Maximize your film's potential by understanding the pros and cons of debt and equity financing.

WHY IT MATTERS…

As an independent filmmaker with a budget between $100,000 and $5 million, understanding the difference between debt and equity financing is crucial in making the most out of your limited resources. Knowing which financing option is best for your project can mean the difference between a successful film and a financial flop.

THE BIG PICTURE…

One recent example of a low-budget film that made a big impact is "Honeyland", a documentary about a beekeeper in North Macedonia. The film was made on a budget of just $300,000, but went on to win numerous awards and even received an Academy Award nomination. However, the filmmakers behind "Honeyland" didn't just rely on a small budget to make their film a success - they also made strategic decisions about financing. By understanding the pros and cons of both debt and equity financing, they were able to secure the funding they needed to make their film a reality.

ZOOM IN…

For example, the filmmakers behind "Honeyland" chose to use equity financing, which meant they sold shares in the film to investors in exchange for funding. This allowed them to avoid taking on debt and incurring interest, but it also meant they had to give up some control over the film's creative direction.

On the other hand, if they had chosen debt financing, they would have taken out a loan to fund the film, but would have had more control over the project. Debt financing is a method of raising funds for a low-budget film by borrowing money from a lender such as a bank, credit union, or investment company. The borrower is then required to pay back the loan, plus interest, over a specified period of time. Debt financing can come in the form of a traditional bank loan, a line of credit, or a crowdfunding campaign.

ACTION ITEMS…

• Research different types of financing, including debt and equity options, to understand which one is best for your film.

• Consult with a financial advisor or accountant to help you make informed decisions about your film's budget and financing.

• Look into grants and other forms of non-traditional funding to supplement your film's budget.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-you-know-the-difference-debt-vs-equity-financing/id1653653715?i=1000595242287

Master the art of pitching your indie film with a compelling deck.

WHY IT MATTERS…

A pitch deck is a crucial tool for independent filmmakers to secure funding and partnerships.

THE BIG PICTURE…

A pitch deck is a visual presentation that highlights the key elements of your film project, including the story, cast, crew, and budget. It's used to persuade potential investors, partners, and other stakeholders to get behind your project. One example of this is when the independent film THUNDER ROAD used a pitch deck to convince investors to back the project, successfully raising its $269,000 budget, with the film going on to win SXSW once finished and launching Jim Cummings career.

ZOOM IN…

A pitch deck typically includes slides on the film's concept and plot, the key cast and crew members, the production schedule, and the budget. It should also include visual elements, such as concept art and storyboards, to help bring the film to life for the audience. Finally and most important— it should show how the filmmakers intend to distribute and recoup the investors’ investment while yielding a return on investment.

ACTION ITEMS…

• Research pitch deck templates and examples to get a sense of the standard structure and elements. Here is a link to my most recent pitch deck.

• Practice your pitch and presentation skills to effectively convey the passion and potential of your project.

• Seek feedback from industry professionals and make adjustments to improve your pitch deck before presenting to potential investors.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elements-of-producing-narrated-articles/id1653653715?i=1000594491434

GO DEEPER…

Here is a sample slide deck outline for an independent feature film with a budget of under $300,000:

• Slide 1: Title Slide - Film title and contact information

• Slide 2: Concept - A brief overview of the film's concept and genre, usually including a logline.

• Slide 3: Story - A summary of the film's plot, including the main characters and their arcs

• Slide 4: Comparatives - Compares the project with similar successful films in terms of genre, audience, and target market to convey its potential for success.

• Slide 5: Financing - Information on the film's current funding and a pitch for potential investors. Including Marketing and distribution plan

• Slide 4: Budget - A breakdown of the film's budget, including projected revenue and expenses

• Slide 6: Marketing & Distribution - A plan for how the film will be marketed and distributed, including festival submissions and potential distribution deals

• Slide 7: Production Plan - A detailed production schedule, including location scouting, pre-production, principal photography, and post-production

• Slide 8: Visual Elements - Concept art, storyboards, or footage to give a sense of the film's visual style and tone

• Slide 9: Cast & Crew - Introduction of the key cast and crew members, including their previous work and why they were chosen for the film

• Slide 10: Contact Information - Contact information for the filmmakers and a call to action for investors to get involved.

