About DavideAndrew Papa Expertise DavideAndrew Papa is able to answer specific questions relating to Acting, Script wiriting,production,directing and Producing 35 mm motion Pictures for International distribution,based on AMPAS protocols,and personal opionions based on experience.
Experience
Past/Present clients Have dealt with Los angeles biggest talent agencies,and hollywoods biggest distribution companies...too numerous to mention here(due to confidentiality clauses)
Expert: DavideAndrew Papa Date: 7/17/2002 Subject: Film Production
Question Hi, first of all , thank you very much for being a part of All Experts. My name is Christina Del Posso and I have worked as a TV commercial director for about 5 years in South America. I am living in Los Angeles now and want to start a film production company.
I already have a script that I would like to produce. My questions are
1- How do I budget my script here in America ?
2- How do I get investors/ financing ?
3- Is there any software out there that could help me ?
4- How do I contact cast agencies to give the script to a certain actor ?
5- How do I approach a major studio, as a producer ?
Thank you very much for your time. I appreciate any help you could give me.
Answer Dear Christina,
The questions you ask are difficult to answer on this forum..I have been through everyone of the questions asked that you have defined..and the answers are difficult.
First see the last page titled FILM STUDIES on www.sicaplanet.freeservers.com it gives well defined information based on experience which will help.
Budget for script..?As a Director your Creative side is showing...Now you have to put such creativity aside and become a Producer/Entrepreneur..You have to do all the work in getting a sound budget in place..based on your SCRIPT Breakdown.It cost nothing to do,but may take years to complete...unless you have cash,then Hollywood would take over..and do the work for you at double the asking price.
Your script is your bible.. use it.The first thing you can do is time the script..You read page by page,using a stop watch..the speed at which you read the script should depict the emotions attached..if a page takes lets say 30 seconds to read as what will be seen on screen..then since a 35 mmm camera takes 24 frames per second to run using up one and a half feet of stock..
then a 30 second run...will take 45 feet of stock..?If you feel that your average cutting ratio is allowed to be set at 10/1 (above or below..) then you will need 450 feet of stock for that single 30 second scene..Once you have worked out the total stock requirement..lets say it comes to 200,000 feet...Get on the net and request a Supply information sheet from major stock suppliers ,then select the quality of film to be used and ask for a quote from major stock manufacturers around the world..(I use and recommend fuji,Japan...among all others)..If Fuji quotes you lets say 100 cents (US dollars) per foot..then 200,000 feet will cost you around 200,000 usa dollars to buy..without freight..etc..etc.
You have now one of the many Budget formulation requirements...?Get my point...?Its up to you to do the work..?As a producer you will have to make a PACKAGE up before hollywood takes a serious look..?(on most occassions)..Get information about UNION minimum wages for union actors from S.A.G...more time, more work...Everything depends on the Package..Get the product first(package) and the finance will follow...get the product first and the Leading USA actor will follow..
everything depends on the package..Package first,money second..This is the Golden rule that so many Producers fail on...If you have a good product,then you will always find a buyer for such a product...A Script is not a product..if you are going to make the film yourself..
Sure anything can happen,and someone may buy the rights to your story...but looking at your questions...I think you want to make the film.
It took me one month to write a script...26 months later i was still changing it..it took nearly 3 years of work,just to get the script in front of Al Pacino...who turned it down..The more you try the more people hear about you,and eventually you will get in...so in the meantime get the package together as tight as you can..get major distributors to read your work..The more replies you get the more the doors open..but be warned..its frustrating work...and it will take years..
When your package is completed,and you can get a letter of attachment from a leading Hollywood "A" listed actor to "possibly" take up the leading role in your film..seek public investors,they will literally throw the money at you to finance your film.....,once a big name is on board..Get lawyers to come on board for part of the action...If you can get such an Actor to positively respond..,the distributors will take a look at your film for wide international Distribution purposes...etc..etc..You see Christina..its tough out there,even if you do have money...its more important to know someone on the inside especially if you are a new filmmaker..But don't dispair...push hard and in the meatime get your package in order...and it will happen.
It's not difficult work,it just takes a lot of time..if you do it yourself,YOU remain in control...Do not give your script out to anyone keep it close at all times..Contact all the agences via mail..tell them of your film,...The net has names of all the agents who represent the leading actors...spend time and search them out..writing to each one of them..Many agancies will not accept a script..some do.
Holywood a full of people who could help you..but they are greedy and will ask for money upfront..say no..and do it yourself.
If you need more assistance with more specific questions please contact me after reading the Film studies pages..my email address is on the site..
I hope this gives you some insight...
all the best
Davide.
