So for the past few years I have been developing a script that will be the tentpole film in a potential action franchise. So far we have a lot of the pieces in place and the story is strong enough where we attracted a lot of attention before we could even get this submitted to any major star talent (I emphasize YET). We are aiming for keeping our budget in the modest 7 figure range, which I will admit while low is still a shitload for me, and while we believe we have a solid gameplan in place, I have some questions as to what some of YOU would do in these cases. For example; We want to attract three stars from the UK, Bollywood and Hong Kong. They are all well known in their own countries, but this could potentially be a breakout hit for all of them with Western audiences (hopeful best case scenario). Here's my question, do you feel it's wiser to contact and attach producers from each of those territories in hopes of better navigating both the international hurdles, as well as the potential language barriers, maybe even get a leg up on potential distribution in those areas, or should we just aim for the traditional route of trying to attract attention from someone really well connected in Hollywood and hopefully that will be enough (Yeah, good luck with that right, lol?)? Also, what we have written could be sold as a feature length film with franchise potential, or a pay cable pilot movie with the potential for a series. Personally I would prefer to go the feature length film route, but with the ever changing platform market, I have had lots of advice to go the cable, streaming, etc. route, I would love to hear your thoughts... And here's the big one, I have been advised to tone down certain elements of the script in order to gain a potential PG-13 rating and thus, increase the marketability of the film. While there are a TON of PG-13 films I personally love, I am having a hard time rationalizing the loss of the really dark and violent content from which we took our inspiration. Films from directors like Takashi Miike, Johnny To, Quentin Tarantino, Guy Ritchie, etc. but on the other hand, I don't think the story will suffer if we more stylize the violent content instead of omitting it completely. As both filmmakers and film watchers, I would really love to hear you guys chime in on this one.
Anything Goes : So I am close to making my feature length directorial debut, I have my own answers in my head, but I would love to hear your opinions... by Lamont Bellsarios
So I am close to making my feature length directorial debut, I have my own answers in my head, but I would love to hear your opinions...
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Personally I would attempt to make connections with the acting talent directly, as opposed to a producer, for several reasons. A producer, by definition, produces films. He we will want to run the show. If he has any clout at all he'll quickly remove you of more and more creative freedom until you have none. If, on the other hand, he has no clout - what do you need him for? Having said that, talent is not easy to attract without a cash offer. I wouldn't say it's impossible. But it's not easy. I've tried contacting agents and got the door politely closed in my face. I've tried going to the emails some of them post on personal website and got little or no response. Three time I called actresses who have done a few films but are not stars. These called me back but let me know that they might be interested when financing was in place. The catch-22 is that when you have financing you can attract talent. But how do you attract the talent without the financing? If you find an answer to that one please let me know as soon as possible. As far as the rating, I'd say make the film you want to make. Chances are that you'll have more film than you absolutely need. If a distributor is interested but wants a PG-13 then you can make cuts. UNLESS, unless the extra footage would be too expensive. In that case why shoot what you might have to cut anyway?
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Truer words have never been spoken...
Take risks and make sure your character are truly define..