Producing

First, thank you, Maurice, for all your help. While yes, I can upload my pitch deck in the designated spot for a screenplay, and yes, the file name does contain “pitch deck,” the icon/link that redirects a producer, (anyone) to the file literally says “View Screenplay.” which doesn’t make a lick of bloody sense. I'm sorry but this really irks me.

You're welcome, Kevin Hoyer. It's because Stage 32 mainly encourages members to add screenplays to their profiles. You could put a note in the synopsis area like I do saying the file that's attached is a pitch deck.

Welcome back, Kevin!

Your project sounds interesting. Great timing too, as period horror has been performing well.

I'd recommend targeting producers who've done 1980s period pieces OR psychological horror in the 5-10M budget range (I'm guessing that's your sweet spot based on the genre/period). You could also submit to screenwriting competitions to connect with producers in the horror genre.

Email me and the team at success@stage32.com and we'll match you with the right execs/producers and share opportunities that would be a good fit for your project.

Thank you, Geoffroy. I believe I was speaking (emailing) with Pat A(lexander) earlier today. I’ll ask him to forward my information to you. Please let me know if you need any additional information.

And once again, thank you, Maurice, for being patient with me.

You're welcome, Kevin Hoyer. Hope you find a producer for your script!

You can still sign up here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/introduction-to-movie-magic-s...

Looking forward to learning from Michael Bishop today!

Great opportunity to learn the craft of the Assistant Director and Line Producer in creating a shooting schedule, the basis of the shoot and creating the budget.

Can you create the scene breakdown spreadsheet & location breakdown in Final Draft? Or Celtx?

Do you prioritize shooting various scenes at the same location?

Or do you prioritize shooting night scenes together?

Or group scenes with a certain group of actors (so some can go home)…

Which scene grouping is typically most economical?

Here is an alternate visual

Well... no, not really. Depending on what kind of AI application you're talking about. Technical tools like have been developing in audio and video processing applications, structural design, chromakey replacement, point cloud generation, multicamera controlling and AI-assisted match-moving, etc. - these are technically repetitive and dull, sometimes mathematically exhausting exercises. So far as the hypothetical cinematography application - to the extent it's technical, it could apply but the traditional term, "machine learning" is much more accurate and appropriate and "AI" which is a marketing term. And these tools are useful but they're not actually creative in themselves. The only established tool the article talks about is script analysis, and IMO they are an absolute joke, with no actual application except possibly to justify the value of a script on paper, to someone with no interest in reading the script themselves. The AI on those systems being pioneered a decade ago and still without any real success by Slated.com - and now Largo.ai, brandedstreams.com, and others we deal with through our studio. Consider trying to predict the success of the next passenger car, by comparing it's proposed engineering schematics to the final engineering schematics of previous vehicles. If you don't see how crazy that is, then I can't help you. Yet that is exactly what script analysis software tries to do. On the other hand, deep research with some LLMs are useful - so long as (a) they have actual access to useful data and the ability to process statistical models and databases (most don't) and (b) the researcher already has some deep knowledge in they area being researched. Because while it's true that the machine can accumulate data, it has no way of analyzing it or even making it useful unless the people who are programming it know the actual area they are coding for - which unfortunately is rare - then the results are almost be definition mediocre, and often entirely erroneous and unreliable. Relying on the AI without a deep knowledge of the area you are relying on it for, is very dangerous and guarantees you will have serious problems at some point. Someone on another post observed that AI tools are helping to make those of us who are superior creators even better and those of us who are not even worse. I agree with that observation.

You'd have to define what a superior creator is.

Willem Elzenga 2 Someone who creates something good and original rather than trite and mediocre.

I think I did both. Nevertheless thank you for your insight and thorough reply.

Must-watch video, Ewan Dunbar! I tried to make two of my feature scripts way back. The first script was a big-budget script, and the second one was a low-budget script. My advice to new indie producers is make a micro-budget movie first. Another piece of advice for new producers is study about different areas of the industry (directing, writing, distribution, etc.). It'll help when they make movies.

We train talented aspiring producers on the PUNC program at stagescreen.org and this is not a bad start to someone who has never done a film.

Very helpful information Ewan Dunbar! One constant is the confusion on "what does a producer do" and "why are there so many producers". The bottom line is that it takes an immense amount of work and an extensive set of skills. Rarely does that come with one person.

Thank you, Ewan Dunbar for sharing it. Last June, I wrote and directed my first short film, The Misstep, on a micro budget. I am now applying to film festivals. I'm putting together a package (screenplay, budget, pitch deck, treatment, and press kit) to bring to the festivals. I'm looking for co-production/funding, and I believe this video will help me get more information. Thank youuuuu

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg both your points make sense. I appreciate the clarification and felt uneasy about entertaining this prematurely in my project's process. Thanks for thoughts.

Product Placement is a generally misunderstood and confusing topic. For the most part an indie film should not expect funding however free product for your film and crew is the trade-off (soda, cigarettes, snacks for crafty, etc.) The real movement emerging as a serious support mechanism is branded entertainment. Brands have realized getting in the door of a production at early stages and incorporating their products into story can offer an advantage over advertising. These are growing in value yet aimed at productions which they might feel would merit the investment (get wide distribution.)

Thanks for sharing the insights, @Shadow and @Jack. I watched a movie yesterday. I saw two product placements in one scene. Is that common?

Maurice Vaughan You're welcome. Yes, that is common if provided.

Thanks, Jack Binder.

Thank you for the excellent summary @SebastianTudores! New Jersey is an a tear to the top of production centers. The key is consistency of film tax credit programs and their support from local government on an ongoing, undisrupted basis, which NJ refreshingly seems to understand.

sure thing Jack Binder - and you're 100% on the target. consistency --> predictability --> planning --> execution. I look forward to seeing the impact of just these 3 studio projects. Spielberg shot a film in South Jersey last year and it did miracles for so many businesses there as it was usually their low, off season.

I presume one has to pay for the privilege.

Always. It is 299$ for one hour. And, yes, the ad says he took 2 from stage 32 to work with. Many people do not have the 299$. And what happens after the hour?

Does he offer help with rewrites? Then that would have to be an additional fee, I am guessing.

On another part of this platform, we can see advice that one should never pay a producer to read stuff. Curiouser and curiouser said Alice. Actually - its below.

Thanks for reminding and warning the community, Abram Christian. If anyone sees a fake account, scam account, or suspicious account on Stage 32, email support@stage32.com with the person’s name and their Stage 32 profile link. And if someone sends you a scam message (like a producer asking for a producer's fee to make your script), send a screenshot of their message to Support with their name and profile link. Thanks.

Abram Christian, that’s a powerful reminder of what honesty truly means. Thank you for bringing it forward. I had a similar experience last year with a well-known producer. Despite the pressure, I chose to stand my ground and honor my worth, rather than accept what was being offered in exchange for my fee.

Alex, Thanks for the questions. Yes, going into production on several projects already. Going great. I will update later in the year. Hoping that Section 181 gets extended before the end of the year. On the way to New Mexico this evening actually! - Brandon Blake

Debbie, Appreciate the questions. Yes, Section 181 and state law incentives are fully compatible. You can check out some of my articles at www.filmtvlaw.com where I have covered Section 181 before and how it relates to state incentives. Thanks again! - Brandon Blake

Thank you in advance, Brandon! Good luck there!

Love to see you back in the community, Brandon Blake! You've been missed.

Ashley, Thanks for checking in! - Brandon Blake