Hello Stage 32 Members new and old. Jack Binder introducing and mainly extolling the virtues of this amazing platform. Thanks to the hard work of the leadership and team, a never before existing tool is enabling incredible connections and opportunities to filmmakers. Bravo Team!
As a producer, line producer, executive producer, DGA UPM, financier and investor, I've been an on-the-lot producer at Disney, Columbia Pictures (Sony), HBO Originals. Working as Major Hollywood Studio, indie film and television producer I've gone from a PA to Producer over me 30 years in the industry.
Starting out producing comedy concerts in Detroit, I've produced 'First Reformed' A24 (Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried) Written and Directed by Paul Schrader (Oscar Nominated Best Original Screenplay). Best Actor for Ethan, Nominated for me, Independent Spirit Awards; 'Reign Over Me' (Columbia Pictures) (Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland), 'The Upside of Anger' (New Line/Warner Bros.) (Kevin Costner, Joan Allen, Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, Erika Christensen, Alicia Witt), and many more.
I created www.FilmBudget.com Worldwide to answer the call to assist my fellow filmmakers in creating bankable, completion bondable, accurate, proven film budget and schedule packages, film finance business plans, film tax credits estimation/analysis, and producer consultancy one-on-one services.
I have several films in financing and development at all times and continue producing, executive producing and consulting.
It's a joy to be a part of this wonderful team and I encourage everyone to utilize to their fullest abilities the unique assets of education and connection available here and nowhere else.
Good luck in filmmaking!
-Jack
6 people like this
A few of the stars and studios I've been fortunate to work with...
3 people like this
Thanks for sharing this, Jack — and great to see your background and experience laid out here. The mix of producing, financing, budgeting, and practical guidance you bring to filmmakers is really valuable. Glad to be connected here on Stage 32, and I’m looking forward to learning from your posts.
2 people like this
Hey Jack Binder! Really appreciate you being here and sharing all of that. Going from PA to producing A24 films like First Reformed is the kind of path everyone wants to learn from. For someone new trying to figure out film finance, what's the one thing they should focus on first before they even think about crowdfunding or investors?
1 person likes this
Great to see you again, Jack Binder! Hey, I was just at the DGA for an event! Do you mind if I ask your insight into something? I'd love to do more directing, but I feel like I may qualify for the DGA as a UPM first. Would you suggest I join however I can and then look for more opportunities to direct? Or do you think I should only join as a director if that's what I want to do?
Just a quick update, since it's been a while since we last chatted - last year I launched my Off Duty, Thanks! brand (www.offdutythanks.shop - I just made new apparel for Mother's Day!) and this year I'm focusing on publishing my #StoryMath YouTube channel and book. It's not ready yet, but here is the channel if you'd like to start following ahead of our launch: https://www.youtube.com/@storymath.online
Otherwise, you know me, I spend most of my time in the Stage 32 Writers' Room. Let me know if ever you want to join in on The Coverage Report. Maybe you could do a special reviewing one of your projects? Feel free to drop me an email if you'd like to discuss: K.Ross@stage32.com
1 person likes this
Hi Jack Binder !!! :)
3 people like this
Jonathan Ruppert Thank you for the very kind nod, likewise good to connect.
Hi Karen, thank you for the invaluable feedback! I have sent a network request to connect further. I would love to discuss the specific world-building details and the 'personal stakes' you mentioned in a more detailed, private conversation. Looking forward to connecting with you!
2 people like this
Always appreciate the wisdom you are willing to share Jack Binder ! I've made a lot of creative and a modicum of professional progress since first getting to know you here on the site. Appreciate it when I see your posts.
1 person likes this
Sorry guys but who's Jack Binder
2 people like this
Jack Binder Hi Jack, it was great to work with you on the budget for Seeing Rachel. Thank you very much for helping us achieve our goals, step-by-step.
Alex Molly www.filmbudget.com/about/
1 person likes this
Geoff Hall Thank you, it was a pleasure working with you on the budget and schedule as well. Great project!
1 person likes this
Karen "Kay" Ross Likewise always great to see you and your tireless work here! As for DGA membership, good question. I am not aware of a path from UPM to Director classification however there certainly may be one. If you intend to obtain work as a guild UPM, of course definitely. I would research otherwise if there is that path, otherwise you'll be paying initiation and dues costs regardless. I recommend you contact the guild and ask them this question. They are very helpful and can advise. Ask for the membership dept.
I look forward to checking out your content as mentioned above! Congratulations! Likewise thank you for the opportunity to join in on The Coverage Report. I'll put some thought to this and reach out!
Hey Jack Binder great to see you here and what fantastic experience and passion you bring to this community. I loved First Reformed and Reign Over me is on my list on Netflix. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments and thank you for being here.
1 person likes this
Hi Sam Rivera, Thank you for your kind words and also your question.
For someone considering film finance, prior to thinking about crowdfunding or investors, it is important to take a different view of the project than from a purely creative standpoint.
It is necessary to think about film or tv as an industry, the project as business. With that mindset, it is more readily approached from the point of view of someone whom might invest.
Scope, scale, genre, market are all factors to consider. What is the right size for the film budget? What is the market for this production?
What factors will attract investment? The story, the screenplay, the writer, the team assembled?
Critically, and I am indeed biased here of course, well developed documentation is needed: a professional film budget, a well detailed film finance plan, a pitch deck, and again, a team. This is what investors need and want to see: that you understand how to spend their money, and how you intend for them to get it back with profits.
This is why I created www.FilmBudget.com Worldwide to help fellow filmmakers with these fundamental materials and producer consultancy.
Hi jack .Exciting updates for 'Forbidden Blood Queen'! Our US audience just jumped to 16.66%, with total engagement hitting 24.4k and a 100% completion rate. It’s incredible to see the story resonating so strongly with the American market. The momentum is just getting started!
1 person likes this
Marie Hatten Likewise great to see you here and thank you for your kind words. Very glad to hear you enjoyed First Reformed! Ethan Hawke truly gave an incredible performance bringing Paul Schrader's Reverend Toller to life. I hope you enjoy Reign Over Me. Adam Sandler was a joy to work with and a consummate pro. Good luck with all of your endeavors!
1 person likes this
Darrell Pennington Thank you for the kind words and it has been great to connect with you here as well. Great to hear of your progress and wishing you all the very best with your endeavors!
1 person likes this
Hi jack. My project 'Forbidden Blood Queen' has hit 25.23k global views with a 100% completion rate (US, China, India). This data-proven story is ready for a visionary adaptation. Would love to share more details."
1 person likes this
Alex Molly Congratulations on your audience connection, jump and engagement. That is wonderful market penetration and feedback. Bravo!
Hi jack.Industry experts are noticing the heat. 26k readers was just the beginning. The penetration of 'Forbidden Blood Queen' into the global market is accelerating."
What a roller coaster journey in this industry Jack Binder ! It is indeed a joy being part of the Stage32 team; meeting such amazing creatives was a privilege. Looking forward to your next project :)