PRODUCING
"I spend about 2% making movies and 98% hustling."
~ Orson Welles
A curation of articles, podcasts, videos, and courses to help with your producing adventure.
What Kind of Producer Are You?
Creative Producer • Business Producer • Line Producer
DOWNLOADS
A collection of FREE forms, templates, and questionnaires:
As a Creative Producer, you may want to know what your film is about and how to properly prepare your marketing campaign around that idea.
GUIDE TO THE $500 FEATURE FILM
If you're looking to get started at producing a super micro-budgeted film, then this Quick Guide may help show you how to make a feature film for $500 with no crew.
If you're producing a micro-budget film, then filming around the resources you have access to is vital. This checklist will help you take inventory and stayed focus on getting your film made.
GENERAL TALENT/CREW RELEASE FORM
If you're making a micro-budget film, then most likely you'll need volunteers. Here's a blanket agreement form to help clarify any expectations that your crew and talent might have about the production.
BOOKS
A collection of books on the business of producing movies. (*These are affiliate links)
From Reel to Deal: Everything You Need to Create a Successful Independent Film
Although this book is a bit out of date, Dov Simens does a great job of constantly updating his teachings. Simens also teaches a two-day workshop and gives you everything you need to know on how to make a film and sell it. I love the fact that Dov pulls no punches in his teaching approach. I met Dov years ago at the American Film Market (AFM) and he was approachable and truly someone who loved to give. I used his teachings to make my feature film THE CUBE.
The Biz: The Basic Business, Legal and Financial Aspects of the Film Industry
This book can be a bit dry to read at times, because it's about looking at Hollywood from a entertainment lawyer's perspective. Schuyler M. Moore is one of the most respected law professionals in the business. The greatest takeaway that I got from this book is that Hollywood is NOT in the film business, they are in the business of exploiting licenses and the control of those licenses.
Writing for the Green Light: How to Make Your Script the One Hollywood Notices
Although this book may be targeted towards screenwriters, author Scott Kirkpatrick has been an executive for several independent film distribution companies. Kirkpatrick's insight of how movies are really made is insightful and worth a read.
Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player
Another book that may be a bit outdated, but Robert Rodriguez's story is simply inspiring. This is no excuse filmmaking. Imagine what you can do with today's tools?
The Reel Truth: Everything You Didn't Know You Need to Know About Making an Independent Film
Other books may tell you the best way to make your independent film or online short, but no other book describes so candidly how to spot and avoid such issues and obstacles as equipment problems, shooting-day snafus, postproduction myths, theatrical distribution deal breakers, and dozens of other commonly made missteps, including the top fifty mistakes every filmmaker makes.
The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age: 2013 Edition
Widely acknowledged as the “bible” of video and film production, and used in courses around the world,The Filmmaker’s Handbook is now updated with the latest advances in HD and new digital formats.
There's no shame pulling this book out when you're on set 🙂
How to Win Friends & Influence People
Practically every successful business entrepreneur cites this book as the being the most important book you can read. You've heard it before, "But it's not what you know, it's who you know." This book will help you get to know the "who's who" in any industry.
This unique Survival Guide is designed to help the über independent filmmaker navigate the terrain of direct distribution and how best to sell a digital product online. There are a lot of books on how to make a movie and how to be part of the Hollywood machine; but this step-by-step guide will show you how to bypass all of that and get to the heart of making and selling digital products (your film) directly to an online audience … and survive the Hollywood implosion while doing it.
SOFTWARE
A collection of software and tools to help you, as a movie producer.
I've tried other cloud-based storage and file management systems, but the stability and ease of use with Dropbox is unparalleled.
ProductionNext is a powerful new suite of tools and services for the indie film, television, web series, and corporate video worlds. We're an evolution of the entire process of making and managing a film, extending your reach from isolated projects to the full spectrum of personal, project, and business relationships that life in the production world demands.
Movie Magic Budgeting 7 & Movie Magic Scheduling 6 Bundle
I've used the original version of this bundle when it was called Entertainment Partners. It's on the pricey side, but they've been the industry leaders for years. If you're serving as a Line Producer, then you'll need a robust system like this one.
Jungle Software Gorilla 6 Scheduling and Budgeting Combo Pack
The other scheduling and budgeting software in the space is Jungle Software's Gorilla Scheduling and Budgeting programs.
PODCASTS
A collection of podcasts and podcast episodes that cover different aspects of the producing process.
Imagine Making $193M Off Your Micro-Budget Film with Oren Peli
This is one of my favorite podcast episodes, as we take a step-by-step journey of what it was like to turn "Paranormal Activity" into the global franchise phenomenon.
