Screenwriters & Filmmakers - Pitching the Cold Heart of the
Article:
(Copyright 2005)
Can a creative pitch alone get your script produced? Pitching
the script is an art that is much talked about, put into college
curriculums and lauded by the Pop Culture. But, there's a big
factor missing from creative pitches. It's fundamental; but
broadly ignored by key creative people.
For over 20 years I've been hired by Film Financiers (Studio
Exec's, Bonding Companies, etc.) to watch over their investment
during the film's production. I've also had more than a few
independent filmmakers ask me for help in getting their film off
the ground. So, I've been rubbing elbows with the elusive Film
Financier (of one stripe or another) for some time.
Creative screenwriters, directors and filmmakers, especially
when they're new at the game of film production, conceive that
the money for wonderful scripts should be found - like apples
dropping from a tree. 'Fraid not. Filmmaking is as much about
the money as it is about the creative.
The person who you're pitching may be wearing blue jeans and
topsiders, but he's still a Financier (or his immediate superior
is). When pitching your script, think - I'm looking into the
cold heart of a banker.
Learn to be familiar enough with the costs of your script to
defend it in the language of money. Then, you'll be able to look
any Studio Exec in the eye and mean what you say in his/her
language.
But, you say, I'm creative! What do I know about money, and
financing, and accounting, and, and..... Take heart. It's a heck
of a lot easier than you may think.
Pitch the Script...But Don't Forget The Money Independent
screenwriters, directors and producers are fervently connected
to their scripts and can pitch them anywhere, at anytime. But
can a creative pitch alone get the film made?
It's very rare. Think about it. You're dealing with the M
word....MONEY! So, yeah, pitch your heart out. But, hey, isn't
it reasonable to learn some of the language of the person you
really want to work with? To my mind, that's the only way to be
credible in the eyes of the Financiers. Remember that we're
talking about INDEPENDENT Film Financing and not about getting
swept through the red carpet of the major studios.
There's a two step process going on here: 1.Pitch the script
2.Create confidence that the film CAN be produced within defined
dollar limits.
Translate Creative Ideas Into 'Money Talk' Being bright and
creative is pretty much the norm in the film industry. But,
being bright and creative, AND knowing how to translate creative
ideas into 'money talk' elevates you way ahead of the pack.
To deliver a good pitch, have answers to these key questions
about your screenplay: - How you will achieve and produce your
vision, yet still stay within a predetermined budget. - What's
important about money in film production, and what's not, and
how to bring it up in the pitch. - What are some of the
'Insider' secrets about film budgeting and reporting that YOU
can use to your advantage? - Regardless if you're a film
director/ producer/screenwriter/ crew/ film student/ etc., film
budgets and cost reports have something to do with you and your
goals. Be prepared to bring this topic up when you pitch your
screenplay.
You get the idea. Learn to be familiar enough with the costs of
your script to defend it in the language of money. Then, you'll
be able to pitch your script in a very powerful language - the
language of MONEY.
Sign up for a series of seven articles - all only about 3 to 5
pages each which will give you insight into most of your 'pitch
the money' problems, at http://www.talkfilm.biz .
Here are the article titles: 1. MAKING IT! In Film Production 2.
Introduction to 'Directing the Money' 3. Translating Ideas Into
'Money Talk' 4. Your Participation In Above-the-Line Budgeting
5. Your Participation In Below-the-Line Budgeting 6. Your Report
Card - The Internationally Recognized Cost Report 7.
Presentation of the Weekly Cost Report - It's As Important As
the Dailies
John Gaskin
With over 20 years experience and 40+ film productions, John has
worked with some of the industries top professionals, including
academy award winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer. John brings
his expertise to aspiring & established film professionals.
About the author:
John Gaskin is a 20 year veteran of the film industry. As one of
the most sought after Film Production Auditors he's learned a
thing or two about managing films and assisting creative people
achieve their visions in film. Learn more about the driving
force behind all film production. Sign up for 7 free articles
at: http://www.talkfilm.biz
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