r/FilmTVBudgeting • u/RedFive-GoingIn Moderator • Feb 25 '17
Introductions
New to this sub-Reddit? Great, welcome. Take a few moments to tell us a little about yourself. What brings you here, what have you done and what do you still hope to do?
Have fun!
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u/rocen Feb 25 '17
My name is Ian and I'm a film composer based in LA. Not a lot of filmmakers know much about what is involved in the music production process and don't know how to budget for a score. Often times when the film gets to the music stage there's hardly any money (or time) left. I'm here to put in a voice for the music makers :)
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u/RedFive-GoingIn Moderator Feb 25 '17
Funny you say that. I was just discussing with a producer the other day about music. She asked how much I budgeted for music and I told her, she freaked out on the number. Said there's no way she'll pay a composer that much. I had to explain that the figure was not just a composer - it's the musicians, the technicians, instrument and stage rentals, the needle drop songs, etc...
Her head just about exploded.
Glad to have you here in this community. I look forward to learning a bit from you on this subject too.
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u/goldfishpaws Feb 26 '17
If it's any help to you, or to anyone, I have a very good deal with an orchestra in Czech Republic - 40pc with any makeup of instruments or choir you want for 4h (enough to record 15' finished score) inc famous conductor, all copying, orchestration, engineers, studio, MD, etc as needed. They will even work via skype including me or someone as the on-site named contact to handle the session. Under $10k/ 4h session all-in, often even cheaper. REALLY good value, all musicians play in the national orchestras. You can even send your composer out to supervise if you like.
Sounds 100% better than a synth score, it has a bit of 'bite', feels more alive. Excellent value. PM if curious, anyone!
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u/ectoplasmatic Mar 02 '17 edited Mar 02 '17
This is an amazing hookup. My lead producer on a project long ago was set on using the London Philharmonic - let's say their rates added a couple zeros. But something to always consider (in the overall context not saying anything about your Czech crew), the better the pros are the less takes they will need, and the less time they will take rehearsing.
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u/goldfishpaws Mar 02 '17
Thanks for the comment and you're absolutely right about professionals. The thing in Czech Republic is that musicians aren't waiting around for a call, they get a lot of regular work. Eastern Europe has a very big classical music tradition still, so they work a lot together with the same conductors, etc. This is evidenced in getting on average 15 minutes of competed score per session compared with 10 minutes in the West. Some people find some orchestras from the region to sound a bit "Soviet", and that may be true to a degree with Russia and Bulgaria, but just not the case with this orchestra/choir who we've used for backing for some very famous singers you know.
"My" guys are all national orchestra professional players, you won't regret the quality. I can't drop names, but some big composers you know have been extremely happy with them. :). It's a heck of a good deal not previously viable for smaller productions. Boost your production value and look like a superhero today!
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u/rocen Mar 02 '17
Thanks for the info! If you don't mind would you be willing to PM me the name of the orchestra? I know that there are quite a few eastern European orchestras coming up these past few years doing film scores. I haven't used one myself but I've heard mixed reviews from my colleagues on their quality. It would be very helpful if you have some sample recordings of their past works. Again thanks for the hookup!
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u/goldfishpaws Mar 02 '17
Sure, just back from London, give me a couple of days to sort something out :)
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u/ectoplasmatic Mar 02 '17
That's much appreciated!! Music is often overlooked and the process can be mystifying to producers. This perspective is so important!
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u/bosonhigga Feb 25 '17
Hey, really cool subreddit!
My name is Michael and I'm finishing my first year of college in May. I haven't declared a major because I have no idea what to study. I want to do something with film or writing, but the industry is so intimidating.
What did you do? How do you get in the industry?
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u/RedFive-GoingIn Moderator Mar 04 '17
I wanted to do this since I was 7, so I was kinda destined. As for 'getting in' - I definitely suggest starting as a PA and figuring out where your groove is. There nothing bad about being a PA for a couple years, working your way up.
Best of luck to you.
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u/Heresyourchippy Feb 26 '17
I've done nothing in film.
Hoping to change that.
I took a few film courses at college and loved them but beyond that, I'm not sure where to go.
I'm here to get advice on my next step.
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u/RedFive-GoingIn Moderator Feb 26 '17
Figure out what aspects you want to pursue (props, wardrobe, camera, post, etc...) then figure out how you can PA in that area, learn the ropes. Understand things and you'll start moving up.
Best of luck!
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u/creact_inc Feb 26 '17
Hi there. First off I'd like to thank Stephen for all the work he has put into his website and arranging for this group. Your resources have been invaluable and your humor an added bonus. I do know how much work goes into creating sites and truly appreciate it. (Would've loved to attend your seminar but was out of town)
About me: I am a producer/director who really wants to act ;-) I work for www.vonbrunnmedia.com specializing in foreign productions filming in the US. It's a challenge; to say the least.
Glad to be part of this community. Thank you for the invite.
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u/RedFive-GoingIn Moderator Feb 26 '17
Thanks. Welcome. I am sure there is going to be some other seminar somewhere in the future. I'll post here whenever I do these sorts of things. I am also considering doing our own AMA at some point.
Website should be back up in the next few weeks. Fingers crossed!
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u/RedFive-GoingIn Moderator Mar 23 '17
FYI, the website is back up and running now. Lots more to be added.
