Bill Mechanic’s Address to Indies

Bill Mechanic’s address to the Independent Film & Television Production Conference on Sept 29/09. If you haven’t seen this yet, it’s well worth the read. I’ve worked with Bill Mechanic on “Dark Water”. He was a gentleman who is the antithesis of the “Hollywood Producer”.

MAKING IT in Film Production

Do you, or do you want to, work on film productions? If you want to expand in your career in film, this article will help you make it!
BECOMING A PRODUCER
Why aren’t there more Props Masters, Sound Mixers, Costume Supervisors, Key Grips, etc. becoming Line Producers, Producers-For-Hire or UPM’s? Why aren’t more crew reaching the level [...]

The Spirit Is Willing But the Money Is Weak

Recently I’ve been exposed to some First Nation’s (also referred to as American Natives, aboriginals, Metis) talent – writing, acting, music – and, it’s GOOD. The spirit is there in the culture, the music, the tradition. There’s just the familiar lament of – no investment money. No money to attract investors, no money from the [...]

Managing the Film Production

Tom Garrett, a professor at the University of Tampa, an experienced professional in film production and distribution, is very excited about finding a book that deals with a film production topic that just isn’t available anywhere else – Directing the Money. Here’s what he has to say about it:
 ”John Gaskin is film professional that instills trust and [...]

Producing Film Projects As A Service – A Tough Prospect

Producing film projects is not always the endless task of “finding Waldo..oops, the Money”. There are many small production companies that do what’s called in the biz, “service work”. The servicing production company, located in the local area where the film is to be shot, is skilled in finding the best local crew, locations, equipment deals, [...]

Film budget for a Mini-Series

Yesterday, during a film budgeting meeting in early development,  I was forced into a corner to estimate the tax credit refund for a mini-series.
The tax credit rebates have become a source of funding for independent filmmakers – but it’s tricky on two fronts. It’s now vital that all independent film producers know the basics about the [...]

Indi Film Production

When trying to get your screenplay produced and distributed there are moments of despair – especially if you’ve travelled the road a while and have studied what the universities have to offer. The basic elements of Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post and Distribution are interesting diversions when compared with the real process of raising confidence, collaboration and [...]