Expert: Phil Nemy - 11/30/2006

Question
Hello, I am a local producer/actor in the Cincinnati area. I have been working on our indie film for three years....the director and I have formed an LLC; namely, Post Mortem Film Productions. Our film; namely, ROGZIEL, is a SAG film...we have great talent and crew....I have been searching for financing of our film at the budget of $300,000 with no success. We either need one or several investors(Executive Producers) to give the film any justice...with the rules from teh Chicago SAG office, this would be considered an ultra low budget film....basically what they pay Johnny Deep, etc., in one day...so ironic. Please help point me to soureces, contacts, etc. You can view our two working trailers at YOUTUBE.com  

Thanks.

Answer
John,

Thanks for writing. I truly appreciate what you're up against. The biggest challenge facing filmmakers today is raising money to shoot and post your film. The sad reality is that without any name actors in your film, the chances of you raising the money you need are pretty slim. In addition, the chance of you securing a theatrical distribution agreement with no name stars is zilch.

That's the bad news.

The good news is that if you really put your mind to it, you probably could shoot your film for about $10,000 and then opt for the S.A.G. Experimental agreement where you don't have to pay your actors up front. At $10,000, you could fund your film from your credit cards.

To do this requires following strict guidelines. For example:
1) You shoot on digital not on film.
2) You edit in your own MAC computer, not on an expensive editing system at a post house.
3) Everyone works for free with payments being made if and when the film receives theatrical distribution.
4) Actors where their own clothes so you don't have to buy or rent wardrobe.
5) All you interior locations must be obtained for free.
6) All exterior locations are cheated, meaning you shoot them without a film permit (gotta keep an eye out for the city police so you don't get a fine!).
7) The script is adjusted for what you know you have.
8) Catering is kept to minimum.

And so on. Hope this helps!

Phil