The Writer As An Entrepreneur: Part Two

The Writer As An Entrepreneur: Part Two

The Writer As An Entrepreneur: Part Two

Geoff Hall
Geoff Hall
5 months ago

A Little History Lesson...

It was back in 2023 when Sandra Isabel Correia and I met during the November Write Club. We encouraged each other with our project targets and in December we kept in touch, supporting each other in our ventures.

During that chilly December, the Universe whispered in my ear, that maybe Sandra could help me resurrect my Producer career and work on my feature film, Seeing Rachel. Towards the end of that month, I wrote to Sandra asking if she’d be open to a proposal from me.

She said yes!

And so...in early January, I asked her if she’d like to use her business expertise to help get the film moving toward production. A little to-and-fro occurred with the film’s Producer, Ben Richards about what capacity she would be representing us. He agreed that Sandra should inform those she approached, that she was the Executive Producer.

Ben had been with me in the early days when I dissolved my previous production company and he’d said to me some 7 years ago that he was going nowhere and that he was passionate about making this film.

We Had The Script. What We Needed Was A Strategy...

We knew we had ‘something’ with Seeing Rachel; it was different from the usual fare when it comes to representing human trafficking on the big screen. We had the script, but what we needed was a strategy.

I, at this point, saw myself as a writer-director (there’s that hyphenate thing again RB!), but I had little business knowledge and know-how. What I needed was someone who had that acumen, and here was Sandra, an award-winning businesswoman from Lisbon, Portugal. Well, when she came on board it became clear what we needed to do.

We have already written one Stage 32 Blog article together- The Writer as an Entrepreneur Part 1, which you can read HERE.

And the conclusion was that there were three potential ways to raise the finance for our film, sell it to a producer, find equity finance, or lastly, find sponsorship money.

Sandra and I then embarked on long conversations about how to locate this finance. I live in Bristol (UK) and Sandra is in Lisbon, Portugal. Fortunately, we are in the same time zone, so yes, no late-night or early-morning calls!

Around April time, we embarked on the development of the Seeing Rachel YouTube Channel, having decided that part of our finance strategy would be to adopt a UK and a US charity, working in the human rights field, with a particular interest in human trafficking. (This would mean holding a charity event in each country). We would interview their CEOs and this would then raise our credibility in this field. It is so important to do this, as charities may be wary about a filmmaker sensationalizing the subject matter.

The Writer As An Entrepreneur Part Two

The Things We Learnt From This...

Whilst the demographic for the focus of our film was female – aged 18-35 and male – aged 45+ (people who in the main, connect with this subject), the demographic was totally flipped. Most viewers to the channel were male...and I was the problem!

Lesson: Know your audience and present your film with that in mind.

From this revelation, we began to promote Sandra’s voice to the women who really care about human trafficking and developed a series of soundbites, aptly named Sandra’s Soundbites.

Because they are ‘Shorts’ we could release them as Reels on Instagram, where they had greater success than the YT Channel.

I knew the CEO of a charity that works with the survivors of sex trafficking. The charity is Unseen UK and the CEO is Andrew Wallis. I had supported them with a charity premiere.

Lesson: You never know when your previous connections will become vital to your future projects.

He agreed to be interviewed for our fledgling channel and you can see the interview HERE.

We also had clips edited from the interview, again with the view of releasing them on Instagram.

Sandra has connections with business people in Europe and the US, as well as members of the United Nations, so she is developing a strategy to bring them to the project, looking to interview them on the channel. This again, goes to developing our credibility with potential supporters and sponsors.

The Writer As An Entrepreneur Part Two

And Then The Penny Dropped...

All the while, Sandra concluded that we needed to stop waiting for other people to greenlight us. She told me that I needed to take control of my career. It’s something that RB has repeatedly spoken about and it really resonated with me, but how was I to do that?

It was then that I realized, that I needed to step up and become a writer-director-producer (extending the hyphenate); that I needed a clear brand for myself as someone who worked from a commitment to social responsibility.

I also had to form a business and so a few months ago I started to develop it. It’s called International Imaginists Ltd and I’ve been working with a designer-web developer and publicist. The latter comes from a long-term relationship with Colse Leung, which has become short-handed because he seems to be able to unpack some of my more abstract ideas into wonderful designs and concept soundbites.

He designed the website for my novel “0w1:believe” and is a brilliant testimony to his talents.

Lesson: It pays to find someone that you trust. Maintain your relationships with such people and discover the joy of working in shorthand with them. It’s a real bonus and makes your work less lonely and more exciting.

We will shortly release the new International Imaginists website (international-imaginists.com) and I’ll post something about it in one of the appropriate lounges.

The Story So Far...

So, where has all this activity got us? Well as Sandra keeps telling me, it’s small steps to success. The initial blog article led us to this point.

Lesson: On Stage32: Network. Network. Network.

We have learned that sponsorship is possible for Seeing Rachel and this was reinforced by a Stage 32 Webinar that I watched by Rick Davis of LOHAS, who works with social impact entertainment projects and accessing Donor Advised Funds. You can find this same webinar HERE.

