(c) 1997
Filmmaker_PDX

If you are making a $200,000 plus film or a $30,000 film read all the information in this area about producing.  Micro Budget Films is about making feature length films for about $30,000.

What every filmmaker should know about being a producer.

Of the 1000 features produced each year 30% are produced under $350,000, so-called one million dollar films.  Tell'em its under a million.

Tell only the actual investor what the real budget is.

First make film then make a deal

If you make a $2 million success in marketplace the majors will give you $20 million.

Make $200,000 film success distributors will give you $2 million for next film

You only get deals on second film.

Can do a short film and enter in film festivals

TO BE SUCCESSFUL (in order of importance)

1.SCRIPT (must be great)

2.MONEY

3.PHONE CALLS

4.ORGANIZE (Boards, schedule, budget)

5."NO", the most important word for a producer

6.ENERGY (high, all, everything)

7.TALENT

TYPES OF PRODUCERS (opening single title cards)

Producer:gets idea, script, budget, schedule, crew, funds, finishes it, edits it, markets, PR, distribute

Executive Producer:They get the money, invest some themselves, they make three phone calls to get $200,000 within 5 days

Associate Producer:Its a give away title, they do nothing, they run errands, they know where the money is, they make the connections.

HE WHO HAS THE GOLD MAKES THE RULES

Line Producer:an UPM/PM with an attitude, a lot of experience

Executive in charge of Production: from studio or distributor to watch the money.

Call: SAG, WGA, DGA ask for:

(1)Independent Producer Contract

(2)Rate Book

(3)Low Budget Agreement