So, you’ve slogged away hours at the coffee shop on your screenplay that you tell everyone about. Here’s a strong dose of reality to go with your latte: Hollywood greenlights less than 1% of movie scripts.
But don’t hang up your turtleneck. Each of those scripts has two things in common.
- A writer that believes in their work.
- A movie producer that believes in the writer.
That means you’re halfway there to having your film made. How do you find the other half?
If you’d like to find out, don’t skip over this blog like you do the credits at the end of a movie.
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What Do Movie Producers Do, Anyway?
They produce the movie, silly. Their sole purpose is to create a quality piece of entertainment.
It’s harder than it sounds.
The responsibilities of a film producer aren’t bound by any set role. They’re active participants in financial negotiations, creative brainstorming, and quality control. They ensure divas have their room-temperature water and they review each new shot.
The producer greases every cog in the machine.
On to The Hunt
You need to ground yourself in realism for this step. You’re an independent creator. You won’t get the best of the best, at least not at first.
You’re not going to get anyone that Michael Grecco has photographed for your leads. And it’s unlikely Steven Spielberg is going to pick up your film. Don’t set unreasonable standards.
Compare your movie to successful independent movies. Independent films have a tight budget, but make good use of it.
You won’t get a big name to sit in your producer’s chair, but don’t limit your choice. There’s a wide variety of independent producers worth their weight in salt(y popcorn).
Won’t You Read My Script?
This one’s a test of your social skills.
Just like a lot of this world isn’t meritocratic, neither is this. It’s all about networking.
Start from the top: do you know anyone in the business? How about that second-cousin that “knows a guy?” Any connection is worth pursuing.
Don’t have any connections? You can buy one.
Reach out to literary agents. These are the bread ‘n’ butter for newcomers. It’s their job to be well-connected.
Can’t afford an agent? That’s okay, too. But you’ll need to start making connections yourself.
- Go to film festivals.
- Cold-call local creators. What’s the worst they can do, hang up?
- Scour the internet for producers’ emails. They might not mark you as “spam.”
- Take to the forums. Post and participate in online discussion.
All it takes is one pulled string.
By Jove, You’ve Done It
Somewhere along the network, that one string was pulled. And it connected you and a producer.
They’ve arranged a meeting. It’s now time to sweat.
But don’t sweat too much, confidence sells. That’s just what you have to do: sell your product.
A film pitch is the last big hurdle to finding a movie producer.
Brainstorm everything about your movie. What’s it about? What are the creative aspects of the movie?
Do not be ill-prepared for this meeting. The producer will be meticulous. You have to be also.
Approach your pitch creatively. Something visually appealing will leave a lasting impression.
- A storyboard
- A short trailer
- An awe-inspiring poster
It’s a short list, but I’m not the creative one. Do something that’ll represent your movie in a condensed, beautiful way.
…And Roll Credits
Your script is great, and everyone you ask thinks so, too. Every great script needs a great movie producer.
They’re the lifeblood of the film. Their roles are limitless.
Don’t reach for the stars, but don’t fall flat either. Find an appropriate producer to fit your screenplay.
Sell your script. Make the producer want to work with you.
I expect to see your movie in the Hall of Fame!