I don't want to treat this like some continuing legal education seminar where I listen to lectures. I need to meet people and not just any people. I need to meet the right people. I know some of this is chance, but I want to optimize my chances. I also need lots of shots on goal.
I'm bringing lots of my law practice business cards with the name of my script ("Frankenstein, Part II") written on them. I'll hand those out like candy but I need to figure out who is who and where to meet people.
Not only is this my first AFF, but I'm new to this world so any comments are appreciated.
One thing that concerns me is that I need to connect with people that can put together the money and I'm thinking to produce my movie it will be $20-50m. Some of these producers are looking for smaller movies to make. I not necessarily interested in meeting those people unless, of course, they know the bigger producers
Not being in this world, I'm guessing that movies are financed 100% with equity and banks rarely loan against movie productions; especially in the early stages. From what I can intuit, one producer will put together a syndicate of other investors for the financing. I need to meet the people who can do this.
Finally, my movie is drama, romance, action and with a touch of humor. I need to meet producers in those genres and those, frankly, those that want to take a slight risk on a newbie. The script, of course, speaks for itself. It has been rewritten and comments from some Stage 32 paid readers have helped.
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I don't believe any writers here have scripted a $20M- $50M movie. Your target audience at AFF is going to be small for that large of budget.
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There will be several parties to mingle and meet people. You will need at least a Conference Badge. With a Producer Badge, there are 4 more networking events. Look at the schedule and see what interests you. I think you will pleasantly surprised at the knowledge and insight you can discover in these panel discussions.
I agree with Kay. AFM is more along the lines for finished products to invest and looking for distribution.