Thursday, June 30, 2011

eHow videos on how to get money to make your indie film

How to Get Money to Make an Independent Film:

Cory Turner says making a movie is about selling dreams. The investors should be interested in seeing their names on the screen. He says: "No one is going to invest in your movie unless you have a good budget set up." How much money do you have, your friends and family have to invest in this film, how much money you can pull together.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2374491_get-money-independent-film.html

Budgeting for Equipment in Indie Filmmaking:

Get a 3 chip camera. Or save up and get a nice HD camera.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2374492_budgeting-equipment-indie-filmmaking.html

The Types of Cameras Used in Indie filmmaking:

He uses a Cannon XL 2 digital camera. Use a mini-digital DV tape. It costs $5-$8 in retail stores.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2374493_the-types-cameras-used-indie.html?wa_vrid=4e613bf2-a9ec-4363-ae53-ac57b45e8e4a&pid=1&cp=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous

Microphones and Sound Equipment in Indie Filmmaking:

He shows us a microphone and boom pole that holds the microphone. If you shoot outside, there may be airplanes flying over. If you shoot inside, there may be air conditioners going.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2374494_microphones-sound-equipment-indie-filmmaking.html

Lighting in Indie Filmmaking:

Now that you can hear the actors, you also have to see them and here's the part about lighting. If you shoot outside, the natural sunlight will be used. You can go to a hardware store and buy the highest watts in light bulbs to film.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2374495_lighting-indie-filmmaking.html

More Lighting in Indie Filmmaking:

If there is too much light on the actors, they will wash out. Lighting is important to make the film look good. There is editing to make the film look good, but if you can make the film look good on set when you're shooting, it's going to be easier when you're editing.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2374496_more-lighting-indie-filmmaking.html

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Vertex Fighter music (Part 1)

These are some songs I would use in The Vertex Fighter.

"Time to Win" by Down with Webster. This is a really fast rock song that you can dance to. I can see the characters dancing to it, but also used during a fight scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzqYK72dwk8

"Crank That" by Soulja Boy (Travis Barker Remix). This is where Travis Barker from Blink 182 plays the drums to this song, making it a rock song. I would also use this for a fight scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS0hAokxDSA

"Inside Outside" by Miss Eighty 6. This is another song used to dance or fight to. It's a fast rap song. The Vertex is a night club, and I can see the song being played to dance to. I am Myspace friends with her. Her real name is Sarai Howard, and she went by Sarai when she released her album "The Original" in 2003.

I have the album. It's the only rap album I have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x24UdTKncYg

"Ring a Ling" by Miss Eighty 6. It's got a fast beat in the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHnoB9Gp-gU

"Til the Sun Comes Up"- Miss Eighty 6. Her voice got this hard, toughness to it. My The Vertex Fighter movie is hard and tough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2rm5WZuK-U

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

eHow videos about art direction, and how to make a short film

What is Art Direction in Movies?

Art directors are like architects of the film. They read the script and have to understand imagine how the movie would look like. They design the sets, costumes, colors of the film,

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990616_art-direction-movies.html

How to Write a Monologue:

This is more aimed at actors, because a monologue is used as an audition piece. The character is talking about a situation. Is it going to be funny or dramatic? It has to start off in one place and goes to another place at the end. Show variations of emotions and shows the talent in acting.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990617_write-monologue.html?wa_vrid=deecc22d-d038-4704-95f6-086ad3d8b6ce&pid=1&cp=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous

How to Make a Short Film:

It's about your budget. If it's a small budget, use your friends and family as actors and use your own hand held camera. Sometimes you can rent cameras. Have a computer to edit the film like use Adobe Premiere if you have a PC. If you have a Mac, use Final Cut Pro or iMovie. You can then submit it to film festivals.

Always have a good story and script to work with.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990613_make-short-film.html

How does Public Access Television Work?

Look up on the internet what your local public access television is and the phone number and location. Most of them are church sermons and political candidates.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990619_public-access-television-work.html

There are also a lot of videos about how to get an agent, how to find auditions, how to become an actor, etc. if you are interested.

Monday, June 27, 2011

eHow videos on how to become a produer

Training to Become a Producer:

A director does all the creative work like how the film is supposed to be shot, and who gets cast. The producer does the business side of things like expenses and hiring. A business degree is helpful like finances.

