ATTRACTING BUYERS TO YOUR PROJECT
ATTRACTING BUYERS
TO YOUR PROJECT 2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
Attracting Buyers To Your Project Copyright Notices
Copyright 2008 Stacey Parks.
All rights reserved.
This report does NOT come with redistribution rights. No part of this report may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without written permission of the copyright holder(s). Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the author: Stacey Parks 14727 Magnolia Blvd Ste. 109 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 USA Publisher: Film Specific 14727 Magnolia Blvd. Ste. 109 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 USA Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty The author and publisher of this book have put forward their best efforts in presenting this information. The author and publisher make no warranty as to the accuracy, applicability, success or completeness of this material. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied) for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Unauthorized duplication or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited.
2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
ATTRACTING BUYERS TO YOUR PROJECT Having a great script or a great idea to pitch is obviously key to attracting buyers to your project. But is it enough? Most of the time, unfortunately, the answer is “No!” In the current climate, filmmakers need more for their films to stand out from the pack. They need to “package” those films. They need to attach elements, namely notable cast elements to stand out from the pack and garner real interest from buyers in their project. In the traditional landscape, the barriers seem almost impenetrable. And writers, producers, and directors spend years waiting around for someone to finally take notice of their projects. In the current climate filmmakers have to take a more pro-active role in attracting buyers. It is becoming more and more crucial for filmmakers to make it happen for themselves, whether you are looking to attract established, major productions companies to your script, distributors, sales agents, or co-production partners. And fortunately there are ways to do this!
“Packaging “ Your Project There are many ways to package a project and the more “elements” you can get, the better off your project will likely be in attracting buyers for your script, coproduction partners, pre-sales, and private investors. And without it your project may stay unrecognized. Yes, it is has become THAT important. Attaching producers and/ or directors to your project who are meaningful with buyers, or who have a significant track record is a major asset to any independent film, television project or documentary. The most important element to packaging, however, is undoubtedly cast. But not just any cast will do – the cast must mean something to buyers. The key to packaging is finding the right cast. This may not always be who you think it is. Just cause you can’t get an A-list star, doesn’t mean you can’t get someone up-and-coming or B-level attached who might be meaningful to buyers. Having cast elements who are strong sellers in the international marketplace can be a major boon to getting projects off the ground, and potentially opening up co 2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
ATTRACTING BUYERS TO YOUR PROJECT production and pre-sale opportunities, especially if you have a notable producer or director attached to the project as well. Appealing to cast is of course vital. The best way to appeal to an actor is to offer them a killer role in a great script. Many an A-list actors have come on board indie projects and worked for scale cause they loved the script and the role. Having a notable producer on board can help convince the actor to do it, as can having a director with a track record, but even without those elements, a great script and an amazing role can attract high-profile talent.
Working with A Talent Agency to Package All of the major talent agencies (CAA, Endeavor, UTA, William Morris, and ICM). have independent film divisions and all of these agencies are heavily invested in “packaging”. You can take your projects to these agencies (or better yet, hook up with an established producer who can get you an in with these agencies). Obviously their first priority is their own clients, however, they have been known to take on projects from outside the agency. For most this may be a long shot cause they are inundated, and it may come down to being in the right place at the right time, but the rewards can be great.
Working With A Casting Director For most independents, without a notable producer attached who can help open doors and get the script to the right people, this is the most viable and best way to fast-track the process. Casting directors can leverage their connections with actors, agents, managers, etc to attract interest to your film. It also tells the actors and their representatives that you are truly serious about making the project happen. That can go a long way in attracting the right cast. Not only will they take care of making offers for you, but casting directors can open doors that might otherwise be unavailable to most filmmakers. And by putting their names and reputations behind the project, they can give it a real legitimacy with actors and their reps. In my opinion casting directors and what they bring to the table are worth their weight in gold. 2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
ATTRACTING BUYERS TO YOUR PROJECT Attaching Elements On Your Own This can often be a harder road and can take a bit more time than working with a casting director. But it can be done with a great script and a convincing filmmaker. Getting agents and managers, if you don’t have some kind of “in” with them can be extremely difficult, and, honestly, with some it will be impossible to get them to even return your call. However, many films have been packaged and launched by filmmakers forging connections, making cold calls, and getting out there to make it happen. The barriers to entry and to attracting the right buyers to your project are seemingly greater than ever before. However, filmmakers can take matters into their own hands to attract the right buyers and make it happen for themselves. Free Case Study: Do-It-Yourself-Packaging After years spent waiting for projects to come together, only for them to fall apart, filmmakers Ryan Barton-Grimley and A.J,. Gordon decided to stop waiting around and get serious about their filmmaking careers by packaging their own films in an effort to make it happen for themselves and fast-track their careers. And so far it's paying off. Visit www.FilmSpecific.com/packaging to hear our Packaging Case Study now.
Stacey Parks is film distribution expert, with over 13 years experience working with independent film producers. As a Foreign Sales Agent, she secured distribution for hundreds of independent features and programs worldwide. Stacey now specializes in coaching film and television professionals on distribution strategies for their projects, and works with both experienced and beginning writers and producers. She has coached dozens of people who have gotten deals with U.S Studio divisions, large international broadcasters, and worldwide DVD distributors, both one-on-one and through her independent filmmakers community at www.FilmSpecific.com. Her clients' films have premiered at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, San Sebastian, and other major film festivals. Stacey is the author of "The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution" (2007 Focal Press) and she is an adjunct professor in the Entertainment Studies department of UCLA. Stacey is a regular contributor to MovieMaker and Student Filmmakers Magazines and has hosted workshops or spoken on panels at the British Film Institute, Slamdance, and the Cannes Film Festival.
