no budget filmmaker needing advice!

B

Burn2Earn pro.

Well-known member
I have worked on Indy films with No budget for the last 7 years , pretty much creating the ideas , writing the script, shooting and editing them. I've worked with a group of people who have been doing the same thing , so we all have been learning together for a long time... some things we have done have only stayed in our private collection b/c we have felt they haven't been good enough to put out there, others have been on the internet and some film festivals.

over the last couple of years we have been going our separate ways and I have bought my own equipment and now I make all my own films... I am in the stage of finishing post production on 3 films and creating my own site. I still have a bunch of scripts to make and maybe possibly re make some films i did in the past, I would like to make some of these films with a budget and a small production team. what is the best way I can go about doing this?

Do I need a indie producer?... Do I really need to just know someone in the biz? or is talent just a enough to get you to where u want to be?

How can I make this happen?
 
It can be done. Check out the films in the User Films Section. Many of those are done with small crews and on very small budgets. There's some great work over there. I shoot all my own stuff (at least I produce and direct it and usually star in it). You can do the same. How you do it depends on your goals.

-Nate
 
As far as the producer thing, if you do get a producer, make sure they'll actually get the job done. I found with mine that I was still having to do the work anyway, so I got rid of him by choosing to do a film that I knew he wouldn't be a part of.
 
Just a word of advice, if you are seeking an "Indie Producer" try to make sure that their track record is in filmmaking and not just in used cars or strip joints. Just sayin'. Trust me.
 
El Director said:
As far as the producer thing, if you do get a producer, make sure they'll actually get the job done. I found with mine that I was still having to do the work anyway, so I got rid of him by choosing to do a film that I knew he wouldn't be a part of.
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Yea, that's true. What makes a producer a producer is they bring something to the table. I remember one time wrangling with a celeb's manager mommy (keep in mind the celeb was fully grown and in her thirties I believe) over her getting a producer credit. I'm like, "Uh fine, but she won't be getting any money for her producing" That didn't go over well. Her being in it wasn't enough. She was being paid for her presence.

Even my producers bring something to the table even if it's just equipment or locations or throwing some cash into feeding the cast/crew, they have to bring something of value. I could've taken a lot of producer credits on various short and indy projects because I had the camera, but I simply didn't. Epitaph is the first thing I'm taking an Executive Producer credit although I could've done so on all my projects.

-Nate
 
It also depends what you mean by "producer".

I strongly suggest any indie filmmaker have someone as part of the team to be responsible for scheduling, locations, cast, crew, meals, logistics, etc.

You don't want to have to worry about that kind of crap while you are directing actors and setting up shots.
 
I guess I will chime in, since I have been doing a bit of producing lately.

To me, the role of a producer on an Indie can really encompass a lot. Everything from getting financing to getting crew for the project. An experienced producer will also bring their contacts and tips/tricks to getting things done.

Let's take this latest production. I just got named as producer (the only one right now) a couple of weeks ago on a Episodic Action series. The writers and director are fairly new to filming, but I have used them on a couple other projects I worked on as a producer (and everything else I did on it).

I have been doing the "forms" and paperwork for them, getting crew together, Technical/Script advising, finding locations, getting insurance, etc. Once we have the first episode finished (about quarter done), my go-to people want a sit down to discuss funding and supporting our project.

Being a Producer is a tough job, to say the least. But without one, you might be doing it all yourself. And as Jim said, you have more important things to do. LOL!!!! I used almost those same words a week ago when I told the cast to route all contact and questions, if possible, through me to allow the Directorial staff to focus on the vision and script.

What I have seen so far has gotten me excited about the project, and that is very important if you cannot pay someone. Especially if it is a long-term project.
 
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Unfortunately, the role of a producer on an indie project is not well defined. The reason is that many indies have small/no budgets and as a result, most people working on indies wear many hats - do several jobs. So, the director might also be the DP, the entire sound department is one person (boom, mixer, mike etc.), and so on. So the producer will often fill in the gaps as best as his time and technical knowledge (and dedication) allows - pitching in to be a driver or catering person, or AD, or whatever in addition to the traditional role of the producer.