You need a network of actors, directors, writers.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990615_training-become-producer.html

How Long Does it Take to Shoot a Film?

It can take from a few weeks to a few years. It's about people's availability to work on this film. If it's a big budget movie from a major film company, it will take 2-3 months. The days are 14-16 hrs of work. After it's produced, it will take a yr of post production and editing before it comes out.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990614_long-shoot-movie.html

What is Cinematography?

The lighting, the color, the images that the camera is taking in. The actors could be saying lines about how they love someone, but what about the background? Is there a sunset behind them that highlights the scene?

It's about the atmosphere of the film. That reminds me of The Matrix Revisted dvd. In the dvd, it said when the characters are on the ship it's all blue. When the characters are in the Matrix, it's all green.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990610_cinematography.html

What is a high- concept film?

On the page it says that a high- concept film is a unique plot that is somewhat unbelievable, and he mentions Back to the Future with time traveling. What's not a high- concept film is 10 Things I Hate about You which is about high school.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990611_highconcept-film.html

What is a TV show Pilot?

A writer or a producer has an idea for a TV show and brings it to the network executive. You pitch it and if the producer likes it, they will say: "Produce a pilot." You shoot the pilot with the cast and crew. You bring the pilot back to the exec.

The exec will watch the show and decide if it will be produced for a whole season. There may be changes like an actor will be replaced. January is pilot season where actors come to Hollywood to audition to be in pilots.

The pilot is a selling tool for your show. There are a lot of pilots that haven't been aired.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4990612_tv-show-pilot.html

Sunday, June 26, 2011

eHow videos on indie films like editing and distribution

Adding Special Effects to Indie Films:

It's also about budget like what can you afford to do a special effect on? This takes time, and if you are going to do a special effect, only have that scene scheduled for that one day. It will most likely take a day to film that difficult scene.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384802_adding-special-effects-indie-films.html?wa_vrid=a2d37af1-347e-4ffa-976d-551e7b302637&pid=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1

Preparing your Indie Film for Edit:

Get all your tapes together and watch it. Take notes about what take is good and will be used for the final cut. Do the best you can with what you have.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384803_preparing-indie-film-edit.html

How to Edit an Indie Film:

When you edit, use your script as a reference.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384804_edit-indie-film.html?pid=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1&wa_vrid=ab5138cc-f8b8-4a50-8022-e2a20c607403

Choosing Music for your Indie Film:

You can use local bands and play their music in your film. You can put an ad out for bands for what kind of music you want to put in your film. Get someone to play instrumental music. Get the bands to sign a release form so you can use their music. Ask: "Does the music fit with the movie?"

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384805_choosing-music-indie-film.html?wa_vrid=1e2f2f8e-f91d-4b9c-a48b-50f872a70be8&pid=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1

How to Distribute your Indie Film:

After you have finished making the film, you want to get it to the audience. Go to the internet and look up film distributors. You can go to the video store and look at the dvds that is the same genre as your film. You then write to them. Send an email or a scene from your movie.

If the distributor says he will sell your movie and you will get residuals, then you won't get paid. Ask for money upfront, even if it's a couple of thousand dollars. You can sell it on the internet, sci-fi conventions, horror festivals.

Find someone to make the box art. If you sell it yourself, you know where all the money is going and will actually make more of it than through a distributor.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384806_distribute-indie-film.html?wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1&wa_vrid=8cb4337e-45df-48d5-ad78-2e27df8ad936&pid=1

Saturday, June 25, 2011

eHow videos on indie films like find a crew and scheduling

How to find a Crew for an Indie Film:

You need a camera man, an audio person, and people to build the sets. The people need to be as interested in making the film as you are. The schedules have to be set.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384797_crew-indie-film.html

How to Schedule Indie Film Production:

Indie films are short so it may take as little as 2 weeks to film. There are actors that may have an attitude and bail if they have to work for too long. He says that he usually shoots all the scenes with an actor (who will most likely bail) in one day, and then the actor is free to go.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384798_schedule-indie-film-production.html?wa_vrid=1ca45025-48a2-4a71-83d7-9362151ab5f4&pid=1&
wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1


How much Footage does your Film need?

