So much of what up and coming filmmakers need in terms of support amounts to free work, and I can't offer the kind of extensive commitment that most filmmakers need to launch their careers.
But.
So long as my schedule can support the requests I get, I know I'm willing and able to write a 5 minute short for any underprivileged filmmaker who's willing to reach out and ask for it.
Drop me a line. We'll talk through what you need, and I'll deliver a script in the near future.
Best regards,
Tennyson E. Stead
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Hi, Tennyson Stead. I've done free work for up-and-coming filmmakers as favors/because I wanted to help them succeed. That was back when I was an up-and-coming screenwriter. I'm less likely to do free work now, but I would do it as a favor/to help an up-and-coming filmmaker succeed. And free work isn't all bad for writers. If the project gets made, that's another credit on the writer's resume.
Up-and-coming filmmakers could find people who don't work for free to collaborate with by posting ads on the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs) and networking (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/networking-41). And a filmmaker could sell the writer on their vision for the project, which could get the paid writer to do free work. Or a filmmaker could offer the writer more profits on the backend and/or future opportunities that pay. I've done free work in exchange for directors/producers for future opportunities that paid.
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Maurice Vaughan, all that is true. For me, the whole idea is to keep the commitment manageable and contained - and then, not to expect anything in return. Unconditional support is real support, and I've had too many projects not go anywhere. I also own a lot of worthless film equity in other people's movies. On the other side, I've had people strain relationships past the point of messiness, trying in good faith to actually make good on a commitment I can already see isn't going to blossom. I myself have hung onto projects far longer than I should have, because of the other people who were invested in them.
But I can do 5 strong pages for people who needs a script that will make them look good. That much I can manage, without needing to see the investment actually pay out in some way. There's no imbalance in that, for me.
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You're right, Tennyson Stead. Unconditional support is real support. It's great to just support people and see them win.
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Speaking as a composer, I think you have to ask yourself 'what's in it for my collaborators'. I'm a violinist and composer and not a week goes by where I'm not asked to do something for free. Invariably the answer is 'no, this is my livelihood' but I do on occasion work on projects for free and that's because they are REALLY good projects and often it helps if I have a good working relationship with the director. What I get out of that project is a wonderful project that can show off my craft, something that I can add to my portfolio and a great experience with the director. If you have a great project that will be of use to your team and are respectful and good to work with you can build up a good network (I believe). For me, a director who treats me well would be someone who is organised, ideally someone who approaches me in pre-production so we can discuss the logistics of the work I will be doing and a timeline for post production, a spotting session once the picture is in picture lock and can give regular feedback throughout my work. It's also really good to have a reasonable contract (even if money isn't exchanging hands) as I like to keep ownership of my music with the possibility of releasing the score after the film release.
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Super cool and positive of you, Tennyson Stead - that's what I love about this community. An offer to support usually brings supoprt back in return. Good on you. I also agree with Hannah Woolmer for anyone considering asking people to work for free. Think about how to make the experience and project a win for them, too. Is there going to tape they can use for their reel? Can folks keeop some of the IP they create while giving you and the film a lifetime license for free? Will there be great food? Always think of what you can do for others who are supporting you more than what they can do for you - that's obvious. Always try to make things a win-win.
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Thank you for the kind words, Sam Sokolow!
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Jon Shallit it's either 'would you mind helping me with this?' or 'is that a machine gun in that case' haha
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Tennyson Stead Hey, we at the IPG and SSI are developing SSI's (stagescreen.org) Producing Unique New Creators program. We could certainly use someone like you involved in the program. We're networked here, so DM me if you are interested to speak further.
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Will do, Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg .
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It's an important subject Tennyson Stead! Great momentum for the start of 2025!
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Constantly get out there at film meetups, festivals, and events in your city. Guarantee there will always be new, young filmmakers hungry to collaborate and make something to try to vault to the next level!