The source of inspiration for a project can vary depending on the hat you will be wearing. Sydney Pollack talks about how he approaches film projects differently depending on whether he will be playing the role of producer or director.Read More
by Dina Appleton & Daniel Yankelevits Q: I am interested in writing a sequel to someone else’s movie. I was wondering, do I need permission from the original filmmakers, or can I just write the screenplay and market it as one of my own spec scripts? Margaret C., Far Hills, NJ A: Dina Appleton & Read MoreRead More
By Jon M. Garon Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, PC This is part of a series of book excerpts from Independent Filmmaking, The Law & Business Guide for Financing, Shooting & Distributing Independent & Digital Films designed as an introduction to the many legal issues involved in the filmmaking process. The simplest form of self-financing is Read MoreRead More
Slamdance presented Fireside Chat: Alternative Funding Methods for Indies. The panel started out reviewing some examples of methods that recent films have used to raise money, including house parties, sponsorships and advance DVD sales. Later, the discussion became more technical, addressing more advanced questions that arise from new, experimental funding models.Read More
Having read thousands of business plans over the years, I can say the number one mistake people make is over hyping their project. Scott Macaulay outlines some of these basic mistakes in his article for Filmmaking Magazine. …Handing a business plan to potential film investors may not convince them that you are Warren Buffett-style visionary, Read MoreRead More
Michael Bergmann offers a great advice on finding and dealing with investors in his article “Money Matters” for Filmmaker Magazine. …When I set out to make my first feature – nearly seven years ago now – I went to a lot of panel discussions to hear independent filmmakers tell stories of how they got the Read MoreRead More
Entertainment Attorney Mark Litwak helps writers navigate the tricky legal issues involved when portraying real life stories with this educational FAQ. …Question: What are the legal issues pertaining to writing a screenplay based on someone’s life story? What rights need to be secured, etc.? Is it advisable to engage an attorney prior to any discussion Read MoreRead More
By Jon M. Garon Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, PC This is part of a series of book excerpts from Independent Filmmaking, The Law & Business Guide for Financing, Shooting & Distributing Independent & Digital Films designed as an introduction to the many legal issues involved in the filmmaking process. Studios The traditional Hollywood studio manufactured Read MoreRead More
I’ve found one of the most overlooked aspics of indie filmmaking is legal paperwork, even though it is as necessary as sound and images. It can be overwhelming trying cover all of your legal bases. Here is a great checklist from Entertainment Attorney Mark Litwak to help you make sure an overlooked item won’t haunt Read MoreRead More
What are Deal Memos, are they contracts, what should they contain and what else should I know about them? Fred Ginsburg answers these questions and more in this informative article. …Deal Memos are the term that independent producers use for employment contracts. Since the word “contract” implies something legally detailed and binding, the term “memo” Read MoreRead More
by Evan Smith To steal someone’s car, money, parking space – that’s low. But to steal someone’s story? A little made-up tale? A hundred pages of FADE IN here and CUT TO there? Is that even stealing? Um, how can we put this – YES, DAMMIT! It is! Stealing of the worst kind! Because many Read MoreRead More
By Jon M. Garon Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, PC This is part of a series of book excerpts from Independent Filmmaking, The Law & Business Guide for Financing, Shooting & Distributing Independent & Digital Films designed as an introduction to the many legal issues involved in the filmmaking process. Compensation Packages — Making the Deals Read MoreRead More
