How do you begin pitching to sales and distribution? You've written a script and sent it out. You've waited for a response but it's been so long, that you've had enough time to produce a mood reel. You send out the mood reel and ... it gets a positive response. The same people who haven't put aside 90 minutes to read a script have 5 minutes to view the reel. This is your opportunity to pitch to sales & distribution partners. Why don't they read the script? Time ...
10 Questions in 10 Minutes : Chris Foggin (Director)
Chris Foggin / Director This week I asked movie director, Chris Foggin, 10 questions in 10 minutes about working in the movie business. Chris's new film, FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS, is released in the UK on 15 March. This is his second movie - a follow up to his debut feature KIDS IN LOVE and his amazing short films THAT NIGHT and FRIEND REQUEST PENDING. 10 Questions in 10 Minutes 1. What inspired you to become a film director I wanted to make films that brought families ...
What is it about the rom com
Why is the rom com one of the most enduring genres. What is it about the rom com that audiences love? Although it went out of fashion for a while, the rom com has resurfaced with the rise of the SVOD platform. One thought on that is that it's a a great 'rom compromise' - people get together; one of you loves horror, the other period drama BUT both will agree on to watch a rom com. What is it about the rom com that pulls us in again & again. The Plot The rom com is ...
What is the job of a cinematographer
What is the job of a cinematographer? The Oscars recently created a storm of disapproval & then back-tracked on a decision to make a few awards seem 'less' important by relegating them to the advertising break during the show. Happily, there also followed a protest by those who work in the industry and the Academy changed its mind. This prompted me to look at one of those categories this week - what is the job of a Cinematographer (aka The Director of ...
Indie Movie Finance in Today’s Marketplace
Indie Movie Finance: "What do you mean by 'indie' film?'" ... the literal meaning is a movie which does not have finance from a major studio (Disney, Sony, Warner Bros, Universal) or a mini-major (LionsGate) or an SVOD (Amazon, Netflix). How does an indie film get finance in today's marketplace if a studio isn't writing the cheque? Indie movies in today's marketplace get their finance from a 'puzzle' of investment pieces e.g. soft money / tax credits; rebates; pre-sales; private ...
Location Shooting a movie in Belgrade, Serbia
I just spent a few days on location in Belgrade, Serbia on a movie set and I thought I would share some of the experience in this blog. Firstly, why do films shoot on location? Film is a visual experience & filmmakers look for ‘cinematic’ imagery - so, is there a location that has never been seen? Iconic locations audiences love to see. The desire for something different – does the location have futuristic cities; undiscovered countryside; unique urban environments. Film sets ...