On Agents,
For more information, visit: Actors Listen Up, Filmmakers Listen In: 5 Things You Need To Know About Your Agent and Manager
It's more on the DIY model. Very clean sound advice here for actors and for emerging writer-director-producers who speak to them.
The other day I was approached at a coffee shop by someone who had a 200 p. script for a sweeping love story set in Egypt [I'm a film student]. She's an actress working at a conservatory that has not had nearly enough experience to know or understand what it's going to take. She's still in the "let the right person find me and I'll live happily ever after" portion of her creative growth. I told her to audition for thesis films and build her network. All she heard was "become an extra on big sets." I repeated myself but I'm not quite sure she understood that claims are nice but sadly lose their value as we get older. The business needs product to function.
If you are a filmmaker and you have a great experience with an actor, you can decide to foster them and help write material that will reveal their suited types and explore their range. These performances can give their agents more to work with and sell to casting directors and at the same time give your rising star a chance to gain purchase with a fan base.
No money, review everything else I've been saying: Shoot what you own. Come to terms with your constraints in production values and set some some rules about how you write your scenes. Focus on what you can control like performance, camera movement and the efficiency of your shot list and how many hours you should ask for your crew to work for free each day. Find a way that fits with your wallet and then practice those guidelines while EXECUTING a compelling story.
Agents want to sell. Casting directors want people who've put the work in. If you are focused enough you can either learn to do more with less or build a community to help you find more resources, or build a small but adequate team and do both. But by God, lean in and settle for nothing less then everything you've got to give.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
Sunday, August 4, 2013
On the Audacity of Fundraising
On the audacity of fundraising and why audiences might give,
For more information, visit: Kickstarter Gives Back What Public Television Takes Away, 'Citizen Koch' Makes Kickstarter Goal
It's an interesting moment when you realize that you and your college buddies or all your no-budget mates might be responsible for shifts in consciousness in the future, let alone leadership. What we are learning when we learn cinema, is a bridging of technology and art and music and performance to communicate in ways that words alone cannot and affect shifts in perspective that wouldn't be possible in normal debate. What's more is the product is enforced by word of mouth and we begin to see that reaching out to audiences is a mandate of the indie profession, not an option.
Greater creative control means that we can take any inspiration born from a common relationship and translate that into a movement that ends up on screen and expressed over the global digital landscape. Every time I meet someone and tell them I'm in film (...school), they get an odd gleam in their eye wondering at the mystery behind the art and I realize that some part of them, perhaps the child in them, wants to be involved. Maybe they can't be practically but it's attractive for them to have an inside look on what turns imagination into a reality.
Times can get tough. But dreaming keeps us sane. And there is hope that those dreams will foster an idea and its action and anyone can make a difference.
This is a bit of analysis on why emerging directors and producers need to connect with fans. Film festivals and platforms like youtube are just tools to spread the notice further, but the goal remains to provide a service of realized fantasy (even in documentaries where necessary social issues are finally explored in depth) for the world that will watch. Because people dream and productions are the proof that dreams have value. And we need to believe that. It's like seeing faith redeemed.
Long story short, make even short films with the audience firmly in mind. Develop and preproduce with an eye for the marketing campaign and fill in those commitments. And perhaps you can grow your niche following to the point where 6 figures is a reachable crowd-sourcing goal. You can build a career this way, create more jobs and help bring the American dream back.
Greater creative control means that we can take any inspiration born from a common relationship and translate that into a movement that ends up on screen and expressed over the global digital landscape. Every time I meet someone and tell them I'm in film (...school), they get an odd gleam in their eye wondering at the mystery behind the art and I realize that some part of them, perhaps the child in them, wants to be involved. Maybe they can't be practically but it's attractive for them to have an inside look on what turns imagination into a reality.
Times can get tough. But dreaming keeps us sane. And there is hope that those dreams will foster an idea and its action and anyone can make a difference.
This is a bit of analysis on why emerging directors and producers need to connect with fans. Film festivals and platforms like youtube are just tools to spread the notice further, but the goal remains to provide a service of realized fantasy (even in documentaries where necessary social issues are finally explored in depth) for the world that will watch. Because people dream and productions are the proof that dreams have value. And we need to believe that. It's like seeing faith redeemed.
Long story short, make even short films with the audience firmly in mind. Develop and preproduce with an eye for the marketing campaign and fill in those commitments. And perhaps you can grow your niche following to the point where 6 figures is a reachable crowd-sourcing goal. You can build a career this way, create more jobs and help bring the American dream back.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
Friday, July 26, 2013
On What It Takes to Get Signed
On What It Takes to Get Signed,
For more info visit: WME Signs Web-Fave Filmmaker Ilya Naishuller
Originally I posted this video and directed it at a friend of mine. Here I'll say that the filmmaker took a rather complicated vision that must've required tons of rehearsal, coordination and stunt-work to make quite the POV spectacle.
I'll say quickly that this is fun. The story is pretty simple but the execution is high-speed and compelling. But specifically: I don't really know how he did it. I mean I can guess but what's most interesting is the attitude, perspective, and technical capacity to understand how to get this all wrapped up in something that feels like one take (even though the cuts are just hidden by a reeling head-cam and the down beats of a rather awesome song).