If it's a 1hr and half movie, then you need 30-40 hrs of footage. Label all your tapes and keep them in a safe place so you won't lose it.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384799_much-footage-film-need_.html?wa_vrid=95ee1060-cf52-488c-95c8-485a2055b590&pid=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1

What Tape Formats Can an Indie Film use?

It depends on your budget and what cameras you have. He mentions Mini DV, DVC Pro.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384800_tape-can-indie-film-use_.html

How to Deal with Actors:

In indie films, you get local actors, and most are from theatres. Acting in theatre, you are bigger, more gestures and louder. On film, you act more subtle. There are method actors who stay in character even when they're not shooting.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384801_deal-actors_-indie-films.html?wa_vrid=e3263fb4-7c96-4b3f-b457-adf9db51aa7f&pid=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1

Friday, June 24, 2011

Ehow info videos on indie films like script and casting

Choosing a subject matter for Your Indie Film:

The film maker says it's harder to distribute comedy and drama. He has sold a lot of horror and science fiction movies because fans are interested in the subject matter vampires and werewolves. People rent movies because there are big actors and actresses in it. For indie films, people watch it for the subject matter and story.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384793_choosing-subject-indie-film.html?pid=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1&wa_vrid=7bc260eb-0bac-4eec-a848-befa4e152ba7

How to script an indie film:

You may have a good idea, but you may not know how to write it. Hire a writer to write your idea into a script. This film maker mentions that the script is the foundation and if it isn't good, shooting in HD isn't going to improve the film.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384794_script-indie-film.html
Equipment for Indie Film Making:

Get a digital camera. Some cost from $500 to $4000. Audio is important so get a boom mike. Lighting can cost a couple hundred dollars. Tape stock to film your movie with.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384792_equipment-indie-film-making.html

How to cast an indie film:

He says to put ads in the newspaper. Look at the head shots and resumes. Set up auditions and you can rent a room like in a library. Don't do it your house. Don't give them specific appointments, but say the auditions are during these days from this time to this time. Most auditions will be a couple of min.

Film the audition and instead of giving them the script, let them audition with a monologue of their own.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384795_cast-indie-film.html

All About Release Forms and Filming:

A release form is like a contract. An actor signs it and it basically means this person agrees to being filmed and getting paid. If he doesn't want to sign it, you should hire someone else. This is a legal contract because if later the actor signs it, does the film, and then says don't release it. Well he already signed the contract so the film maker is going to release it.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2384796_release-forms-filming.html

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Actors I can see in The Vertex Fighter

In The Vertex Fighter script, there are some actors I would like to work with and can imagine them being in the script.

For the lead role of Shawn:

Shawn Stiller- I have a few choices in this order.

He could be played by Graham Wardle (Heartland).

Here is his pic and official website: http://grahamwardle.net/

Daren Kagasoff (Secret Life of the American Teenager).

Here's his pic:
http://www.poptower.com/daren-kagasoff.htm

James Edward Campbell (Degrassi: The Next Generation.)

Here's his pic:
http://fuckyeahjamesedwardcampbell.tumblr.com/post/2197372624/heres-some-fitz-for-you-guys-33

Mia Li- I can see the actress/ singer Cory Lee.

Here's her pic:
http://degrassi.wikia.com/wiki/File:Cory_lee.jpg

Alex Donovan- played by MMA fighter Kit Cope. He has said yes to the project. I email and Facebook him.

Here's his pic:
http://muaythaitigers.blogspot.com/2009/07/contender-asia-2-fighters_17.html

Carson Stiller- played by Giles Panton (Flash Gordon). He has expressed interest in the project. I also email and Facebook him, but right now he's a maybe.

Here is his myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/gilespanton

Mason Banks- played by Michael Trucco (Battlestar Galatica.)

Here's his pic:
http://www.poptower.com/michael-trucco-picture-39534.htm

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Ehow info videos about cameras, home videos, movie trailer

How to Learn the Basics of Good Camera Work:

Keep your hands steady when holding the camera, or get a tripod.

Camera panning means moving the camera steadily across the scene. Camera tilt is when the camera is panning up and down. I knew that already from reading scripts and I have proven that in my www.badcb.blogspot.com. I usually write about a scene and describe it, and I mention those terms.

He mentions framing, which I don't totally know about. He says to divide the screen in thirds and place your subject in it, and the person's eyes should be in the upper third portion of the screen.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992202_learn-basics-good-camera-work.html

How to Learn to Use Your Video Camera:

He talks about how to get the source of energy for the camera like a battery, how to turn it on, where to press record, the video microphone.

