taormina
Hates to Rent
On Corrado? I pay it back out of my own pocket.....eventually. I honestly haven't even considered this possibility. It's just not how I roll.
"Corrado" - A production blog
- Thread starter taormina
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On Corrado? I pay it back out of my own pocket.....eventually. I honestly haven't even considered this possibility. It's just not how I roll.
taormina
Hates to Rent
Dog, I think fundamentally most people have a fear of losing money, not making enough money, or losing someone else's money on their film. You simply cannot think that way. You need to be wise while at the same time erasing all doubt, all fear, and moving forward confidently.
You need to do this first because all these fears will bind you and prevent you form ever doing anything except posting on this board, and secondly because if your investors catch wind of any of these fers they will flee like rats from a sinking ship.
Nothing in this world is for sure.
You need to do this first because all these fears will bind you and prevent you form ever doing anything except posting on this board, and secondly because if your investors catch wind of any of these fers they will flee like rats from a sinking ship.
Nothing in this world is for sure.
filmman
Veteran
But I think we're missing the whole point of this project, DogDay. I must come back to my senses also, because my personal fascination with this project is Adam's approach to financing, making movies and dealing with distribution in a pure, unadulterated artistic way -- even though he pretends at times that it's just a business venture. Adam approached this movie as a work of art; I'm convinced of that now. That's why he says I'm not worried about not paying the investors back.
You can't make a movie if you're going to tie up all the lose business ends. You can plan and even plot as much as you want but in the end if you don't let go and just be an artist, a filmmaker, you won't be able to make a real movie. Sorry, I didn't mean to get emotional. LOL
You can't make a movie if you're going to tie up all the lose business ends. You can plan and even plot as much as you want but in the end if you don't let go and just be an artist, a filmmaker, you won't be able to make a real movie. Sorry, I didn't mean to get emotional. LOL
Yes & No.
Yes=you have spotted my biggest and no doubt most glaring flaw...Paranoia aka FEAR. I am working on it step by step you would laugh your ass of if you saw how I walk around in the morning first thing with my F_King self help NLP tapes LoL etc etc etc to get me to reprogram and chill.
In fact today there was really a consideration about taking a big step and bring this script to the right people to start making offers so that by Nov-Feb-March I may have someone of who I want attatched...And then the thought of doubt entered when I considered really taking that last step of accountability and leaving a down payment meaning having to take a stand ancle deep in a cement block. I have to make this leap you are so right and that was a beautiful example of having to be cruel to be kind because it is the truth and like a bucket of ice water it stings...Thanks.
All the elements are really falling into place almost TOO easily and yes it scares me! I have to conquer that from the inside out. NOW.
No=I too have 2 film scripts I want to do. I have seen up close how people have had to run for cover ( Go into hiding ) because of failing to meet the expected forecasts that originally woed their inestors, and seeing their dreams come to such an abrupt hault because they just didn`t want to go the extra mile, scrape the extra crumb, or construct the tiny clause that would have given them a second chance.
I want both. Courage to create and complete fearlessly yet wisdom to accumulate wealth without waste while building momentum. I think the time it takes to get everything together from A-Z even at a 2 film a year pace ( As Adam intends to do ) when all the ground work and infra structure is layed and in place still gives enough of a head start on working the end game from the get go. The end game being a full proof plan to net as much as possible and that demends an awarness of all the pitfalls, not so that you are paralized from acting boldly but that the bases are as totally covered as you can. Like jumping from a plane with a parachute. you check and double and triple check, you have one or two back ups, etc etc etc.
But thats just me.
Dogday
Yes=you have spotted my biggest and no doubt most glaring flaw...Paranoia aka FEAR. I am working on it step by step you would laugh your ass of if you saw how I walk around in the morning first thing with my F_King self help NLP tapes LoL etc etc etc to get me to reprogram and chill.
In fact today there was really a consideration about taking a big step and bring this script to the right people to start making offers so that by Nov-Feb-March I may have someone of who I want attatched...And then the thought of doubt entered when I considered really taking that last step of accountability and leaving a down payment meaning having to take a stand ancle deep in a cement block. I have to make this leap you are so right and that was a beautiful example of having to be cruel to be kind because it is the truth and like a bucket of ice water it stings...Thanks.
All the elements are really falling into place almost TOO easily and yes it scares me! I have to conquer that from the inside out. NOW.
