Writing targeted at No-Budget Indie Filmmakers

[Graeme]

Here is a Nice resource:

http://www.digi60.org/whats-going-on/

What it is - a video taping of 8 local screenwriters who are pitching short (8mins) stories to a room of filmmakers as part of a contest. Each story contains a "catch", something that must be in the film. This year is a "Passionate Kiss that Effects the Character".

Why do I bring this up, one its good to watch a series of elevator pitches. Two, half these story ideas are great, but not really feasible to the filmmakers.

What annoyed me and a few other filmmakers was the fact that many of the writers came up with these great stories but fail to consider the conditions of the contest... 60 days to make the film, 8 minute time limit, reasonable resources of the filmmakers (especially considering the number of hospital scenes... I've done it, it wasn't pretty - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...79363194.43652.146074725473983&type=3&theater). Oh, and because this is a short the financial possibilities is basically ZERO (aka we are losing money shooting this).

I'm pointing this out because I know of a lot of writers who would like one of their stories/scripts to be made into a film and I keep telling them "write me something I can shoot on a budget, or give me a budget to shoot your movie".

Just something to think about when your writing the "next big feature". I love writers, the talent and execution but you got to throw us no-budgets a frick'n bone here.

That all said half of the filmmakers are shooting on Red Ones (local renter is also supporting the festival).... the other half Canon 5DM2 or similar with only a couple of exceptions.

 

[FantasySciFi]

I'm not sure I understand your posting. Is it informational--telling writers about Digi60 contest? Is it a commentary on the eight presenters? Is it a request for submissions for you to shoot for this competition? It seems like you are throwing out a lot of different messages. My initial read of the rules is that it seemed to be restricted Canadian writers.

And while budget is an important consideration, most writers have NO CLUE how much is involved unless they are actively involved in production. And what one director/producer can make with $500 may cost another $2000 because of vision, location, and other variable expenses. It is dangerous for screenwriters to suggest a budget for their script. If too high, they get bypassed. If too low, they are criticized for not being realistic. It's best for the director to first find a story worth shooting, then work with the writer to make it fit the budget. The director/producer knows best what they can afford and what resources they have upfront, not the writer. (Recently I was surprised that one director said he could do the CG easily for a scene when another said it would be too difficult. It's self-fulfilling prophecy; they were both right for their particular approach.)

If you are looking for shorts, Inktip has a number of shorts listed organized by genre. You can directly contact the author. The IndieTalk Board also has a place for listing scripts wanted or available. I wrote a short comedy that I posted as available a while back--mostly silent and all of seven pages. It fits very well into the "passionate kiss" idea. No hospitals I mention it because I'm sure others on this list would be happy to contribute ideas/scripts and collaborate. Understandably most writers will work on their own projects ("big features") because they can pay well if optioned. It's not a rejection of no/low-budget productions. Many of us enjoy working with Indie filmmakers, though most indie filmmakers prefer to write their own scripts to shoot.

If you post a request for scripts and their requirements as pertain to your budget, I'm sure your mailbox would receive a collection of 'bones' to choose from. Good luck with your entry!

 

[Graeme]

Perhaps I was a bit to vague...

It was a post telling you about the "evevator pictches" which I though would be an interesting thing for writers to watch.

Then I added my personal critic which was that many of the stories required elements that are hard to get your hands on without doling out money, and for a short film, every time you dole out money - its likely never coming back.

Where as in features you may have more flexibility as the goal generally is to produce some income.