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How did you categorize the elements of a film or video production? The categories of a film budget do not exactly match up with the categories IRS has for deductions. So, I am wondering what the deductible categories are - would anyone care to share a list and any hints on how you organize...

Producing questions related to contracts, payments, etc. Hi everyone, Been a long time since I posted here (although I've occasionally popped in to read). I have a question about production companies when two or more are working together on a film. Basically, I formed my own company and was...

Wasn't there a member here, a woman, who was producing a feature film and performing ALL the key positions herself? I remember reading posts about it when I first joined (or was that a different site? LOL, can't recall). All I remember is it was a period piece, the 1950's maybe, and about...

Just an organizational question here - what do you folks do with all the paperwork generated from a film? What's your filing system? Is there anything you don't keep after it's over? Please let me know - thanks!

Hello all, My short film is happening this weekend (yay!) and I have friends shooting production stills for us. They're both great photographers, but not pros -- and neither has done this before. Thing is, I've never had a stills photog on a set before, and I know I don't need to keep them...

Hi, I'm still looking for a scripty for my short, and I know there are a few here who feel that that is a vital position which should be paid. Yet others I know feel you can find someone who isn't necessarily experienced and will work as a scripty unpaid or for low pay and still do a good job...

What equipment should I expect a location sound recordist to have? And what format is best for editable tracks to input into Avid and sync with picture? I want someone who does sound and also operates the boom, so they need the kind of equip't they carry/wear. Also, should I rely on that...

I've chosen my actors and they've all accepted, and are excited about the project. What do I need to do before sending them the full script? Anything besides getting releases? Should I give them any other kind of agreements to sign? They know the positions will be unpaid, but if I can swing...

Efficient Callbacks? The auditions I held this past Saturday and Monday have left me with a fairly nice embarrassment of riches. I saw so many good actors, I'm having a tough time whittling down my choices. I have three lead roles: a man & woman will play a couple who live together, and...

What do you look for when hiring a Line Producer?

Hiya, I'm in the process now of setting up auditions for my current project (short film) and I'm in a bit of a quandary. There is one character I'm casting that can be any age from 40s to 60s, and I posted a breakdown and got some good submissions. I don't know anyone personally who fits the...

Hey guys, just want to ask you business owners how important it was for you to choose the name of your company. Some prodco's have very personal names that don't make sense to anyone else except the owners, and some have names that describe what they do. I've been waffling between a few...

Hello good people, Sorry to keep bugging you all with questions, but I'm trying to figure out my crew (for a short). Can you guys tell me what the difference would be between a Production Manager and a Production Coordinator? I've looked up these positions and they sound very similar...

What questions should be asked of a sound recordist when interviewing to work on a low-budget short? What standards or equipment or ____ should they have? What should I listen for in a demo of their work? I don't really know what to expect, and sound is a problem area for me because I have...

When paying actors (non-union) a day rate that often comes out to less than minimum wage, can they be paid as per-diem contractors (1099) or must they be employees (with payroll taxes, Unemployment insurance, etc.)? Please no guesses here - would like answers from producers with experience in...

Hello all, Having a little personal dilemma lately, in two parts... Here's Part I: I need to ask some people to work on a video project for me for free. I know this is routine, and I've done it too, but that was when I did mostly everything and just needed a few hands to help. I have no...

Do I need a lawyer to create an LLC in NYC or can I file the paperwork and do it myself? Anyone here have an LLC in NYC? Would like some insight into the process. Thanks, in advance, for your response.

Perhaps a silly question, but just wondering... When you number scenes in your script for breaking it down, etc., do you use #13 or skip it and go right from 12 to 14? And pondering this question made me wonder if any of you indie filmmakers have any other superstitions during pre-, pro, or...

Hi all, I'm getting ready to send a license agreement and a certificate of authorship to a writer for signature. Does anyone know if these contracts need to be notarized or co-signed by a witness? Please don't speculate -- I'd like to hear what you've done for your contracts. Sorry such a...

Hi all, Does anyone know if somewhere there is a glossary, or resource of some kind, where I can get a list of all types of "digital distribution?" I would like to know the methods available, with some kind of description. Such as: Digital streaming, digital download (is that the same as...