FilmSpecific.com

The Realities of Foreign Sales Revenue Streams

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 00

Foreign sales and foreign sales opportunities in the international marketplace are often misunderstood by feature filmmakers. In this video training, we dissect the most likely revenue sources for independent films internationally, how it breaks down and why it's so important for feature filmmakers to understand where their foreign revenue will most likely come from (and to many it's a big surprise).

A Guide to Sales Agencies Who Do Pre-Sales

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 00

This guide was created to give a break-down of the sales agencies that engage pre-sales, what a filmmaker will need to have in place before approaching a sales agent for pre-sales and even a template for first approaching a sales agent.

"...But Which Actors?" - A Guide To Researching Marketable Talent For Packaging Films

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 00

When packaging an indie film for sales or financing, its crucial to find the right actors that will make your project attractive to buyers or financiers. But how do you research who these actors are? This guide shows you how to get that done.

Sample Inquiry Template For Approaching Talent Representatives For Packaging

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 00

Filmmakers often shy away from approaching talent reps when packaging their projects either cause they don't know how to approach them or because they find themselves unable to get through. In order to grab their attention you must have a great, compelling logline and your communication must be clear, concise and fast. While we can't help you with the first part (that's entirely up to you), we can help you with how to approach talent agents via e-mail.

Business Plan 2.0 Building Basics: A Virtual Intensive Bootcamp

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 00

A 5 Part Virtual Intensive Bootcamp focused on how to formulate a business plan appropriate for the current marketplace and how to integrate new revenue streams into the traditional business plan structure. KICKING OFF IN APRIL 2011. Only 20 spots available.

Distribution, Marketing, and Crowdfunding: How A PMD Can Be Instrumental In Getting Your Film Notice

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 00

In this virtual seminar Producer of Marketing & Distribution Adam Daniel Mezei discusses the crucial role a PMD can play in the marketing and distribution of independent films.

Getting Your Film To Cannes (Part 2): Attending Cannes For Your Film In Development or Pre-Productio

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 00

In this virtual seminar where we discuss the ins-and-outs of attending the upcoming Cannes Film Market for your project in development or pre-production.

Getting Your Film To Cannes (Part 1): Finding Representation For Your Completed Film

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 00

In this virtual seminar we discuss the ins-and-outs of finding representation for your completed film at the upcoming Cannes Film Market.

Financing Your Film Without Pre-Sales: Solutions For Getting Your Project Off The Ground - A Virtual

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 00

Financing your film via pre-sales requires a very specific formula: concept + genre first, followed by cast, director and producer. But it's not the only way to finance a film. Join us for this virtual seminar where we discuss the options if you're interested in making the movies you want to make without having to compromise your vision to fit the pre-sales "mold".

Comprehensive Distribution

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:00:00 00

An in-depth 90 day program for filmmakers with completed films.

Steps To Getting Your Micro-Budget Film Off The Ground (Part 3): A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 00

In part 3 of this three-part virtual seminar, where we explore the final steps for getting your micro-budget film off the ground: distribution

Updates From Sundance and Section 181: A Legal Seminar with Entertainment Attorney Corky Kessler Sem

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 00

Entertainment Attorney Corky Kessler joins us for this legal seminar to discuss his take-aways from the trenches at Sundance and updates on Section 181 (hint: it may be coming back).

Steps To Getting Your Micro-Budget Film Off The Ground (Part 1): A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 00

In part 1 of this three part virtual seminar, we explore the first steps for getting your micro-budget film off the ground including the legal and administrative issues, the importance of genre and concept, and the process for casting and packaging.

Sales Agency Expenses: A Guide to the Usual and Customary

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 00

The dreaded "recoupable expenses" of sales agents -- often misunderstood and thought unnecessary by filmmakers. However, it can cost big money to sell a movie and sales agents can incur significant expenses while trying to do so. To shed some light on just what a "recoupable expense" is we've outlined some typical and standard sales agency recoupable expenses.

Business Plan 2.0 Building Basics Virtual Intensive Bootcamp

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 00

Kick off the new year with a virtual intensive bootcamp focused on how to formulate an independent film business plan for today's marketplace that raises money responsibly and incorporates new revenue streams. STARTS JANUARY 12, 2012

Foreign Sales Strategies: A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 00

Foreign sales has always been an important component of an overall distribution strategy, but as the once-coveted US deals becomes more and more rare, and as US box office returns decline, foreign sales are absolutely critical. So there's no surprise there's a lot of interest in this area. Along with that comes much confusion though.

The Film Distribution Kit

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 00

Everything you need to know about independent film distribution, how to launch your career as a filmmaker, how to find distribution for your films, how to reach worldwide audiences, and how to generate real profits from your films. All in one kit. Getting into the movie business is one thing, but launching a filmmaking career is something entirely different.

