IFH 588: How I Got My Film Directing Off The Ground with Sean Mullin

A Indie Film Hustle Tribe member recently asked me"Should You Work for Deferred Payment or Back End Points?"Believe it or not I get this question A LOT! So I decided to dedicate a podcast episode to the question. There are times I would say yes definitely work for deferred payment or back end points. I heard a story of a screenwriter that was asked to do a rush job, write an entire screenplay in two week over Christmas vacation. He really didn't want to do it but the agent said he could get him paid and get him back end points. The screenwriter took the gig, the producer love the script and the movie went on to gross $500,000,000 world wide. He took home over $20 million. Not bad.So yes there is a time to make that deal but alas there are times you should never work for deferred. Take a listen to when to and when not to work for deferred payments or back end points. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

29 Maalis 20166min

Every once in a while I get sent a story that blows my mind. They story is a 17 year old 1st time director shoot and sells her first feature film (that was shot on 16mm) right out of the gate.How that hell does that happen? Well may I introduce you to Kansas Bowling, the director of the feature film B.C. Butcher. Inspired by the likes of Russ Meyer, Annette Funicello, and Roger Corman, Kansas and her friend Kenzie began writing a script in high school about a tribe of cavewomen being stalked by a prehistoric monster.Thus, the first prehistoric slasher was born! At only 17, Kansas directed, co-wrote, and funded her own feature film, entirely shot on 16mm, called “B.C. Butcher”.The film is unique in many ways, being a horror flick and a comedy, featuring live music, gore, gags, and campy historical inaccuracy. Because of this, immediately after shooting, “B.C. Butcher” caught the eye of Lloyd Kaufman (who will be a guest on the podcast in a few weeks), legendary producer/director and founder of Troma Entertainment Inc. Troma acquired the film for distribution and is now slated for a 2016 release.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

24 Maalis 20161h 1min

Working with a professional colorist can be intimating if you haven't done it before. I've been a colorist for over 12 years and have spent my fair share of time in a color grading suite.I decided to put together a few tips on how filmmakers and directors should work with a colorist. I also included a few videos to help you along on your post adventures.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

22 Maalis 201613min

Have you ever wanted to know what really happens behind the scenes at a top level film festival like the HollyShorts Film Festival? Well this week I kidnapped co-founder and film festival programmer Daniel Sol, tied him up in a darken warehouse and shine a bright light on his face to get the truth out of him. The interview might not have been that dramatic but Daniel laid down a ton of behind the scenes knowledge bombs you all you Indie Film Hustlers out there. HollyShorts! and I go way back. My first short film BROKEN played at the very first HollyShorts Film Festival over a decade ago and I've been friends with Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont (co-founders) ever since. They truly care about filmmakers and were name one of the Top 25 film festivals in the world worth the submission fee by Filmmaker Magazine. Enjoy my candid chat with Daniel Sol from the HollyShorts! Film Festival.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

17 Maalis 20161h 22min

Is an agent or talent agency needed to make it in Hollywood? Well it helps! Seriously, this is a question I get asked all the time.In this episode I go over what you need to do to get an agent and also help you figure out if you need one right now. Below are the seven major talent agencies in Hollywood.APA Talent AgencySize: 3,400 clients; 325 employees (210 agents, 15 managing partners); offices in Los Angeles, New York and NashvilleOrigin story: Founded in 1962 by former MCA agents David Baumgarten, Roger Vorce and Harvey Litwin.CAA Talent AgencySize: About 5,000 clients; 1,500+ employees; 11 offices worldwide, including in ChinaOrigin story: Founded in 1975 by William Morris agents Mike Rosenfeld, Michael Ovitz, Ron Meyer, Bill Haber and Rowland Perkins.GERSH Talent AgencySize: About 2,000 clients; 175 employees (75 agents, 16 partners); offices in L.A. and New YorkOrigin story: Founded in 1949 by Phil Gersh.ICM PARTNERS Talent AgencySize: 4,500+ clients; 400+ employees (200+ agents and execs, 40 partners); four officesOrigin story: Formed in 1975 with the merger of Creative Management Associates and International Famous Agency.PARADIGM Talent AgencySize: 2,500 clients; 370+ employees (160 agents); six officesOrigin story: Founded in 1992 by Sam Gores through the mergers and acquisitions of several boutiquesUTA Talent AgencySize: 3,000+ clients; 500 employees (200 agents, 46 partners); offices in L.A. and New YorkOrigin story: Founded in 1991 with the merger of Bauer-Benedek and Leading Artists.WME | IMG Talent AgencySize: 4,000+ clients; nearly 5,000 employees (200 agents) in 25+ countriesOrigin story: WME | IMG was founded in 2014 with the merger of IMG and WME, which was founded in 2009 with the takeover of William Morris by upstart Endeavor.Hope this episode helps you out on your journey to get an agent. Good luck!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

15 Maalis 20169min

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

14 Maalis 20163min

Michael Hauge - Writing a Screenplay That SellsYou are in for a treat. This week's guest, MICHAEL HAUGE has been one of Hollywood’s top script consultants, story experts and authors for more than 30 years. He coaches screenwriters, novelists, filmmakers, professional speakers, internet marketers and corporate leaders, helping transform their stories and their audiences using the principles and methods of Hollywood’s most successful movies. Michael has consulted on films starring – among many others - Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts and Morgan Freeman, and has presented lectures and workshops to more than 70,000 participants worldwide. He is the best selling author of Writing Screenplays That Sell (now in its 20th Anniversary Edition), and Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read. According to Will Smith, “No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.” - Will SmithAfter our interview Michael Hauge and I decide to bring one of his best courses to the IFH Tribe. We called is Screenplay and Story Blueprint: The Hero's Two JourneysIf you click here you'll get a SPECIAL IFH DISCOUNT: Screenplay & Story BlueprintBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

10 Maalis 201653min

Over the years I've seen many of my fellow indie filmmakers get completely ripped off when they entered the post production process.So many promises are given and the rates they charge are criminal. I wanted to put together a podcast to pull the curtain back on the "true" pricing of post production services.Now this is based on my experience working in Los Angeles so the prices might differ depending where you are in the country or the world.I hope this episode provides a great amount of value and that it saves you your hard earned cash while making your next indie film. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

8 Maalis 201619min