Need opinion on an Ad I'm posting to look for a film crew + equipment...

S

Steve33825

Member
Hi everyone. I'm considering finding a director and crew, who have their own equipment to make my low budget feature. I wrote an ad, I'm not posting it anywhere yet, at least not anytime in the next 2 weeks or so. But I just wanted to see how you guys react to it and if you think it needs some touching up. Here's a rough draft of it:

SUBJECT TITLE
Writer/Producer seeking Director + Crew + Equipment for low budget feature

MESSAGE
Hello all, my name is Stephen Brno. I have a completed and polished a very original comedy/drama script, feature-length and low budget, but have no directing or technical skills whatsoever. I'm looking to have it done in digital (from what I've heard, seen, and read, DVX100A camera is the best, but I encourage all DV cam owners to correct me if I'm wrong).

There is no cast as of yet. Right now though, I'm searching for a director, a sound person, a lighting person, and an editor first. I would prefer it if each person already has their own equipment, ranging from the lighting kit, DV camera, sound kit, editing software, etc. If there's a few things missing, it could be rented, we'll discuss it. This will be an unpaid project, everyone including myself will be working for free, this is something that we will do together as a team to get all of our feet in the door.

The starting date for this will most likely be in the Spring of 2007, possibily January. What I'm doing right now is filling in all the roles of the crew and cast in advance. So if you're the right person for the job, we'll talk first and then keep in touch until that date arrives.

If you fit any of the crew positions I've mentioned above, and preferrably has his/her own equipment, then please contact me at this e-mail address: Steve33825@aol.com. Tell me about yourself and provide a briefly detailed history of your experience. If you have any questions about anything that I've said, I'd be more than happy to answer them. I look forward to hearing from you all.


Sincerely,

Stephen Brno
 
First question would be - where is this film being done? I would mention that expenses are covered and crew and cast would be fed. A mention of how long the production will last (shooting schedule) would also be helpful. You might want to offer a stipend for some of the key roles in production as you get what you pay for... not getting a good picture (focus, composition, lighting) as well as bad sound cannot be fixed in post. A director that knows how to work with actors and get performance is key - comedy is hard. And an editor to bring it all together. Again, comedy is hard - timing in editorial and crafting of story is yet another art form.




Michael
______________
24p.com
Miledia Films, LLC
 
Michael,

Some very good points you mentioned. About the stipend... would you have any suggestions? This would be about 4 people I would be paying then (director/camera guy, sound, light, and editor). What would be a reasonable amount for each person? Do you think it's possible that I could somehow offer a deal where they would get paid a certain amount once the movie is released and makes money?
 
Depends on how you want to set it up. Usually a deferred payment is done where if the film sells they get paid before you make any money. Dealing with percentages is a bit harder since you have to track all revenues for the life of the film - especially if you end up self distributing.

Come up with a reasonable pay - such as $500/week (not to exceed, etc.) to be paid from first monies if film is sold. At least that will get discussions going. The problem with free is that they show up on the first day and not the next. That will play havoc with the schedule...

All of this should be in writing.


Michael
 
Decent but since you wanted constructive critisism, here we go:

First off kudos on being very clear about it being no pay. I talk to guys all the time that beat around the bush about the pay. Respect for them and the project diminishes by the second when they do this.

I would emphasize the humble nature of your request more. This is not a job interview situation. When there is no pay these people will be interviewing you as much as your are interviewing them. Even at minimum wage, these guys could be making around $2000 in the average time it takes to make a movie. They are forgoing that and time with their friends & family to help you out. Always remember that.

The references to their prior experience while still trying to convince them that this would be a good movie to build their experience on is oppositional. I would take out that part. Making reference to prior experience will just scare off the ones without it. People with experience will either call or not.

Similar thing with the equipment. People will either have it or not. By making references to it, it seems to be a requirement.

You also don't make mention of food. Even on a no-budget shoot you really need to provide this or people will most likely leave after a few days. Don't cheap out with PB&J, actually feed them how you would like to be fed.

It's great that you are planning so far ahead. Too often you see requests on places like Craiglist for 30 days shoots starting next week. I can only imagine they don't get far with that. But trying to lock people in 5 months out or longer could be trickie for a no pay gig. Be prepare for some of the people who think they will available in January to disappear.

Steve33825 said:
This will be an unpaid project, everyone including myself will be working for free, this is something that we will do together as a team to get all of our feet in the door.
Click to expand...
Lastly, this is just one of my pet peeves so take it as you want. Talking as if we are all in this together is unrealistic. First time producer/directors always make the promise of when they hit the big time, everyone is coming with. This simple doesn't work out in reality. If your projects get your foot in door at some studio you cannot take your crew and/or cast with you. The studio will have their own requirements for who gets hired and the crew with just freebie movies under their belt won't cut it whether you vow for them or not.

If the plan is to use this movie to get independent funding for another project then great but again usually unrealistic. If having a good DV feature under your belt made it simple to secure future funding then we would all be doing that. REAl producing and fund raising is a full time career. Either get someone working on it now or don't delude people that it is suddenly gonna appear down the road.

My point is this promise is naive and unneccessary. I would make the point that this is a great way for everyone to make contacts and build reels but skip that "we all will win" talk.