You should get your camera and go outside and start filming. You learn by doing and experience.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992203_learn-use-video-camera.html

How to Make a Home Movie with your Camcorder:

He introduces that most home made videos you find on Youtube are amateur. If you want to step up, and make videos of special occasions like a birthday, here are some tips.

Don't drag the shot on for longer than 15-20 seconds. Cut to a shot of something cute, then cut someone smiling, then cut away.

Put some music in it that's related to the video.

Shoot some coverage. For example, like shooting Christmas morning. Instead of shooting the kids opening present after present, take a break and cut to shots of the Christmas tree, or the house.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992204_make-home-moviecamcorder.html?wa_vlsrc=continuous&cp=1&wa_vrid=0668e595-37e7-4362-8fe4-2440f8dfdeb7&pid=1

Making home videos:

The tips are like the above. Move the camera around instead of staying in one spot. Instead of shooting the action that's happening right then and there, get shots of different things like the decoration, the people.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992209_making-home-videos.html

How to Make a Movie Trailer:

A movie trailer is a calling card for the film. What is the tone of the film? What will hook and draw the audience in?

Get the best and creative shots of the film and put it in your trailer.

Establish the characters, and the story.

At the end of the trailer, put the one last line or shot that lasts a little bit longer and will leave a lasting impression on the audience that will want to watch your movie.

A trailer is usually 30sec to 2min long.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992205_make-movie-trailer.html

Sunday, June 19, 2011

eHow film production videos

I have been watching more film production videos from eHow. The film maker is very informative in teaching how to become a movie producer, get your screenplay produced, etc.

How to Become a Movie Producer:

The video says through connections if a family member is in the film business.

You can go to school and get a major degree in film making and minor in business. Hire your writer, crew, and investors.

It's important to know how to run a business.

You have to know a lot of people, it's about networking.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992199_become-movie-producer.html

How to become a Movie Editor:

Go to university and/ or film school and major in editing.

PCs and Macs have video editing software.

Make a reel of your work to show to people who are hiring. 2-5min presentation of your best work. Submit to local TV production companies.

How to find a screenplay agent:

He says it's really hard, and I know that. I tried to get an agent myself by pitching that I have a Professional Writing diploma, but a lot of agencies don't take new clients.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992201_screenplay-agent.html

Creative ways to make a living:

He lists about donating plasma to college, or holding a part- time job in the restaurant industry or really just any job, in my opinion. He gave the good tip of being a videographer and filming weddings and birthday parties.

That reminds me of the TV show Melrose Place. A character is a videographer filming weddings and parties, and he's working like that so he can bide his time for his break in the movie business.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992197_creative-ways-make-living.html

How to write a movie script:

He says to open a blank document on the computer and pour all your story ideas, characters, scenes into it. Then write it. After you finish writing 120 pages, leave it for a few days and go back to it and edit it. Then when it's polished, submit it.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992207_write-movie-script.html

How to write a TV spec script:

He says that a TV spec script is a script that hasn't been commissioned by a TV network. It's your own idea and script that you want to get produced. It has to have compelling characters and future situations that could be set up for an entire series to be built on.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992208_write-tv-spec-script.html

I know how to write. I find that I am more interested in watching the videos of how to become a movie producer and editor, because I don't know how to do that.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Possible Vertex Fighter titles

It was in summer 2010, I read that there is going to be a movie called The Fighter. That was my title for my movie. This month I changed my title to The Vertex Fighter because I started The Vertex Fighter blog site.

I have been brainstorming titles like The Cage Fighter, but it took awhile as I went through Blogger. I then decided to add Vertex into the title because that's where all the fights take place.

I looked to see if there was the site called: www.thefighter.blogspot.com
There is one post on that blog.

