The Path To Production
Or how to get your project from here to there
Last week we talked about what your movie *should* cost and I wanted to pick up the conversation today on the topic of backing into your film’s budget and how to even get there in the first place.
But before I do that, just a reminder that today is the last day to register for EFM Early Bird if you plan on attending in person. If you have a feature or series project that you’re considering trying to put together via international co-production financing, then you might consider attending as it’s one of the market’s specialities.
Or if you need help launching a project there even if you can’t attend yourself check out my Film Market Consulting and get in touch if it’s a fit for where you are.
The Path To Production
These days, the first thing I consider when taking on a project is the actual path to production. Even before I do a formal budget breakdown I ask myself-
• Is the genre marketable?
• Is there talent attached that I think will appeal to buyers and financiers? (producing team, director, actors) or is this a ‘naked’ script that needs a ton of heavy lifting?
• If there’s not talent attached yet do I think the material can attract marketable talent or do I know anyone off the top of my head I want to submit it to? Which directors would jump at the chance to be involved?
• Is there underlying IP to strengthen the package?
• Is the general budget range something in line with market realities?
• Do I have possible financiers in mind or streaming platform that will finance?
And probably other questions I’m forgetting!
Essentially what is the path to getting this project from where it is now to final distribution outcome? If it’s a project I can get behind fully, then it’s time to engage further and figure out how we’re going to reverse engineer ourselves into a budget the market will support.
The market is a fickle place and cycles in and out of budgets, genres, revenue estimates and everything else - so it pays to stay on top of this stuff by way of going to markets and festivals (or studying from afar) and being in the loop on what the realities of the market are.
When I was a sales agent, this was all just part of the job. As a producer actually it’s still part of the job and greatly informs the work I choose to take on and stay committed to.
Once we get past what the path to production the next step in the process is putting together a package that justifies the level of budget you’re initially envisioning, so I’ll pick up packaging in my next installment.
In the mean time, what questions do you have about the path to production? Add them to the comments below and let’s start a discussion.
On that note, I’ll wrap things up for today! I hope you have a fabulous day ahead and I’ll speak to you again soon…
To your success,
Stacey
PS: Want access to my newly updated Distribution and Development/Packaging Resource Kits? Access them for free as an FS Pro Member - learn more and join here.