How to Become a Local Filmmaking Hero with Chris White
This episode really resonated with a lot of Film Troopers. Probably because of lot of filmmakers want to know how they can become relevant in their hometown. Chris White shares some amazing tips for any producer.
How To Make Money With Your Live Screening with Christoper Everett
When you're done making your film, many of us want to have a live screening. Filmmaker, Christopher Everett, shares with us how he has been able to make money from his live screenings, long before he decided to make his film available on DVD and VOD.
How To Get A Distribution Deal with The Bet
A lot filmmakers strive to get their film a distribution deal. Listen in on how the filmmakers from "The Bet" were able to hustle and make the deal happen.
The Art & Science of No Budget Filmmaking with Mark Stolaroff
A lot of us are dealing with zero to no budgets when we're trying to make our films. Mark Stolaroff is the founder of the No Budget Film School, so who better than to ask, "How do you make a no budget film?"
Overcoming Death and Making Movies That Matter with Jenna Edwards
In this episode, I interview actress and award-winning producer, Jenna Edwards, about surviving a near death experience to learn how to produce movies that matter.
How To Make A Living From Your Web Series and Documentaries with Lucas Longacre
In this episode, I speak with Lucas Longacre from Iron Way Entertainment about how he and his wife are able to make a living from their web series and documentaries.
How To Get A Meeting with Netflix, HBO, and CNN For Your Documentary with Jonny Wallström
In this episode, I interview Swedish filmmaker, Jonny Wallström about how his documentary, The Pearl of Africa, landed him meetings with Netflix, HBO, and CNN.
Knowing what's going on with the world of the entertainment business is helpful for the independent filmmaker. There's continuously valuable content within this podcast and I highly recommend listening.
Jason Buff over at the Indie Film Academy has a ton of quality interviews that can help you become a better producer.
Alex Ferrari over at Indie Film Hustle is constantly adding amazing episodes that are invaluable for any indie producer. But get ready to hustle, because no one hustles more than Alex 🙂
If you only listen to one episode from Dave Bullis, then it must be with famed independent producer, Cassian Elwes (#78). If you want a master class on being a movie producer, this is the one!
VIDEOS
A collection of videos that will help with your producing efforts.
If you're looking to make a horror film, or any film for that matter, this short video series may be helpful. Look for Video #3 that goes into "How To Find Your Audience".
In this Film Marketing Friday, we dig deep into how filmmakers can build an audience for their film.
In this Film Marketing Friday session, we explore the bigger question of how the film industry works ... and how you, the über independent filmmaker fit into the whole thing.
In this Film Marketing Friday, we unpack how to create a better sales sheet via your movie poster when pitching your film idea to anyone.
If you're looking to launch a crowdfunding campaign for your film, Karen and David from Film Courage put together their own masterclass with Emily Best from Seed and Spark to help you succeed.
Dov Simens, Author of "Reel to Deal" and the creator of the 2-Day Film School has been a mainstay of Hollywood for years. Quentin Tarantino was one of Dov's students. In this video, Dov breaks down the different types of producers. He talks fast, so take notes!
Darius Britt started his YouTube channel when Film Trooper was launched. Britt has generated a following of over 100,000 subscribers. This video helps you avoid the top 15 mistakes that every filmmaker makes on their first film.
Darius's counterpart from England is Simon Cade, a young man who has generated over 450,000 YouTube subscribers, sharing his experience as a filmmaker for anyone wanting to get started.
COURSES
A collection of online courses that will help you in your producing efforts. (*Affiliate links)
WERNER HERZOG - Teaches Filmmaking
When the legendary director Werner Herzog was 19, he stole a camera and made his first movie. 70 films and 50 awards later, Werner is teaching documentary and feature filmmaking. You’ll learn storytelling, cinematography, locations, self-financing, documentary interview techniques, and how to bring your ideas to life. By the end, you’ll make uncompromising films.
- 26 hours of video lessons (including learning how to finance your film)
- 37-page workbook
- Office hours for select students
Film School $90,000 • MASTERCLASS $90
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Let me know ...
*AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
In most cases, I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend within any of my blog posts, video blogs, and audio podcasts.
What does this mean?
If you purchase items through my links I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. This is the way a lot of bloggers make little bits of money.
So, if you feel inclined to purchase any of the goods or services that I provide links to, then you can say to yourself, "Hey, I know that by using this affiliate link when making my purchase, it'll help Scott out."
This helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff. 🙂 Thank you, in advance for your support!
