finding funding

Steve Laramie

Steve Laramie

Veteran
I am a Director of Photography and I want to try my hand at directing. I want to create a 30 minute short around the summer of 09 and finding a producer and funding would make it so much easier. My problem is my age. I will be 17 when production would start I am 16 now. I have DPed 3 shorts one of which won numerous awards and recognition and was in about 5 newspapers and on the evening news around Philly. I also have a nice resume for my age and lots of references. So what is my best bet at finding a producer who would take me seriously?

-Steve
 
I would suggest directing a couple of short pieces to show that you can create performance - even if they are 3 minute type shorts. DP'ing and directing are different skill sets. Once you prove yourself as having the ability to direct, it will make it easier. You will want an experienced producer to keep you and the whole project on track - getting funding will be based on a business plan and how an investor might get their money back with some profit based on a short.

Michael
 
Well herein lies the problem.

Finding producers is no easy feat. I was able to speak with a producer the other day - not trying to sell a film, only talking to the man.

I asked him just that - knowing the answer was going to be sketchy at best. He laughed and said "If I knew that - I would probably wouldn't be here". One of the many stories he had was the birth of the SAW franchise.

The two original film makers took meetings in LA, and were trying to sell the concept using a treatment, a script, and a short (two scenes from the film). One of their meetings they had they got lucky. One of the financiers for the film was in the office walking out when the agent who saw the short and pitch ran out of his office and pulled this producer into the room. It was sold 24 hours later with a 1million dollar budget.

Right place right time. That same producer who bought it had just founded Twisted Pictures and was looking for a script like SAW. He just happened to be in the office that day.

There is no one way to get funding. There are many things that work. Wether you go the studio route, or try and raise the money independently using contacts.

Age doesn't matter really. I am turning 20 in October, I've ADd a SAG Ultralow, I've PA'd on set for A&E, I've casted for the CW.

But here is something to consider. What are you trying to prove with a 30min film?

Here is something to think of. 30min films most typically are passed on at fests. They are awkward time wise. To long to put in front of a feature, too short to put in after a short. If you are going to do it, get a 10min film done - or go for the feature.

30minutes don't sell. Hardly ever. Something to think about before you even consider funding. And you need to have the script ready and nail the pitch. You might have only 5minutes or less to peak interest.

Also, do you have a resume in direction? Have you directed before?
 
I had a summer long merit based full ride scholorship to a directing semester at uarts in philly last year. I think ill go for the feature. I am planning on hireing a screenwriter to colab with and probably write it and get it done in late spring. Do you think thats possible? 90 minute screenplay in about 9 months? Then 3 months for shooting and then about 5 months for post production?
 
I would say yes, but I can't schedule you without knowing you.

The first feature I wrote I did so in 2 weeks for first draft. The feature I am working on now, and plan on shooting just entered pre-conceptual stages a week ago. It exists as a logline and a few scribbles on one of my white boards. Most likely it will come into a full screenplay and locked as such by January of 2009. 4 months. With funding searching beginning December of 2008. Ideally shooting June of 2009. It would shoot for 2 weeks. 12 Days, if we have more money I would love 18 days.

If you want to shoot for 3 months, might I ask what your intended budget is? 5months for post is a decent number. I think the only thing you are off on is your shooting time.

But my free advice only goes so far. :grin:
 
you think 3 months is to short? I was thinking a budget of $5000 to pay for crew and actors. I have access to all the equipment I would need. I also have my own edit suite. I would probably hire a DP an AD a Key grip sound guy and an AC and shoot on an HVX200a redrock rig. Also I would find a key grip with his own lights. Then I would probably find some volunteer PA's and volunteer actors for small rolls and payed for more important roles. As for production insurance I would probably look into that as well.
 
Actually Steve, what I was getting at was 3months is a very long time.

Craft services alone for that length would go over 5k.

Hiring anyone for 3months would require a lot of money. The basic rate for an independent AC is 250 a day. According to the DGA, AD minimums are 770 a day. You could lock one for 300 - 500 a day though.

Plus you need to provide travel and lodging for that time, talent is expensive as well. But you can negotiate, we had a SAG actor for 3k for 3 days.

Production insurance is a huge cost. And you simply need to feed cast and crew, one breakfast, one lunch and one walking meal later in the day. Not going over 12 hour days - if you do, it's time and a half. And you need an hour lunch break in there too.

There are a lot of costs you need to think about. 5K for a feature is a very small amount. I'd go so far as to say near impossible.
 
well I dont mee 3 months of straight shooting. I meen shooting would go on over 3 months. Probably about 14 spread out shoots. It would be all local people. Probably film students who have nothing to do over the summer who are cool with working for cheep. I dont beleive in volenteer crews it never works out. This would be non union and under the table
 
Well then I don't know how to help you.

The concerns with shooting over three months are fairly extreme. Maintaining continuity, keeping interested, and having the spirit to finish. If I were you I would consider compressing the schedule. And even if it is non-union and payment under the table - which most indies are anyways. Makes it fantastic for those who don't like reporting earnings on taxes. (Not that I am condoning tax evasion). You still need to feed the crew. I don't know anyone who would work for a production that doesn't even feed you. Student or not, that is the one thing you can't forget. Working anymore than 6hours straight without food just leads to people getting mad and yelling at each other, and yelling at you.

And working without a contract is not a good thing either. By all rights and means - if something goes astray, you can just walk off set.

Though if you want people to take you seriously, take yourself seriously. I don't mind helping people out and giving them advice, but at least take the time to proof a response. It shows zero respect for those trying to help you out.

I am only trying to bring costs you have overlooked into sight. Features are no easy matter. I am having a hell of a time pulling off Perchance with only 1k. There are many ways to do things. Sure, you can pay people 'cheep' and turn a decent product. Or you can hire people who know what they are doing and turn a decent product. The odds are far more strong hiring a real production team and at least hiring an AD who knows what (s)he is doing so you can run an effective set.

Either way, best of luck to you. But I can assure you, with 5k, you won't get a producer to take you seriously. Especially with the specifications you just gave.
 
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