You can also add additional slides if necessary. It's important to keep in mind that a pitch deck should be visually engaging and easy to understand, and it should effectively convey the passion and potential of the project.

If you learn how to secure funding for your film project, you’ll never work starve again.

WHY IT MATTERS…

Finding investors is crucial for independent filmmakers to bring their projects to life.

THE BIG PICTURE…

Independent filmmaking can be a challenging and expensive endeavor. One of the most significant challenges is securing funding for the project. In today's competitive film market, it is essential for independent filmmakers to be able to locate and pitch potential investors effectively.

An excellent example of a low-budget independent film that was able to attract investors is "Tangerine" directed by Sean Baker. The film was shot entirely on an iPhone 5s and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. This helped the film to secure distribution deals and attract backend investors as well as investors for future projects.

ZOOM IN…

Networking events such as film festivals, industry conferences, and pitch fests are great opportunities for independent filmmakers to connect with potential investors. These events offer a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, meet industry professionals and pitch their project to potential investors.

ACTION ITEMS…

• Research and attend industry events to connect with potential investors.

• Create a compelling pitch deck or pitch video to showcase your project.

• Utilize social media and online resources to build relationships and connect with potential investors.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elements-of-producing-narrated-articles/id1653653715?i=1000594284672

Don't let on-set problems derail your film. Learn how to effectively deal with location difficulties, uncooperative talent, and crew-related issues.

WHY IT MATTERS…

As an independent filmmaker, every production day counts. By learning how to handle common on-set issues, you can keep your film on track and within budget, ensuring that you can bring your vision to life.

THE BIG PICTURE…

The production of the indie film "Moonlight" was not without its share of challenges. For example, the film's director, Barry Jenkins, had to work with a limited budget and short shooting schedule. Additionally, the film's Florida setting presented logistical issues, such as finding locations that could double as 1980s Miami. However, Jenkins and his team were able to overcome these challenges and ultimately create a critically acclaimed film.

ZOOM IN…

Let's say you're shooting a scene outdoors and the weather takes a turn for the worse. Instead of letting the rain ruin your day, consider rescheduling the shoot or finding an indoor location that will work as a substitute. If you're having trouble with a particular actor, try having a conversation to address their concerns or consider finding a replacement. And if you're dealing with crew-related issues, try to identify the root cause and work together to find a solution.

ACTION ITEMS…

• Develop a contingency plan: It's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. This might involve having backup locations or props on hand, or having a Plan B for key scenes.

• Communicate effectively: Clear communication is key to any successful production. Make sure to clearly articulate your expectations to your team and address any concerns or issues that arise as soon as possible.

• Seek out resources: If you're facing a particularly tricky problem, don't be afraid to seek out resources or advice from others in the industry. There are plenty of online communities and forums where you can get support and guidance from experienced professionals.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elements-of-producing-narrated-articles/id1653653715?i=1000593838775

As a low-budget independent filmmaker, creating a film schedule may seem like an insurmountable task. But with careful planning and organization, you can make a schedule that helps bring your vision to life without breaking the bank.

WHY IT MATTERS…

A film schedule helps keep production on track and ensures that all necessary tasks are completed within a reasonable amount of time. It also helps allocate resources effectively and can save money by avoiding costly reshoots or delays.

THE BIG PICTURE…

When creating a film schedule, it's important to consider the entire production process from start to finish. This includes pre-production (such as casting, location scouting, and rehearsals), principal photography, and post-production (editing, scoring, and special effects). Each step should be broken down into smaller, manageable tasks and assigned to specific team members or departments.

ZOOM IN…

For example, let's say you're making a short film that takes place in a single location. During pre-production, you'll need to scout and secure the location, cast actors, and rehearse the script. During principal photography, you'll need to set up the shoot and capture all necessary footage. Finally, during post-production, you'll need to edit the footage, add any special effects, and complete any necessary scoring.

