An aspiring filmmaker, thus far I have just done the writing (several shorts, first draft of a feature film). The notion of actually finding and coordinator a crew and actors seems daunting--so I am wondering if there are production crews/companies that fill a niche need for a writer wannabe director, prodcos that would handle the making of the movie except for what a writer/director can or wants or thinks s/he can provide? It would seem to be something that exists, or should exist. At what cost? And can the writer+director who approaches an indie prodco still retain uber producer status in terms of retaining film rights, etc., if the prodco is simply hired?
Production Companies / Crew ?
- Thread starter Joe999
- Start date
Well, I don't know at what level you are in terms of being independent, however...
Maybe you know some people where you live who might volunteer their services. I just became part of a group where maybe we will be able to help each other out if we can. There seem to be alot of screenwriters, so I'm not much help there, but if they need production people, I'll help out if I can.
...maybe you can find some people like that...
-- spinner
Maybe you know some people where you live who might volunteer their services. I just became part of a group where maybe we will be able to help each other out if we can. There seem to be alot of screenwriters, so I'm not much help there, but if they need production people, I'll help out if I can.
...maybe you can find some people like that...
-- spinner
I think for me it is not so much if there are people that would volunteer, or work for pay, but whether I could deal with the stress of people and the time management of finding, hiring, managing crew and actors and who is to be where and when and all that. I bow my head to filmmakers how manage all that, it is truly why filmmakers deserve the kudos and $$$$$$$ imho.
I like the lower stress task of writing (Ok it has stresses, but at least it is just me and the laptop to yell at), and I truly do want to do the creative task of directing, and playing a role in deciding on the soundtrack, and I think I will love the editing aspect also. But it seems almost insurmountable to find and hire and manage a crew and actors.
That is why I am going to start small, real small, quantum shorts as in the small world of particle physics-- short scripts, me and a sound + hold-the-reflector guy, and a couple of actors. Maybe then it will seem doable.
But I still like the notion of the possibility of a prodco that I could hire or work with down the road with a feature film I write and that I want to direct, a prodco to take on those stressors that I do not care to tackle.
I like the lower stress task of writing (Ok it has stresses, but at least it is just me and the laptop to yell at), and I truly do want to do the creative task of directing, and playing a role in deciding on the soundtrack, and I think I will love the editing aspect also. But it seems almost insurmountable to find and hire and manage a crew and actors. That is why I am going to start small, real small, quantum shorts as in the small world of particle physics-- short scripts, me and a sound + hold-the-reflector guy, and a couple of actors. Maybe then it will seem doable.
But I still like the notion of the possibility of a prodco that I could hire or work with down the road with a feature film I write and that I want to direct, a prodco to take on those stressors that I do not care to tackle.
Well, I don't know at what level you are in terms of being independent, however... Maybe you know some people where you live who might volunteer their services. I just became part of a group where maybe we will be able to help each other out if we can. There seem to be alot of screenwriters, so I'm not much help there, but if they need production people, I'll help out if I can. ...maybe you can find some people like that...-- spinner
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I think I'm on the same page with you, Joe; except, I'm in a different role. I'd like to have someone else be the producer, handle schedules and personnel issues, while I do what I do. I can't answer your question, because I don't have a production company, but I would think you would want someone who was capable and doing it for monetary compensation, so you could draw up a document of understanding and hold them to it. Even if some of the crew was working for points or experience, I'd want the producer to be $responsible$. If you know what I mean?
Start alone, just learning how to use the equipment...do so publically 
Everyone who asks about what you're doing you talk to about it...every party you go to you talk about it...every bat mitvah your accordian trio plays, you talk about it. You will find kindred spirits who want to come along for the ride...slowly, you'll build up a crew of regulars who work on shorts with you. At some point, you get to where you're making decent films and can consider a larger piece with real scheduling (not just a weekend shoot) and budget. Make it happen, no one will do this for you.
Everyone who asks about what you're doing you talk to about it...every party you go to you talk about it...every bat mitvah your accordian trio plays, you talk about it. You will find kindred spirits who want to come along for the ride...slowly, you'll build up a crew of regulars who work on shorts with you. At some point, you get to where you're making decent films and can consider a larger piece with real scheduling (not just a weekend shoot) and budget. Make it happen, no one will do this for you.Actually we are more on the same page I think. I too want someone to handle people and schedules and personnel issues; I guess that means a Production Manager / PM? Maybe that is the key. I am just more an artist type, and the notion of legal issues, people managment, time management, that stuff does not appeal to me. I like to do what I like doing-- tell stories (writing), try directing, play with images in the editing room, play a role with the soundtrack (I have a strong music background also). Maybe I need to research a PM, what they do, what they cost, profit sharing with a PM, etc.
Sage advice. Plus I need the coinage from the batmitvahs hehe. Slow is good, or I will get overwhelmed. Thus I think me, a sound person, and if a third soul shows up to hold a reflector or run a B camera that would be frosting on the cake. And 2-3 actors at an easily accessible location. A 2, then 5, then 10 minute short. That seems doable over this year.
Start alone, just learning how to use the equipment...do so publically
I have a prodCo but I don't keep a crew on staff. Even here in Los
Angeles where a lot of movies are made I don't know of any
independent prodCo that keeps a full crew on staff - it's not
cost effctive. So you aren't looking to hire a prodCo - you're
right, you need to hire a UPM (Unit Production Manager).
crew. They will have connections with rental houses, stages,
caterers and post facilities. They will work directly with the
producer on contracts and with the first AD on schedules. Usually
the UPM is the liaison between the production office and the set.
Like all below-the-line personal they do not share in the
profits. The good ones are quite expensive. You can see why.
On small, low budget shows the duties of the UPM and First AD are
often done by the same person. Even on a short three week shoot
with a crew of 15-18 this can be an overwhelming job for one
person - but it's done all the time.
Angeles where a lot of movies are made I don't know of any
independent prodCo that keeps a full crew on staff - it's not
cost effctive. So you aren't looking to hire a prodCo - you're
right, you need to hire a UPM (Unit Production Manager).
A good, experienced, connected UPM will find, hire and manage the
crew. They will have connections with rental houses, stages,
caterers and post facilities. They will work directly with the
producer on contracts and with the first AD on schedules. Usually
the UPM is the liaison between the production office and the set.
Like all below-the-line personal they do not share in the
profits. The good ones are quite expensive. You can see why.
On small, low budget shows the duties of the UPM and First AD are
often done by the same person. Even on a short three week shoot
with a crew of 15-18 this can be an overwhelming job for one
person - but it's done all the time.
I have no doubt the UPM earns their money and so they should, it sounds like a daunting set of tasks they must do. But hey, better a UPM do it than me if possible. Takes a person with coordinating and people skills, something I am not so sure I have.