The downside to this, is that it is especially important for an indie to have a producer that brings in something: contacts, money, work ability whatever. And sadly, because indies are driven often by inexperienced filmmakers, a lot of abuses happen: people turn up to claim the title of "producer" and then proceed to do nothing, or even sabotage the production due to incompetence.

So it is particularly important to screen and qualify producers before taking them on. Yet many indies don't do it, because they either take the word of the producer as gold, or are intimidated, or are so grateful that anyone is willing to be their "producer" that they hire with no screening at all.

Here's what you need to do: interview the prospective producer. Ask him: "I'm really happy you want to be a producer on this project. Can you tell me what you will do as a producer on this project [write down his/her answer]? Here is what I need from you - can you do it? [write down the answer] What experience do you have doing these things you said you are willing to do? Do you have any references? After the interview is over, and if you like this producer, write up a memo with their answers as to what they are willing to do, and have them sign it. You also discuss their compensation, if any, and how they will do their job - i.e. whom will they answer to etc.

If your prospective producer is unwilling to do the above, move on and keep looking, because if they can't take on such a simple and clear-cut demand, they will not be able to withstand the pressure of producing anyway - get rid of them.

How do you find a good producer? There really is only one way. Have a project that is an awesome magnet. Have it rock. Get people excited by the project. If you don't have that, it'll be that much harder to get quality people.

As to how to an indie production on no budget? Easy (ha, ha!). Get ahold (or write) an amazing project. Then, push it out and solicit production companies, while at the same time, prepare to do it 100% on your own, i.e. don't wait until you hear everyone pass. Keep sending it, but keep working on your own - do script and budget breakdowns, scout locations, pick actors etc., etc., etc.. If you still get no nibbles from external production companies etc., then select the easiest and cheapest sequence in your project and shoot it. Then include the edited footage from that together with your pitch. Let the enhanced pitch run... but continue planning and executing on the project on your own. If at any moment someone comes through and picks up the project, you can alway switch gears - and you'll have practical experience with your project by then. Above all - fight and fight and never give up. Be WATER. Water always wins, if it finds an obstacle, it just flows around it. Eventually it wears down everything. Pro tip: if your project is truly awesome, your odds of having it picked up grow dramatically, so it's a self-solving problem "how do I make a movie"... and if it isn't awesome enough, then it's no loss if it doesn't get made. Either way, that's a win. Good luck!
 
Thanks everyone for your advice. I have been doing all jobs writer, directer, editor, producer, casting, location, scouting etc. I have spent the last year on making what I thought was going to be a short but it actually turned into a full length feature...( don't know how it really happened)...lol but it was amazing stuff with pretty good actors.. I think my best bet is going into the film festival world with it and see what I can get out of it... This experience has shown me that I can't do everything and produce at the same time. its simply just to hard.

what is the best way to go about finding a producer?.... just looking on websites? , craigslist or a job finder website?

And when you find someone that responds to you how do you know that they want to work with you and not just try and steal your idea?... is it better to try and find an agent first?... Do Indie film makers need agents at all?.... so many things to wonder about!
 
You can start by, well, asking here in the "Jobs" section. Then, you can do the craigslist thing. In NY, there has to be a local Indie-filmmaking site you can post to.

Then there is "word of mouth". How involved are you in the film-making community out there? If not much, now is a good opportunity to get involved. You'd be amazed at how many people want to get involved in a project like a feature. It's resume gold.

But a bit of advice, just as you want potential producers to be honest with you, they want to have honesty from you. Don't oversell the project "It's going to be at Cannes" when it may not. Be truthful on compensation, if any. And if there is a possibility of money at a later date, be specific on what they will receive at that time. I have been asked many times to produce projects, and frankly, I have turned them down, for either their lack of honesty, lack of goals, or lack of vision. When they are interviewing me, I am also interviewing them.