ACTION ITEMS…

Here are three actions you can take to create a successful film schedule on a low budget:

1. Use a project management tool like Trello or Asana to keep track of tasks and deadlines.

2. Communicate with your team regularly to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that tasks are being completed on time.

3. Be flexible and willing to make changes as needed. Things may not always go as planned, so it's important to be able to pivot and adapt to new circumstances.

GO DEEPER…

Here is an example of a film schedule for a short film with a budget of $10,000 and a shooting schedule of 10 days:

• Day 1: Pre-production meetings, location scouting

• Day 2: Casting, rehearsals

• Day 3: Set design, props

• Day 4: Costumes, makeup

• Day 5-9: Principal photography (8 hour days)

• Day 10: Wrap party

• Day 11-14: Post-production (editing, scoring, special effects)

• Day 15: Final review and delivery

This schedule assumes that all pre-production tasks (such as scriptwriting and financing) have already been completed. It also allows for some flexibility in case there are any unexpected delays or changes during the shoot.

Keep in mind that this is just one example, and every film will have its own unique schedule based on the needs and resources of the production. It's important to be as detailed and organized as possible to ensure that everything runs smoothly and stays within budget.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elements-of-producing-narrated-articles/id1653653715?i=1000593838701

Want to secure funding for your indie feature film? Follow these tips for pitching investors.

WHY IT MATTERS…

It is essential for independent filmmakers to secure funding in order to bring their film visions to life. Pitching investors can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and preparation, it can lead to the successful funding of your film.

THE BIG PICTURE…

Unlike studio films, indie projects often rely on a patchwork of grants, private investors, and crowdfunding campaigns to get made. This means that filmmakers need to be creative, persistent, and strategic in order to succeed.

ZOOM IN…

For example, let's say you are an independent filmmaker preparing to pitch your second feature film to potential investors. One key tip is to focus on the market potential of your film. While it's important to have a clear and compelling artistic vision, investors are ultimately looking for projects that will turn a profit. Make sure to research your target audience and have concrete data to back up your claims about the film's potential financial success.

ACTION ITEMS…

1. Build relationships: Networking and building relationships with industry professionals can open doors to funding opportunities. Attend film festivals and industry events, and make sure to follow up with any connections you make.

2. Research potential investors: It is important to tailor your pitch to each investor, so it is helpful to research their interests and investment history.

3. Practice your pitch: Rehearsing your pitch in front of friends, colleagues, or pitch coaches can help you refine your delivery and address any potential weaknesses. It's important to have a concise and compelling summary of your project ready to go at all times.

4. Utilize online resources: There are many online resources and pitch competitions available for independent filmmakers to connect with potential investors. Utilizing these opportunities can increase your chances of finding the right fit for your film.

5. Explore alternative funding options: Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to funding your film. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Wefunder can be a great way to get your project off the ground, and grants from organizations like the Sundance Institute can provide vital support.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elements-of-producing-narrated-articles/id1653653715?i=1000593838747

If you are studying films to inspire your own filmmaking, that’s great. But, if you only watch them in one way (with full sound & with full picture) then you might be doing it wrong.

WHY IT MATTERS…

Jordan Peele once said something like “take your eight favorite movies, smash those together, and make that film” (paraphrased).

This is because viewing the works of other directors and filmmakers tend to inspire us to be a better artist. It can also help us with creative problems. After all, nothing new is under the sun.

ZOOM IN…

When breaking down and studying films of other filmmakers our goal is to find nuggets of inspiration. Here are the four ways I watch a film:

• with Full Sound & with Full Picture

• with Full Sound & without Picture

• without Sound & with Full Picture

• with Director’s Commentary Sound & with Full Picture

Reviewing films I’m studying this way gives me four unique opportunities to learn techniques, tricks, and workarounds. You can see what works— easily.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elements-of-producing-narrated-articles/id1653653715?i=1000593832072

Not sure if you’re a producer? Ask this one question— Do you make shit?

