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Blog 5
Elevator Pitch:
Hello, I'm Molly Crawford, a passionate filmmaker dedicated to bringing compelling stories to life. With a deep understanding of visual storytelling, I specialize in creating an impactful and immersive cinematic experiences. From concept to execution, I thrive on transforming ideas into films that resonate with audiences. I bring a unique sense of creativity with my writing to every project. In all my avenues I hope to bring my individual flare to everything.
5 possible ancillary distribution markets:
Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services provide filmmakers with a global audience and continuous revenue
Video-on-Demand (VOD) Platforms: VOD services, such as iTunes, Google Play, and Vimeo On Demand, allow filmmakers to offer their films for rent or purchase
Television Broadcasting: Selling broadcasting rights to television networks or cable channels provides exposure to a wider audience
DVD and Blu-ray Sales: Physical media still has a market, and selling DVDs or Blu-rays can be a source of revenue for filmmakers
International Markets: Selling distribution rights to international territories allows filmmakers to tap into diverse audiences worldwide
5 Top Tier Festivals:
Cannes Film Festival
Location: Cannes, France
Timing: Usually held in May
Submission Fee: Varies based on submission type
Suitable Genres: Cannes is one of the most prestigious film festivals, covering a wide range of genres, including drama, arthouse, and international cinema.
Sundance Film Festival
Location: Park City, Utah, USA
Timing: Usually held in January
Submission Fee: Varies based on submission type
Suitable Genres: Sundance is known for showcasing independent films, including dramas, documentaries, and experimental cinema.
Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Timing: Usually held in February
Submission Fee: Varies based on submission type
Suitable Genres: Berlinale features a diverse selection, including world cinema, art films, and socially relevant documentaries.
Venice Film Festival
Location: Venice, Italy
Timing: Usually held in August or September
Submission Fee: Varies based on submission type
Suitable Genres: Venice showcases a range of films, including international cinema, art films, and works from various genres.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Location: Toronto, Canada
Timing: Usually held in September
Submission Fee: Varies based on submission type
Suitable Genres: TIFF is a major platform for a variety of genres, including dramas, documentaries, and films with broad audience appeal.
Ideal Festival Strategy:
Research and Target Selection:
Research film festivals that align with the genre, style, and theme of your film.
Consider the reputation, audience reach, and industry presence of each festival.
Prioritize festivals with a track record of showcasing similar films.
Tiered Approach:
Divide festivals into tiers based on prestige and relevance. Aim for a mix of top-tier, mid-tier, and niche festivals.
Start with smaller festivals to build momentum and increase the chances of acceptance at larger events.
Timing and Scheduling:
Consider the timing of each festival in relation to your film's completion date and premiere status.
Aim for a strategic premiere at a prestigious festival, followed by a carefully planned festival circuit.
Rent-A-Distributor:
Financial Risk:
Renting a distributor can be expensive, especially for independent filmmakers with limited budgets.
Lack of Genuine Interest:
Distributors who are paid upfront may not have the same level of commitment or passion, this lack of genuine interest may result in less effort put into marketing.
Limited Accountability:
Since the filmmaker is essentially a client, there may be limited accountability on the part of the distributor.
Complex Contracts:
Rent-a-Distributor arrangements often involve complex contracts. Filmmakers may find themselves entangled in terms and conditions that are not in their favor.
Dependency on Distributor's Connections:
Relying solely on a rented distributor may limit the filmmaker's ability to leverage personal connections and industry relationships.
Alternative Distribution Models:
With the rise of digital platforms and alternative distribution models, filmmakers may have the option to explore self-distribution or hybrid distribution models.
MG/ROI:
The acronym 'MG' stands for "Minimum Guarantee" in the context of film distribution. A Minimum Guarantee is a fixed amount of money that a distributor agrees to pay to the filmmaker or rights holder upfront as part of a distribution deal.
Distribution Costs:
The Minimum Guarantee is often recoupable, meaning the distributor deducts distribution expenses, marketing costs, and other fees from the film's earnings before the filmmaker sees any additional revenue.
