Producing

Liked by Shadow Dragu-Mihai

Ahi Black

Director, Screenwriter

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

2 hours ago

Hello movie creators and business professionals. My name Is Ahi I’m a 25 year old writer and director. I’m also new to this very valuable community. At the moment I’m producing shorts and learning the business, but I’d like to start expanding my network and connections in the industry, where can som...

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Liked by Harri-Pekka Virkki and one other

Karen "Kay" Ross

Community Manager at Stage 32 ♦ Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

2 days ago

Pitching, Rejection, and Perservering

Found this gem about Mikey Alfred from 'Mid90s' and 'Ballers' who is pitching his feature directorial debut, "North Hollywood" and was told straight-up "no". It's a really powerful story about believing in your story, speaking up for the audience who will watch it, and making it happen.

https://varie...

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Mista Martel

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1 person likes this
- Karen "Kay" Ross
2 days ago

Thanks! I'll definitely check this out

Karen "Kay" Ross

1
1 person likes this
- Mista Martel
7 hours ago

You are most welcome, Mista!

Tasha Lewis

6 hours ago

Thank you for sharing! If your story is worth sharing, there is a demographic that maybe open to hearing it.

Erik A. Jacobson

2 hours ago

Very inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.

Liked by Shadow Dragu-Mihai and one other

Mista Martel

Content Creator, Producer, Screenwriter

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

2 days ago

Actionable Insights For Filmmakers/Producers

Diversity in the world of film what some actionable insights that you might suggest for filmmakers coming up.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai

2
2 people like this
- Erik A. Jacobson
- Mista Martel
1 day ago

When you say "diversity" are you talking about in voice, point of view, in front of camera, or behind camera? For my part, as an independent producer and director, I try to have females in key crew po...

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Mista Martel

1
1 person likes this
- Shadow Dragu-Mihai
24 hours ago

Appreciate the answer Shadow Dragu-Mihai that different gives me some ideas to implement as well.

Johnny K. Wu

Works at Media Design Imaging ♦ Director, Director of Marketing & Distribution, Editor, Filmmaker, Marketing/PR, Producer, Production Coordinator, Translator, Videographer

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

9 months ago

Producing a no budget to super low budget indie film in our current Covid state

Hi all, I am going to start this little journey post for anyone that may be interested, this is my current position on filming during the 're-opening' time for a scifi indie film. I will try my best to continue updating this post so at least some of you may find it interesting, obviously probably ma...

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Background: I've been an indie filmmaker since 1998, and my actual background is having an MBA specializing in Branding, I see things a bit different than many other filmmakers in our State. (Ohio). As I have experience the opportunity to have many of my feature films distributed, I've always learned about 2 things: 1. Most of the time (either you have a named talent or not), once you have your film in distributor's hand, it can get more than 1 year to actually see some $ in, back in the days, it was much easier to see some ROI right away but now with technology making it easier to film and everyone's filming, it was actually harder to see a return fast, which is why many are doing self-distribution now (and this is the business end of distribution). 2. You have to find a niche genre to stand up now competing against all the different films being made every year, in my city, Cleveland, Ohio, we have at least 10-20 filmmakers making feature films at the same time, and so competition among peers is fierce.

That said, many of us hope to not only have a movie distributed so you have a 'track record', but as well as to hope to see some $ back (harder with sales agent/distributors, as they have a cap or can inflate their expenses cap)... So many filmmakers would make a feature at a no-budget environment so to mean no cost to hope to minimize expenses and opportunity to see some ROI after distribution would be greater. (after all the expenses a sales agent/distributors take out)...

For me, as I own a full time small video production company, that we have fortunately done many productions for small businesses and I also produces several large events in Cleveland. So that has been a good 'basic' income that helps me with bills. Unfortunately in 2020, due to the pandemic, all my events that I was asked to produce were cancelled and I all my video work got postpones lol Luckily as a freelancer, we do get back from all the savings and the State's support.

