on casting.

Best thing is to show that you're thinking everything through. A producer will have ideas about real costs, but you can indicate what facilities you think you need and ballpark the costs. For instance if you need makeup you can estimate that you'll need a makeup artist, some money spent on actual makeup, somewhere to apply makeup, etc. Same with costume, same with...you get the idea. Showing that you understand your project is invaluable.

6 years, 5 months ago - Mike Waugh

... scrubs out Blair Witch from pitch doc ;)

Only kidding but thanks for thinking this through Paddy, it's a really useful perspective. My experience on set has been ring-fenced roles in fully-funded productions rather than leading an unfunded one, so appreciate you pointing out wrong 'uns!

6 years, 5 months ago - Andrew Griffin

Hi Mike. I’ve been in this position recently so I speak from experience, but it is purely a personal one. The issue you’re likely to face is timing. A Producer who can help your project along is likely to have a number of projects on their plate already. So, much as you could find someone, they may not be able to work to the timeline you have in mind or have already prepared for. I’m currently working as writer/director and producer but I’m also looking for a Producer for the following project as I don’t want to be in the same position again. Good luck with it, hope you find someone (then let me know if they need another project!)

6 years, 5 months ago - Mike Waugh

Hi Andrew, thanks for that, noted! Have to say, they're a tricky find - DoPs, sound, editing, grading etc have all been relatively straightforward but maybe I'm not looking in the right places.

That said, when I find someone suitable, I'll happily mention you're on the lookout, no problem. Fingers firmly crossed...