When I was running the Central Florida Film Festival I came across many feature film entries. All but a few made on a shoestring. Which means the "I didn't have money" excuse won't cut it. There were quite a few films that if they had used a professional actor/actress rather than Mom and Dad the chemistry and performances may have been much better and in turn the making of a better film.
Yes, one or two professionals do make a difference. Did you know that SAG/AFTRA has a contract for films budgeted at two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars and under? If your film doesn't have any money, think again. Are you making the film for twenty thousand dollars? Then you qualify. The Ultra Low Budget day rate is $125/day (+ Pension & welfare). The important thing to remember is that in the Ultra Low Budget you can mix non union actors with union actors. So, with P & W make it $150/Day. There are two reasons why actors like to work. One is money and the other a good script. Most actors like to work and if you have a good script perhaps someone in the Guild might even attach their name. A dozen characters in your cast? Perhaps three guild members would do the trick. They have more experience and have been on a professional set before. That's a requirement to become a member of SAG/AFTRA.
Actors have a way of either playing up or playing down to your lead performer. Setting the bar is important and by setting that bar higher you might think you're spending more money but it's definitely making your film a better project. This could mean the difference of receiving distribution or not and perhaps even getting your money back. Check out the SAG-AFTRA.org website and take a look at the sample contract. Remember the SAG/AFTRA representatives are only doing their job and that job includes getting work for their members and at the same time making sure their performers are treated with the proper professionalism that filmmakers should treat all their performers.
Next week I will walk you through the application process. There's some paperwork to get started and it can be frightening. I'm actually in the middle of applying for a new comedy I am making in May. Have three SAG/AFTRA members attached and now need to make sure their contract is in order. By next week I will be an expert in the process and gladly share it with you.
Sunday is also Oscar night and I would be remiss if I didn't at least post my selections.
BEST ACTOR - Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) I already told you how I feel about UK films invading our award show but Oldman was Churchill and deserves the nod.
BEST ACTRESS - Frances McDormand (3 Billboards) I loved Sally Hawkins performance in the Shape of Water but I know how the Academy thinks and no one plays the middle age mom in distress like Frances McDormand.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Allison Janney (I, Tonya) I have it between Janney and Octavia Spencer but I watch "Mom" and Janney's transition from comedy to drama was seamless.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Sam Rockwell (3 Billboards) It was a great ensemble and Woody Harrelson could cancel him out and veteran actors like DaFoe and Plummer could slip in but going with what I thought was the best stretch for a performer.
BEST DIRECTOR - Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water) The Academy has set this up for del Toro or a female director (Greta Gerwig). It seems as if Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri received all it's nominations including Best Picture without the help of a director. I hate when they do that. They did it to Spielberg for "The Color Purple." Everyone gets a nomination but the director. It's amazing what department heads can do without leadership.
BEST PICTURE - The Shape of Water. I was all over Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri but both pictures were excellent and the Academy swayed my selection by omission of the director. This could however be a ploy by the academy to give the women's movement what it wants but if Lady Bird is announced as best picture don't turn off your sets. Remember last year? I wouldn't be surprised if the winning producer's are pulled off the stage by del Toro's monster and the award handed to him instead.
My final prediction is that next Monday I will be ranting about the Oscar's .
Later,
Bob
Bob Cook
Film Director
You can view previous blogs as well as our new podcast at www.BCEntertainmentGroup.com
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Monday, February 19, 2018
WHO WORKS FOR FREE?
I've read a couple of posts this week from, I guess, industry people ranting about producers that are looking for free labor. "Demand minimum wage" one of the writers insisted. While another just said, 'people looking for free labor are scams.'
If I blindly agree I would be doing everyone trying to get into the world of film making an injustice. Do I agree? Yes. But there are exceptions to every rule. How do you create a resume? I'm listed on a few of those Movie Job sites including Stage-32 and Mandy and apply to most directing and writing gigs offered. I've got to admit, this person who posted didn't have a clue what a director does. I had one nameless person who said I could direct and my pay would be ten percent of what I brought to the project. I'm serious. Yes, I passed. It seems that most of these posts are from people that have never made a film or understand the commitment it takes to make a film. Yet they have an idea and want you to take their idea and turn it into a film. Their dream, not necessarily yours.