On gears I use for filmmaking, 50% of them are paid by through my video production business, and the other 50% are actually given to me for free from companies, as I do product testing for several companies that make these gears, so I get to keep them after testing... (this is to give you an idea what I have available here so why I can do a nobudget film as not only my gears are mostly donated).

in 2019, we did a scifi action feature film shot mostly in the fall/winter time (I like this weather for many reasons: 1. not many film during that season here in town, so I get to be able to have enough support, 2. I like cold weather than hot and I don't have to deal with fleas, ticks the like.

As I wasn't a first time filmmaker, and I've been able to deliver what I plan to do, I have gained a lot of people believing in me and willing to work with me for no cost as long as I feed them well, give some gas money when they to to travel far, provide imdb, give them a copy of bluray of the movie and promote them all, I managed to get many support and help because they believe in me and my passion.

So, you have seen my video for Wu Xia 2 the Code that was distributed as Immortal Combat the Code since Sep 1 2020. Sold worldwide and domestically, yet, the report so far from distributor is more red to cover (as they have to recoup their expenses like marketing, travel, design, etc, even thought capped but still it's first money out). I do not forsee to get any $ back probably for 2-3 years or never...

So for this year, I wanted to make another feature film, Wu Lin The Society, as I mentioned at another post, we wanted to figure out how to make people feel safe and being able to come film with me, and we thought perhaps the best way, is to incorporate masks into the scene/story line. So everyone will have to wear mask (clear ones) so they will speak through that, providing another added protection to cast and of course crew will all be masked as well.

We had over 100+ auditioned for different roles and we picked 50% of them from previous cast and 50% new people that we haven't worked with, to help expand our fan base, and crew wise, we had about 50 people signed up and we went with 70% previous crew plus 30% new crew for the same reason, giving them an opportunity to actually learn feature film production in a very organized way (yes, we have been told by many that our organization skill is way better than any indie film planned in our State).

Because of Covid, we have to figure out some ways to make sure cast/crew are at ease, so we used jotform.com (you can create up to 5 free or pay 50% discounted yearly (when you first isng up) to get up to 25 total forms, and I can tell you, I love it, not only Jotform is easy to create, it also have a signature feature that you can get cast/crew/producer to sign.

So, we used Jotform to create the basic forms: Required Safety Guideline read (they must read and agreed on). Cast/Crew/Producer Deal Memo, Writer's Agreement, Location's agreement, and Prop Guns Safety Protocols. We also created a daily on set survey that each person need to acknowledge before entering the set...

In addition, we used google forms to create a Dietary Meal Form, cast/crew availability form, as well as the audition form and crew submission form. We then created a spreadsheet using the cast/crew availability form to spread out the filming (we filming on weekends only from Sep - Dec), once everything is set, it seems only 13 film dates with 2 days that will be 2 units, and about 5 extra back up dates as well as plenty of other days available in case we need to move things.

As this is a sci-fi action film, we have several fight sequences that requires training, so we set up cast to train with our fight choreographer via zoom first and later in person wearing masks, we also have wire-work, stunt work, and rain machine that we are building, so we plan everytrhing as needed to make sure it is safe, enough time to practice and when there are actions involved, a medic is always available. You can immaging how crazy the schedule would look like with over 50 cast that we have to coordinate. lol (Scheduling is a PAIN for sure)

Now, everything is set, we also created 2 crowdfunding campaign, in the past, I have successfully overreach each of my crowfunding but this time, I decided to just do what I can since 80% of the items were donated (gears props, etc). so I just post once a week, you would think that having over 4000 fb friends that if each contributed $10 I would have plenty lol but that isn't the case, in the past I would post every other day but now since once a week, I merely reach my goals, but I'm ok, it was an experiment to see if I do less how that comes out. 99% of the people contributed this time were friends whom already worked with me. the 1% were people who had seen my youtube channel and liked what I did and contributed. within my 4000+ fb friends, only 10% contributed. (which happens to be that 99% of friends) lol

So, we got a schedule done that is still being modified almost daily, as the schedule is a spreadsheet that include dates, cast info, location info, time arrival info, stunt/prop info (the basic), to give as much info this way than they keep looking for info all around (based on past experience), we made a cleaner spreadsheet that pulls data from the complicated one, so the cast/crew will only read what they need by column, and that has seen to be really good for them to follow through our ordeal.