Limited Revenue Sharing:
If the distribution deal includes a low or unfavorable revenue-sharing arrangement after the Minimum Guarantee is recouped, the filmmaker's share of subsequent profits may be limited.
Film Performance:
If the film doesn't perform well in the market, generating revenue beyond the Minimum Guarantee, the filmmaker may struggle to see additional profits.
Cross-Collateralization/Packaging:
Producers often want to avoid cross-collateralization and packaging arrangements in film financing and distribution deals due to the potential negative impact on their financial interests and creative control.
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Blog 4
Sponsors:
Automobile Companies: Chevy - Use cars in the film and display logos.
Beverage Companies: CokaCola - Use in film, make a play on the word "Wonka" and "Coka".
Apparel Brands: Aerie/American Eagle - Apparel for use in wardrobe, fits the vibe of the film.
Cosmetic Brand: CoverGirl - Makeup for staff and props.
Airlines: American Airlines - Use for scenes of travel/display logo.
Fiscal Sponsors:
Fractured Atlas:
Where: Fractured Atlas is a nonprofit organization based in the United States.
Stipulations: Projects must be artistic in nature, and the organization provides fiscal sponsorship for a large range of creative endeavors.
How Much: The amount of funding a project can receive depends on various factors and funds raised go directly to the project after Fractured Atlas deducts its fees.
Why: Fractured Atlas provides fiscal sponsorship to help artists and creators access funding and resources for their projects while offering tax-deductible donations to supporters.
International Documentary Association (IDA):
Where: The IDA is based in the United States and supports documentary filmmakers.
Stipulations: Fiscal sponsorship is typically provided for documentary film projects. The projects must align with the IDA's mission of promoting nonfiction storytelling.
How Much: Funding amounts can vary, and filmmakers may need to outline their budget and fundraising goals. The IDA may charge an administrative fee for its services.
Why: The IDA supports documentary filmmakers by providing them with the benefits of nonprofit status, making it easier for them to secure grants and donations.
Documentary Australia Foundation:
Where: Documentary Australia Foundation is based in Australia and supports documentary filmmakers.
Stipulations: The foundation provides fiscal sponsorship for documentary projects that align with their mission of raising awareness and understanding through documentaries.
How Much: Funding amounts vary, and the foundation may charge a fee for its services.
Why: The fiscal sponsorship allows Australian documentary filmmakers to attract philanthropic funding and support for their projects.
Sundance Institute:
Where: The Sundance Institute is based in the United States and is known for supporting independent filmmakers.
Stipulations: Sundance may offer fiscal sponsorship for independent film projects that have been part of their labs or programs. The projects should align with Sundance's mission of fostering independent storytelling.
How Much: Funding amounts and fees may vary.
Why: Sundance Institute's fiscal sponsorship provides filmmakers with nonprofit status, making it easier for them to attract funding for their independent film projects.
Canada Media Fund:
Where: The Canada Media Fund supports the Canadian entertainment industry.
Stipulations: While not a traditional fiscal sponsor, the Canada Media Fund provides financial support for various media projects, including film and television. Projects must meet specific eligibility criteria.
How Much: Funding amounts depend on the scale and nature of the project, and the fund may have specific guidelines for budgeting.
Why: The Canada Media Fund supports the development, production, and promotion of Canadian film and television content, contributing to the growth of the country's media industry.
Unique Marketing & Publicity Stunts
Take the already established "Wonka" chocolate brand and create a line of vegan chocolate to promote the film. Create a space like in the movie and have the chance to win 1 of 5 golden tickets. The ticket being an "in" to the movie premiere.
Interactive tik-tok challenge creating a dance to one of the feature soundtracks in the film.
Themed interactive candy store: partner with an already established candy store and have "pop up" shops decorated like the film. This would allow people the opportunity for photos and other promotions.
Merchandising collaboration: pair with a clothing company to make a collaborative line to mix with the "Wonka" brand.
Mini chocolate factory: pop up "make your own chocolate bar" with new vegan recipe. Promote this more towards children, having them live the experience of being a "chocolatier".