No=I too have 2 film scripts I want to do. I have seen up close how people have had to run for cover ( Go into hiding ) because of failing to meet the expected forecasts that originally woed their inestors, and seeing their dreams come to such an abrupt hault because they just didn`t want to go the extra mile, scrape the extra crumb, or construct the tiny clause that would have given them a second chance.
I want both. Courage to create and complete fearlessly yet wisdom to accumulate wealth without waste while building momentum. I think the time it takes to get everything together from A-Z even at a 2 film a year pace ( As Adam intends to do ) when all the ground work and infra structure is layed and in place still gives enough of a head start on working the end game from the get go. The end game being a full proof plan to net as much as possible and that demends an awarness of all the pitfalls, not so that you are paralized from acting boldly but that the bases are as totally covered as you can. Like jumping from a plane with a parachute. you check and double and triple check, you have one or two back ups, etc etc etc.
But thats just me.
Dogday
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Mickey Munday
Well-known member
I agree, but isn't that somebody else's job? The exectuive producer perhaps? To try and cover all the loose business ends, plan, plot, etc?
rogar-Smoke(DBG):...Scheme.Prodigi Pictures
Carbonite Member
Dog -
I understand that most people are fearful, but I don't understand why an irrational amount is applied to the film industry.
This isn't rocket science. You don't have to be Spielberg to make a profit. This is a business and it is possible to minimize risk.
If you make a 200K movie with movie stars, take it to the AFM and you know ahead of time that the stars are the type that AFM buyers are interested in, the movie meets their minimum standards of professionalism (and those standards are LOW) and it is a safe, established genre then you will make your money back.
I've been to the AFM twice. I've never seen a movie there with C-List stars in an action film with huge explosions on the poster that didn't sell.
"Michael Ironside in...SUDDEN HEAT!" Bam, you've made a marketable movie that will sell. In my opinion, that's such a low bar to pass the goal isn't "will I make my investor's their money back?" But "Can I make a truly great movie with a small budget?" And, that's just a puzzle to be solved...no fear, no stress, just a game to be played.
I don't do "Sudden Heat" kind of crap. But, I understand the business model and I make sure my project adheres to the same criteria so my investors are protected. Everything else I'm doing is going BEYOND. Detailed storyboarding, fantastic music, excellent writing.
You should go to the AFM this year. That would belay most of your fears. Stop listening to Neuro-linguistic Programming tapes and go to the AFM, walk around, look at the crap that sells and then go make your own movie.
I understand that most people are fearful, but I don't understand why an irrational amount is applied to the film industry.
This isn't rocket science. You don't have to be Spielberg to make a profit. This is a business and it is possible to minimize risk.
If you make a 200K movie with movie stars, take it to the AFM and you know ahead of time that the stars are the type that AFM buyers are interested in, the movie meets their minimum standards of professionalism (and those standards are LOW) and it is a safe, established genre then you will make your money back.
I've been to the AFM twice. I've never seen a movie there with C-List stars in an action film with huge explosions on the poster that didn't sell.
"Michael Ironside in...SUDDEN HEAT!" Bam, you've made a marketable movie that will sell. In my opinion, that's such a low bar to pass the goal isn't "will I make my investor's their money back?" But "Can I make a truly great movie with a small budget?" And, that's just a puzzle to be solved...no fear, no stress, just a game to be played.
I don't do "Sudden Heat" kind of crap. But, I understand the business model and I make sure my project adheres to the same criteria so my investors are protected. Everything else I'm doing is going BEYOND. Detailed storyboarding, fantastic music, excellent writing.
You should go to the AFM this year. That would belay most of your fears. Stop listening to Neuro-linguistic Programming tapes and go to the AFM, walk around, look at the crap that sells and then go make your own movie.
Prodigi = I had Berlin & Cannes on my list IBC is out for me this year but now when you put it that way I will definately show up to AFM... Hope to bump into some of you guys and talk shop.
I am grasping the Game, The Model, I agree its very doable ... And I am doing it now, its in motion for real. Next increment is to enjoy the ride and stop white knuckling it.
Adam you are speaking right to me with that penetrating insight, unfortunatly so true so true, but I am now aware and that awareness was the turning point for me...Really made a complete difference when I could see what it really was that held me back...Myself!
This was a good day. You guys are really great.
Dogday.
P.S.
Drinks are on me if we manage to hook up at AFM in November.
