Deal Of A Lifetime: Free Use Of My Equipment Package For A Great Script

Prodigi, I would say you should probably review the script and then previous films from the people submitting. That should give you a pretty good idea on what they want to do and if they can pull it off.

My script is ready to submit when you start looking at entries, so keep us posted.
 
Prodigi Pictures said:
A local crew base capable of supporting 5 Hollywood features simulateously isn't your run-of-the-mill "local crew."
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I think this is where our miscommunication lies. Yes, I've seen superb union crews almost everywhere I've been. And I have heard a bit about the studios they are building in New Mexico. But I live in LA, and for my own personal projects I generally can not afford to hire union crew - sure, sometimes someone will cut you a deal or donate their time, but as a rule the micro-budget film needs people somewhere in between Big Hollywood Productions and Film Student. And those are the people that are hard to find.


When you get back I hope you write a thread on how to produce a location production inexpensively.
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Well, we'll have to see how inexpensive it is, first! But yes, I'll definitely be doing some write-ups once I've had a chance to recover a bit.
 
dougspice said:
I think this is where our miscommunication lies. Yes, I've seen superb union crews almost everywhere I've been. And I have heard a bit about the studios they are building in New Mexico. But I live in LA, and for my own personal projects I generally can not afford to hire union crew - sure, sometimes someone will cut you a deal or donate their time, but as a rule the micro-budget film needs people somewhere in between Big Hollywood Productions and Film Student. And those are the people that are hard to find.
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dougspice -

This is a fair point, and it certainly demonstrates how important it is to define what scale of projects we are doing.

I agree with you that it is usually quite difficult to find skilled non-union crew, and that Los Angeles is one of the few places to find these people. With a myriad of high quality film schools and a vast independent film community LA has a large pool of non-union crew who know what they're doing on a production. They aren't baffled by the difference between a key grip and a gaffer. They understand why a 1st AC is necessary, even on an HD project.

And many of the non-union crew members are trying to get into the union...therefore, they have a level of professionalism that can't be found in many regional markets.

However, New Mexico is more like LA and less like other regional markets when it comes to non-union crews because:

1.) It has a vast training program in place, in which free crew labor is readily available for YOUR project because those crew trainees must complete free work in order to become union certified. And every 6 months there is a new crop of trainees.

2.) Many union members will happily work on non-union projects, particularly short films because it is a short committment. If you shoot on a long weekend and make sure to schedule your shoot between 2 big movies coming to town it is easy to find secure the crew at below union rates.

3.) The free labor doesn't feel exploited because they are receiving compensation. They can't get certification without working on YOUR project. They need you as much as you need them. And this leads to #4...

4.) By going through one of the colleges, getting a professor to provide you with their students and agreeing to grade the students you have a way of motivating the students to work hard on your project. They don't want their hours nullified by a professor...and if they show up late, don't take direction well, don't hustle and don't perform the duties of their specific position well you have the right to notify the professor. If they don't perform like a professional, they don't get the credit.

By the way, dougspice, I appreciate your willingness to discuss this. It's a fun conversation!
 
kiyong said:
this sounds like a great opportunity. my question would be, who keeps the rights to the film?
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The filmmaker. It's your movie.

And while we're providing equipment and advice, you'll still have plenty of work to do. Therefore, it would be morally wrong for us to insist upon owning your hard work.

Prodigi should receive screen credit as a producer. It would also be nice if there was language in the closing credits similar to "This motion picture was made in part with a grant from Prodigi Rentals, LLC."

Prodigi doesn't want to own your movies...we want to help you make them.
 
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That was a good article

That was a good article

That was a good article. Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately I'm not in your industry (et) or I would take ou up on that offer. My only project is just in pre-production and working on script ideas.... so about a year out from havign anything screenplay-ish.
 
Isnt this similar to the Duke City Shootout? You submit a 12 page script and they select the top 7, fly you in to Albuquerque, NM, give you a Cast , Crew equipment, food and they cover the cost ....Approx $50,000 prize
 
Ryoshino -

There are 2 critical differences between us and Duke City.

1.) Duke City owns your movie...we don't.

2.) Duke City is "sprint-oriented" and filmmakers must complete production & post production in 6 days. We encourage filmmakers to take as much time as possible with the project.

I think Duke City Shootout is great. I'm friends with the people who organize it. However, I want to to do something different...and these 2 things are the most important parts to me. I don't want to own a fellow filmmaker's movie. I want to help them make it. I don't want to encourage sprint-like movie making. I want to help fellow marathon runners.

- Justin
 
One final note...I should point out that we listed all the rules for this grant, but it was removed from the site without notice or explanation...so, we've tabled it for now. That's a shame, because we'd worked out all the details.
 
the fact that duke city owns your movie is a huge negative. i think they enter it in festivals so that's a plus, but i'm wary of situations where i don't keep the rights to what i make. can you repost the rules for your contest? or can you post a link if they're on a separate website? thanks.
 
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