FYI, we are very honest with everyone since while this is my passion and my project, it is them whom will make it or break it. So the more information I can provide, the more they feel respected and willing to adjust accordingly.

we also uses fb messagers for group chat and doing a weekly crew meeting (usually sunday or monday evening for a zoom meeting prior to that weekend shoot, to make sure crew are on same page), Also created some basic previz for 2nd unit so they can go in and out to get what I needed.

I don't do shot list as I have been successfuly film all my features with minimum of 2 cameras and action sequences with 2-5 cameras, so shot list CAN get complicated, but having zoom meeting helps refresh their mind (knowing that 90% of them wouldnt' read the script due to time and the environment we are in).

In addition, we recommend all cast/crew to go take the Covid test if they can a week prior each filming date (simple as everyone is working on everyone's project and we had an outbreak 3 weeks ago at two filmmaker's parties - over 20+ people tested positive). So we are dong as much as we can to make sure we have a safe environment.

So, we supposed to start production this weekend (Sep 18-20), however, one of our lead's father that he saw 2 days prior was tested positive for Covid, while he didn't feel ill or such, after consulting our medic whom also working with the national Covind team, our set doctor and our set medical rep. we decided to postpone this weekend shoot and asking him to get tested asap, if he is negative then we will continue as planned for the following week, if he is positive, we either postpone again or he can decide if he want us to recast... a tough decision...

So here I am, I wish I can include plenty of pictures here so you can see the process we do lol but at here, I'm sharing you our crowdfunding video that gives you an idea what we are trying to do.

Johnny

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Amer Darwich

5 days ago

thank you for sharing my film music composition work :D

Johnny K. Wu

5 days ago

Dan MaxXx

1
1 person likes this
- Amer Darwich
5 days ago

Nice! Better looking than Mortal Kombat! :)

BTW, the sound quality was muffled. Maybe a glitch?

Amer Darwich

1
1 person likes this
- Dan MaxXx
5 days ago

it can be fixed in mixing process but it is better be fixed using audio restoration tools before mixing process for better audio quality

. even though composition still without mixng/mastering, we still finishing what must be done first.

Johnny K. Wu

1 day ago

Dan MaxXx yea, youtube compressed those tiny audio. :( You win some/loose some lol

Mika Shimoeda

Works at PKFP Partners ♦ Producer, Agent, Marketing/PR, Production Coordinator

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

2 months ago

Hello! Nice to e-meet you!

I'm Mika a Japanese producer and I have a production company in Japan. I'm not good at English, but I'll do my best. I'm now making an international co-production feature film with Spanish DOP and music composer. I made friends with them at the international film festival and now we are making a wor...

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Mika Shimoeda

2 months ago

Doug Nelson

Thank you Doug！Ｉ’m very happy because we are always looking for possibilities to reach the world of this work.

Freyja Seren

1
1 person likes this
- Mika Shimoeda
2 months ago

This looks beautiful! What an incredible story with such nuance and subtlety. It looks really powerful..

Mika Shimoeda

1
1 person likes this
- Freyja Seren
1 month ago

Freyja Seren

Thank you for your comment Ereyja!

Mika Shimoeda

3
3 people like this
1 month ago

Had a interview w/ Wall Street International Magazine.

https://wsimag.com/entertainment/65426-performing-kaorus-funeral...

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Mista Martel

2 days ago

What a solid trailer

Mariannjely Marval

Actor, Screenwriter, Assistant Production Office Coordinator, Location Scout

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

1 month ago

Is it worth it to produce a short film?

Hello fellow creatives. I'm a screenwriter/actor that wants to be a producer in the near future. I have written a few short films and I'm considering producing them. If you have produced any shorts, would you please share your experience with me? What worked and what didn't? Waste of time and/ or mo...

