So what does it take to make a living in the film industry? Even if you are starting out, what is your financial goal to make for the year? 25k, 30k.? Now divide that by production work at your minimum rate. Whether it's feature films, local commercials, industrial work, music videos etc. We all want to be directors or producers but your second real job should be attached in the film industry as well. I have produced feature films and I'm working on a slate of more but my bread and butter is in the Post and AD Department (Editor, UPM, DP and 2nd AD). 75% of my income comes from my "2nd job".
When people use the term "made for" they cannot be including the long list of fees and requirements to properly release a film. I admit, I did not take into account many of these fees and costs. They absolutely drive up the final cost of your film.
When I put the budget together (mistake #1) for my first feature, like an idiot I said, "if we get a distributor I'm sure they'll pick that up or if we really need it, we'll figure something out." Not so easy to figure out. I quickly learned, in general, distributors would not pick up all the costs I wrongly assumed they would for a lower budgeted indie film. If I was asked to give one piece of advice it would be to make sure you have funds set aside for legal fees, negotiations and deliverables. These are real parts of the film making process if you want your film to be seen. Many contracts are pieced together from years of negotiations and are confusing, redundant and contradictory. It's important to at least have a lawyer explain what you are signing if you cannot afford to have one red line the crap out of your offer. Also, deliverables are a real eye-opener. Just when you thought you were done they ask for HDcamSRs, DCPs, CCSLs and QC Reports. Set aside the funds for these early or make them "legal elements" and negotiate like hell so they are picked up by your distributor. As for SAG obligations... there's tons of fascinating reading material.
Know this, it's NEVER been an easy business. The rich always hold the cards -- to be fair, they also supply the financing at times. Making films for less than what the market is paying is a good start. If you are thinking of paying "names", make sure those names are worth your investment. Don't rely on an agent or manager to confirm that. Speak to sales agents who sell internationally. They know who's hot or who isn't. A "career" in the business usually means working in different areas and genres of the business. Ignore stupid claims that Film X was made for $7K. It wasn't. To get it released through legal channels and up to expected technical specifications, a lot more was spent. Raise money that pays for the necessary legal elements and meets SAG obligations. If you don't, you'll be raising more, and your release will be impossible until you do. For the majority, there is no easy road. Never has been.
Great points. It really comes down to one thing: if one wants to capitalize upon their film (their art?), then at a certain point, hard business decisions must be strategized and executed. Even if one "doesn't care" about making money and makes films for art's sake, if they do end up making money, it's BECAUSE SOMEBODY ELSE took on their project and capitalized on it, e.g., a Harvey Weinstein. In the end, filmmakers in America primarily survive as entrepreneurs, which is based on a business model. You must make movies to make money, in addition to making art. If not, you either scrape by some other way or you GET LUCKY and someone comes along and makes the money for you (hopefully that person is honest and doesn't cheat you out of your money).
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