The amount of production value came from the involvement of an entire stunt-team, tons of squibs and gunfire effects, and a mysterious device that we forgive for it's rather unfinished visuals for the adventure it brings on through various locales and not a small amount of excitement.
I can't answer what it takes to surprise your audience. The truth is some people are strong only for the assets they have access too. I don't know if the entire stunt-team was hired, whether it was an official company or a group of rough men who like to do crazy shit, and if it was for money or a big favor. The concept is more important:
Surprise your audience, out-think them and out-perform their expectations and imaginations and you should land a deal. How: think way more carefully about what you and you alone have access to (this includes experiences and things you personally enjoy).
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more info visit: WME Signs Web-Fave Filmmaker Ilya Naishuller
Originally I posted this video and directed it at a friend of mine. Here I'll say that the filmmaker took a rather complicated vision that must've required tons of rehearsal, coordination and stunt-work to make quite the POV spectacle.
I'll say quickly that this is fun. The story is pretty simple but the execution is high-speed and compelling. But specifically: I don't really know how he did it. I mean I can guess but what's most interesting is the attitude, perspective, and technical capacity to understand how to get this all wrapped up in something that feels like one take (even though the cuts are just hidden by a reeling head-cam and the down beats of a rather awesome song).
The amount of production value came from the involvement of an entire stunt-team, tons of squibs and gunfire effects, and a mysterious device that we forgive for it's rather unfinished visuals for the adventure it brings on through various locales and not a small amount of excitement.
I can't answer what it takes to surprise your audience. The truth is some people are strong only for the assets they have access too. I don't know if the entire stunt-team was hired, whether it was an official company or a group of rough men who like to do crazy shit, and if it was for money or a big favor. The concept is more important:
Surprise your audience, out-think them and out-perform their expectations and imaginations and you should land a deal. How: think way more carefully about what you and you alone have access to (this includes experiences and things you personally enjoy).
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
On Google/Youtube's Generation C (for Content?)
On Google/Youtube's Generation C (for Content?)
For more information, visit: Google invests in YouTube studio in LA
As technology has mobilized, online viewership has increased steadily with all the new content made available.
I've often had a complaint about those of us in film school who consider online exhibition. Without market awareness we might be doing ourselves a disservice by putting our videos side-by-side with prosumers junkies, nothing against them, who whipped out a camera and produced content that went viral. I could say that our "education" is making us think too much. But the truth is we learn how to make art at school, not entertainment. No one has the authority to tell you what "funny" is or what "adventure" looks like today. So we learn the art and the techniques and then we're made hesitant, while eager and innocent creators get drafted by Google and become "generation C." There's a real value in our education that should have it's place solidly entrenched within this online phenomenon, not just in the festival circuits or those very narrow entry points into the indie industry or union fellowships.
A little bit of envy is healthy if it gets the wheels turning. This article is way more proof that recognition and income are within our grasp. Youtube recognized that if they wanted to compete with the increasing quality of online content, they had to guide and invest in creators with real potential. For those in my network and beyond really considering that webisode pilot or short film, put a little fire under your butt because the time is now.
Organize. Bring your broke creative neighbors under one roof and get to using every resource available to put a slate together, and by all means seize the day. Not just cause its fun but because it could be the start of your career. The eyes of the digital industry, as well as film & TV beyond who feel the pressure, are all turning upon our ingenuity and creative passions to pave the way to the future.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more information, visit: Google invests in YouTube studio in LA
As technology has mobilized, online viewership has increased steadily with all the new content made available.
I've often had a complaint about those of us in film school who consider online exhibition. Without market awareness we might be doing ourselves a disservice by putting our videos side-by-side with prosumers junkies, nothing against them, who whipped out a camera and produced content that went viral. I could say that our "education" is making us think too much. But the truth is we learn how to make art at school, not entertainment. No one has the authority to tell you what "funny" is or what "adventure" looks like today. So we learn the art and the techniques and then we're made hesitant, while eager and innocent creators get drafted by Google and become "generation C." There's a real value in our education that should have it's place solidly entrenched within this online phenomenon, not just in the festival circuits or those very narrow entry points into the indie industry or union fellowships.
A little bit of envy is healthy if it gets the wheels turning. This article is way more proof that recognition and income are within our grasp. Youtube recognized that if they wanted to compete with the increasing quality of online content, they had to guide and invest in creators with real potential. For those in my network and beyond really considering that webisode pilot or short film, put a little fire under your butt because the time is now.
Organize. Bring your broke creative neighbors under one roof and get to using every resource available to put a slate together, and by all means seize the day. Not just cause its fun but because it could be the start of your career. The eyes of the digital industry, as well as film & TV beyond who feel the pressure, are all turning upon our ingenuity and creative passions to pave the way to the future.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
On Social Media Marketing
On Social Media Marketing,
For more information, visit: 5 Quick, Painless Ways to Make Social Media Marketing Easy
Indie Marketers:
These are just about the 5 vaguest suggestions to make social media easier, BUT since most of us learning production aren't learning marketing or social media at school and generally don't have an environment to discuss and practice the basics, I think it's important to keep these ideas on your radar.