I see that Cage Fighter has been taken:

http://www.cagefighter.blogspot.com/

A young woman wrote a few posts so I can't use The Cage Fighter as my movie title:

http://www.thecagefighter.blogspot.com/

How about Lovers and Fighters? It's already been taken. It's written in Spanish:

http://www.loversandfighters.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Funding and Info videos from Ehow.com

On my June 12 post "How to pitch your script/ funding" I mentioned Ehow.com and the article "How to Fund a Movie:"

http://www.ehow.com/how_4450565_fund-movie.html

There are even more related articles on that site. Here's one:

"How to calculate the cost of filming an independent movie:"

http://www.ehow.com/how_4486551_calculate-cost-filming-independent-movie.html

The tips were:

1. Estimate the cost of equipment like a video camera, recorder, sounding recorder, and lighting rigs.

2. Location shooting. You may have to rent or find somewhere to shoot for free.

3. How to pay the actors like extras may work for free.

4. Research the type of film and how many reels will be needed for your camera.

5. The post- production fees like editing software and studio time.

"How to raise money for a movie:"

http://www.ehow.com/how_6764386_raise-money-movie.html

Fundraising Ideas for Filmmakers:

http://www.ehow.com/list_6317681_fundraising-ideas-filmmakers.html

How to get money to make a movie:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4881682_money-make-movie.html

Incorporated Film Ideas:

http://www.ehow.com/way_6173565_incorporated-film-ideas.html

Info videos: There are also videos from an independent film maker who tells you tips like:

How to sell a screenplay: He mentions about getting an agent, and getting a copyright for your script.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992206_sell-screenplay.html

How to create storyboards: He says it's mainly used for action scenes. Sometimes they're used by directors and sometimes they aren't.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4992200_create-storyboards.html

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Thank you list

This is the list of people who have helped me in The Vertex Fighter script. In Jan. 2008 I started pitching the script.

It wasn't until the professional reader Glynis Whiting read the 24 page 1st draft, and gave me 2 pages of tips, did I go in the right direction of the script. The notes made me push myself and write another 22 pages.

I then sent her the 2nd draft and she gave me another 2 pages of tips. She then directed me to the Writer in Residence at the Edmonton Public Library Conni Massing.

In 2009, Conni Massing read the 4th draft and it was at 72 pages. She gave me some good tips and I managed to finish writing the script. Within 6 months, I pushed myself to get a 90 page script. I sent her a couple more scripts, but in my opinion they weren't very good.

In 2010, the new Writer in Residence Chris Craddock read my script and gave me helpful tips.

In 2011, the new Writer in Residence Marty Chan read it and we discussed it in person.

I also want to thank Josh Miller from Panacea Entertainment from reading the script in Apr. 2009 and again in Nov. 2009.

I want to throw in the producer John Kerr from Crowsnest Films who I met with and discussed the script in person. He read draft 7 and after a lot of work and months later, he read my draft 10 and gave tips on it.

I want to thank Michel Zgarka for telling me what a pitch package is. It has then lead me make one. I have learned a lot about writing from going to college and reading screenwriting books, and meeting and talking with people in the business. However, I haven't heard of a pitch package before until now.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Telefilm Canada/ quotes

Telefilm Canada: I know about Telefilm Canada that helps produce TV and movies in Canada. Here's the link to useful tools that has all these templates like "Exploitation Report" and business development programs.

http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/en/funds-and-programs/general-information/useful-tools

Documentary Budget Format: I found this link to "Documentary Budget Format" template. It's for a documentary, but I can probably use it for my action drama.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/8710684/Documentary-Budget-Format

Boiler Plate: I had put this on my blog earlier, but it was the Boiler Plate Summary Top Sheet. Here's the Preview Budget that has that, the Boiler Plate Budget, Cash Flow Sheet, and Cast List.

http://www.boilerplate.net/Preview_Budget.html

TV Film Rights.com: I found this good website. This is the sample pitch for log lines and synopsis's. It goes into more detail of that for things like screenplay, scripted TV series, TV reality series concepts, docu-style series,and book adaptation.

http://www.tvfilmrights.com/SamplePitch.asp

There is a section called "Sell or scout your projects." To become a registered member, you have to pay.

Pana Stream: I found this company that creates pitch packages called Pana Stream. It's based in Sacremento, San Fransisco, and Los Angeles.

The Great American Screenwriter: I've been getting these emails from The Great American Screenwriter. On my Apr. 2011 email, it said screenwriter Robert McKee was there to give a seminar. I have read his book called Story. The producer John Kerr recommended I read it. The book's really good.

I also noticed Pamela Jaye Smith in the email. I wrote an earlier post about how she pitches scripts and ideas for you.

