After reading a few posts let me see if I understand what you have to do as a 1st time producer.
1. Get a great script.
2. Put together a great team of film professionals.
3. Put together financials that show investors how they are going to get their money back.
4. Try to get someone well-known attached to the script.
Please let me know what I am missing.
2 and 4 are only initially required as they correlate to 3 - attaching a known director/actor will strengthen the financials, or getting an investor to put money in will attract the talent. It's usually money first, however, esp. with indie projects.
Thanks for your comments, John. So essentially the business plan is the first thing you do.
Don't forget your first bullet point - a great script. But then, yeah, without high-profile connections, a biz plan is important.
Yes, start with a business plan, Martin. Either include your own track record or, if you have none, the track record of talent attached to your film as part of your ROI pitch.
Assuming your first production is a micro-budget or low budget film, make sure your "great script" has two or three very appealing one or two day roles (cameos) for B-level actors who won't cost a lot but will add great saleability to your film.
Hang out at places where wealthy people have more money than brains- fancy art auction houses, charity dinners. Appeal to their Egos and Vanity.
Get the money first. Investors don't read scripts. They are investing in YOU, the face of the movie production. (Psst, hire an accountant/Lawyer who knows how to funnel large sums of money into movies and claim it as loss for the tax man).
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I can help you create realistic a budget and schedule for your business plan. Investors want to know how long will it take to prep, shoot, edit and be ready for market. I project the timeline and costs for creative endeavors.
One item I didn't read above is "comparables": a list of films (or TV shows) with the similar stories, themes, time period etc. List what they cost to make and what they claim to have brought in at the box office. Compare your project to those on your list for validation of the investment.
Be sure to have a business plan with a cash flow chart. Investors want to know about the business, not just the story or attachments. Commonly called a pitch deck, this summary business plan outlines how exciting your project is and why is going to succeed in the market place. Be prepared on the business of show biz.
Thanks everyone. Really appreciate the feedback.
Will do, Vitaly. Thanks. Your thread sparked this.