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Doug Nelson

1
1 person likes this
- Mariannjely Marval
1 month ago

Shadow - many of us (self included) left California for a reason: It's to expensive to live or work there. Even the big studios are sending production to other states (& offshore) because of that. She...

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Mariannjely Marval

1 month ago

Thank you for sharing your experiences! Def going to take all these great advices and start working! :)

Shadow Dragu-Mihai

2
2 people like this
- Cameron Leigh James
- Mariannjely Marval
1 month ago

Doug Nelson Mariannjely Marval Our show Esco Eats shoots in Atlanta - be careful about employment laws there that's all I will say on that - best to pay minimum wage and make sure you OWN all the righ...

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Chris Donaldson

1
1 person likes this
- John Ellis
1 month ago

Absolutely it's worth it to make a short film. But only after I've considered a few things: do you have the team ready and willing to go to make the best project possible? Have you thought through how...

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Mista Martel

1
1 person likes this
- Martin Williams
2 weeks ago

I would say it is worth it to make a short film or pilot. You learn a lot about the process too. I wrote & produce my first SAG pilot in 2016. I learn a lot about doing SAG paperwork and $$$ which a good bit went for SAG fees, but next time I know.

Chris Pappas

Screenwriter

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

2 days ago

Rush Hour type screenplay seeks producer

Almost finshed. Lacks an Action plot device in the end.

Sequel is blueprinted too.

3 times awarded Poet I throw in the Song Theme lyrics too

Mediocre to HIGH quality material please only serious proposals.

Shane Stanley

Producer, Director

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

1 week ago

What's Your Budget? Who Cares!

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I just got finished doing a Producing seminar and I'd say 99% of the gang was stuck on getting their film made because of a budget they've decided it needed to be and cannot come up with the money. Who set your budget, I'd ask? All of them admit to placing that self-imposed price tag on the project which, if you're seeking private equity may be a bit of a stretch to put it kindly. I'm reminded of when my father, Lee Stanley had put a $1M price tag on his big labor of love, "Desperate Passage" (back in the mid-80s) and after 4 fruitless years, he finally got the call. We drove up to Moniesito where a wealthy friend of the family lived and he said he was tired of watching my father talk about his dream without bearing any fruit. He handed over an envelope and said, "Go make your movie!" We got into the car (would'a popped champagne if we had it) and when dad opened the envelope, it had $25,000 in it. Assuming this gentleman was going to put us on a draw payment schedule, my father went back to ask when we'd see the rest of it? A minute or three later, he returned with his head slung low and said, "That's all he would give us. He told us to figure it out and go make your movie!" Well, guess what? We did. Mom, Dad, and I went out, gathered some cheap, borrowed gear and a crew of 4, and made the film. It took 2 yrs for anyone to even watch it after it was done but then a miracle happened. Steve Bell, former Pres. of KTLA somehow saw it, called us into his office and said he wanted to make it the biggest event on television. And he did just that. Michael Landon signed on to the project to open and close it and the show went #1 in the Nielson ratings (twice) and was nominated for 4 Emmys, winning 2 and launched the "Desperate Passage Series", where we did 6 more which gathered 33 Emmy noms and won 13 of those little ladies. And the budgets for the other 6 shows never exceeded $200,000 "Gridiron Gang" was part of that series, which went on to be re-made with SONY Pictures starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and was a #1 blockbuster hit. I tell you guys this simply to encourage you. We have more resources now than ever to make movies look good on a shoestring budget. Don't look at what you want to make something for, grit your teeth and figure out what it'll take to really get it done. I promise you, you'll get a lot more movies made and better, each one will be a stepping stone to the next which can have a bigger budget and a lot better chance to get you where you want to be, rather than talking about it. You've got this! Now let's go make some movies! xo

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Amer Darwich

2
2 people like this
- Luca Caserta
- Shane Stanley
3 days ago

exactly shane stanley , life is full of surprises even though when someone dont see full picture being surround with limited decission . it all starts with first move and everything becomes easier ove...

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William Joseph Hill

3
3 people like this
3 days ago

That's such a great story Shane! It just goes to show you that sometimes limitations can help you realize that there are no limits to making your dream come true; you just have to find a way to play the cards you're dealt.