At every step along the way, Sandra has been there to guide and encourage me, and for that I’m really thankful. Stage32 has, of course, played a role in bringing us together and also educating me, as I step back into the role of Producer. I cannot begin to tell you how blessed I feel to be a part of this community.

The Writer As An Entrepreneur Part Two

Footnote...

In the past year, I’ve attended the Tribeca-Lisbon Film Festival, where I met Robert De Niro and also the Focus.London Tradeshow, where I met our very own Sam Sokolow and held a number of meetings with various companies and commissions from Europe and beyond.

It was at Tribeca-Lisbon that I realized that for Seeing Rachel and beyond, I had to think about developing international co-productions and tap into the potential for tax incentives.

Some may state that we still haven’t taken Seeing Rachel into production, despite all this activity. Well yes, I’m under no illusion that everything that has occurred makes me a successful filmmaker!

But...it has changed me and imbued me with an entrepreneurial spirit.

The Writer As An Entrepreneur Part Two

Under Sandra’s mentoring I have seen quite a personal transformation from someone who was hiding as a ‘limited hyphenate’ and not wanting to extend the hyphen anymore. We are also working from scratch on these projects; both personal and professional. These things always take time; you have to have both patience and resilience.

All of my talents, since the dissolution of my previous production company, have been nurtured by Stage 32. I realize the reflex to lurk in this community – I used to do it - but if you want to break that habit, then you have to put yourself out there to get things made. Small steps to success, after all!

But there is more work to be done if I no longer want to remain an anonymous talent.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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About the Author

Geoff Hall

Geoff Hall

Screenwriter, Director, Producer

Personal: I grew up in the industrial north-east of England, in a little town called Hartlepool. I wasn’t academically inclined in those days, just forever curious about life. My school holidays were generally spent reading books hidden away at home, or playing football with my Dad and a few mat...

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13 Comments on Geoff's Article