Questions that I ask when I am being interviewed:
"What are your goals for this film?"
"What has been done so far?"
"What kind of budget has been drawn up for the project?"
"Have you developed a wish list and a need list?"
"What are you shooting this on?" (if I am told 4 RED's, but there is a lack of appropriate budgeting in other dept.'s, I question them hard on that choice and why)
"If you do ask me to step onboard, what authority do I have on behalf of the production?"


That last one is important to me. If I know and understand the goals and needs of the film, I need to know I can make certain arrangements without always making calls back to the office for permission. Many deals are extremely time sensitive. Now, BIG stuff, yes, there is always discussion amongst the group prior to decisions being made.

If you find a producer, and you are afraid of them stealing your idea, have them sign a Non-disclosure agreement. But if they are an experienced Producer, they probably won't have an interest in stealing your idea. Their job is to get the film done, not do their own film using your idea. Remember, a producer only looks good if he makes your project look good. And you have to apply your concerns about theft to everyone involved (cameramen, sound guys, etc.....)

But if you are already at the point of hiring a team and shooting, or if you have already shot it, it's hard to steal an idea that is already in the works.

As to the agent thing, one thing to keep in mind: If an agent is involved, money usually is too.
 
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Thats some good advice Doc!...I've already shot the project and it looks and sounds amazing. There is one sequence out of the film that is a little dark b/c the sun was going down but I figured some good effects and masking for it.

It was such a good project that I would even be down to re shoot it with a budget!...lol wouldn't we all.

you said that you produce... does that mean you produce your own films too? or you get a producer for yourself?
 
Nope. I have a few scripts myself, but not planning on shooting them until I have them so polished they shine. Meaning: probably never. One of them was very closely related to a project I am attached to, I told them use it, just credit me as a writer (and they agreed whole-heartedly). I assist others in achieving their goals and enjoy doing it. Several of the films I have been involved in have won decent awards on the circuit, and all that does is boost my res. I cannot write love or comedy scenes, but an action/military scene? All over it. The cool thing, many times on a production, Directors turn over direction to me for that realistic look I can achieve. But, as long as get the credit I am asking for, I don't sweat getting a "2nd Unit Director credit". It just goes to what I do as a Producer, i.e. "Getting the project in the can".

Don't sweat the "dark" scene. If it can't be fixed in post, there are other alternatives.

I sure wish I was in your area. I'd definitely take a serious look into assisting you. You are asking the right questions, in my book.
 
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Thanks Doc , sure could use the help!...lol... I'll figure it out. Its funny b/c I do write comedy and love story. matter of fact this past film has been a love story....among other things. maybe someday we will have the chance to work together. I'm sure you can produce a good scripted comedy no prob...lol
 
I think you first have to determine what a producer means for this project. In film, an exec. producer is really only someone with money, the producers run the entire project. Then you have the line producers who keep tabs on the budget.

I've produced a few shorts, and produced in the way that I found the scripts, got the lead creative talent together, set the project in motion and made the key calls as to how the project would come together.

I'm currently exec. producing a web-series. And exec. producer in the way of television. In TV - an exec. producer is called a showrunner. They make the key executive decisions in the process. Really, the exec. producer in TV is the driving force.

So definitions here matter.

So yes, as a producer you are packaging the entire creative. You are the driving force of the show. And a lot of the stuff you might end up doing in an indie show are positions that usually have their own title. Hiring the crew - you should have a UPM to do that while the producer of the show is signing off on the above-the-line decisions. But that'll likely be bundled into what we are talking about in regards to an "indie producer".

So just know that definitions matter. And you need to be explicitly clear what producing entails. At the end of the day, the show is really the producer's in a traditional sense.
 
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Thanks for that piece of info. I guess then what I am really looking for is a producer to find me an ex-producer. I do most of the tasks myself...... though I don't want to be doing most of them (lol) , I have no budget so paying a producer would have to depend on what he can get me for a budget.

I've been paying out of pocket for years and I'm dying to create what I have in my head. A producer has never been able to be possible for me before , but there should be enough guys out there just like me. Hope fully they are ready to take a chance on somebody. If a line producer just comes up with the budget that is doable but with a budget I would like to work beside another producer. I'm a director by heart but I have to be everything else b/c that is what it is for now.
 
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