I am grasping the Game, The Model, I agree its very doable ... And I am doing it now, its in motion for real. Next increment is to enjoy the ride and stop white knuckling it.
Adam you are speaking right to me with that penetrating insight, unfortunatly so true so true, but I am now aware and that awareness was the turning point for me...Really made a complete difference when I could see what it really was that held me back...Myself!
This was a good day. You guys are really great.
Dogday.
P.S.
Drinks are on me if we manage to hook up at AFM in November.
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CRProductions
Active member
Man you guys really make the world seem so much better when I read your threads, Dog and I have that fear of success in common, I been curbing it lately because my fear of failure is greater..I rather try my best and hopefully be successful. Plus I think I have a story to tell, Justin you are so right about AFM from what I hear...
taormina
Hates to Rent
CRProductions
Active member
Sorry for hijacking your thread Adam (even though technically you can answer this question as well)..
I always saw these types of films that we're talking about "Sudden Heat" and I'm like HOW did the company that distributed this make any money (Do they make money)..
It always drove me to want to make a film that was better than that, but do you guys think that low budget, say, horror with a plot, does that even sell at like AFM..or do they completely over look it if the poster isn't cool and there isn't gore in the trailer? lol
I always saw these types of films that we're talking about "Sudden Heat" and I'm like HOW did the company that distributed this make any money (Do they make money)..
It always drove me to want to make a film that was better than that, but do you guys think that low budget, say, horror with a plot, does that even sell at like AFM..or do they completely over look it if the poster isn't cool and there isn't gore in the trailer? lol
Prodigi Pictures
Carbonite Member
Don't make the mistake that "Sudden Heat" style movies make a lot of money. A movie like that is lucky if it grosses $500,000.00 at the AFM. And, the monkeys who make it probably spent $350,000.00. Depending on how many investors it took to finance your 350K "Sudden Heat" there may not be any profit left for you.
But, if your fear is "What happens if I lose ALL MY INVESTORS MONEY?" then stop worrying. This business model is how most filmmakers have broken into the business. And, every year there are a few standout movies at the AFM. They sell for much more. Aim to make one of those. The main elements that help are:
- Bigger names
- Better poster
- Better trailer (and pay for this to loop in the lobby. That's the best advertising at the AFM)
- Better overall film
(in that order. Yes, indeed, better film is fourth on the list. Buyers make their decision in minutes...they watch the trailer, look at the poster and say "okay, those are the items I have to sell this in my crappy territory. Those'll do. Now, is the movie about 90 minutes long? Great. We're done."
Do I aim to do far more than this? You bet. I'm not advocating being one of these types. I'm merely outlining how the market works so you can have confidence that this is not a crap shoot, it's a business. And, most of your competitors suck.
The way they make money is volume. They make four crappy 350K "Sudden Heats" a year and make 150K on each of 'em.
The way you make money is through quality. Make one movie that is marketed like a better version of "Sudden Heat" and you'll sell that one film for 800K.
Nathyn
Low Budget Ninja
Not even. "Wages of Sin" had mainly martial arts and Ex-Miss India Riti Madugula. We had hot chicks but no nudity or ecessive blood. It had foreign interest but didn't get picked up because they had so much of the same type of material, but it was shot on HD/HDV (and on a bigger budget). This is why we're going HDV. The name is key, but explosions, shoot outs and kungfu all help. Riti was a producer on the film so we had no problem with her at all. I bet if I got out to the AFM I would've made some sales.
Yes! And frankly this applies to everything, whether you hit AFM or not. One thing people need to do is be realistic. I made my film cheap. I don't expect someone to say here's a million bucks for it. If several people give me $3000 - $5000 for international rights, I've made money. They'll play it on TV in their country and if they like it they'll want more. But our next film will have a name in it an be shot on HDV then spit out on an HD master. I have several names in mind and have their personal contact info, plus I know the manager personally. I plan to keep the American rights unless someone ponies up some cash but the international rights are up for bids. If it works out (and I don't see any reason it shouldn't just yet) I hope to hit AFM hard.
-Nate
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Nathyn
Low Budget Ninja
I'm distributing it myself as well as using it as leverage for teaching gigs and other things. We shot the thing for under $5000. I may take it to AFM next year and toss it in as an extra if I'm selling something bigger. I hear people are going for that now, the two for one or buying in bulk (a bunch of films from one director or source). Plus I'm getting into some other things that you'll probably hear about soon enough if it pans out the way I think it should. It will be a big deal for indy filmmakers using the Mac.
