Funding approach

[gorillaonabike]

I have a wealthy Russian connection - wealthy enough that a few grand is nothing to them. Frankly, they could afford to lose tens of millions of dollars without this affecting their lives in any way. As an idea, my entire house could fit into the dining room of their primary residence and they have multiple properties internationally. Just imagine an incredibly wealthy Russian family which in the normal course of events would not give a flying f@ck about movies.

The son of the patriarch with the money is graduating from drama school. Clearly, I want to cast him as a lead character in the next short I have written because I will have the ability to pitch to the family for financing and as he needs a reel. I could re-write the short so the lead is Russian without any issues and throw in a few Russian elements to keep the family interested.

So how would you approach this if it were you? Bear in mind I'd love to know what you would do, how you would approach this.

 

[directorik]

In my experience it’s very rare that wealthy people are willing
to lose (or even invest) tens of millions even though the loss
would not affect their lives in any way. They are usually not too
keen on parting with even a few grand.

But okay, you’re pretty sure they will give you money if their
son is starring in your movie.

So how would you approach this if it were you? Bear in mind I'd love to know what you would do, how you would approach this.

I would rewrite the short to a feature and sell the wealthy Russian
connection on the possibility that with my skill, experience and
talent as a filmmaker and his sons new skill and talent as an actor
the movie will attract not only attention to the actor but be a great
investment. I would tell them that shorts are a dime a dozen and do
not make money, but an excellent feature could hit the festivals and
bring attention to the star at film festivals around the world. And maybe
even return the investment.

 

[Sweetie]

IMO, you're on tough ground, but potential ground.

It really depends on the relationship between the parents and the kid. Some parents insist that the children make it on their own two feet, others are very supportive, even financially. If you have the extreme of the financially supportive parents, then your best bet may be to create a feature film, put together an investment package and pitch them on a business deal that makes sense. (they are likely to hand it over to their lawyer and accountant for approval). Know your stuff. Tax incentives, filmmaking rebates, distribution options etc.

If they are interested if you cast their kid, then you're in the right ball park but don't get too greedy.

The biggest problem you're going to have is the level of their wealth. In my opinion, the more wealthy they are and the more financially supportive they are of their kid, the less chance you will have. What you don't want is to plan the seed of thought that they're going to invest tens of millions of dollars in their kids career, and them going to look for a name of someone who can actually launch their career.

Another decent option may be along the lines of offering a supporting role to the russian kid, but ask him if he knows anyone who would be interested in footing a 7 figure investment to get the project off the ground, and let the kid to the heavy lifting for you. He might surprise you and know other rich people who can also invest.

Good luck.

 

[baoliun]

Could I be your Russian speaking consultant on this one? ;p

 

[gorillaonabike]

I am thinking 'small' at this stage, partly because my little bit of experience so far sits purely within short films. My thoughts would be a way to get his career started by giving him an awesome reel. I could kickstart it by putting something really interesting on there, maybe get the family to stump up cash for a 'name' to star opposite.

I can find a couple of grand for kit, crew etc... and ask them for the money the talent which would enhance his reel and increase his employability exponentially. This would allow me to put a face on my reel as well and would also get some decent festival acceptance.

The idea of a feature is nice and something I need to bear in mind and bizarrely, this had not even occurred to me. D'oh! Guess I could potentially be thinking bigger...

And at this stage I do not know if they will put money into this but I will talk to them about this as this could benefit everyone concerned and it makes sense. I do not know what the Russian attitude is towards the children - whether they should be expected to make their own way in the world but I will ask.

 

[Morris]

I would talk with the kid first to see how enthusiastic he is about the part. Make him co-producer and let him come up with the money. It might not be from his parents. Wealthy people ususally hang out with other welthy people. He might have it himself.

 

[gorillaonabike]

IMO, you're on tough ground, but potential ground.

It really depends on the relationship between the parents and the kid. Some parents insist that the children make it on their own two feet, others are very supportive, even financially. If you have the extreme of the financially supportive parents, then your best bet may be to create a feature film, put together an investment package and pitch them on a business deal that makes sense. (they are likely to hand it over to their lawyer and accountant for approval). Know your stuff. Tax incentives, filmmaking rebates, distribution options etc.

If they are interested if you cast their kid, then you're in the right ball park but don't get too greedy.

The biggest problem you're going to have is the level of their wealth. In my opinion, the more wealthy they are and the more financially supportive they are of their kid, the less chance you will have. What you don't want is to plan the seed of thought that they're going to invest tens of millions of dollars in their kids career, and them going to look for a name of someone who can actually launch their career.

Another decent option may be along the lines of offering a supporting role to the russian kid, but ask him if he knows anyone who would be interested in footing a 7 figure investment to get the project off the ground, and let the kid to the heavy lifting for you. He might surprise you and know other rich people who can also invest.

Good luck.

Very interesting. Gives me lots of food for thought. Will be talking to them tomorrow night to organise a dinner next week to have a chat. Let's see where it takes me.

Probably nowhere but it's worth a try...

 

[NickClapper]

- Make a short, on your own dollar, with the son in.
- Make it good, and push it around festivals.
- Use inception to make the son show it to his dad, along with a feature script you've written.
- Make said feature on daddy's dollar.

(But, in all seriousness, I think your best bet is to produce a short with the son first, so that it doesn't seem as though your primary reason for employing him is financial.)

 

[ItDonnedOnMe]

Nick hit just what I was going to suggest - start with a short that you pay for. Assuming that goes well, you can work well with the kid, and you want to continue pursuing this let the short become the starting point for seeking funding for a bigger project.

I'd also suggest putting the bigger project (presumably a feature) together as if you were going out to seek funding from many sources, not just this family. That way if they don't invest you're positioned to continue with it - and if they do invest you'll be better able to leverage that to bring in additional outside investment (no one likes to be the only one at the party).

 

[gorillaonabike]

- Make a short, on your own dollar, with the son in.
- Make it good, and push it around festivals.
- Use inception to make the son show it to his dad, along with a feature script you've written.
- Make said feature on daddy's dollar.

(But, in all seriousness, I think your best bet is to produce a short with the son first, so that it doesn't seem as though your primary reason for employing him is financial.)

It's a good idea.