THE BIG PICTURE…

Producers play a crucial role. They are the executives of a project. Responsible for oversight of all aspects of a film's production. Think securing funding and contracts to managing budgets and schedules. Without producers, films would not be able to get off the ground and make it to the big screen.

ZOOM IN…

• One of the main responsibilities of a producer is to secure financing for a film. This involves finding investors who are willing to fund the project. Negotiating deals with studios as well as distributors.

• The producer generally creates the budget for the film to ensure that it stays on track. Usually, working with the director. Additionally, they coordinate with the production team to ensure everything remains on schedule.

• In addition to managing the finances, producers are also responsible for the logistics of the production. This includes hiring crew members, securing locations, and ensuring that all necessary equipment is available. They must also manage the schedule, making sure that everyone is where they need to be at the right time and that the production stays on track.

• Lastly, producers also play a key role in the creative process. They work to help bring the film to life. This can involve providing feedback on the script and helping to shape the vision of the project.

WHY IT MATTERS…

Overall, producers are essential to the success of a film. Without their expertise in financing, logistics, and creative collaboration, many films would never be made. They are the driving force behind the production, and their hard work and dedication are what make it possible for audiences to enjoy the finished film.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elements-of-producing-narrated-articles/id1653653715?i=1000593831974

The development phase of independent filmmaking sucks. It’s hard work and many brain hours spent iterating. Throwing bad ideas out with the trash, as quickly as they come.

WHY IT MATTERS...

The development phase of independent filmmaking is the shaping phase. Filmmakers work to carve their projects into a fully-realized story, complete with a solid script and a clear plan for production.

ZOOM OUT...

During the development phase of filmmaking, filmmakers must:

• Come up with a concept

• Translate the concept into a script

• Build budgets and schedules to secure funding

• Attach collaborators

ZOOM IN...

Concepts can be challenging. They require filmmakers to not only come up with a unique and engaging story but also to figure out how to translate that story into a visual medium. Once a concept has been decided on, the next step is to write a script. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the story and the skill of the writer.

Once the script is complete, the next step is to secure funding for the film. This can be a difficult process, as independent filmmakers often have to rely on a combination of private investors, grants, and crowdfunding to finance their projects. However, with the rise of platforms like Kickstarter, Seed & Spark, and Wefunder, it has become easier for independent filmmakers to secure funding from a wider audience.

Once funding is secured, the next step is to assemble a team to bring the film to life. This includes hiring actors, a director, a cinematographer, and other key crew members. The casting process can cause headaches. Independent filmmakers often have to work with smaller budgets and may not have the same resources as major studios.

THE BIG PICTURE…

Ultimately, the development phase of independent filmmaking is a crucial process that requires a combination of creativity, hard work, and perseverance. While the road to making an independent film can be difficult, the reward of bringing a unique and original story to the screen makes it all worth it.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elements-of-producing-narrated-articles/id1653653715?i=1000593829167

This is not your normal newsletter.

We are in a golden age of word dumping, aka the art of being verbose to inflate one’s own ego. The Elements of Producing is not that. It’s short blurbs on the style of producing and life's waypoints, all from a proven Executive Producer— Mike Rekola.

WHY IT MATTERS…

Smart Brevity, that’s the goal. Distill important concepts (about life, self-discovery, and filmmaking)— quickly and succinctly. Earning you, time back to enjoy the silence.

• Humans spend an average of 26 seconds reading content.

• Humans scan, not read, almost everything that pops up on our screens.

• It takes only 17 milliseconds for our brain to decide if we like what we see, otherwise, we move on to the next article, tweet, meme, or text.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

All creators face an epic challenge: How do I get others to pay attention, in this dumpster fire of adulting?

MY ANSWER: I’ll honor you, my reader with the Smart Brevity Pledge.

I promise to share with you new and revolutionary ideas. Then stop. I won’t dilute it with flourishing words, long caveats, nor pointless asides.

GO DEEPER…

• Smart Brevity is a concept designed by Axios founders": Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz. You can pick up their manual of style, here.

• Watch Jim’s TED Talk on Smart Brevity 👇