Expert: Phil Nemy - 2/24/2009

Question
Hi there,

Hopefully this isn't too strange a question.

I'm a 24 year old filmmaker, just finishing up on my first no budget feature which even at this stage is looking very good.

I am planning to go to Hollywood in June/July/August, and as well as my finished film (which may have a distributor by then) I have a copious amount of spec scripts, including specifics in relation to their subsequent studio.

My question is, upon arriving, what would be the best advice you could give me? Obviously I have stripped down most of the details about me and my work, but given the stuff I have mentioned; I get off the plane and...

Should I approach the major studios? Agents? Indies?

I don't have an agent and that is one thing I feel I need while there; is this right?

Any advice you could give me, including anything I haven't mentioned but you feel is relevant would be greatly appreciated.

kind Regards

JR

Answer
JR,

Thanks for writing. Congratulations on shooting your first feature. That's a big step and one most young filmmakers only dream of. So you're a step ahead of all of them. Kudos!

It's a difficult task to pursue a directing career. If you've got a completed film, one that you're incredibly proud of and shows off your talent to the best of your ability, then you need to get it seen by as many people as possible. Assuming you have the financial support to do this, I would set up a few screenings in some nice small screening rooms in LA when you get here. Invite agents, managers, distributors, studio & TV execs, commercial production companies, etc. You want people who may respond to your film to be there, people with whom you can network, find representation and pursue jobs through. Pad your screening audience with a medium-sized number of friends who will LAUGH when the funny moments occur, CRY when those occur, and basically "prove" to the movers & shakers that your film is good and you're a talent. Filling a theater ONLY with industry pros is the kiss of death, regardless of how good your film is. Increase your odds by stocking it with "ringers."

As far as having other scripts, only pitch one or two that you are incredibly, incredibly passionate about. So when someone says what you want to do next, you can push the two you really, really, really want to do. Be open to doing other things that someone else brings you. Remember, you need to keep working, keep plying your craft. The more projects you direct, the better you'll get at directing. If you don't direct, the tougher it will be TO get directing work. So never say no to a chance to direct something, even if it's for little money or no pay at all. Just keep working, building a resume, and developing your talent. The rest will come with time.

The bottom line is this - you essentially get ONE shot at having industry pros attend a screening of your work. If you think it's good, but by industry standards it's not up to snuff, you'll never get them to attend again and you can forget about being hired to direct anything. So make damn sure that the film you show is ready, is THE BEST that it can be. Not THE BEST for the money you had. No one cares about what money you had if it looks cheazy. It's gotta be GREAT, and if made for no money, then it's even BETTER! Get it?

Hope this helps. Send me a DVD copy when you have it finished (35 West Main St., Suite 117B, Ventura, CA 93001)

Good luck!

Phil