Quotes: I got this from The Great American Screenwriter newsletters:

"Writing is easy. All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until the drops of blood form on your forehead."

- Gene Fowler

"Breaking into the film business is not a problem that resolves itself through a single answer or path. It’s a problem that succumbs only to a process, a series of efforts taken over time. And the worst part of it is, you never know which is the right strategy until it pays off. So you do everything. Whether the odds are with you are not. You do everything."

- Ted Rossario

"Write from your heart; rewrite from your head."

- Viki King

"Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

- Frank Scully

"What is more mortifying than to feel you've missed the Plum for want of courage to shake the Tree?"

- Logan Pearsall Smith

"Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little course, and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice. Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Monday, June 13, 2011

magazines/ production manager/ template

Magazines: I can't remember where I read this. Some site as I was looking for how to make a pitch package. It said to read the Hollywood Reporter, but it's basically entertainment news. There's a business section of the site, but it doesn't inform you on how to make a pitch package. I did learn that Warner Brothers laid off 50 people.

I also checked out Variety. I guess if you want to make it in the entertainment business, you have to keep up with current events in the business. That reminds me of Donald Trump saying that if you want to get a good career, you have to be up to date in current events. It's true, like Japan's tsunami has an effect on the global economy.

Production manager: In my notes, I'm supposed to get a production manager and get this person to figure out the budget. This is from 4expertise.com:

"TV PRODUCTION MANAGER is typically responsible for all technical operational aspects of production department projects. Incumbent is responsible for supervising and scheduling technical, freelance and temporary production staff and managing designated budgets. The production manager reports to the executive producer and works closely to ensure effective use of staff and budget for all production activities. Download this job description and modify using any word processor."

http://www.4expertise.com/TV_PRODUCTION_MANAGER.html

TV crew jobs: I found this on Wikipedia bout TV crew jobs and their duties.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_crew#Writer

TV production books: I found this link on TV production books. That should help me make a budget.

http://www.debpatz.com/pm101.htm

TV production template: I found this on popupideas.com.

This is a 37 page template.

http://popupideas.com/2009/07/television-production-templates/

Sunday, June 12, 2011

How to pitch your script/ funding

How to Pitch your script: I have been spending a lot of time on my unpaid work on my The Vertex Fighter pitch package. I bookmarked a lot of links on how to make one. Here they are:

I found the BoilerPlate Summary Top Sheet on how to make a budget for a Film/ TV production:

http://www.boilerplate.net/Preview_Budget_file/BoilerPlate%20Summary%20Top%20Sheet.pdf

I found a company called Pitch Proxy where someone else pitches your script and idea for you:

http://www.pamelajayesmith.net/services/pitch-proxy/

Here's an article from Net Place called "Ways to make your pitch":

http://www.netplaces.com/filmmaking/money-talks/ways-to-make-your-pitch.htm

Here's another article from Script Faze. The used the site on how to make a pitch package. Here's an article about "How to Craft a verbal TV pitch":

http://eyesondeck.typepad.com/scriptfaze/2009/04/how-to-craft-a-verbal-tv-pitch.html

I found this interesting link called "Movie Pitch: Sell Your Idea to Hollywood." You have to buy a CD-ROM, and then you can pitch your idea to them. They will then sell the idea for you:

http://www.moviepitch.com/questions.htm

I found a site called The TV Writer's Vault. The link is "Pitch Your Script." It discusses sitcoms, dramas, and mini-series. An informative article:

http://www.tvwritersvault.com/creating/creatingScripted.asp

Here's a short article from The TV Writer's Vault. It's called "How to Pitch a TV Show Idea or Script." It talks about the logline. That's a way to describe the show in one or two sentences that entice you to watch the show. There are also examples.

http://www.tvwritersvault.com/creating/creatingLoglines.asp

I found a blog on Blogger.com called "The Million Dollar Screenwriter." The heading is: "Crashing Hollywood one script at a time. Don't judge your future successes by what is materializing in your life at the moment. Rather focus on what you are doing today that will create the future payoff."