However, sometimes when you haven't worked on a film in a few years it's time to lower your standards. Is this a script you believe in? Is this a film that can showcase your talents to perhaps put you in a better position for another job? Film is art and there are many artists out there wanting to put their vision to the test. Some actually might have credits. Look 'em up! IMDB is there for you to search who is starting out versus who is looking to make a new vision come to life.
Did you know that in the state of Florida it's legal to NOT pay Interns? That's right, provided the interns in question are learning and not taking the place of another person who was getting paid. Did you also know that if you are a student right out of film school you really don't have any experience? Over the years, I've interviewed several students for features I was producing. Their resumes consisted of several student projects and not much else. I even asked a young student, "where he'd like to work on my film?", his answer was, 'to be the director.' Seriously, that's what he said at the interview. I told him, "that position was filled. Was there something else to maybe help him reach the goal of director." Deer in the headlight look. You feel we should pay these people? I believe we should help train these people because perhaps the film schools are missing a valuable part of reality and that's the interview process.
You want to work for minimum wage? Get a job at Burger King. The hours are much shorter. However, unless you're going to another fast food chain for work, that tidbit on your resume isn't going to move you along in life. When I was in LA I had to work at McDonald's on the overnight shift to pay my bills. Yes, just over minimum wage (hey, I was a night shift manager). I got offered a job on a movie set for four hundred dollars cash and four hundred dollars deferred. I took it and learned that in the film business sixteen hour days is the norm and I made more at McDonald's, but that wasn't what I wanted to do in LA.
What I am trying to explain is, research before you jump into a film project. Will this film have a chance in getting seen? Am I losing money or am I learning something that can be applied to future film jobs? Are there filmmakers out there that need someone to tell them where to point the camera? Absolutely, but there are others that just might make a difference in the business and when they do don't you want to be on their "First Call" list?
Until next time.
Bob Cook
Director.
If I blindly agree I would be doing everyone trying to get into the world of film making an injustice. Do I agree? Yes. But there are exceptions to every rule. How do you create a resume? I'm listed on a few of those Movie Job sites including Stage-32 and Mandy and apply to most directing and writing gigs offered. I've got to admit, this person who posted didn't have a clue what a director does. I had one nameless person who said I could direct and my pay would be ten percent of what I brought to the project. I'm serious. Yes, I passed. It seems that most of these posts are from people that have never made a film or understand the commitment it takes to make a film. Yet they have an idea and want you to take their idea and turn it into a film. Their dream, not necessarily yours.
However, sometimes when you haven't worked on a film in a few years it's time to lower your standards. Is this a script you believe in? Is this a film that can showcase your talents to perhaps put you in a better position for another job? Film is art and there are many artists out there wanting to put their vision to the test. Some actually might have credits. Look 'em up! IMDB is there for you to search who is starting out versus who is looking to make a new vision come to life.
Did you know that in the state of Florida it's legal to NOT pay Interns? That's right, provided the interns in question are learning and not taking the place of another person who was getting paid. Did you also know that if you are a student right out of film school you really don't have any experience? Over the years, I've interviewed several students for features I was producing. Their resumes consisted of several student projects and not much else. I even asked a young student, "where he'd like to work on my film?", his answer was, 'to be the director.' Seriously, that's what he said at the interview. I told him, "that position was filled. Was there something else to maybe help him reach the goal of director." Deer in the headlight look. You feel we should pay these people? I believe we should help train these people because perhaps the film schools are missing a valuable part of reality and that's the interview process.
You want to work for minimum wage? Get a job at Burger King. The hours are much shorter. However, unless you're going to another fast food chain for work, that tidbit on your resume isn't going to move you along in life. When I was in LA I had to work at McDonald's on the overnight shift to pay my bills. Yes, just over minimum wage (hey, I was a night shift manager). I got offered a job on a movie set for four hundred dollars cash and four hundred dollars deferred. I took it and learned that in the film business sixteen hour days is the norm and I made more at McDonald's, but that wasn't what I wanted to do in LA.
