Let the Chase Begin
I figured it was a good catch phrase for the next step in this process of filmmaking. Chasing the elusive dollar that is needed to produce and make a film. To this point I have been in front of the camera - acting, and in front of a computer - writing screenplays. Now I am taking on a new role, that of a producer/executive producer and helping to raise funds for a film.
I won't get into the politics of crowd funding versus investment financing to raise money for films, because the advocates for both are passionate and often cut-throat about their positions. More important is my desire to create something unique, something incredible and visually beautiful that audiences will find themselves engrossed in, and forget about life for a while. But to make that happen (usually), you need money.
Terry Green, a very successful filmmaker from the mid-west taught me, that one thing you absolutely want to learn about film - is finance. To know how to raise money and to understand the financial side of the business. It is so crucial to a good production and I am becoming more and more aware of that importance every day. For the record, I am a big advocate of Robert Rodriguez who essentially says, "Get a camera and make a movie. Just get out there and 'make' a movie". There is so much to be said for that view of filmmaking as well, because it gives so much encouragement to those who believe in being creative and simply telling a story. 'Everyone' has to start somewhere.
With that said, knowing the finite intricacies of finance can get you a long way too. I am finding this out firsthand as I am on the road raising investor funds for two films to be produced in July and August of 2013 (Serial Daters Anonymous/Hash Browns) My young and growing production company Polarity Media Productions, LLC is learning just how challenging the business and process of film production can be. I am currently in talks, meetings, letter writing and networking to secure the funds to produce these two films. It is challenging, but educational and eye-opening. It's about meeting great people, seeing if where they are financially is in line with the creativity and need that I have with the projects I am selling. It's getting people to believe in you (me) and what it is we are trying to bring to life.
Sales are tough to begin with and you have to walk away from "no" with the same confidence as you first walked into the meeting with. It builds character and builds confidence. One of the greatest satisfactions are when someone does say "yes", and you get that feeling of euphoria that something wonderful has happened and that 'someone' shares your passion for the project.
It's very exciting and simply adds to the enthusiasm of taking a thought that you or someone else had (a story), putting it on paper (screenplay), and bringing it to life through the camera and sound (film/movie) - to give viewers and audiences something to feel on a personal level. Pretty cool!
The chase has begun...and I am extremely excited to see these projects to fruition...and help create something incredible. Stay tuned...