Shane Stanley

2
2 people like this
- Amer Darwich
- Luca Caserta
3 days ago

Thanks Amer. I think the ups and downs of budgets, especially now, will continue. I’d say during and after the series I mentioned all sorts of offers and opportunities came flooding in but it came dow...

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Amer Darwich

2 days ago

yes shane stanley :D.

Amer Darwich

2 days ago

it is all about good understanding and amazing teamwork between these 4 film director+film producer+composer+ sound engineer . i have seen few videos interview between film directors orvideo games dir...

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Cherelynn Baker

Works at Lions Rest LLC ♦ Director, Producer

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

5 days ago

Anyone else building out LED soundstages?

Just curious - if you too are building out your own soundstage space with LED screen to replace green screen for saving time and money. Just curious! Would you share your thoughts please?

Shadow Dragu-Mihai

5 days ago

Contact me!

Karen "Kay" Ross

1
1 person likes this
- Cherelynn Baker
5 days ago

There is a member in Atlanta who runs a studio space and rental company and he's done just that (with the Mandelorian tech). Connor Pannell - https://www.stage32.com/blog/How-To-Produce-An-International-Pilot-During-COVID-Part-2-Production

Whew! Can't believe that was a year ago!

Doug Nelson

1
1 person likes this
- Cherelynn Baker
3 days ago

I don't understand your terminology. I use LED lighting exclusively and I have a green screen. I've tried using my 75 in 4K LED tv as a background but I'm not happy with that.

Michael Keeling

Director, Screenwriter

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

5 days ago

Looking for Work/Experience.

Hi All.

Is there any producers looking for a screenwriter?. I mainly write Supernatural Horror/ Thrillers and Fantasy. Here's a bit about me.

About me:

My name is Michael Keeling. I'm from Nottingham. I'm 26 years old. I was born with an enlarged heart and have had several operations (5). I also suffe...

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Herculano Espinoza

Screenwriter

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

1 week ago

Reynaldo

Comedy about an illegal Mexican immigrant who happens to be a foul-mouthed alien. In some ways, similar to the movie Paul, only he’s never seen as an alien, only an illegal immigrant who’s in America to steal jobs from Americans

Marc Jackson

Producer at Hot Cocoa Pictures ♦ Music Composer, Music Supervisor, Voice Artist, Producer

posted in Producing Sign in to subscribe

4 weeks ago

First time producing.

Making it up as I go but reaching out to those who have traveled this road of film production. And saying "Hi!"

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Marc Jackson

4 weeks ago

Thank you!

Shadow Dragu-Mihai

1
1 person likes this
- Marc Jackson
4 weeks ago

That's the best way to do it!

Doug Nelson

4 weeks ago

Learn by doing, revel in your success, learn from your failures.

Karen "Kay" Ross

3 weeks ago

Hey, Marc Jackson! You're here, so I'm sure you're doing just fine! Producing is one of those roles that can literally be learned from the most varying other careers - lawyers, teachers, event planner...

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Michael Dritto

2 weeks ago

Hell yeah!

Liked by Shadow Dragu-Mihai

Partnerships & networking

Liked by Harri-Pekka Virkki and one other

Pitching, Rejection, and Perservering

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

Liked by Shadow Dragu-Mihai and one other

Actionable Insights For Filmmakers/Producers

2 people like this

1 person likes this

Producing a no budget to super low budget indie film in our current Covid state

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

Hello! Nice to e-meet you!

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

3 people like this

Is it worth it to produce a short film?

1 person likes this

2 people like this

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

Rush Hour type screenplay seeks producer

What's Your Budget? Who Cares!

2 people like this

3 people like this

2 people like this

Anyone else building out LED soundstages?

1 person likes this

1 person likes this

Looking for Work/Experience.

Reynaldo

First time producing.

1 person likes this

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Producing

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Top Contributors

CRAFT AND BUSINESS

GENERAL DISCUSSION

PRIVATE LOUNGES

PROMOTION