What I am trying to explain is, research before you jump into a film project. Will this film have a chance in getting seen? Am I losing money or am I learning something that can be applied to future film jobs? Are there filmmakers out there that need someone to tell them where to point the camera? Absolutely, but there are others that just might make a difference in the business and when they do don't you want to be on their "First Call" list?
Until next time.
Bob Cook
Director.
Monday, February 5, 2018
WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS!!!!
Congratulations to Philadelphia for winning the Superbowl. I know this is not a sports blog but you got to admit even in defeat Tom Brady put on a great show. Philly quarterback Foles won MVP honors with 343 yards passing and three touchdowns. Tom Terrific tossed for over 500 yards (a Superbowl record) and three TD's and has to pay his own way to Disney World. I guess Tom's wife, Giselle, would let us know that her husband can't play offense and defense too!
Our first podcast is on the air! The quickest way to find it is to go to our website www.BCEntertainmentGroup.com and the link is on the home page. We spoke last week about finding a film festival that is best for your film and we will follow up this week with what to do when you are accepted by a film festival.
Now for the important part. Scam Artists are alive and well and I thought only praying on seniors. Get this one! I received an email from a person telling me they were the executive assistant to Toby Emmerich and they were looking for a director at Warner Brothers. They had the logo with the Burbank address and everything. I was already suspicious as one would think the CEO of Warner Brothers wouldn't have to go looking for a director but hey, I had to follow up, right?
I asked a few questions about the project and I was given the logline and told that if I made any changes, I would have to get them approved. The pay would be $1,500/week if I passed a two week evaluation period at $750/week. I never heard of that but they included an application with the Warner logo and address and well, it looked legit but something just didn't seem right. I've been directing for thirty years and never heard of an evaluation period. Most studios call it, "You're Fired" after two weeks and your work isn't up to par. I also looked up Patricia Jose' to see what credentials she had on IMDB. None! One would think she would at least have being the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Warner Brothers on her resume.
There were also a few "tells" in the emails including spelling and grammar errors. If I were Toby Emmerich I wouldn't have Patricia Jose' serving my coffee. She was not a good assistant. The email address was JosePatricia@gmail.com. I'm very suspicious but a lead is a lead. They never asked for my social security number or bank accounts so, what the hell. Now comes the fun part. I was accepted based on the feeling that I would do a great job. Even I wasn't sure I would do a great job as intimidating as the Warner Brothers name is.
I was told a check in the amount of $2,750 would be sent to me. I was to take the $750 as my first payment and use the other $2000 to purchase a list of equipment that Patricia required me to buy. I questioned why would I have to purchase equipment? Doesn't Warner have their own equipment? I was then given a date and time to meet (with equipment in hand) to seal the deal. The fact that the meeting was at McDonald's was just another red flag. I called Bull and told them, after conferring with my agent, I've decided to pass on the project.
Two weeks later an express mail delivery came to my door. It contained a check for $2,750. At first I couldn't figure out what it was for as there was no cover letter or statement. Yes, I do receive other checks in the mail. Then it dawned on me that this was the check from Patricia Jose's people. The check wasn't drawn on a Warner account but it was a business check. It looked legit but something just screamed this is a SCAM. I went to my bank and asked for the Fraud Division. I asked them if this was a good check? Hey, still wanted it to be true. Immediately the bank executive said "No," and started citing different reasons why it was a bad check. In my head I already knew it was true. So, here's how the scam works, you deposit the check and it takes five days for it to be returned. You've already bought the equipment and delivered it. Check comes back to your account and you are charged the $2750 plus bad check costs and are stuck. They sell the equipment and live happily ever after.