Hope that helps you
 
Deferred pay is such a trickie thing. If you really want to do it right, the best way, IMHO, to set it up is to actually start a temporary LLC. This LLC will own all the righs to the film. Each person gets a percentage ownership in this LLC and will therefore take a percentage of anything the company makes.

In most states LLC are actually not that hard to startup but if it your first time you might want a professional to walk you through it and make sure all your bases are covered.

Good luck
 
It is going to depend on your state. In WA a LLC is a very simple application and keeping everyone seperate is much simpilier then a partnership.

It will vary from state to state and some states don't even have LLC's yet but they are spreading quickly. Check out the website for your Secretary of State. You wanna get really trickie, start your LLC in Delaware. They have all sorts of laws to encourage people to base their companies there.

Cheers
 
Okay, guys, I took your advice into consideration and therefore revised my ad to fit your corrections... How's about this:

SUBJECT TITLE
Writer/Producer seeking Director + Crew + Equipment for low budget feature

MESSAGE
Hello all, my name is Stephen Brno. I have a completed and polished very original comedy/drama script, feature-length and low budget, but have no directing or technical skills whatsoever. I'm looking to have it done in digital (from what I've heard, seen, and read, DVX100A camera is the best, but I encourage all DV cam owners to correct me if I'm wrong).

There is no cast as of yet. Right now though, I'm searching for a director, a sound person, a lighting person, and an editor first. I would prefer it if each person already has their own equipment, but it is not neccessarily required if you don't and will not be reason for you to go overlooked in this. If there's a few things missing, it could be rented. This will be a deffered pay project, meaning that each of you will be paid $500/week from first monies if film is sold. All expenses are covered and cast/crew will be fed.

The starting date for this will most likely be in the Spring of 2007, possibily January. Shooting will be done in the Bronx and Manhattan, and will last approximately 2-3 weeks. What I'm doing right now is filling in all the roles of the crew and cast in advance. So if you're the right person for the job, we'll talk first and then keep in touch until that date arrives. This will be a fantastic way for everyone to make contacts and build reels.

If you fit any of the crew positions I've mentioned above, then please contact me at this e-mail address: Steve33825@aol.com. Tell me about yourself and what type of equipment, if any, that you have. If you have any questions about anything that I've said, I'd be more than happy to answer them. I look forward to hearing from you all.


Sincerely,

Stephen Brno
 
Steve33825 said:
Well I'm actually in NYC. Would anyone here know how an LLC work around here?
Click to expand...

Google gets you here: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/

Click on "complete list of services" at bottom left
Click on Limited Liability Company (and partnership is in same link :) )
Look around, FAQ and such

This is a free service that can hold your hand thru starting up your first business: http://www.score.org/

Put in your zip code and then call to set up a meeting with one of their advisors

The SBA can be a huge help too: http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/

It does take some time to learn all this stuff but it completely within the grasp of anyone with a high school level education. Usually no more complicated then filling out a 1040. Don't let all the legal-eze intimidate you.

I will bet SCORE in NYC has a ton of advisors for people starting movie/TV production companys.

Good luck with all that
 
I think the ad is getting there, I don't think you need to divulge your inabilities as far as direction or camera skills - a writer/producer is what makes up most of television.

Other than some grammar and areas that could be a more concise, it seems to say everything you want it to say except for expectations, stipend (if any) food, etc. Perhaps you are reserving that for once contact is made.

Prepare to be inundated...

Michael
 
Steve33825 said:
Okay, guys, I took your advice into consideration and therefore revised my ad to fit your corrections... How's about this:
Click to expand...

Much better IMHO. Maybe avoid naming actually dollar figures in the ad. And certainly get the paperwork for that promise figured out before you make promises that you might regret later. Also, annoucing that everyone gets the same pay might lead to some issues with people who don't care so much how much they are paid but that they are being paid more then the other guy. They see pay (or deferred pay) as a ruler to measure the size of their....value :) Egos run rampid in this business, no matter what level. Work out each deal individually, even if it is all the same.

Change lighting person to DP, assuming that is what you are looking for. That will fill out your dept heads but you will need a full crew at some point. Often the dept heads will have people they can bring to the project.

BTW, I like that you put your name out in front. Demonstrates a confidence in what you are doing.

Overall, I would respond to that ad. Maybe (just to try to build on what you have already done) throw in some reference to how much fun it will all be. Sounds corny but let's face it, if it ain't enjoyable why are we doing it. And there are guys out there who are so focused on getting what they want, they crush any possible enjoyment out of the day. Even for full pay I will avoid these guys like SARS.

You could take a few sentences to create a mission statement for the film. If not in the ad, then have an idea of how you envision the shoot going while understanding nothing in movie business goes as planned...EVER. Be prepared to communicate that to the people you talk to. Knowing the producer is not going to be a dick when things get rough is priceless. And attitude, good or bad, flows top down.

Good luck
 
I would suggest bring on a co-producer or at least a line producer first. A good producer who has worked on low-budget features in NYC will not only be able to get you a good crew who they have worked with in the past, so there is not question about their skill level or experience. A good co-producer might also have access to funding sources you can't tap on your own.
 
Very good advice. Nothing better then getting someone who has walk the path to show you the way. If you can find someone with experience who believes in you and your script you will be golden.

The longer time you take to actually get the proper funding to do your production right will pay off in spades when you are done.

I keep forgetting the details of it but the Coen brothers took something like 3 years just raising the funds to film Blood Simple.

Cheers
 
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