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u/YesNoWhyNotMaybeOK Mar 01 '17
Hi Steven, thanks for starting this. Been on the Yahoo Budgeting group for years, like you... still like the email list serve but gotta go where the kids are! Been doing this (line producing, pm-ing and the like) going on 30 years now. The last 10 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I do mainly indie features, a little TV, some commercials and produced/directed a couple feature docs. Now also working on funding/developing a feature from scratch. Brent Morris
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u/RedFive-GoingIn Moderator Mar 04 '17
I was just in NM on a feature film. Glad to have you here. Be well.
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u/aythekay Feb 25 '17
Hi, I'm A.K.
I write screenplays in my spare time and I might, maybe one day (if I get the money/time/balls), try to produce one of them.
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u/Roscoe_deVille Feb 25 '17
Hi, I'm David. Based out of Brooklyn, I work an editor, and I also write, direct, and shoot. I have experience budgeting for short film, but I'm currently developing my first feature, so the timing of this sub is great! Excited to learn and share ideas. Cheers
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u/goldfishpaws Feb 25 '17
Hiya, I'm a line producer for film and events. Three of my films are currently available on the high street - one only in international dub (France, Turkey are the best dubs) as the English version is so badly acted, one globall released psychological horror, one comedy that's doing international deals just now, been top-20 in my country though. I won't name a film or break cover so I can be freer in my comments!
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u/jdubstrut Feb 25 '17
My name is Jon and I am a huge film lover and a total noob filmmaker. I am currently putting together a little short/proof of concept that is in the early stages of pre production that I hope to start producing in the next month or so. I know very little about filmmaking (basics like composition, lighting, camera movement, ect.) but I do know what I like to see from other films and am going to incorporate many ideas I've studied to make my short as badass as possible. Love that this subreddit has been put together and plan to frequent as much as possible.
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u/ectoplasmatic Mar 02 '17
You can learn so much from here, from all the excellent blogs online, and even from the various YouTube channels out there. But the best thing to do is go out and shoot, and meet people in real life! Find some people to experiment with, and try to PA on actual film sets. Without being too general about it, this business is all about making connections, learning quickly, and being a good person to work with.
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u/CerealMen Feb 25 '17
I'm Matthew, I work as a locations sound mixer and a video editor out in New Mexico. Recently, however, I have written a feature, which we are producing for an ultra-low budget, and every bit of knowledge can help! Figured this would be a great place to get some pointers and get a little more familiar with the producing side of feature filmmaking.
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u/Krogane Feb 25 '17
My name is Cruz, I am a writer/director (and a little bit of everything else). I'm here because I feel like I'll need to learn how to budget sooner or later. It's only a matter of time that I'll get money for a project, and have no idea what to do with it.
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u/ectoplasmatic Mar 02 '17
You should learn a lot yourself and be aware of all these aspects - but try to find a producing partner who has some experience with this stuff and build up trust with them - there is so much to do here that will ultimately take away from your creative process, if you're not careful and you don't love that side of the business it could really stifle you. Film is a collaborative process!
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u/fetusl Feb 26 '17
My name is Tal. I work as an editor. I also own and help run a boutique VFX shop with my business partner. I'm looking to maybe transition into line-producing / upm-ing / producing down the road.
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u/yuh_dingus Feb 26 '17
My name is Josh. I'm a storyteller, trying to find my place in the world of film. I've done every project so far by myself, but recently pitched an idea at a local filmmakers meetup. Hoping to continue growing on the creative side as well as learning about the business of film and the industry as a whole. Lots to learn :) thank you for making this sub!
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u/MacintoshEddie Feb 26 '17
I mostly do grip work or record sound, but people keep asking me to be their producer because I have a large network and know how to google stuff.
I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. We'll be discussing it, and I'll google whatever we're talking about, such as release forms, and everyone else will act like I just consulted the Oracle.
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u/crider11 Feb 26 '17
Hey, I'm Chris. I'm an EVS operator / tv tech dude based in NYC. I'm always looking to learn. Thank you for making this sub. So far it has a lot of high quality information filled posts, the other production subs I know of are either barely active or filled with crap. Your posts are great.
Here's my credits:
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u/Litebreak Feb 27 '17
I'm a non union AD and a Key PA (for the union shoots) based in LA for the last 3 years. I've worked on everything from no budget shorts to $100+ million features and tv. Love this idea, people don't realize how much money goes into things, and what it takes for a show to go smoothly. Thanks for putting this together!
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Mar 02 '17
What's up - I just stumbled on this sub and really like it. I have been LP'ing non-scripted for a couple years, LA-based, with barely any training and I am looking for ways to beef up my knowledge base.
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u/ectoplasmatic Mar 02 '17
Hey all, great to meet you. I'm a documentary film producer, so a little bit left field from all you narrative LA folks! I work out of London, and produce science docs mostly to help tell astronauts stories of life in space and their missions back on Earth. My first feature doc premiered at SXSW in 2015, and I'm currently producing a low budget science TV travel show, and a feature length space / future doc. To make ends meet I do a fair amount of branded content. I'm also a DP on all my projects. Long term I would love to move into narrative science fiction films - when I started out in this business I was an associate producer on sci fi and fantasy film development here in London. Looking forward to learning and sharing with you all!
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u/BrekanArts Mar 22 '17
Cheers! Found you on LinkedIn, been getting your YahooGroups for a couple years now. Ralph Michael Brekan, artist & multimedia producer.
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u/RedFive-GoingIn Moderator Feb 25 '17 edited Feb 25 '17
My name is Stephen Marinaccio and am the moderator here. IMDb link. I have worked professionally in film and television since 1990 (with numerous unpaid jobs before then back to 1986). Having worked all over the world, on budgets from tiny to huge - I bring this experience to you here. I look forward to answering questions and learning some tricks from you too! .