Producing

This is a Deadline article from March 4th, which I found whilst trawling around their back catalogue on the website.

I was keen to find out more about the box-office phenomenon that was ‘Sound of Freedom’ and how Angel Studios worked alongside its Angel Guild.

From a filmmaker’s point-of-view, it was...

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I've been trying to sort out a few things. One of the big ones is where is the money. Not just funding to do a promo or one show. Where is the money to keep it going?

That business question has been gnawing at me. I've gotten so much more done so far than I thought was even possible. What I'd like t...

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I've been trying to sort out a few things. One of the big ones is where is the money. Not just funding to do a promo or one show. Where is the money to keep it going?

That business question has been gnawing at me. I've gotten so much more done so far than I thought was even possible. What I'd like to do next seems so easy and it's possible and it's scary that it could be successful. I'd like that. But it is scary. It wasn't so scary when I was still looking for the markets and funding. It was more wishful thinking. If I could get a sponsor or just one advertiser for the podcast. Where to look? What's the connection? Why would a brand sponsor us? All good questions. But not the answer.

Well, I think I found an answer. Looks like it could be a good one too - both in the sense of doing good and in the the sense of being profitable. A way to bring in more listeners and produce the revenue we need to keep going. Book sales were never going to do it. The audio books won't really make that much difference either. Even with great sales, neither would bring in enough to produce the show. So what might? And a better question -> What sort of budget do I need to produce the show the way I envision it? Audio only with voice actors, music, sound? And all the collateral that goes with?

I looked hard at what we have done, what I've been doing, and what I've been trying to do. I came to the conclusion that It won't work. The only way it works is if I have a backer to provide funding. Yes, well. That's been the sticking point.

So what might work? Where is my audience? Who is my audience? That was one of my biggest issues. If I'm going to market the show to get people to listen and buy stuff, who are these people? Where can I find them? How can I create something that repeats? The show could go for 10 years and not repeat anything. I've already written that and I'm working on more. But who might want to listen?

I looked at the numbers for what I have in mind. I looked at the market, too. I asked some outside business people. It looks good. I have real numbers to work with and an offering that I can touch for revenue. Great! Time to rework my pitch deck and start putting some real numbers on paper.

But wait! So now I'm wrestling with myself. Why? I can see how it could go. That if I do the work, if I can just get through the next few weeks and bring in a few people, it could really be successful. I also know that for any of what I want to happen, there's more work I have to do. It's not something anyone can do for me. I have to do it. I feel like I'm backstage at a National event for the first time (Martial Arts competitions and business presentations). It's exciting and scary and I'm not sure I'm ready. But there's nobody else who can bring my vision to life. So, anybody seen the Wizard of Oz around? Me and the Lion could both use some courage.

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Jacqueline Smith

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3 people like this
2 months ago

Thanks Christopher. Would a line producer ever approach a writer or would it be the other way round?

Christopher Phillips

2
2 people like this
- James Hoey
- Maurice Vaughan
1 month ago

Jacqueline Smith Line producers are like CPAs for the production. They work on budgeting and logistics and make sure the production stays on budget. The exec producer would hire a line producer to dev...

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Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

"facilitation fee" would be absolutely a sign of sleeze. Even some "legitimate" producing companies want to charge you for the honor of having them insinuate themselves into your project just in case it goes anywhere.

1 month ago

Well, both approaches I've had have been discovered IMO to be 'Scams'. Unfortunate that both were made on this platform, leaving me apprehensive about using it regularly. No idea what Stage32 do (if a...

Maurice Vaughan

1
1 person likes this
- Jacqueline Smith
1 month ago

Hi, Jacqueline Smith. If you ever run into a scam on here, email Technical Support (support@stage32.com) with the person’s name, their Stage 32 profile link, and screenshots of their messages. If you...

Sam Sokolow

5
5 people like this
1 month ago

Such great advice here. Brilliant move getting RB's book. I also agree with Lindbergh that having a pilot script at the ready can go a long way, especially if you want to write on the show yourself. I...

Richard "RB" Botto

6
6 people like this
1 month ago

Thank you for the good words and the endorsement, James Hoey. Means a great deal. Don't know if you left an Amazon review back in the day, but if not, never too late and would be greatly appreciated.

T...

Can't wait to hear what you think, Abdur Mohammed. I do believe it will help tremendously.

Geoff Hall

3
3 people like this
1 month ago

Richard "RB" Botto I left a review, quite some time ago and I’m now using your book as a means to crowdsource my animated urban fantasy series. Thank you, RB.

2
2 people like this
- Abdur Mohammed
- Maurice Vaughan
1 month ago

I remember it well, Geoff Hall and I remain grateful. Couldn't be more thrilled it's still paying dividends. Sending all the positive vibes for the series!

Ashley Renee Smith

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 month ago

Thanks for sharing, James Hoey! It's going to be a great one!

The post is live for members to comment with questions NOW!

https://www.stage32.com/lounge/cinematography/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednes......

Lindbergh E Hollingsworth

Adding to what Christopher said, a movie or TV show will have a “Clearance Coordinator “ who will reach out to companies to obtain permission for use, and all this will be mentioned in the report. Sho...

2
2 people like this
- Dean Owen-Sims
- Christopher Phillips
1 month ago

Thanks for the info, Christopher Phillips and Lindbergh E Hollingsworth....

2
2 people like this
- Christopher Phillips
- Maurice Vaughan
1 month ago

This is a service that a lay office would do, and might be required to do if you need E&O insurance.

Emily J

Stage 32 actually has a great webinar on this topic! >> https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944906600755&affid=ejlounge...

Dean Owen-Sims

Thank you for the recommends Christopher Phillips

4
4 people like this
1 month ago

Hussey is special, man. Knows story inside and out and, as important, understands the money, business, marketability side at a high level.

Congrats on moving on with THE MESSAGE. Like that you have multiple lines in the water. As it should be.

L. Tom Deaver

Sean was terrific and worth every penny I spent on the story AND the career advice. And thank you, RB, for the congrats.

Most welcome, my friend. Well earned.

Christiane Lange

Richard "RB" Botto One of the producers in this area is in neighboring, to me, Bulgaria and is apparently planning a satellite operation in Greece.

Back during COVID, there was a strong trend of local...

International co-productions remain on the rise, Christiane Lange. Already seeing the pregame action for Cannes on this front.

And yes, there is an acceptance (weird to say, but it was out of vogue for...

Amanda Toney

1
1 person likes this
- Geoff Hall
2 months ago

I was not aware of this book but I am absolutely going to read it. Curious to see how Villeneuve interprets it on screen.

John William Blaney

One of the most important topics in the world. Will be interested how he handles it. Oppenheimer (and Putin’s threats) have pushed this long nightmare back into consciousness..