Alexandra Stevens
Actor, Acting Teacher
I'm inspired by your ability to keep going and keep trying and making steady progress towards your goal!
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Thank you, Alexandra. It seems that it's a characteristic I've had for a long time. Once I know I'm on the right path, there's no giving in, I have to press on. How about you, what inspires you to keep going?
4 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Okay, Ashley. I will give it some thought and pen some ideas in my trusty notebook, whilst in paradise found!
5 months ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
I'm so glad that you decided to write this update and that you let me share it with the community, Geoff!
5 months ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
I love that idea, Geoff Hall! 
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
@AshleySmith here I am in my hotel room, waiting to check out and go for the next flight on our grand NZ trek and I thought that maybe I should write something about the inner journey, as part three of this series? To help people with their own journey and to give them some idea of the things we need to overcome, to move our career forwards? Any thoughts on that?
5 months ago
Jim Boston
Musician, Screenwriter
Geoff, thanks so doggone much for the update...and here's wishing you, Sandra, Ben, and the rest of the crew tremendous success with "Seeing Rachel" and your future works!
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
You are welcome, @JimBoston. The “all percentages” phrase is a little strange though. How does a screenwriter get money from investors funding the movie? Unless he means that your writer fees come out of that? Anyway, I’m glad you are on top of this and pray that it will bring good things for you and your career. PS I’m sorry to hear about the rent increase. That’s a bummer!
5 months ago
Jim Boston
Musician, Screenwriter
To tell you the truth, I'm in the process of sorting out the legal stuff. Last night, I messaged Dennis on www.linkedin.com to ask him if a contract had been drawn up yet...only to find it hadn't been written yet. [He even told me he forgot about that! (OUCH!)] Dennis told me he'll talk to his manager (RLHTalent Management) today about creating a contract he and I can both sign. Three months ago, though, Dennis and I hooked up on WhatsApp...and since he originally thought up "Mental Lockdown's" backstory, he and I agreed to split everything 51-49 (he getting the 51%)...and, in Dennis' words, "all percentages felt out to investors and distribution deals are shared equally between you and me." Before a rent increase booted me off IMDB Pro, I found RLHTalent's phone number: 1 661 476-0778. The company can also be reached at info@rlhtalent.com. A 2021 version of "Mental Lockdown" was listed on IMDB as being in preproduction...at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15252628/. Geoff, thanks so DOGGONE much for lighting that fire underneath me about the legalities!
5 months ago
Love it!
5 months ago
Hi Geoff Hall, Ithank you for asking,  I approach all of my writing assignments with equal fervor and discipline, it allows me to find out whats working and what not. It's my passion that pushed my unique and comprehensive vision through, beyound any rational argument for angainst material.
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Thank you Charmane. I like what you said in your Bio: that filmmaking is “…a profession that can only be successfully pursued with a great deal of pure ability and even more passion.” Ability and passion. Can I ask you, where your passion comes from? What stirs in you, that makes you want to excel in your craft?
5 months ago
Dawn Prato
Screenwriter
I love this! You both have so much drive, and it's lovely to hear how you pushed through obstacles that would probably stop a lot of people (including myself, I think!) and found ways to keep moving forward. Definitely keep us posted on your journey!
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Thank you, Dawn. I think that’s the beauty of having a partnership. When one of you is flagging with their energy levels, the other is there to pick you up. And then, when there are obstacles to overcome, you have two perspectives to work from and you can both see other potential opportunities. Plus, and this is a big one for me, I’m learning so much from Sandra about the business-side of things. Stepping back into Production is not so daunting, when Sandra is able to guide and instruct me. I love our relationship!
5 months ago
Deborah Jennings
Author, Content Creator, Producer, Researcher
Great article about moving and self-motivating Geoff. Kudos to you.
5 months ago
Deborah Jennings
Author, Content Creator, Producer, Researcher
Agreed!
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Ah, Deborah. Don’t give up. The world needs to see this film and know their story.
5 months ago
John Snell
Screenwriter, Actor
Once again, thanks Geoff Hall! Very inspirational, thought provoking and encouraging!
5 months ago
John Snell
Screenwriter, Actor
Fantastic, Geoff, that all sounds great! Glad to hear you're making steady progress and also able to get a vaca included in the deal! Best of luck with it all, it's always nice to hear the positive stories here in the community!
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Thanks for asking. I’m just off on holiday to New Zealand (wedding) on Monday, so that should be fun.   Projects wise, slow but steady thanks. In March we’ll have a couple of high profile interviews on the Seeing Rachel YouTube Channel, which will help us with our funding strategy. Sandra has been working wonders on this front.  By the time I get back from NZ, the production company’s website should be up and running. Whilst I’m away, I’m looking to shoot a couple of short video reels in NZ and Singapore (sadly just the airport) for IG about the company. In the meantime, I’ve got a little research to do for the interviews and then…after all that, I may get back to writing my new screenplay!
5 months ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Fantastic sequel blog, Geoff! You said, “We Had The Script. What We Needed Was A Strategy...” I remember when I used to write scripts without a strategy. Now, I know my strategy upfront, and I come up with backup strategies.
5 months ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
You're welcome, Sandra.
5 months ago
Sandra Isabel Correia
Screenwriter, Executive, Director
Thank you Maurice for your words, it inspires us! Ah Geoff, future is now :))
5 months ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Great work Sandra and Geoff. It's so true that sometimes it takes a friend and supporter to get that rock moving uphill so congratulations on finding each other! It's so easy to believe that Sandra, as the wonderful encourager that she is, would be what the project needed. Thanks for sharing the journey with us Geoff! And may you be blessed in all you do!
5 months ago
Sandra Isabel Correia
Screenwriter, Executive, Director
My sweet Leo, thank you for your beautiful words and you are right! “Sometimes it takes a friend and supporter to get that rock moving” this is the truth :)) I appreciate you and your way of being :))
5 months ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
You are very welcome Geoff Hall. All the best with "Seeing Rachel".
5 months ago
Sandra Isabel Correia
Screenwriter, Executive, Director
My sweet Geoff! It has been an amazing journey with you, and as I always say, dreams come true, but we must work hard to achieve them and never lose our final goal. You have been an amazing "mentee" and excellent partner. Something that American Mindset has, and in Europe we don't have it, is the fact that "failures" are welcome to USA investors, but not for European investors. You must be proud of your first business failure because that is where you gain the knowledge to make it different next time. Investors like experience. Now, you have that! For me, it has been an amazing journey because I also learned with you, and we grew up together. This is a real business connection. "International Imaginists Ltd." will grow, will produce socially responsible screenplays, will make an impact in the world, and most of all, will help other writers and directors like you. I have a business mindset; you have a writer and director mindset. Together, we will make magic to happen. "Seeing Rachel" will be our first experience together, but I believe that our "marriage" will last forever. Thank you, my friend. Love and Peace!
5 months ago
Sandra Isabel Correia
Screenwriter, Executive, Director
Oh! I like that goosebumps:)) We will my friend:))
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Oh my Sandra, that just sent goosebumps across my body. I can only ever say thank you for all you are doing for me, but I pray we will both reap the rewards from "Seeing Rachel" and International Imaginists Ltd. I am sure that together we can change the way investors and sponsors see independent films, how we can change the film business rewards culture to help the people who work with us to create great films, and of course to raise consciousness and compel people to help change this ailing world with all its problems. It's important that we continue to work together and I'm sure March will provide us with pivotal moments, to progress our projects.
5 months ago
Love it!
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
That's good to hear, Wendy. Have a great weekend.
5 months ago
You are welcome!  I am fine and happy to read of your great story!  
5 months ago
Harri-Pekka Virkki
Author, Stunt Performer
This inspired me.
5 months ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Harri-Pekka Virkki oh, well great news on the martial arts front, but I'm sorry to hear about the flu plaguing you. May you recover soon. Are you working on any scripts at the moment?
5 months ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Hope you feel better soon, Harri-Pekka!
5 months ago
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