The cost of making a movie. The cost of not making a movie.
What is the cost? The answer is always the same, "It depends."
Depends? Depends on what? It depends, if you are doing something long or something short. It depends on the type of movie you are trying to do. It depends on the talent you need. It depends on how many locations, how much crew you need, what you need in the way of equipment. It depends on a lot of little things and a few big things.
People who are already connected in the business have it a bit easier and I say a bit because they have a lot of the same problems that independents have and a few that independents don't. Independents and new-bees deal with, where to get the money I need, where to start, how good can I make this on the low end and what to do after it's done. Established film makers have other problems, like how much will it make opening weekend and how will it do over seas. The thing's Hollywood insiders have on their side are contacts, opportunities, access to the money people and a few other things I'm sure I'm leaving out
So what is the bottom line as far as cost?
VIDEO? You can shoot your project on video for a few thousand to $10,000, if it costs you any more you should be shooting film.
SHORT FILM? I've heard of Shorts films (Shot on film) costing people anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000. Kind of Pricy.
FEATURE FILMS? Well, if you leave out 'The Blair Witch' and 'El Mariachi,' you are looking at a price range anywhere from $50,000 and up. The sky is the limit.
So where does that leave the film maker or wannabe film maker? Well, if you have Money to begin with, you are in a good place. In that way, you can get the people you need to make your film a reality. If you don't have a lot of money, then you need friends, expertise and you might have to live with your project being on video. If you have no money and no expertise, you are looking at a long road my friend.
Opportunity:
So, what would you do if this guy came up to you and said, "Hey, I have this script I am shooting. I can't pay you much, if anything at all but I will give you back end money. The script is called 'Star Wars' and it's about these Jedi's and . . . "
Well, that is what Lucas did when he was making 'Star Wars' and ran out of money. The people who took the deal are worth millions today. The one's that didn't, well they are mostly likely not worth millions. Now you could say, 'That is just one instance, a freak of good luck like "Mariachi" or "Blair Witch." but I never get the good opportunities.' Perhaps that is true. Then again, maybe we get the opportunities, maybe it's because no one is willing to take a chance. It could be why we don't see more things like "Blair Witch," (Which I really didn't like anyway) "Star Wars"and so many others I'm sure I am leaving out. Who takes a chance on a new film maker? Well, you have family and friends but sometimes that is not enough. Sometimes you have people already in the industry willing to offer their time, expertise and equipment. I would like to see a lot more of that (If the person donating their time, believes in you and what you are doing). Sometimes you have people who believe in you and are willing to invest in your future, I believe you call them Patrons. We need more of that too. Tax laws have changed the ease at which a Patron can invest in a film and see some kind of reward or benefit. The benefits and rewards are still there. They are not as obvious as they use to be but if you look you can find them. I'm sure that anyone who helped Kevin Smith with "Clerks" was remembered and taken along for the ride, at least to some extent. The same with Lucas and Rodriguez and all the other film makers who have gotten somewhere. I'm sure they remember who helped them get there, at least I would hope so. Hell, I still remember the people who help me get my start in this business (Rocco, Sean and a few others) and I hope someday I am able to repay the favor or a larger scale.
Crew Wanted, Copy, Credit, Food, Deferred:
I do quite a bit of surfing on the net and visit a lot of film related sites and message boards. Job boards as well. I always see ads on the job boards asking for key people, such as Cinematographer w/ camera package, Gaffers w/ lighting, Grips w/ equipment, or just your expertise and your time. What do they offer in return? Copy, credit, food and deferred pay. Lets break that down.
Copy:
Most of the time you have fight tooth and nail to get it, if you get it at all
Credit:
Most of the crew already has credits in their chosen field. So what is the draw?
Food:
It usually sucks and the coffee tends to suck more.
Deferred Pay:
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, and so forth.
So where does this leave us? Well, I believe they don't offer the things that would make it worth your while to join in, help, or even give a shit about the project. How would you entice talented people to be part of your project? Lets say you want a Writer, Director or a good DP. You have to give everyone a bump in position and a part of the film.
Want a good Director?
Make him a producer as well, allow him to help shape it, give him a piece of the film.
A good DP?
Make him a Director, Exec. Producer, allow him to help shape it, give him a piece of the film.
A good Writer?
Make him Director, Make him Producer, and as always a piece of the film.
A good Gaffer?
Make him DP, give him a piece of the film (Not just deferred pay)
And on and on. You just give people a reason to want to help, give them a reason to care, give them a part of your film, make them want to show up for the length of the project. People who want to get a project off the ground are so afraid of giving away part ownership of their project. Why? Fear of losing money? Fear of losing the rights? Fear of losing control of the project? Fear of sharing the acclaim? Fear of what?
Even if your project made "Blair Witch" type money, you would still get a nice chunk of cash (Even with all the sharing) and you would still be in a position to do bigger and better things. Not only that but all the other people whom you made 'partners' would also be in that same position. Then you have more powerful friends. It helps everyone, so why is it not done more? On all parts and in every department of the business it's fear, laziness, lack of love for the industry and maybe a bit attitude. Mostly fear though and that is sad. Never forget, the people who take a chance in this business are the ones that get somewhere. (And we are not talking about the lucky bastards)
Does that mean you should get involved with every project that comes along? No, of course not but you should listen, you should give some of you time and your ear. You never know who or what is going to get you to your goal.
One of the biggest reasons I started this web site is that there are a lot of talented people who need a place to go and share their expertise and ideas. I still feel that way. And maybe, if you have read this far, you feel the same. If you do, drop me a line and tell me what you do and what you want to be doing. Tell me what you could bring to a project and what you would like to bring to it. I have a few things I am trying to put together and who knows, maybe we can get there together.
Head Honcho
