I posted this in the Producing Lounge for obvious reasons, but I'm posting it here as well for what might seem like less than obvious reasons for my fellow writers.
As I always preach, you have to stay on top of the business. And right now, international productions are booming. The international tax incentive/rebate wars are real and they're spectacular for those looking to get projects off the ground. We're seeing and hearing about it every single day in our conversations with film commissions regarding Stage 32 Certification.
As a writer, you need to be thinking global. As such, you need to be seizing any opportunity to connect with and get in front of producers and execs who are seizing this sea change moment.
In short, you may not want to be a producer, but you should be thinking like one. Educate yourself in any way you can. Take classes, read everything, dedicate an hour of your day to networking and relationship building. All of it will give you a competitive advantage.
The writing is one part. Navigating the business is another. Strive to be excellent at both.
https://deadline.com/2024/10/tax-credits-feature-gladiator-white-lotus-m...
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Great advice, Richard "RB" Botto! I think global. Sometimes I write scripts for international locations, and sometimes I write scripts that can be changed to international locations easily. I also network with international producers, directors, etc. and stay up to date on international projects.
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Awesome post Richard "RB" Botto. I wanted to share the original Deadline article here: https://deadline.com/2024/10/tax-credits-feature-gladiator-white-lotus-m... The fact that UK tax credits are bringing in 275 Million to the UK economy is a staggering amount. It is so important when you are writing your script that you are thinking globally - where in the world can your script be shot or can it take place? If you can write with that mindset you get to take advantage of this global production economy that is booming right now.
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It's great to see incentives popping up across the globe, as we become a more global society. Think it'll open up some interesting new opportunities across the landscape moving forward!
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Thank you so much for sharing RB! It's so true—writers really need to think beyond just the script. The more we understand the business side, especially with how tax incentives and international productions are shaping the industry, the better we can position ourselves and our projects for success. This is a great reminder to not only focus on the craft but to also stay sharp on the business trends that can open new doors. Thanks for sharing and always keeping us informed!
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If everyone is paying attention to the news out of MIPCOM, this post takes on even greater importance.
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Thank you so much for sharing this RB! The need/demand for incentives has certainly changed a lot over the last few years. It’s exciting to see the industry expand globally and for productions to provide opportunities for communities around the world. I just hope that it encourages more states here in the US to provide competitive incentives that will help boost production opportunities domestically to bring some of that same attention to cities around the US that can provide great production pros and resources. When I was working on Vikings, I was blown away by how incredible our local crew was in Ireland. It was a co-pro project between US, Ireland, and Canada which gave us the ability to produce incredible battle scenes that could rival even shows like Game of Thrones, but at a budget that was reasonable for our production. Our post-production team in Canada was dynamite and I truly believe that the project stood out as special because of the unique voices and talent behind it in every department. It opened my eyes to what a truly global project can accomplish.
Also, to your point on having a Producer’s mindset, I’m dropping a link to your Coffee and Content blog from last week. Any members who missed it, can check it out here, as you provided such wonderful advice for understanding the industry landscape as a whole- https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-the-machinery-of-the-busines...
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What a great article, staying sharp is key! The international production scene is booming thanks to tax incentives, and it’s crucial to think outside of the box when it comes to location as well as to see the benefits of being on location in LA, I think at the heart of production is LA and the industry. I think understanding the business side and building relationships will give you a competitive edge!
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I haven't spoken to an American production company in over a year for any of my projects. All of the ones I do speak with have mentioned this as an incentive.
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If a writer starts thinking like a producer, it might affect the quality of their scripts. Writers aim to convey their feelings and worldview, after all. I believe producers should be more attentive to scripts, as writers and producers depend on each other.
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I love this Richard "RB" Botto. Independent films, with the help of streaming services like Netflix, are changing the narrative and getting us the stories we have been dying to hear but didn't know we needed (or did we?). This is the Stage 32 superpower: bringing independent projects together and exposing the wealth of opportunity to get voices heard.
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First, talking about the comment of Alexey Sam, a writer should think like a prouder because they go hand in hand. A writer should portray the information and feelings of the story in such a way that the producer will perceive it. Because if the producer perceives it differently from the writer, it may yield a different product after producing.
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I like the fact that you said 1 hour everyday networking with others. Yes. Most especially people like us that are sole producers of our low budget movies. And where I am now, there are no movie enthisiasts here. So our like minds individuals are found online, e.g. stage 32.
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The increases in production incentives in places like Croatia, the uk and others are opening incredible opportunities for independent artists such as creating new relationships for co-productions and building audiences across the world. The globalization that is happening right across for the independent world of film projects is opening up new ways to be able to not only find crew, cast, locations, etc… but strengthen audience reach as well in organic ways and have stronger marketing potential built in.
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Great the UK IFTC has finally come around. Just remember to read the small print - Its 40% of 80% of the production's UK spend and must be intended for theatrical release. As people start using it it'll become more clear how the criteria are to be met. There have been some great talks about this in Cannes and London. Hopefully there will be another at Focus.
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Understanding how a producer thinks will inform your approach and business decisions. Not to mention the fact that it will make you better in a room and a welcomed partner.
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I'm not at all surprised, Bill McCormick. That will become even more prominent moving forward. I heard more about European co-country productions at the Austin Film Festival conference this weekend than just about anywhere else these last few months and that's a screenwriter centric conference. One more reason to be taking producing courses and learning that landscape now. Those that do absolutely have a competitive advantage.
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1 hour a day min has been a non-negotiable for me for over a decade, Ejiro Inije. Needless to say, that strategy has paid dividends.
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You couldn't be more right, Stephanie Moore. Good on you for being on top of it all and capitalizing where and when you can.
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Great points, Ewan Dunbar, but another example of the growth and potential for growth we're seeing on all fronts.
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Richard "RB" Botto, thanks to my years in the music industry, I have some grounding and the people in my corner have the rest. That said, you are 100% right. Walking in blind is a good way to get fleeced or asked to leave.
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Great advice Richard "RB" Botto as always!
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Always great getting these updates Richard "RB" Botto! Thanks and welcomed!
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Feel that, Bill McCormick
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Appreciated, Jack Binder. Sure you're experiencing much of the same.
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Most welcome, Eon C. Rambally. Happy to share and inform where possible.
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Another piece of good news for UK film and TV makers - Update to the VFX tax credit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/corporation-tax-additional-ta...
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"The writing is one part. Navigating the business is another. Strive to be excellent at both."
Best thing I've heard (well, read) this week. Like cutting your teeth, it needs to happen.
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Richard "RB" Botto that’s what I’ve been doing this year, thanks to Sandra. She told me that I needed to take control of my career and stop waiting for other people to green-light it.
With that in mind I’ve signed up for a Certification course in Investor Agreements and webinars in producer and director contracts and another in DAF finance for films. There be more to come!
At Tribeca, there was a lot of talk about co-productions and so we are considering a UK/Portugal partnership.
As you know, this is all down to you and Stage32 and I’m thrilled to be actually developing Seeing Rachel.