The article/ blog post called: "Creating a Pitch Bible."

http://milliondollarscreenwriter.blogspot.com/2008/03/creating-pitch-bible.html

Funding:

This is from Ehow.com. They listed ways on how to fund your movie:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4450565_fund-movie.html

Microfilmmaker Magazine wrote an article called Fund- Raising For Your Micro- Budget Film:

http://microfilmmaker.com/tipstrick/Issue17/FundRai1.html

Moxie Matters has an article called "Investor Pitch Packet." I think from this article that I added "Target audience: Teens, young adults and people interested in MMA will watch this TV movie."

http://moxie-matters.com/moxie-services/investor-pitch-packet

I don't remember going to WikiHow before. Here's their article on "How to Sell your Screenplay to Hollywood":

http://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Your-Screenplay-to-Hollywood

Here's soyouwanna.com. The article is "So you wanna pitch a TV show?":

http://www.soyouwanna.com/soyouwanna-pitch-tv-show-1092-full.html

Here's a good film site called NATPE:

http://www.natpe.org/natpe/

Here's Screenwriting Goldmine. I've subscribed to this site since 2009 and have been getting emails from them since:

http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=928

Here is Film Nova Scotia on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=167339306649409

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Pitch package examples

I've been researching on how to make pitch packages and I found some examples on the internet. Some are from blog sites like Blogger and Word Press. I followed suit and started this The Vertex Fighter website and pitch package to get publicity for my TV movie here on Blogger.

Here's an animation one from Art Time:

http://dianeaarts.blogspot.com/2009/10/colour-stuff-for-group-film.html

Here's the short movie called Hockey Mom:

http://hockeymom2010.wordpress.com/pitch-package/

Here's an extensive and impressive pitch package called Someone to Hold When it's Dark:

http://www-scf.usc.edu/~amoss/full_final.pdf

This is a well- produced and impressive pitch package called Atticus:

http://issuu.com/megmiller/docs/atticusfinal
Here's a fun and well- produced animation pitch package:

http://smkramon.wordpress.com/the-hail-marys-pitch-package/

Here's a forum on how to make a TV pitch package:

http://screenandtvwriter.com/phpBB//viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8001&start=0

Friday, June 10, 2011

Kit Cope

Kit Cope is an MMA fighter that I discovered in 2009 when I was watching True Life on MTV. It was covering 3 MMA fighters so I had to watch it for my research for my script. I liked him the best out of the three.

I wrote about him, and the episode to all my friends in my weekly email and my blog www.badcb.blogspot.com. I then added him as a friend on Facebook and on MySpace.

I then offered for him to read my script. He read it and said yes, that he is willing to be in it. I have since sent him a couple of drafts for him to read.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

The Vertex Fighter Pitch Package

Hi, it's Tracy Au again.

I've been told to make a pitch package. It's supposed to have the following:

1. Synopsis- check
2. Script- check
3.Director's vision
4.Cast wish list- check
5.Budget top sheet/ summary
6.Financial potential structure
7.Letter of intent/interest from Talent /Director/DOP/etc....

I don't know much about 5, 6, and 7.

I went to Script Faze: How to Create a TV Pitch Package

http://eyesondeck.typepad.com/scriptfaze/2009/03/how-to-create-a-tv-pitch-package.html

It lists:

1. Heading- check
2. Logline- check
3. One- paragraph overview- check
4. Synopsis- check
5. Character breakdowns- check

I'm reading on how to get money to produce my TV movie:

Net Places: Developing a business plan and packaging the pitch:

http://www.netplaces.com/filmmaking/money-talks/developing-a-business-plan-and-packaging-the-pitch.htm

Net Places: The Money Chase:

http://www.netplaces.com/filmmaking/money-talks/the-money-chase.htm

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Vertex Fighter

Hi, I'm Tracy Au and I have graduated from the Professional Writing program from university. I want to get my 93 page TV movie script The Vertex Fighter produced. I was hoping that if the ratings are good, it could be turned into a back door pilot.

The Vertex Fighter is about a young man named Shawn Stiller who is trying to escape his criminal ridden past and start a new life in a new city. A chance meeting with a stranger proves that the task will be difficult when he is offered a job as an illegal cage fighter. Shawn takes the opportunity to make thousands of dollars a week, but at what price?

It’s a good time to produce this because there is so much interest in mix martial arts (MMA). I have been in talks with Kit Cope. He is a professional MMA fighter. He says he is willing to be in The Fighter where he plays the bad guy Alex Donovan. Cope is willing to come to wherever the movie is being shot at and when a production company is backing it up.