Building a Slate of Films

 So here is the post I eluded too in my last post. 

I had a conversation with a potential investor/connector and I was told that the "ask" was too small. "Ask" is just a short hand term for "the amount of money you are asking for".  He basically told me that the investors that he represented would not see a significant enough return on investment to have this investment be worth the time it would take to set the deal in motion. It makes sense if your used to moving around large chunks of millions of dollars. If you think about it, you or I wouldn't do it either. 

The long and the short of it is a slate of films packaged in the millions of dollars was ultimately discussed and I have begun to put this together. This was suggested too me. Which has never been offered or suggested before. Naturally we started with a slate 3 years ago when this project first came across my desk. Nobody then was interested. It was "too much money". 

So now, I am definitely taking projects...packaged projects only. I will break down what that means and why. This is real and happening right now, the funny thing is. Not many people read this blog so I don't expect to get a single submission. If you have a packaged film send it here.                                              [ steelphoenixchicago@gmail.com ] This is a specific email for this. I will see it and begin the VETT. Must include contact info. No contact info it gets deleted. Put "Film Slate Consideration" in the subject line. 

 

A packaged project: This is a project that has a good script (not necessarily a great script), that has people attached. So that means, at least one producer that has produced more than one feature length film from beginning to end. This producer should be contractually attached and ideally someone who has worked with $500k budget or more. The higher the budgets they have worked on the better. The writer can be first time but it is better if they have credits under there name. THE DIRECTOR MUST HAVE DIRECTED AT LEAST ONE FILM OF FEATURE LENGTH THAT GOT DISTRIBUTED. You must also have at least one actor signed on that is some sort of name. 

The variations to this are if you bring in one or more people that are a strong name. So if Aaron Sorkin writes the script and Johnny Depp wants to play the lead you don't need anybody else. If the director won at Sundance or another major festival it can help with the producer not having as much experience. But in that situation you would want at least a B-named actor attached. 

What will not be considered. 1 sheet ideas, 1st draft scripts, pitch decks with only no names attached in the above the line section. I can't even submit these things for myself. Keep in mind, anytime your submitting to a producer who is also a film maker that your ideas and projects are actually competing with that producers ideas. (I started doing this to make my ideas, just like you). You cannot expect studios or major production companies to look at your "great idea" when they are full of people that already work at those places who are trying to get there own ideas made. You MUST BRING SOMETHING TO THE TABLE THAT THEY DON'T ALREADY HAVE.

It took me forever to understand this, I really had to see it for it too click. If you don't have this yet, go work indie films. Start with what ever will take you, and work your way up in terms of budgets. $50K shorts that need a locations person. Then jump on $110K short as a Associate Producer, or whatever you can get in the producer world. This also works if you want to be a director but really if that's what you want you need to be directing as much as possible. 

Ok that's basically it. You guys have a good day out there and don't ever give up. If everybody knew what we knew about film they would all be trying to do it! Stay in love with the process and keep growing.