Raindance Workshop: Narrative Production
On November 3rd, I’m leading a workshop on creating a cohesive investor presentation for Raindance New York.
We’ll cover the basics such as a business plan, the accompanying powerpoint, and different styles of pitching. I’m planning to make it very interactive, and hopefully, I can get you prepped to go after that much needed investor funding for your film.
Register on Raindance New York’s website!
Indie Films and VOD
I was reading Nikki Finke’s article about IFC’s new offering of HD Video on Demand. She ponders whether VOD will kill art house theatres. Interesting, I would think the lack of diverse products have eaten away at the indie film market and art house cinema, not just VOD.
For those with an IFC deal, day-and-date seems like a sweet deal. Knowing that your films play a little theatrical run (which make indie directors happy) and simultaneously playing in towns where there isn’t an art house theatre (or would never screen your films anyway) makes sense to me….
I totally advocate day-and-date, and if you could have DVDs available as well, even sweeter. I had a non-film industry friend tweet after watching The Hangover that he would have bought the DVD immediately had it been on sale in the lobby. It’s time to start thinking about alternative ways to get your films to an audience, and letting go that theatrical is the only venue…because the audiences aren’t buying it (only).
Building a New Model for Indie Films
I’m back in the blogger seat after a must needed vacation in the South (and Texas, are they southern). Today, Ted Hope sent a tweet (I follow him and would suggest you do the same) regarding PBS Thirteen posting his talk called The New Model For Indie Film. He has been a big advocate of filmmakers using this new atmosphere to create a new paradigm for your films.
Although the economy still sucks and the independent film landscape is further collapsing, I am really excited about the possibilities to create films without the typical barriers. Those of us indie producers that have diverse projects or just stories that don’t fall neatly within the studio indie formula have reason to roll up our sleeves and control our projects. It won’t be easy, but it could be more profitable than what distributors have been offering lately.
Going Green…Green Production Panel, April 21
SFF will be attending The Greening of AWAY WE GO: An Inside Look Case Study on Tuesday, April 21. As previously posted, SFF wants all upcoming productions to practice more green standards. So, listening to how a major studio production pulled it off should be interesting. Hope to see ya there!
NY Tax Incentives Extended for Another Year
At least for the next year, NYC indie productions can take advantage of the NY tax incentive. According to Crain’s, the state has approved another $350 million for film and tv productions. Also for those who are shooting in the city, remember the city gives a 5% incentive.
The links provided take you to the city and state regulations and applications on their respective sites. In addition, the Mayor’s Office of Film, etc. has a page with incentives, which include the Federal incentive for lower budget productions. (Please note: their FAQ doesn’t reflect that the bill was extended for the year.)
Going Green…Let’s Give This the New College Try
Southern Fried has been researching the feasibility of an environmentally friendly production. Having a number of upcoming indie shoots, SFF wants to utilize the latest technology and to develop a habit of environmental responsibility. In the recent past, attempting to enact green efforts were quite difficult, monetarily at the least.
While researching, the Oregon Film office has the handiest guide, which can be downloaded. The NYC Mayor’s office for Film, etc. has a great resource on their website for green productions.
Haven’t used it yet, but will definitely attempt to utilize a site called, Film Biz Recycling. Film Biz Recycling is a Brooklyn-based donation center that accept items from productions and donates them to other low-budget productions, charities and non-profits. The concept is pretty freaking genius. Although, I’ve never had items that were just thrown away. Generally, someone on the crew was eying some piece of equipment, prop, etc. But, I know all productions aren’t as thrifty as SFFs.
Definitely will continue to update on how SFFs efforts to be a responsible citizen of the world go….