Success is available today through faith, self-development and practice. So you take a tip such as "keep it simple" and the further notes on containing your social media investment to just a few venues but understanding that the key is consistency and quality discussion and right away your practicing something that will undoubtedly reveal a benefit in our business which is balanced on public perception and audience reception.
You have to create content; create something. Blogging to share, to inform and entertain and to create new business relationships will not only help you stay alert of the world you're trying to engage, it will also be mindful of who you are and what you're actually offering. Some of us begin not knowing exactly how to fit ourselves in the bigger equation. And the pursuit for basic needs can distract us from the bigger question of what's the best within us that we can offer.
Keep learning and growing.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more information, visit: 5 Quick, Painless Ways to Make Social Media Marketing Easy
Indie Marketers:
These are just about the 5 vaguest suggestions to make social media easier, BUT since most of us learning production aren't learning marketing or social media at school and generally don't have an environment to discuss and practice the basics, I think it's important to keep these ideas on your radar.
Success is available today through faith, self-development and practice. So you take a tip such as "keep it simple" and the further notes on containing your social media investment to just a few venues but understanding that the key is consistency and quality discussion and right away your practicing something that will undoubtedly reveal a benefit in our business which is balanced on public perception and audience reception.
You have to create content; create something. Blogging to share, to inform and entertain and to create new business relationships will not only help you stay alert of the world you're trying to engage, it will also be mindful of who you are and what you're actually offering. Some of us begin not knowing exactly how to fit ourselves in the bigger equation. And the pursuit for basic needs can distract us from the bigger question of what's the best within us that we can offer.
Keep learning and growing.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
On Production Incentives by State
Production Incentives by State,
For an awesome resource, visit: You're Welcome: Here's the Indiewire Guide to the Best Perks From 40 State Film
Thanks IW! For new producers expanding your domestic horizons, put a bookmark on this page for the cliff notes on state-by-state film commission benefits for incoming shows.
For those of us who haven't produced a feature yet or perhaps are considering packaging one, the details reviewed in these states are great selling points when presenting the business proposal. Take the best details on tax incentives, available locations, etc. and create a page in your plan that shows investors how savvy you are. Not everyone willing to invest their money has the time to be educated on what it takes to make a film and many of the equity investors are simply not aware of how it's done. So let these details shine and strengthen your credibility and as Soderbergh says, remember to let them know at the bottom line it's all about hope.
Good hunting.
For those of us who haven't produced a feature yet or perhaps are considering packaging one, the details reviewed in these states are great selling points when presenting the business proposal. Take the best details on tax incentives, available locations, etc. and create a page in your plan that shows investors how savvy you are. Not everyone willing to invest their money has the time to be educated on what it takes to make a film and many of the equity investors are simply not aware of how it's done. So let these details shine and strengthen your credibility and as Soderbergh says, remember to let them know at the bottom line it's all about hope.
Good hunting.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
On Valuing You (And What's Cool About English Majors)
On Valuing You (And What's Cool About English Majors),
For more information (on English Majors) visit: Steve Strauss: Why I Hire English Majors,
Hardly one to toot my horn, in this one instance I'm allowing myself a moment to feel a bit prouder. Being an English major usually translates into a teaching career in terms of practical relevance. Steve Strauss kindly makes us relevant to just about any business that requires critical analysis and problem solving as well as a higher grade of communicative ability. As a creative writing major I hope I fall somewhere in there. It's nice to get recognized for what some might dismiss as a backup and otherwise useless focus.
For the filmmakers among us that are trying to figure out which services and skill-sets might keep us gainfully in-demand, do not dismiss your natural talents or inclinations. You might not be a great communicator but you excel with numbers, or perhaps you are very sensitive on a strategic level and have a wider than normal perspective, or you might be a great cook and the perfect person to setup an intimate social event with. Take care of yourselves. Great filmmaking takes a strong spirit. Knowing where and how you belong means knowing your angle on the goals your pursuing. That's a measurable conviction and it sells. But it's gotta be yours.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
For more information (on English Majors) visit: Steve Strauss: Why I Hire English Majors,
Hardly one to toot my horn, in this one instance I'm allowing myself a moment to feel a bit prouder. Being an English major usually translates into a teaching career in terms of practical relevance. Steve Strauss kindly makes us relevant to just about any business that requires critical analysis and problem solving as well as a higher grade of communicative ability. As a creative writing major I hope I fall somewhere in there. It's nice to get recognized for what some might dismiss as a backup and otherwise useless focus.
For the filmmakers among us that are trying to figure out which services and skill-sets might keep us gainfully in-demand, do not dismiss your natural talents or inclinations. You might not be a great communicator but you excel with numbers, or perhaps you are very sensitive on a strategic level and have a wider than normal perspective, or you might be a great cook and the perfect person to setup an intimate social event with. Take care of yourselves. Great filmmaking takes a strong spirit. Knowing where and how you belong means knowing your angle on the goals your pursuing. That's a measurable conviction and it sells. But it's gotta be yours.
Let's get what we came for,
C.M. Sanchez III
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