Producing : Advice on how to get project off the ground by Abdur Mohammed

First step is to have a script that’s ready. Reading is believing. No one really buys concepts or pitches anymore as they do not have the time or money to develop the idea and pay a writer.

It sounds like you're trying to get your drama podcast turned into a show, Abdur Mohammed. If so, I second what Lindbergh E Hollingsworth said. A pitch deck could also help you get producers, showrunners, etc. interested in adapting your drama podcast into a show (Edited: Also a show bible). And network (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41).

Hi Abdur Mohammed. What Maurice Vaughan and Lindbergh E Hollingsworth said. That script needs to be locked in and ready to go for someone to read. For those of us starting out on the bottom rung, we do not have the gravitas or connections to toss out a concept and have someone bite at the idea. Just like pitching here on Stage 32, have a good pitch, a pitch deck as Maurice said, but evermore important is the script.

It's a tough gig getting financing and all of the rest of the necessities to get a project going. You need to decide your model; funding (fundraising) or investors. Each has a very different approach. As for podcast promotions, I've found most to be garbage but that is my own opinion. We spent a lot of money, and time, on various recommendations from 'top tier' folks and it was all a waste. Unless you have a budget of many, many thousands of dollars for SEO advertising, hit Twitter (not calling it that other stupid name) and Instagram, Facebook, put episodes on YouTube if you haven't already. Make a channel on YouTube, convert audio to video, and learn the SEO tips for episode description. Stagger your posts, don't dump a whole season at once.

Also, reach out to fellow podcasters. Make some connections, see if you can be a guest on someone else's show. Reciprocate by having them on yours. Networking for podcasting is no different than for film. If you're looking to move your podcast into a film you will want to swim in both worlds.

Have a script. Have your vision, preferably in a pitch deck, but in whatever form you can. You need to be able to show conceptually what the script is birthing. It doesn't come overnight, just don't get frustrated in the slow process. We've had to pivot several times. If you need a boost in confidence at any time you can always drop in here. Looking forward to future updates from you.

Proof of concept - how many listeners - is the first start. There are certainly managers and agents who are signing people off of podcasts, but the audience or the concept - preferably both - need to be there.

Since you mentioned a showrunner, it seems as if you're thinking TV for this project. If that's the case, having a pilot script and deck won't hurt. Although if the pod is popular enough, the talent could come calling on its own.

Bottom line, just because it exists doesn't mean its valuable IP - this is a mistake self publishers make often. The question becomes, how do you make the IP valuable. I would put the main focus on building the audience first and foremost.

As for building the audience, crowdsource. Find like-minded people who enjoy this kind of content and will, ultimately, go out in support of the content once you've built relationships with them.

I wrote a book on this. And the concept is how I built this platform from 100 people to over 1.1 million. It's all about crowdsourcing.

Don't let the title fool you, it's for anyone looking to crowdsource.

https://www.amazon.com/Crowdsourcing-Filmmakers-American-Market-Presents...

Abdur Mohammed I would absolutely recommend you get Richard "RB" Botto 's book. We nabbed it on early release back in the day and it is fantastic. It make a lot of things more clear, but make no mistake it doesn't remove you from having to do the work. It helps you do the work more intelligently, efficiently.

Thanks all, and Richard "RB" Botto and James Hoey ... got most of what you suggested ready. Getting book now, and pursuing crowdsourcing. I love it! Thank you everyone... Maurice Vaughan Lindbergh E Hollingsworth RB and James.

Shameless plug - www.aopfilm.com Check it out and share. Hey, we start somewhere right? Thanks

You're welcome, Abdur Mohammed. Great job on the website. I think it'll help you attract producers, showrunners, etc. I didn't see your contact information on the website. I suggest adding that.

Thanks Maurice Vaughan

Richard "RB" Botto just ordered Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers. Can't wait to dive in. Thanks for the recommend.

You're welcome, Abdur Mohammed.

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. If not, and you more want to find producers to develop your IP, then building your audience is the way to go. These can be big investments. Three-Body Problem isn't just a great book, it sold 8 million copies and that gets the industry's attention. Build it and they will come. Wishing you huge success, Abdur Mohammed!

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.

Thrilled that you found it useful.

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

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.

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!