Everyone,
A film student has approached me to help produce a pilot for what he hopes we become a series for a streaming channel. After some research I am not sure if he would be better off to concentrate shopping his script to distributers who work with these groups instead of insuring the cost of production. What are your thoughts?
Thank you
Rogue Thomas
Here's the litmus test. First do a study of the potential streaming channels you intend to approach. Write down a summary of all the original programming or purchased content like his they stream. Then go to imdb pro and look up the producers/writers on those shows. See who their agents and managers (especially the managers) are and their contact info. Have him write the script for the pilot. Then write the series Bible with an outline for the first season arc and outlines for three episodes. Put together a "look book" of images that capture the feel of the show. Then contact all those managers and agents. If you get any on the phone or a meeting say you know they represent writer X who did Project Y for Streaming Company Z. You have a project that is in that vein that is perfect for company Z and other companies like it. In one sentence tell them the gist ("it's a serial killer in a sorority house... but its a reality a game show like the Bachelor!) Don't try to BS them with budgets or numbers or how much better your project is than anything else. Just ask to send them the above mentioned items. If no one takes you up on this, you do not have a sellable project and should not waste money making it, because if you think it's hard to get agents and managers just to look at it, it's ten times harder to get an executive who has money to do so. If you get requests, it means you have a sell able project, which means you may be able to land a manager or agent who is actually connected at the company you want to go to. But if he still wants to shoot it, go to YouTube and type in the word Short Film and see how much unsold product comes up, then Google the words "Vanity Project" for a summary of how much Return on Investment he can expect. Not trying to be a downer, but those are the odds. Good luck.
If you're getting paid, and you're not doing anything else, why wouldn't you do it? Gain experience, meet people.
Thank you all for your insight. Since this project is not funded I am recommending we back up and follow David's advice and ensure we do it right, before spending time that is not productive.