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: 7/30/2005 Subject: Film company websites
Question Dear Mr. Papa:
I'm researching how to improve independent film production company websites so they can be better utilized by potential investors. Here are my questions:
1. What do you think investors expect to see on a film company's website?
2.How can a film company website best engage an investor's interest?
3. What benefits do you think investors get from visiting a film company's website?
Do you know where/how I can find 25-50 indie film investors to survey with these 3 questions?
I don't want to buy a list. I'm not looking for funding. I'm simply doing research.
Thanks for your help a.s.a.p.
Sincerely, Susan
Answer Dear Susan
I have had a film website for years, It's private and not listed- It's strictly designed to help me with issues of copyright to some extent - It also allows me the freedom to ply my offerings without fear of circumvention-
But your question is different-hence here is my own personal opinion and insights to your much asked question-How and why I came to such conclusion after 7 years, would take many pages to answer but my reason are indeed based on experience and logic in my attempts to make direct contact with leading producers- mainstream Hollywood agents and "A" class Hollywood actors-
In part the answers are given with my own great effort for 4 years in attempting to secure 40 million dollars of funding for the film" Rettis Circle"
(1) You'll want real investor- If you require huge funding to make a film, exactly how it needs to be told-You will have to entice investors not with the assurance of gross profits- but with the assurance that you have a "A" listed actor on board-securing as such, will give you the press and exposure needed to get the funding- profits is only second to this first protocol-As many corporate entities are able to write away as a tax loss investments in film projects that make a loss- they either pay the Taxman or they invest in Films and not pay the taxman at all-on a 50/50 chance that the film may even make them a profit-Now that's a good bet..?
So (A) get a high profile actor on board- to do this You need great material as the first protocol and not a huge Fee application although such a fee application will be required anyway-later. You will be needing to seek the attention of the leading actor by exposing him to some really great writing (script)-To do this you have to get past his Agent first-" Rettis Circle" took me 3 whole years to write- I have letters of endorsements from major distributors that they indeed like the script- and up to date it has landed in front a of only ONE leading USA Actor, from the many I have attempted to secure- so I am slowly but surely getting there-But it has taken a real huge effort.
(B) Investors website- Honesty and good intent are two common edicts that come to mind-be Honest in what you hope to offer investors- give them a sample of the writings- and give a honest reliable minimum expection of return-absolute minimum- You will we attracting investors to your website- from the many smaller entities you may attract a large one as well-
(C) Personally I believe websites to have little benefit in attracting film investors, but great for a source of information without having to explaining yourself and your project to the masses-Thus to give a website address which could end up being seen by many in the only valuable consideration of such a site- To approach your investors by old fashioned mail outs is still the best primary protocl to attract such investors - give a basic simple one page intro of your investment potential- then let them source the information for more detailed reading from the website-Those who have a real interest in your project will indeed scour the site thouroughly- hence depending of the website as your primary first call application tool for attracting investors should not be given precedence in comparision to the direct letter or personal approach.
Use a webesite it to promote your effort-EG: To advise governments who do give film grants. Use it to get actors on board-etc..etc..Use it to get investors on board- but only as a secondary device- People in the industry still appreciate the first contact to be via hardcopy mail- hence in this day and age of fast communications -do not underestimate such an "old" protocol where illusion and perception of the internet may seem to dictate otherwise-
I will follow my conviction for another 6 months or so- If I dont get the attention of the leading actor, then there is also another protocol if after my great effort, the above path does not work- I will Spend the smallest amount of funds to make a film that gets an award- and sShow everyone "what could be done " with such small amount of funds-as to imply " Imagine what could be done if I were fully funded"- This protocol will be used next year to enter another film "My Dearest Dad" in the film festival curcuit-I will attempt to make a good film for peanuts and do so with great effort - I will aim to get that award, and with it investors doors will seem to magically open- It seems that awards and "who" you know- is far more important in this industry than "what" you know-
I hope the above helps-
David Papa
www.sicaplanet.freeservers.com
www.ftnexporting.freeservers.com