2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
TO YOUR PROJECT 2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
Attracting Buyers To Your Project Copyright Notices
Copyright 2008 Stacey Parks.
All rights reserved.
This report does NOT come with redistribution rights. No part of this report may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without written permission of the copyright holder(s). Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the author: Stacey Parks 14727 Magnolia Blvd Ste. 109 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 USA Publisher: Film Specific 14727 Magnolia Blvd. Ste. 109 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 USA Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty The author and publisher of this book have put forward their best efforts in presenting this information. The author and publisher make no warranty as to the accuracy, applicability, success or completeness of this material. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied) for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Unauthorized duplication or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited.
2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
ATTRACTING BUYERS TO YOUR PROJECT Having a great script or a great idea to pitch is obviously key to attracting buyers to your project. But is it enough? Most of the time, unfortunately, the answer is “No!” In the current climate, filmmakers need more for their films to stand out from the pack. They need to “package” those films. They need to attach elements, namely notable cast elements to stand out from the pack and garner real interest from buyers in their project. In the traditional landscape, the barriers seem almost impenetrable. And writers, producers, and directors spend years waiting around for someone to finally take notice of their projects. In the current climate filmmakers have to take a more pro-active role in attracting buyers. It is becoming more and more crucial for filmmakers to make it happen for themselves, whether you are looking to attract established, major productions companies to your script, distributors, sales agents, or co-production partners. And fortunately there are ways to do this!
“Packaging “ Your Project There are many ways to package a project and the more “elements” you can get, the better off your project will likely be in attracting buyers for your script, coproduction partners, pre-sales, and private investors. And without it your project may stay unrecognized. Yes, it is has become THAT important. Attaching producers and/ or directors to your project who are meaningful with buyers, or who have a significant track record is a major asset to any independent film, television project or documentary. The most important element to packaging, however, is undoubtedly cast. But not just any cast will do – the cast must mean something to buyers. The key to packaging is finding the right cast. This may not always be who you think it is. Just cause you can’t get an A-list star, doesn’t mean you can’t get someone up-and-coming or B-level attached who might be meaningful to buyers. Having cast elements who are strong sellers in the international marketplace can be a major boon to getting projects off the ground, and potentially opening up co 2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
ATTRACTING BUYERS TO YOUR PROJECT production and pre-sale opportunities, especially if you have a notable producer or director attached to the project as well. Appealing to cast is of course vital. The best way to appeal to an actor is to offer them a killer role in a great script. Many an A-list actors have come on board indie projects and worked for scale cause they loved the script and the role. Having a notable producer on board can help convince the actor to do it, as can having a director with a track record, but even without those elements, a great script and an amazing role can attract high-profile talent.
Working with A Talent Agency to Package All of the major talent agencies (CAA, Endeavor, UTA, William Morris, and ICM). have independent film divisions and all of these agencies are heavily invested in “packaging”. You can take your projects to these agencies (or better yet, hook up with an established producer who can get you an in with these agencies). Obviously their first priority is their own clients, however, they have been known to take on projects from outside the agency. For most this may be a long shot cause they are inundated, and it may come down to being in the right place at the right time, but the rewards can be great.
Working With A Casting Director For most independents, without a notable producer attached who can help open doors and get the script to the right people, this is the most viable and best way to fast-track the process. Casting directors can leverage their connections with actors, agents, managers, etc to attract interest to your film. It also tells the actors and their representatives that you are truly serious about making the project happen. That can go a long way in attracting the right cast. Not only will they take care of making offers for you, but casting directors can open doors that might otherwise be unavailable to most filmmakers. And by putting their names and reputations behind the project, they can give it a real legitimacy with actors and their reps. In my opinion casting directors and what they bring to the table are worth their weight in gold. 2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
ATTRACTING BUYERS TO YOUR PROJECT Attaching Elements On Your Own This can often be a harder road and can take a bit more time than working with a casting director. But it can be done with a great script and a convincing filmmaker. Getting agents and managers, if you don’t have some kind of “in” with them can be extremely difficult, and, honestly, with some it will be impossible to get them to even return your call. However, many films have been packaged and launched by filmmakers forging connections, making cold calls, and getting out there to make it happen. The barriers to entry and to attracting the right buyers to your project are seemingly greater than ever before. However, filmmakers can take matters into their own hands to attract the right buyers and make it happen for themselves. Free Case Study: Do-It-Yourself-Packaging After years spent waiting for projects to come together, only for them to fall apart, filmmakers Ryan Barton-Grimley and A.J,. Gordon decided to stop waiting around and get serious about their filmmaking careers by packaging their own films in an effort to make it happen for themselves and fast-track their careers. And so far it's paying off. Visit www.FilmSpecific.com/packaging to hear our Packaging Case Study now.
Stacey Parks is film distribution expert, with over 13 years experience working with independent film producers. As a Foreign Sales Agent, she secured distribution for hundreds of independent features and programs worldwide. Stacey now specializes in coaching film and television professionals on distribution strategies for their projects, and works with both experienced and beginning writers and producers. She has coached dozens of people who have gotten deals with U.S Studio divisions, large international broadcasters, and worldwide DVD distributors, both one-on-one and through her independent filmmakers community at www.FilmSpecific.com. Her clients' films have premiered at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, San Sebastian, and other major film festivals. Stacey is the author of "The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution" (2007 Focal Press) and she is an adjunct professor in the Entertainment Studies department of UCLA. Stacey is a regular contributor to MovieMaker and Student Filmmakers Magazines and has hosted workshops or spoken on panels at the British Film Institute, Slamdance, and the Cannes Film Festival.
2008 Stacey Parks. You are not authorized to reuse, reprint or republish this material without the written consent of Stacey Parks or Film Specific. -- www.filmspecific.com --
