Remember the old game show "Name that Tune?" It was the one where two contestants would bid on how few notes it would take for them to name the title of a famous song. I'd always laugh when some contestant would say "I can name that tune in ONE note," and the emcee would reply, "All right, Sally, name that tune!" I attended a pitch fest with distributors and producers on the panel. The idea was to pitch either a project or completed film in hope of getting one of the panel members interested enough in your project to fund or purchase it. I was able to see one of the features that was being pitched and knew two other filmmakers and wanted to observe their pitches. It's always good to listen and learn.
A filmmaker who made a wonderful faith based film (not going to tell the title to protect identity) was first up. I viewed his film online and although there were a few minor flaws (which happens in low budget film making) the acting was good, production value good, music original, and story line watchable. This was a good feature length film worth distributing. The filmmaker's selling point during his pitch was that he made the film for only five thousand dollars. I immediately thought of the game show. Why would a filmmaker tell anyone how much he made his film for? Proud of making the film for no money are you? What about the people that helped you make the film? Isn't there a value on friendship and favors? It's called soft money, or goods and services and all part of the budgeting process.
I saw the credits of his film and there were quite a few actors and crew members that made his vision possible. There should be a value on their services even though you didn't pay for them. Think!!! Why would a distributor pay you fifty thousand if he knew you made the film for five? The lesson here is when you are in prep and working out your budget write EVERYTHING down. What crew are you using, what equipment do you need, where are you going to shoot? Put a value on it. Mike is my camera guy because he owns a camera and he will work for free. Great! Put a value on Mike and on his camera rental. We didn't use a dolly, we used a wheelchair or Mom let me use their house and pool to make the film. Who cares? It's what's on the screen that counts. Put a value on it.
I worked for director Paul Leder in the 80's & 90's and we made a film entitled "The 11th Commandment" (1987 - aka Body Count). At a screening of the film at the American Film Market, Paul was approached by Jonathan D. Krane. This is the same Jonathan D. Krane that produced several successful John Travolta films. He owned and operated a distribution company in the 80's called Manson International (which eventually became MCEG) and he was at the screening of "The 11th Commandment." He asked Paul what he made the film for and Paul replied "What do you think?" JK said $500K and Paul replied, "You're good." Krane offered $350K and a good percentage on the back end. Paul took the deal. We made the film for $125K with another $125K in deferred costs (the costs that goes to the people that worked for practically nothing!). Paul still had enough profit to start the process all over again. P.S. we never saw a dime on the back end.
I guess what I'm trying to tell filmmakers just getting out of film school is, the pride you show in knowing that you made a good film for practically nothing should be kept to yourself. If you need to brag about yourself use the term "Cost vs. Production value." Saying you made your film for five thousand dollars isn't going to get your film sold but a cost ratio of 20 to 1 will keep everyone thinking, "Nice film, wonder what his budget was?" Try it, you'll like the results.
One last thing as a follow up to last week's post, I am starting to understand the meaning of the word "following." The more followers you have the more value is placed on what you are saying or doing. Think of what Senator McCarthy could have accomplished if he had social media to out communists within the Hollywood circle. Are today's outed sex offenders the Communists of today? Should art suffer because of the misdeeds of the artist? It's getting to the point that I don't look forward to the Hollywood trade papers. Don't want to get back on that tangent again (for Travis' sake) but I saw "Wonder Wheel" the other day and Kate Winslet was marvelous. Oscar worthy, as was Woody Allen's direction and script. I can't believe that at eighty-one he still can tell a great cinematic story and elicit great performances from his ensemble. I can only hope that I am able to dress myself at eighty-one. Go see the film and share your thoughts in the comments section.
This is my last column before Christmas and I want to wish everyone Season's Greetings. Be well, be safe and most of all be thankful for what we have and for those that help to make our dreams come true. Merry Christmas!
Bob
Bob Cook
Film Director
B.C. Entertainment Group, Inc.
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