Struggling to get your Feature Film made? Do this:

First? Some Context:

The issue most filmmakers think they have is funding. They’ve written a script, but don’t know the next step.

The problem they actually have, is a concept that requires a budget they haven’t earned.

Because scripts often aren’t written with budget in mind, most scripts - particularly *first time writers* - are too expensive and complex to get funded or bought.

Your NUMBER ONE GOAL is to get your first film MADE.

You’re probably thinking - “duh, captain obvious. But HOW?”

Step 1: identify who’s making your movie:

1. Myself

2. Another filmmaker (get specific about who)

3. A Studio (e.g. Netflix or similar)

Step 2: Ask yourself, what does the filmmaker need to make this?

1. If it’s you, remove or scale down anything you can’t immediately source for less than $100. Actors, locations, crew, FX.

This will drive your budget to as little as possible.

2. If it’s another filmmaker, research what they’ve made. Make sure your project doesn’t have elements they haven’t included in their previous work. (e.g. VFX, Name actors, choreography, etc)

This will show you’ve done your research, and give them as many reasons to say “yes” as possible.

3. If it’s a Studio, you’ve got your work cut out for you, especially if you’ve never gotten something over $500k funded. Here’s what you’ll need.

A. A solid script with at least one - “recommend” or “consider.” This is when a big agency or screenplay competition scores your script highly against the current industry “mandates” as well as structure, characters, and story.

B. A high end pitch deck - get this professionally done. If you want millions for your film, you need to package it as high-end as possible. Google Studio Pitch Deck Examples, and include everything you see in the deck. (Montauk aka Stranger Things is a great example)

C. Line item budget - get a Line Producer to create a complete budget for your film. (Extra points for factoring in “soft money” like state tax incentives).

D. Attached Talent - (Actors/directors) Talent should be listed in the Top 5000 on IMDbPro (otherwise don’t bother). You can reach out via DM, Email, Agents, Managers. They will vet the script and assess whether their talent would be interested and available.)

E. Talent Attachment Hacks - getting through industry filters is tricky. Here’s where money talks. While you can’t independently raise millions, but if you can raise $30k-$50k you can approach Casting Directors and Agents and get name talent to sign on. Note: this $30k-50k is ONLY to reach them and get them to agree to your project. The Actors’ actual rate will be negotiated by the agency representing the talent. Once negotiated, this contract can be taken by a production company, a bank or investors, where the funding hinges on the talent.

Difficulty increases with scale. Start small and make the movie you can make now.

If you’re ready to make the film you can make RIGHT NOW, book a call with me here: https://link.roasmail.com/widget/bookings/fft-onboarding

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