Filmmaking / Directing : Ask Me Anything (AMA) Wednesday 10/2 to Thursday 10/3- Mastering Pre-Production for an International Shoot by Chris Debiec

It's great to meet you, Chris Debiec. Really impressive resume! Congratulations on all the accomplishments! Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! What's the first thing you recommend a filmmaker do during pre-production for an international shoot?

Hi Chris Debiec - thanks so much for having this AMA and spending your day with us. I've seen some of your work in the past and loved it (Aliens of the Deep). I've been focused on the screenwriting side of things for some time and have just now started delving into the production side of things and ironically enough, international production. Question: What are some of the challenges you face when producing content for a global audience? Do you keep cultural differences in mind?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Maurice,

Thanks for reaching out with your question! Before diving into pre-production, it's important to set a few foundational pieces. First, you'll want to pinpoint the countries that best suit the creative vision and locations for your project. Once you have those options, research the tax incentives each country offers based on your projected spend.

After narrowing it down to one or two countries, the next step is to find a local co-production company partner. They will help you navigate the application process and assist with hiring, making sure you make the most of those incentives.

This is just the starting point, but it’s a great way to set the wheels in motion! There are several more steps to follow, but beginning this way will put you on the right track.

Hi Leonardo,

That's a great question, and it has so many different parts to answer. Yes, I always keep cultural differences in mind. The content of your project must be considered carefully, as what is acceptable or relatable in one culture may not work in another. For example, if you're shooting in the Middle East, you must be especially cognizant of the sexual content in your project, as there are very specific guidelines and restrictions around this topic in that region.

From a production perspective, one of the biggest challenges is overcoming language barriers and ensuring effective localization. Communicating with local crews and department heads requires clear and precise explanations to ensure that everyone understands your creative vision. It’s not just about translating scripts; it’s about adapting the language to convey the right tone, context, and emotion. Subtitles and dubbing must be thoughtfully developed to connect with the local audience, as certain phrases or humor may not have direct translations and need creative adaptation to preserve their meaning.

Another significant factor is understanding and managing finances, particularly the local currency's value compared to what we're accustomed to in U.S. productions. This requires thorough research into currency exchange rates, budgeting adjustments, and potential financial implications to ensure efficient use of resources within the local context.

You're welcome, Chris Debiec. Great advice! Thanks for the answer! What's a big mistake that filmmakers commonly make when preparing for an international shoot?

Thinking you know everything. I often say the most dangerous producer is the one who believes they know exactly what they're doing. Every country operates differently, so it’s crucial to do thorough research and listen to local expertise. Personally, I only work off referrals, seeking recommendations from various groups and organizations I’m part of to make informed decisions. Even with this approach, things can still go off track from time to time.

More great advice, Chris Debiec! Thank you!

Chris Debiec Wow what an impressive resume! Congratulations on all your great accomplishments and since I'm in the UK I'll watch you early in the morning tomorrow!!

Thanks so much Chris Debiec. What’s interesting is that a lot of what you describe, I experienced as an international marketing manager for a record label. In some cultures, even how you hand someone a business card matters. I also lived in Puerto Rico for some years. Although it’s a commonwealth, it’s still a different culture and mindset. And what flies in the states doesn’t necessarily fly there. I’ve recently wondered if international is a path for me so what you’re saying is very encouraging. Thanks again and all the best in all you do.

Hi Chris, the crow with Brandon lee? Love James Cameron

Chris Debiec - Hello, thanks so much for being here. I will check out your class. I was 2nd 2nd AD on T2, were you involved with that at all? Wondered if we crossed paths many years ago. :). I don't have a specific question but the DGA just had a brief talk about working international and we all realized that every single place has their own way of doing things! Sounds like your class could definitely educate a lot more on all of those logistics depending on where the show is shooting. I'll now read previous comments!

Hi Chris Debiec - thank you so much for doing this AMA. I am excited about the growth of the production industry around the world. When looking for a country to shoot in, how important is it for you to know that there is a robust below-the-line crew base for local hires when making the decision on where to shoot?

