Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Talent Search & Production Budgets

A few days ago I met with my friend regarding our pending productions. We discussed cast, crew, equipment needs, etc. I consider myself an enhanced gorilla filmmaker, because I construct a lot of the equipment and sets myself, locate free locations, work with a small crew, at times, two, most of the time two, actually. However, I believe in obtaining the proper permits when and where necessary. If one is to secure a half-way decent distribution deal, permits and releases are nice to have in ones possession.

That said, this production, my romantic comedy is expected to have a ten-day shooting schedule with no less than five crew members. This area is not the greatest to pluck talent from the acting pool, but we'll see what we can do. "Actors" in this area are more like fast-food employees who think it would be cool to be in a movie but then drop out after a day or two because they discover it's actually hard work.

That's always been a problem around here. You have to find real actors who are striving for the big-time and want to build their resumes and pay their dues, so to speak. Actors who are willing to give you ten days of shooting in two weeks because they WANT to be actors, not fast-food burger flippers so they are willing to ask for the time off and if refused, follow their dream anyway, realizing that they can get a menial job anytime, anywhere, but an opportunity to build their resume is PRICELESS and who knows - with some luck and hard work, an independent film can go big time.

It happens.

So, tonight I'm contemplating how I can achieve my budgetary goals and make the best damn movie I can make with what I have at my disposal. Great script, great, dedicated actors are of paramount importance followed by a great, knowledgeable crew. With myself and my friend, I know I have the foundation of a great crew, if I can build on that, I know we can do this. I have individuals I'd love to pull on board but I'm afraid their previous commitments will make it impossible to reel them into this production.

Already I have my sights on a new script. It will be a slice-of-life drama, another genre I've been itching to jump into. I'm excited about it.

I'm still considering my short script but a location eludes me. I have the cast ready to go. I spent $40 in gas last Saturday cruising around Asheville looking for the right spot to no avail. I'll see what happens.

For now,

Out.