Hey Stage 32, I'm a 26 year old aspiring director/producer. I've been in film for about 3 years now where I've written and directed a few short films, music videos and short skits independently. I'm trying to break into the industry with bigger budget projects and also get my developing projects seen. I am curious on how you guys actually got your first directing and producing jobs. Any advice???
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Writer/Director.... Usually works!
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My first projects were self-funded, self-made...I went out there and asked people around the community if they wouldn't mind 'donating' to my film (at the time I didn't know anything about the business end of filmmaking) I got $2500.00 for my first short film & $10K for the second...so didn't do too bad. Then recently raised $250K for a feature I produced, along with a few other producers (not one I directed or wrote). It's all about networking! Find a good producer to help you raise the funds, make your first feature for a bit less so that you can prove yourself (don't cheap out on the quality -but make the budget realistic..it's unlikely you'll attract big names on your first feature...unless you know someone who knows someone) Once you've established yourself, you will be able to get jobs...you just need a good portfolio with good work to start.
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Hey, Kahish, I am based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. I gave your Kahish's World a tour... your a very talented person. Gianna, I really appreciate your story. I find it to be very helpful and aspiring indeed. I agree with your idea of going to the community, friends and family to raise money, thats exactly what I had in mind as well as a few other legit fund raisers. My problem is.. I've come to a point where I have so many ideas: shorts, feature, sitcom and commercials although I'd like to do them all, I'm have a guidance problem. I can't figure out what direction to go. Question... When shopping my script or idea around, what is the best way to keep everything confidential. Is NDA the way to go? This is so important to me also because I am more of a writer than a screenwriter. I am strong at creating the story but it would take a good deal of time writing the script. I would like to partner with more experienced screenwriters it that make any sense.
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I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm trying to get started as a director, and right now I'm working on scripts that I want to direct. So, I'll be keeping an eye on this discussion. The advice I've gotten about NDAs is that you should always have one when discussing ideas, and also copyright your finished scripts.
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Well first off you can register your scripts with WGA-it costs $20. Even if it's just an idea..write up a treatment & register that. Having your script registered protects you...it is a MUST. Also I think that having a lot of ideas is a more common 'problem' than people realize. What I do is I figure out which project is the most 'sell-able' and I focus on that one-in the mean time I write down all the other ideas and even sometimes write the full scripts for them. Think about what films are being made right now-does your story fit into a particular genre that has taken over cinemas right now? If so-go with that one. The movie industry is a business, your story needs to sell. If it's an original story that's great-but producers, studios, investors, etc., need to know they will make their money back. So think about who your audience is...who is going to to watch this film, short or sitcom? Why are they going to watch it? How are they going to watch it? -All of these questions are important and may come up if people are interested in bringing your script to life.
Thanks for the heads up...I always thought mailing yourself a copy would suffice :)