Blogs

Comments

1 comment
  • temerson
    temerson <p>Danged if that ain't so very true!  Pre-production is THE most important part of the process.  Happens to be my favorite part.  Here's to you!<br mce_bogus="1"></p>
    January 5, 2009 - Report

Blogs » The Art of Preparation

The Art of Preparation

  • I received a phone call yesterday from a fellow filmmaker. It seems I had submitted my resume for a line producing gig back in October and the Director now realized he needs a Producer. The only problem is he wants to shoot next weekend- he does not have a crew, a locked location, actors or money to pull any of it off at such quick notice.

    I turned him down nicely. I am the line Producer of a feature that starts principal photography on January th  (AND 1st AD once shooting starts). So, I am a little busy. I gave him a reference of a great line producer who would be willing to help him out if he would push his shoot back to mid-January. Once we hung up, I got to thinking about the creation of a film and the importance of preparation.

    *First -when the idea turns into a story and then turns into a screenplay. (The outline, the character bios, the back story).
    *Second-the team: Producer, Director, DP, PD- who bring all the elements together.
    *The visision that is shared and the implementation of that vision.

    It all takes preparation. Yes, I have pulled off last minute saves for friends contests and film school projects. But it was ALWAYS rushed, ALWAYS cost too much, and it  was ALWAYS close to not getting it at all. A great teacher I once had said, "Failure to prepare is preparing to fail" and he was right.

    As a producer, I first fall in love with a story. I am passionate about telling one and getting a project off the ground. Then, I always have such a place in my heart for directors -and their need to tell THEIR story. Then, I do what I can with the money that I have and prepare. I take care and consideration in all things I do and the products then speak for themselves.

    So, just a thought really. If you have a story that you must tell and a vision to make it happen. Get your producer first. Then...........Prepare.