The first thing I thought was, 'how many young directors want a gig so bad they would fall for such a scam'? The cost of an Express Mail delivery wasn't cheap $27. Someone had to have fallen for it because these people aren't in business to spend more than they make. So, BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! Whether it's Patricia Jose at JosePatricia@gmail.com or anyone representing themselves from a studio looking for crew, CHECK THEM OUT! These scam artists are good. The only redeeming thing was I liked the log line. I wonder if they stole one from another movie or just made one up on the spot? I might research it or maybe even write that script. could this be the silver lining in the black cloud? Who knows. Until next week....
Later,
Bob
Podcast @ www.BCEntertainmentGroup.com
Our first podcast is on the air! The quickest way to find it is to go to our website www.BCEntertainmentGroup.com and the link is on the home page. We spoke last week about finding a film festival that is best for your film and we will follow up this week with what to do when you are accepted by a film festival.
Now for the important part. Scam Artists are alive and well and I thought only praying on seniors. Get this one! I received an email from a person telling me they were the executive assistant to Toby Emmerich and they were looking for a director at Warner Brothers. They had the logo with the Burbank address and everything. I was already suspicious as one would think the CEO of Warner Brothers wouldn't have to go looking for a director but hey, I had to follow up, right?
I asked a few questions about the project and I was given the logline and told that if I made any changes, I would have to get them approved. The pay would be $1,500/week if I passed a two week evaluation period at $750/week. I never heard of that but they included an application with the Warner logo and address and well, it looked legit but something just didn't seem right. I've been directing for thirty years and never heard of an evaluation period. Most studios call it, "You're Fired" after two weeks and your work isn't up to par. I also looked up Patricia Jose' to see what credentials she had on IMDB. None! One would think she would at least have being the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Warner Brothers on her resume.
There were also a few "tells" in the emails including spelling and grammar errors. If I were Toby Emmerich I wouldn't have Patricia Jose' serving my coffee. She was not a good assistant. The email address was JosePatricia@gmail.com. I'm very suspicious but a lead is a lead. They never asked for my social security number or bank accounts so, what the hell. Now comes the fun part. I was accepted based on the feeling that I would do a great job. Even I wasn't sure I would do a great job as intimidating as the Warner Brothers name is.
I was told a check in the amount of $2,750 would be sent to me. I was to take the $750 as my first payment and use the other $2000 to purchase a list of equipment that Patricia required me to buy. I questioned why would I have to purchase equipment? Doesn't Warner have their own equipment? I was then given a date and time to meet (with equipment in hand) to seal the deal. The fact that the meeting was at McDonald's was just another red flag. I called Bull and told them, after conferring with my agent, I've decided to pass on the project.
Two weeks later an express mail delivery came to my door. It contained a check for $2,750. At first I couldn't figure out what it was for as there was no cover letter or statement. Yes, I do receive other checks in the mail. Then it dawned on me that this was the check from Patricia Jose's people. The check wasn't drawn on a Warner account but it was a business check. It looked legit but something just screamed this is a SCAM. I went to my bank and asked for the Fraud Division. I asked them if this was a good check? Hey, still wanted it to be true. Immediately the bank executive said "No," and started citing different reasons why it was a bad check. In my head I already knew it was true. So, here's how the scam works, you deposit the check and it takes five days for it to be returned. You've already bought the equipment and delivered it. Check comes back to your account and you are charged the $2750 plus bad check costs and are stuck. They sell the equipment and live happily ever after.
The first thing I thought was, 'how many young directors want a gig so bad they would fall for such a scam'? The cost of an Express Mail delivery wasn't cheap $27. Someone had to have fallen for it because these people aren't in business to spend more than they make. So, BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! Whether it's Patricia Jose at JosePatricia@gmail.com or anyone representing themselves from a studio looking for crew, CHECK THEM OUT! These scam artists are good. The only redeeming thing was I liked the log line. I wonder if they stole one from another movie or just made one up on the spot? I might research it or maybe even write that script. could this be the silver lining in the black cloud? Who knows. Until next week....
Later,
Bob
Podcast @ www.BCEntertainmentGroup.com
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