I'm sooo proud and excited for everyone.

Hi Chris,

What do you think is the best way for a screenwriter to learn how to create a film budget? I’ve only produced two very small short films. Thank you for your time.

Sam,

Thanks for the question:

It’s crucial to research and ensure there is some kind of experienced local crew base available. Even larger studios with big budgets aim to hire as many local crew members as possible, as this aligns with many tax incentives based on local hires, this is where the production partners come in.

Selecting the right co-production company is vital, as they will supply most of the local crew. However, it’s equally important to do your due diligence on these co-pro partners. In my experience, I've encountered situations where expectations set by co-production companies did not match the reality upon arrival. That is no es bueno.

Hi Gisele,

Thanks for the question:

You might not like this answer, but here's my advice: find an experienced line producer, UPM, or production supervisor and bring them on board. In my opinion, creating a precise production budget takes hands-on experience with set operations, accounting, and the many details involved in production. I get asked about this a lot, and while there are classes and software out there to learn, I genuinely believe they can't replace the practical, on-the-ground experience needed to do this effectively.

If you’re still determined, find a mentor with that kind of experience and ask if you can shadow, follow, or assist them. However, keep in mind that even this can be challenging, as creating these budgets requires a great deal of focus and attention to detail that is sometimes hard to convey.

Chris Debiec, how early do you like to get a location scout involved when you know that you'll be shooting internationally?

It makes perfect sense. Thank you, Chris.

One last question: If you had to choose one country in Latin America to produce a film, which one would it be, and why?

Thanks for the question Ashley.

As soon as you can afford it, pay them—don't ask for freebies, as you usually get what you pay for. As a producer, I often do a lot of the initial scouting online. There are plenty of film commission or country-specific sites to explore before bringing someone on board. Once you have a budget in place, then hire a scout. I once worked on a film where we hired four different scouts to explore four different countries because the director wasn't sure which location would offer the best look, even though they all had a similar vibe.

Gisele,

Hands down, Colombia is the top choice in Latin America. From what I know, they offer one of the best tax incentives in the world, with a 45% return on the money you spend. The people are friendly, and the locations are beautiful. I've also done quite a bit of filming in Mexico, but it wasn't as great an experience. Unfortunately, that's the extent of my knowledge in Latin America.

Good to know. Thank you, Chris.

Hi Chris, Great to see you here. What is your experience in protecting capital for international shoots? Have you seen buying forward, hedging, forex trading? A production company I produced a film for did not listen to my consistent exhortations to buy forward as it was clear a fluctuation was coming...they lost $500k (but couldn't make me eat it in the budget as I had warned them so profusely.) Curious to hear your experience with this. Or have they just absorbed a win or loss? Thanks! Jack Binder, Producer, Founder www.FilmBudget.com Worldwide

Jack,

Thanks for the question.

I don't have much experience in this other then one production in particular. where we hadn’t been able to lock in rates, I always try to have a contingency plan in place to handle any currency swings. Having that little safety net gives peace of mind, knowing we can absorb any unexpected losses without hitting the core production budget too hard. I’ve heard of situations go both ways—sometimes they come out on top, and other times need that buffer, but it's all about keeping things stable as best as possible.

The important part is to keep everything transparent and well-documented, so everyone’s clear on what the risks were and the rationale behind decisions. At the end of the day, every production has its own comfort level with risk. My goal is always to help the team make smart, protective choices upfront, so we don't have to worry about financial surprises down the road.

Thank you for a wonderful Ask Me Anything event, Chris Debiec!

Hi Chris Debiec , I’m Maicon Aloncio, a producer and director at Labd12 and CEO of 4Movie, based in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil. I’ve faced similar challenges with tax incentives and strategic planning for productions. Our region is growing rapidly in the audiovisual sector, and sharing experiences about international shoots is incredibly valuable for us. Let’s stay in touch and explore potential collaborations in the future. Best regards!”

Thank you Chris Debiec - Good AMA @stage32!