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Screenwriters & Filmmakers - Pitching the Cold Heart of the Banker
 Category |
: Writing |
 Times Read |
: 85 |
 Date |
: 12 February. 2008 07:00 |
by: John Gaskin
Can a creative pitch alone get your script produced? Pitching the script is an art that is much talked about, put into college curriculums and lauded by the Pop Culture. But, theres a big factor missing from creative pitches. Its fundamental; but broadly ignored by key creative people.
For over 20 years Ive been hired by Film Financiers (Studio Execs, Bonding Companies, etc.) to watch over their investment during the films production. Ive also had more than a few independent filmmakers ask me for help in getting their film off the ground. So, Ive been rubbing elbows with the elusive Film Financier (of one stripe or another) for some time.
Creative screenwriters, directors and filmmakers, especially when theyre new at the game of film production, conceive that the money for wonderful scripts should be found - like apples dropping from a tree. Fraid not. Filmmaking is as much about the money as it is about the creative.
The person who youre pitching may be wearing blue jeans and topsiders, but hes still a Financier (or his immediate superior is). When pitching your script, think - Im looking into the cold heart of a banker.
Learn to be familiar enough with the costs of your script to defend it in the language of money. Then, youll be able to look any Studio Exec in the eye and mean what you say in his/her language.
But, you say, Im creative! What do I know about money, and financing, and accounting, and, and.. Take heart. Its a heck of a lot easier than you may think.
Pitch the ScriptBut Dont Forget The Money
Independent screenwriters, directors and producers are fervently connected to their scripts and can pitch them anywhere, at anytime. But can a creative pitch alone get the film made?
Its very rare. Think about it. Youre dealing with the M word.MONEY! So, yeah, pitch your heart out. But, hey, isnt it reasonable to learn some of the language of the person you really want to work with? To my mind, thats the only way to be credible in the eyes of the Financiers. Remember that were talking about INDEPENDENT Film Financing and not about getting swept through the red carpet of the major studios.
Theres a two step process going on here:
Translate Creative Ideas Into Money Talk
Being bright and creative is pretty much the norm in the film industry. But, being bright and creative, AND knowing how to translate creative ideas into money talk elevates you way ahead of the pack.
To deliver a good pitch, have answers to these key questions about your screenplay:
- How you will achieve and produce your vision, yet still stay within a predetermined budget.
- Whats important about money in film production, and whats not, and how to bring it up in the pitch.
- What are some of the Insider secrets about film budgeting and reporting that YOU can use to your advantage?
- Regardless if youre a film director/ producer/screenwriter/ crew/ film student/ etc., film budgets and cost reports have something to do with you and your goals. Be prepared to bring this topic up when you pitch your screenplay.
You get the idea. Learn to be familiar enough with the costs of your script to defend it in the language of money. Then, youll be able to pitch your script in a very powerful language - the language of MONEY.
Sign up for a series of seven articles - all only about 3 to 5 pages each which will give you insight into most of your pitch the money problems, at http://www.talkfilm.biz .
Here are the article titles:
John Gaskin
With over 20 years experience and 40+ film productions, John has worked with some of the industries top professionals, including academy award winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer. John brings his expertise to aspiring & established film professionals.
(Copyright 2005)
About The Author
John Gaskin opens the door to a closed topic in the film industry -MONEY! Learn the inside tips from a 20 year pro of over 40 film projects all over the world. To receive a series of 7 free artilces visit: http://www.talkfilm.biz.
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