Joe BApr 11th, 2006 - 06:16:51

How hard was it to get finance for this movie? Did you have to stump up any of your own cash?

Thanks

Joe

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Jeff BrookshireApr 11th, 2006 - 07:15:28

Financing is never easy. Money is always the trickiest part. (1) It's all about who you know and what your track record is. Once you are past filming, it is possible to get finishing funds if your product is good enough but you end up sacrificing some of the profits as well. If you are starting from scratch and do not already have any investors, you need to link some known actors to your project. Again, this is no easier than raising the money unless you know someone already. The other option is, of course, to do it yourself. Just know that you really need to do your research,scale back your screenplay to what you can afford, prepare like a madman and think it through. On any scale, you will need roughly 30% to 40% set aside for post production/advertising/etc. You have to have money for every step. Getting it made is tough enough. There are hundreds of unfinished films sitting out there every year. Because they weren't well planned. And it is worth mentioning that you shouldn't even try ANY of the above unless you have a GREAT screenplay. Not a good one. Not one that your girlfriend and your buddies like but a GREAT one. And the only way to know that is to professionals read it, people used to reading screenplays. And you should have written three or four screenplays before this one because the storytelling skill needs to be exercised and strengthened.

But there are crappy movies made all the time! Yes but refer back to (1). People who know people and have track records can make films. Now, this advice may seem harsh but I greatly revere filmmakers...every one. I know how hard it is to make a film. Tarantino and Rodriguez are great role models for indie filmmakers. Their stories may help. But, when all is said and done, if you want to make a film...do it. At any level you can. Respect the process, research, plan and just do it. I wish you the best of luck. Just remember, once you start...never stop!

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ZakApr 11th, 2006 - 09:50:22

Yeah, but money is just one hurdle. Once you are 'in the can' how the heck to you get it distributed? It is not easy to find a distributor - or is it?

Oh, and what about film festivals?

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Jeff BrookshireApr 12th, 2006 - 01:13:51

First a disclaimer that what I am providing in this column is an opinion only.

Refer back to the earlier commentary. Making a film and getting it 'on the shelf' is not easy. Ever. It's not easy in the studio system where politics, personalities, fiancing and too many opinions make it diffucult to get something pushed through. It's even harder out here in the independent realm. But the only effective way to look at your movie is this. Be focused and never stop pushing for the final result...having your movie in front of the public and always take it one step at a time. Once you have a finished product, IF the STORY is orginal, well written, and your characters are compelling, then it up to you to get it in front of as many people as possible. If you have a very strong product, you should be able to find some distributor. It may not be the big one you are looking for but the distributors NEED product. Customers walk into the video store every day looking for interesting movie they haven't seen before. The other thing to consider is what your story is about. An angst ridden self introspective about a middle class child growing up in middle America and being misunderstood by his/her parents is harder to sell than a movie that reflects the current hot trends in national and international films. The same trends that the distributors and studios follow. That might rankle the creative souls and artists out there but remember that Spielberg didn't start his career with SHINDLER'S LIST. He began with that psycho truck driver movie and JAWS. Then, once he was established, he was able to do more personal work.

Let's face it. EVERYONE wants to be in the movie business. LA is filled with hundreds of thousands of actors, writers, producers, composers and son on. Very few ever make it. It's a reality. A movie has to be THAT good that it will stand out. The rest, distribution, is attainable. You just have to be peristent, have a great support base and never lose faith in yourself.

As always, good luck. And, if you have already made a film, I applaud you because I know how hard it is to do. If the first 99 doors are closed, try the 100th. If that door is closed, try the back door or a window.

All the best.

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samantha hansomMay 4th, 2006 - 12:40:45

how long does it normally take to film and edit a film i do nd media at newcastle college and i no it is generally hard work but it only takes a few weeks for us but i would like to no info about it please

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ReplyMay 4th, 2006 - 16:40:24

Rather than give you pages and pages of information and opinions here, I want to respond carefully. Our timeframe for the film, which from conception to release is less than 12 months, is fast compared to most other smaller budget indie films. Most big budget films take years to get through the process and they have big bucks and top notch pros to handle issues. There's a vast difference between doing a small student project at school with school resources and student help and the real world. Just try it and see. There are funding issues, legal issues (Music rights, composer agreements, etc.), scheduling conflicts, publicity issues, and more.

In smaller films, the principals involved handle more of the tasks and wear many hats and that also takes time. In the real world, every step takes time and money. The people you hire have schedules you need to work within as well. And so on. But the real reason these things take time is that you are trying to put together a feature film that is quality and will sell and flourish in what is, perhaps, the most competitive market in the world.

You watch and craft and screen and revise over and over until it becomes something that shines. Pick up a copy of the weekly print version of THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER and you will see pre-production info for hundreds of films (And those are only the ones savvy enough to post a notice with THR). Track those films and see how long it takes before they are complete. You'll see what I mean. Most takes years and many of the indie films never even finish. Or simply visit the AFM film market and look at the hundreds of well financed indie films taht are produced with known actors and it will alarm you how many of those ever get picked up. So time is not the real issue.

Marketable quality is.

I hope this helps. I produced as well as wrote, directed and edited the film. And you always need to keep the end goal in mind. Commerce. It is an artistic medium with certain technical demands but never forget that it is called 'The movie business' or 'Show business'. I wish you all the best for the future.

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DistributionMar 15th, 2007 - 02:50:12

I just wanted to announce that AWAKEN THE DEAD has secured distribution through Brain Damage Films. The first ramification of this will be Brain Damage taking AWAKEN THE DEAD to the upcoming Hong Kong Film Market. Thank you to everyone for your support. We expect a US release later this year.

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Rick F.Aug 17th, 2007 - 10:17:16

It's been a long time Jeff! About 27 years! Very happy to see you made something of your writing skills! I hope this one is as good as the one you wrote about going cross country in a bus and trying to use the bathroom at 65mph.

Hope the family is doing well.

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