For my next film, I'm in the unique position of serving not just as the writer/producer, but also as the DP. Not an oft-found combo, but one that serves a variety of purposes.
With a finite budget in place, I'm now working with the director to make line edits to the script as well as searching for ways to reduce setup times, locations, and crew impact on certain days without negatively impacting the story.
As you work to set your budget and approach potential investors, ask yourself if you have done the hard work of reviewing the script with the writer to reduce setups, locations, and the necessary crew during any given day, while preserving the heart and soul of the story. It's not easy work, but in the indie film world, it's a necessary part of producing and funding films.
How involved you you get with the creative side of things when preparing for your raise? Let us know in the comments below.
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Great advice, Michael Fitzer, MFA! I've done that with a director-producer on scripts. Sometimes a scene needed to be scaled back, a location needed to be changed, etc.
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I had to go through this on a film that we are currently shooting right now. The producers all love the script which came from Stage 32 member Martin Reese. we had a hell of a time securing the financing and when it came in, we were working on a micro budget. In order to accommodate, we needed to revise the script in order to get the film into physical production. Yes, you wind up losing parts of the script that you absolutely love, but you have the essence of the story which is still there, and we will have a finished film that will be making it to screen. It’s sacrifices of collaboration that are necessary when making a film.
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Extremely and always. And it requires that everyone checks their ego at the door. Great post, Michael Fitzer, MFA
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The goal in indie film must always be the highest production value for the most economical cost. If a script element is out of proportion to the balance of the budget it must certainly be addressed before heading into financing. Absolutely Michael Fitzer, MFA