M D Productions presents: 'Violet'

Thanks Kimko,

I am going over to SAG this afternoon to sign the signatory documents and pickup our contract package. I have always found SAG to be pretty easy to deal with considering the size of the origination. The people in the LA office are pleasant and helpful.

I would have no problem recommending the use of a short film contract for anyone that wants to use guild actors in their films.
 
Would you consider your listed budget to be pretty barebones for a sag short film. I guess I am asking on a scale of 1-10 on projects of similar scale, how would you rate your budget. 10 being highest. Just for my personal curiosity :)

Jason
 
Actually, in what I've seen (SAG projects) this is a very low budget. I was working as a PA on a 14 min. short, that had a 60K+ budget, for four shooting days.
 
That is a hefty budget. Now, if you defer all the actors and crews pay (except maybe the studio teacher... it probably would be hard to find someone like that for deferred pay) then your budget is more around 7,600-7,800... which to say the least is still an eye popping amount.

Also, Super8?!?... I'm very interested to see what you do with that (flash backs maybe?). I can't wait to see this. Cheers - Jeremy
 
D'uh...I guess I should've figured that out. It is exactly what the title says it is :embarasse.

So I assume the requirement is based on the age of the cast members? In other words, if all the cast are 18+ then no teacher required, right?

Is there no concession for shooting time? In other words, if you are only shooting one day, is a teacher really necessary?

Thanks,
Larry
 
You know what would be a great idea (to me anyways). A sag thread. A thread to host the pertinent information for the indy maker regarding a sag project. Links, advice, etc. Just my feeling anyways.

Jason
 
I have worked on several sets where a teacher is required... not sure it's an age thing as much as it's a "if they're in school" thing... cause an 18 year old could still technically be in school... I could be wrong there though...
 
The laws are different state to state so my experience only applies to productions that are shot in California or for productions shot anywhere in the world where they are employing actors that reside in California.

The studio teacher is administered by the DLSE (Department of Labor Standards Enforcement) and is not only responsible for the education of the minor but also enforces the child labor laws (working conditions, number of hours, etc). Their presence is required regardless of school being in session (weekends, holidays, summer break, etc) as they act as the child's advocate in terms of the working conditions. The penalty for not having a certified studio teacher is considerable and nothing you want to consider. In many cases, a California minor (working in the entertainment industry) will have a California certified studio teacher with them even if working in another state or country.

This is a highly detailed subject and probably not something that I will cover in my response here other than to offer that I can guide both parents of minors or producers that wish to employee minors by providing links to Q&As that are common. I have a teen daughter who was subject to these rules for years so I have a lot of experience on both sides. Luckily for us, she is now a legal 18 status teen (though 17 biologically) meaning that she is no longer subject to the rules having graduated high school when she was 15.
 
For anyone interested, one of our cast members in "Violet", Christa B. Allen is a guest star on tonight's episode of "Medium" (NBC).

Check her performance out if you get a chance.
 
Thanks for the info Kevin! One quick Q for ya... is the actor (or actress) for Eric/Erica not cast yet? Or because this is a non-compete film, you won't be having someone in the script named that?

khmuse said:
meaning that she is no longer subject to the rules having graduated high school when she was 15.
Click to expand...

Dang! She must be smart! I graduated about two months after I turned 17... and I thought I was doing good, lol.
 
We just got our SAG production number this afternoon, so I will be announcing the last of our lead cast in the next few days. The character name is "Eric Riley" and we have been waiting for our approval before signing this actor.

Actually, both my daughters are pretty intelligent, I count myself as very lucky.

Being a High School graduate (she is actually in her second year of college now) Courtney is highly employable as she can play younger (her range is about 14 - 17) but can work as an adult. It is a big advantage as she isn't restricted in her working hours and production doesn't need to employee a studio teacher. Its been a big boost to her career.
 
Very nice! Yeah... I've got several brilliant friends... one who is graduating with a BA at age 19... and another who already got his Associates degree and is in UCLA at 18...

Me on the other hand... lol. I had enough education in high-school :) Can't stand classrooms myself... a weakness I guess... anyway, sorry to bring it off topic!

Back to Violet!
 
Just updated the first page, our final principal actor has been added. We are now compliant with the Eric/Erica requirement.
 
Thanks for the info on the studio teacher, makes a lot of sense. Looking forward to your project.


I just went and checked the first page, looks like you've assembled a nice cast. I would love to have a chance to work with experienced professionals, but I would also be scared to death :eek: :grin:

Good luck on the film :thumbsup:
 
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Just reviewed the footage for our first day of principal photography on "Violet" and I am really happy. It is so nice to work with professional actors across the board. Every take was spot on and it allowed David, our director, to really fine tune the performances.

Despite the 6:30 AM call time I couldn't be any happier with how this is turning out so far. The only complaint was the weather, it was a brisk 42F this morning. Good thing we had a trailer for the talent to keep warm in.

Had a great day yesterday with Mark and Rob at our primary location for "Threading the Needle". I got a chance to do a proper site survey, this really clarified a number of things for me. We begin principal photography on this one in just over a week, I am really looking forward to shooting this one too.
 
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