Note to a client.
Client…,
again great to connect. I have been in the industry quite a while now, more
then some, less than others. When it comes to a project I will tell the pros
and cons and the reality. Anything I write is based on my experience and I am
quite certain there are dozens or hundreds of other opinions and advice.
In the Trans
media markets of today it is rare that a film or TV show will not make money.
It comes down to marketing, the markets you release in and your available
financing/budget. You Tube is a great vehicle for releasing your product, that
can or may attract a following, advertising, a major sponsor, partner or
financing. Or not, such a media platform is a great gauge of your product. Your
project can fail to attract a backer or audience, some of mine have. Great
projects that went nowhere, or any way I think they are great.
There are
numerous ways of developing, production and shooting a project. In my
experience it comes down the vision of the creators, who you work with and
available funds. From a full budget studio production to a guerrilla style
shoot. Guerrilla style shooting is the cheapest. But it takes allot and I mean
a lot of creative talent and insightful editing to create a marketable and
sell-able product in the can.
A strong
idea in itself is sell-able. But hard to keep from being stolen, purchased with
a promise of production and being shelved for later production. Many studios
and production companies have line ups that they have in production or to be
produced properties. They have commitments and investments at stake. But they
don’t want to lose out on a great project or have another studio/production
company produce your property in competition. They shelve the project for again
a later date, but that does no help you get it into production and of course
make money.
One of the
biggest pitfalls is being caught in an endless cycle of demands for money from
producers, marketing, directors, writers etc., with no actual return to you.
Whether someone finding you financing, talent (actors/actresses), marketing and
pre sales etc. Everyone wants to get paid.
First thing
is too register your idea, manuscript, script, video, music or material. The
best one in the world is the US Copyright Office. https://www.copyright.gov/, another is
the WGA (Writers Guild of America), http://www.wga.org/,
or your countries or region copyright / registration authority. Even a notary
republic or government authority are viable, though proper copyright and
registration is advised.
Some other
ways to protect your idea/project and to get the idea out there is IMDB, (International
Movie Data Base), http://www.imdb.com/, create
a video short for social media like Facebook or Linked In. This helps to sell
the idea, create an audience and interest in the project.
Crowd
funding is another direct, but very limiting in financing, time factors and
creativity per se. Basically if you say you are going to do the/a project, then
you are committed to doing it. You would have to check with your local,
regional laws and taxation authorities on this avenue to financing or rising
funds.
Determining
if your project is sell-able. Is there beginning, middle and end. Having a
script breakdown and proof read is an excellent way to get input, advice and a
good solid proof read from an independent resource. Expect a hard but
reasonable analysis of your material. One’s family, friends, colleagues and neighbors’
are great resources in themselves, but having a professional look at is
paramount in my opinion. Try a local college or film school for potentially
free analysis. But paying for a professional input is possibly the best course
and step. This is one of the services I provide.
First Step: Copyright and register your project, idea, material!!
Looking
forward to the project.
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