Never randomly send out your script! Always make contact ahead of time. Most production companies won’t accept unsolicited scripts. Usually, they require that an agent or lawyer lawyer send it in. Others ask for a one-page query letter detailing your project, including a brief synopsis and a description of any attached elements such as financing, cast, and key personnel. If they do invite you to send your script, expect a response in no sooner than six weeks. Your script will most likely be read by a reader (entry-level staff or intern), who will recommend it or not. Try not to be discouraged if they pass.

Companies are often looking for a certain type of film. It’s a little like casting your film—the most amazing actress in the world might not be right for the part. This is why it’s important to research the company first.

Many producers don’t use business plans; the script sells the flm. But this is when pitching to film financiers, who understand the business, its probabilities and risks. In these cases, predicting anticipated returns (i.e., comparing your film to The Blair Witch Project, and predicting similar box office receipts) can make you seem unprofessional and unreliable.

Know who you’re talking to. If you’re appealing to professional investors such as venture capitalists who don’t know the entertainment business and who need facts and figures, then a prospectus is needed.

About Fiscal Sponsorship
Most foundations require applicants to have nonprofit status, and many do not offer grants directly to individuals but to organizations for an individual’s project. Plus individuals can only make a taxdeductible contribution to your project if you have nonprofit status.

This is where a fiscal agent comes in. A fiscal agent, sometimes referred to as a sponsor, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which takes legal and fiduciary responsibility for a project and can, in return, receive and administer grants and donations made in the name of the producer’s project. The production basically borrows the organization’s nonprofit status. The fiscal sponsor often takes a percentage fee for administration of the project, averaging five to ten percent.

Any nonprofit 501(c)(3) is qualified to be a fiscal agent. Just be sure its mission matches yours, and think of ways in which you can work together: Are you creating a film on a topic they care about? Can they assist with resources other than funding, such as interview subjects, perhaps promotional help in their newsletter, or provide a venue for meetings or events?

Production companies can apply for nonprofit status, but it’s a complicated process that’s generally not worth it unless the company will be producing noncommercial work for a number of years. Many media arts organizations often have official fiscal sponsorship programs offering advice and assistance throughout the production process. Film/Video Arts (F/VA) in New York is one. F/VA director Eileen Newman advises, “Be sure the organization has worked with film projects before and knows how to be a fiscal sponsor, meaning they have adequate staff and systems in place.”

Newman recommends knowing what you want from your sponsor ahead of time. “Both parties should be clear on what kind of relationship they will have, how much interaction and support will be given, and how much paperwork is needed.”

Login to post a comment