-Nate
CRProductions
Active member
Yea I definitely plan to try to stick out, and I'm honestly not TOO worried about losing my investors money (other than the fact it's my dads cash for the most part, but only a small portion of what he makes a year).
But I am following that exact formula Adam (for a horror movie, yes I know there are 2000 of them, but most of them SUCK/DON'T CARE THEY SUCK)..I plan to make a zombie movie with less gore, more thought, and a good story.
But it's refreshing to get someone with some back up to their words, breaking down the reality of the "business" I think alot of people that "scare" people into thinking this is a money losing industry are the artsy people that spend big money on a film with an unproven target audience.
I definitely have learned alot from this thread and one of the more important things I saw you post was about getting a name talent, like Tom Siezmore playing a role where he was only on set for what, 5 days..yet he is IN the film, and that alone says alot..might not be a big role but he's there. I have a few roles where I can see a nice sized name in the horror world, being on set for 3-4 days for this character...but unlike you adam, other than the fact I plan to cast actors who have worked before, they may not be house hold names..maybe just names that you can look up on IMDB..but definitely QUALITY no name actors.
Again my budget will probably top out between 200k and 250k...so there isn't alot of room for too many names anyway..you're lucky to have Tom and Johnny though..even if you didn't post on this board I'd want to see Corrado just because they're both in it..lol
But I am following that exact formula Adam (for a horror movie, yes I know there are 2000 of them, but most of them SUCK/DON'T CARE THEY SUCK)..I plan to make a zombie movie with less gore, more thought, and a good story.
But it's refreshing to get someone with some back up to their words, breaking down the reality of the "business" I think alot of people that "scare" people into thinking this is a money losing industry are the artsy people that spend big money on a film with an unproven target audience.
I definitely have learned alot from this thread and one of the more important things I saw you post was about getting a name talent, like Tom Siezmore playing a role where he was only on set for what, 5 days..yet he is IN the film, and that alone says alot..might not be a big role but he's there. I have a few roles where I can see a nice sized name in the horror world, being on set for 3-4 days for this character...but unlike you adam, other than the fact I plan to cast actors who have worked before, they may not be house hold names..maybe just names that you can look up on IMDB..but definitely QUALITY no name actors.
Again my budget will probably top out between 200k and 250k...so there isn't alot of room for too many names anyway..you're lucky to have Tom and Johnny though..even if you didn't post on this board I'd want to see Corrado just because they're both in it..lol
taormina
Hates to Rent
Thanks man.
I think you've touched on a decent point here: How long my names where in the show. Here is the breakdown of the big guys - interestingly enough I never penciled this out...
Johnny Messner (Corrado) - 16 of 17 days - 94% of the movie
Tom Sizemore (Paolo) - 7 of 17 days - 41% - of the movie
Edoardo Ballerini (Sal) - 15 of 17 days - 88% - of the movie
Joe Gannascoli (Frankie) - 4 of 17 days - 24% - of the movie
Frank Stallone (Tommaso) - 3 of 17 days - 18% - of the movie
Michael Bailey Smith (Brooklyn) - 3 of 17 days - 18% of the movie
Tony Curran (Officer Tony) - 2 of 17 days - 12% - of the movie
ken Kercheval (Vittorio) - 1 day cameo
John Fiore (Clayton) - 1 day cameo
So my main people where in the whole flick...Tom's scenes are spaced out (unintentionally - just worked out that way) that he appears on screen every five or so minutes, and gives the illusion that he is in the movie for longer than he really is. His role is no cameo, that's for sure.
I paid big bucks to ensure that you see celebrities on screen for the duration of the film, I feel that's the way to go. This is a partial cast list....there are about another 20 actors (all union) to round out the story, almost always interacting with someone from the above list.
Cameos have their place, but I wanted to give people what they paid to see - celebrities.
Prodigi Pictures
Carbonite Member
At last year's AFM they had a panel of the top twenty buyers. Every one of them said the same thing, "We're sick of horror. We're not buying horror. For the past 7 years horror has dominated the AFM and the audience is sick seeing us buy horror films. They aren't performing like they were four years ago. Don't make any horror films."
Do what you want, but the buyers were loud and clear.
Someone then asked a follow up question "Well, what are you buying?" The answer "You can never go wrong with action or a thriller. Just make it good."
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