Mission Statement:
The object of this film is to provide the same magic and wonder as the original but make it with new and upgraded resources. The customer/market is Older kids (10) - Older teens (17). This would mean a softer childlike feel with edgier tones. The graphical region is international.
Objective of a film market:
Business, Pitching, Selling, Buying
When to consider taking project to film market:
To get a film project up off the ground.
Pre Sale vs. Negative Pickup:
A Pre-Sale is selling the right to distribute the film in different territories before it is completed.
Negative Pickup is a contract entered into by an independent producer and a movie studio conglomerate, the studio agrees to
purchase the movie from the producer at a certain date
and for a set sum of money.
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Blog Assignment 3
Gap Financing (AKA Bank Loans):
Producers need to prove they already have 60% or more of
the production budget by means other forms of funding. Such as
crowdfunding, donations, pre-sales, and others.
Three Stipulations in Order to Receive Gap financing:
Have 80% of the financing already secured
Have a reputable sales agent within the industry
Already have several major pre-sales in place
E&O:
Errors and Omissions (E&O) is an insurance policy which provides you with coverage if anyone in your films decides to sure you.
Sales Agent & Producers Rep:
Producer acts more as a manager connecting to the Sales Rep, who is working with the banks.
Negative Pickup Vs. Pre Sale:
Negative pickup is a license of distribution in exchange for reimbursement of its product costs.
Pre Sale is selling the distribution rights to one or more distributors based on the estimated value of your project on a worldwide basis.
Pay or Play Contract:
an agreement that a production company will pay a desired actor or crew member for their involvement with a production. This payment occurring whether or not the production is green-lit/produced.
Taft Hardley:
be hired by a SAG-AFTRA signatory producer, they must submit a Taft-Hartley report for the actor in question, with an explanation as to why that actor was hired over available union actors. Once the actor becomes eligible, he or she can pay the necessary fees and become a member of the union.
Another way actors can join is if they have qualifying membership from a union that is associated with SAG-AFTRA, like Actors Equity Association.
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Blog Assignment 2
5 comparative films table column:
Signatory Project:
The film has the potential to achieve significant box office success, garner widespread popularity, and secure accolades during the award season. In turn, the prospect arises for an invitation to join a professional union as a signatory.
Receive a receipt of the unions mark on 2 or more feature films with qualifying distribution.
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Blog Assignment 1
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Synopsis:
Willy Wonka faces the rise of Veganism with a brand new vegan version of his beloved chocolate bar. To promote sales he puts five golden tickets inside random chocolate bars, earning you a ticket inside his mysterious chocolate factory.
Five teens receive the tickets and are whisked away to a world of pure imagination. One by one the children's morals are put to the test, ultimately leaving one child, Charlie Buckets to make it out. Charlie inherits the factory and learns the importance of staying true to yourself.
Logline:
Charlie Buckets, along with five other hopeful teens, go inside Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, they soon find out chocolate is not all he is in the business for.
Genre:
Comedy
Targeted Demographic:
Young Adults
Casting:
Willy Wonka: Jeremy Allen White
Charlie Bucket: Jacob Tremblay
Grandpa Bucket: Harrison Ford
Veruca Salt: Sunny Sandler
Mrs. Salt: Idina Menzel
Violet Beauregarde: Quvenzhané Wallis
Mrs. Beauregarde: Issa Ray
Mike Teevee: Noah Scnapp
Mr. Teevee: Patrick Dempsey
Augustus Gloop: Joseph Paul Kennedy
Mrs Gloop: Melissa McCarthy
Locations:
California: Giving a new and refreshed feel compared to the industrial city of the original film. California also offering a 20%-25% tax credit for qualified productions.
Romania: The Country has a number of historic villages and towns, as well of beaches off the coast of the black sea, giving diversity in filming locations. They offer a tax credit of 35% for qualified productions.
Australia: They offer lower productions costs than most more developed countries. They present a number of cosmopolitan cities along with historic sites. They come in with a tax rebate of 30% for qualified productions.
Why?
These locations offer less responsibility for taxes, and will remove a portion of the income tax owed to the state, making it more budget friendly for the low cost budget working currently.
SAG Day Rate:
$781-$2,710 per week.
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