Phew, what a packed two days.
The roster of filmmakers, screenwriters, producers and directors was almost intimidating. The whole weekend served as a big pick-me up and further invigorated my drive. The independent film community, though often insular, is one of the most supportive and resourceful out there. A quick shout-out to everyone I met and spoke with over the weekend. Thank you for the cards and the conversation. And thanks to Sean Mannion for the above picture.
The panels on networking, finding representation and packaging and pitching your project all proved fruitful. Scott Franklin, producer of The Wrestler closed day one with excellent insight about financing a project like The Wrestler and the types of difficulties encountered. The passion for his work was apparent. As it was with Lee Daniels. Daniels’ work is impressive, expressive, and dark. The way he spoke about directing and producing was intense – “You are giving up part of your soul every time you make a movie.”
If there was one phrase to sum up the conference it is: “Don’t Wait!” The opportunity is there for your taking, just be prepared for several thousand “No’s” before the “Yes”
Some miscelaneous notes:
- Have three pitches for you screenplay/project 1) Elevator Pitch 2) Cocktail Party Pitch 3) The “real” in meeting pitch
- Be concise! You have very limited time with people to make an impression.
- Once your film has been financed and made, you are only about 30%-40% the way through. The rest of your time in energy is spent in promotion.
- What is attractive about your screenplay? Is a cleverly executed concept? Is the lead role challenging? Something meaty for an actor to sink his/her teeth into?
- Big name script labs and contests can help you gain traction with your script.
- You must “will your film into existence.” It will not materialize on its own, and requires an enormous amount of footwork on your part.
- Find a fit. Familiarize yourself with the type of work a producer/production company has done before pitching material to them. Is it in line with the type of movies they’ve made before? They exclusively do docu-drama, don’t pitch “Happy the Farting Dog.”
Links to various sites:
2 Comments
Great takeaways, Merrel and thanks for your comments at the FWR. I remember that agent panel and the dialog it provoked. Are you sure we didn’t meet? Somehow you found me on Twitter. Weren’t you the gentleman who let me slide in next to you when I was denied access to another crowded row by a person with a suitcase?
Jenny, I don’t think that was me. If we did meet, I surely would have given you my card.
I did come across you on twitter. Hopefully, I’ll be able to introduce myself proper at another event.
Cheers.
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