Producing : A question about "Seeking producers for_________________ in (city), (state)" by Joe Orlandino

Robin, Sorry if you took my comment as an offense to a filmmaker's work. I heard Dov Simens use the phrase many years ago and it kinda stuck with me. I just felt that if a filmmaker is looking for funding, they should state that clearly. And, who's to say what a POS movie is anyway. Selznick, Lucas, Coppola all had many of their greatest works considered a POS before they took them and proved everybody wrong.

Joe, Dov has a way with words, doesn't hold anything back and he tells it like it is but I found that Stage32 is the exception to the rule.While there is a preponderance of angel seekers for their POS flick there is also lot of true artists and creative people with great stories to tell. I think Stage32 probably represent the largest talent pool of Indie filmmakers in the world.

Mike, I agree. My comment was intended to assist my colleagues, particularly here in Chicago, where I see a preponderance of reach outs for 'Producers'. And, as Chris Johnson stated earlier, these folks are no doubt really looking for 'Investors'. So, falling under the unwritten rule of, "Have a Specific Objective / Don't be Vague" of Pitching for Funding, my advice would be "State You Objective Up Front", and don't be shy about it. Plus, for every ten pitches for capital you do, seven potential investors may look at your film as a POS. That doesn't mean it is...but it's a good practice to get used to it and laugh it off. Think of it as their loss.

I come from a different job category altogether but would like to weigh in. I was a college teacher and an RN. So I agree with you, the _____phrase is a desperate cry for help from a screenwriter searching for a producer. They forget that even a low budget film may run in the 3 to 5 millions range. Currently, I'm writing high concept specs (I'm retired), but would not ever approach a producer in this manner.... this fill in the blank ploy. I like a direct approach, yes, one that is professional, courteous, and humble as well. There are avenues to introduce your script to producers in much different ways (and better ways) than the 'pitch' presented. An brief example, a well thought out query for a start. The best advice is have a marketable concept first, then write a GREAT script. To do so, it requires education and writing every day. For me personally, my first three scripts were 'practice'. I am finally finding my own voice, and realize, that eventually, others will notice.

I'm looking for funding. Hope that's direct enough :p

Speaking of which, I'm seeking an angel investor for the REMAKE of "My Piece of Shit Movie"... it's gonna be mind-numbingly awful as most of the budget will go towards crafty and my Ferrari 348. I always feel like these networking sites are therapy/support groups for the unskilled dreamers... thanks for keeping it real. :-)

Jon... You made my day. But a question: How many personal house keepers will be necessary to serve breakfast and lunch along with a daily wash/wax of the Ferrari? A critical line-item not to be overlooked.

i agree also in a way, im new to all this but like hell im letting someone i dont know fund it and put my greatest creation of a script in their hands. nah nah aint happening! my head has all the scenes and action sequences played out, i dont want it ruined. id prefer to crowd fund it so everyone can be a part of it and enjoy it aswell and see what (I) created with my mind and hands.

i got the set designs,props,equipment, weapons, zombie designs, everything in my head.

assistant producers on the hand, i dont mind

Don't know if you have seen the Christmas Movie with the b-b gun, the famous leg lamp, and the young boy's tongue frozen on the mailbox, or not. Be careful of proclaiming the 'triple dog dare ya'.

Joe, I'm seeking a production company with a track record to consider collaboration in my project. The problem with getting any project off the ground is putting a package together. That package has to have a marketable name actor in order to attract distributors with the credit to fund it. The production company also has to be creditable with the distributor. If you can coordinate all that as a producer you can fund your production through pre-sales, equity investors, and tax credits. But the first step is to land that producer or production company that has the resources to give you a solid idea of where you can shoot with some decent incentives. You may have to compare a few of them to see which one works with your distributor. But first you need to schedule a tentative shoot based on your production company and budget. With that schedule you can go to prospective talent and offer the part. But you need to know you can pay them their rate up front with credit from the distributor. It's a chicken and egg thing. You need the name actor before you can land the distributor, and you need the distributor's backing and credit to pay the actor before they will sign. With this in mind, I'm looking for a producer or production company with solid local resources that can look at my script and give me a good idea of what I can expect if I go with them. Based on that, I may be able to convince a distributor and an actor or two, that I have a solid budget and schedule and with that name actor, a bank will fund the project.

how much do people usually ask for?...

I took one of Dov's courses and he is a straight shooter and hasa flair for keeping his students on their toes. The comment may be taken out of context by someone too sensitive to know better. We should all be sure of our writings or don't get involved in this business. We should be sure of our finished product or don't take it off the shelf. Confidence is an important piece of getting where you want to go. if you're not sure of your work what producer in his right mind would give you a chance. It may turn out to be a critics fodder but as a filmmaker we have to take that and learn from it. Critics aren't supposed to love it, your marketing team just has to.

Not me. I know the difference between a UPM and an equity investor. I also have a high school diploma.

Hilarious. john gehl