AFM Wrap Up: Take-Aways & Trends -- A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 00

In this virtual seminar we discuss the take-aways and trends from the 2011 American Film Market� including: what buyers are looking for, what financiers are looking for, the types of deals being made, current budget sweet spots for indies, what filmmakers who attended the market are saying, how filmmakers can take the trends from AFM and use them to move their projects forward in 2012, and much more.

Working AFM�: A Filmmaker's Guide to Maximizing the Market

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

In this live, interactive virtual seminar, we're discussing AFM� from all sides and how filmmakers can maximize the market.

THE PRODUCER'S INCUBATOR: Financing, Packaging & Pitching Virtual Intensive

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

The Producer's Incubator is a FOUR MONTH GROUP COACHING PROGRAM created for producers who are looking to decisively move their projects from development to packaging to funding and into production...but don't know how to get there.

Film Market Resource Guide

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

With AFM� just around the corner, we've compiled a list of great resources for independent filmmakers to make the best possible use of the upcoming American Film Market�.

Last Call for Section 181: A Virtual Seminar with Entertainment Attorney Corky Kessler

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

Section 181 is due to sunset at the end of 2011. And the word is...it's not getting renewed. So for now it looks like 2011 is the last chance to take advantage of Section 181, the 'runaway production' incentive. If you've been waiting to move on this, you cannot afford to wait any longer. Entertainment Attorney Corky Kessler joins us for this virtual seminar to let filmmakers know how to take advantage of Section 1818 before it sunsets.

Last Call for Section 181: A Virtual Seminar with Entertainment Attorney Corky Kessler

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

Section 181, the 'runaway production' incentive, is due to sunset at the end of 2011. And the word is...it's not getting renewed. So for now it looks like 2011 is the last chance to take advantage of Section 181. If you've been waiting to move on this incentive, you cannot afford to wait any longer. Entertainment Attorney Corky Kessler joins us for this virtual seminar to let filmmakers know how to take advantage before it sunsets. Corky is an expert in Section 181...in fact, he helped write the legislation so if you have questions, this is your man.

VOD Distribution: The Truth About Multiple Platforms & Potential Revenue -- A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

With DVD sales in serious decline over the past several years, VOD is considered the great hope for independent film. But how much revenue is it really producing at this point in time? How about online VOD vs. cable VOD? What about all those platforms out there? In this virtual seminar we take a look at VOD from all sides: from platforms to revenue and everything in between.

VOD Distribution: The Truth About Multiple Platforms & Potential Revenue - A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

"Distribution Economics: How Does Revenue Flow From Distributor to Producer?" - A Virtual

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

We discuss both traditional and non-traditional distribution platforms, and how the revenue trickles down to the producer from each, in this Virtual Seminar

SAMPLE: DVD DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 00

Wonder about all the legalese you'll be faced with when a distributor hands you a contract? This sample contract between a producer and DVD distributor gives a birdseye view of deal terms, deliverables and more.

DVD Distribution For Narratives and Docs: A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 00

DVD distribution used to be the main revenue source for independent films. While it's true DVD sales have declined in recent years, DVD is still a significant source of revenue for indies. In fact, it's still the biggest source of revenue. In this virtual seminar we discuss DVD distribution for narratives and docs.

Business Plan 2.0 Building Basics Virtual Intensive Bootcamp

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 00

An accelerated virtual intensive bootcamp focused on how to formulate an independent film business plan appropriate for the current marketplace and how to integrate new revenue streams into the traditional business plan structure. Get your business plan ready in time for the upcoming markets. STARTS SEPTEMBER 26!

THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION: From DIY to the Mini-Majors -- A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 00

After everything that's been written and spoken about ad nauseam, Theatrical Distribution is still an elusive mystery to most producers. In this virtual seminar we demystify Theatrical Distribution. We talk costs, revenue, rewards, benefits, advantages, and disadvantages and get to the bottom of this elusive topic and figure out if it's right for you and your film!

THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION: From DIY to the Mini-Majors -- A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 00

Distribution In Reverse 2.0 On-Demand Virtual Intensive

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 00

Our Wildly Popular 5-Part Virtual Intensive Teaching You How To Get Your Projects Off The Ground & Plan For Distribution At Every Stage Of The Production Process is now available on-demand

Distributing Your Film the Right Way (And In The Right Order!): A Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 00

So there are tons of options for distributing your film. But how do you make sense of them all? It's a huge issue facing filmmakers. What's the deal with domestic vs. international? Should you split your rights or not? Where do you carve out rights for yourself and when can you do this? Where do festivals fit into the mix? Is DVD, TV, VOD first second or third? Does premiering on one platform 'ruin' deal possibilities for the other platforms? In this virtual seminar with Film Specific founder Stacey Parks we discuss these issues to help filmmakers get on track about how they can make use of these distribution opportunities most effectively.

Distributing Your Film the Right Way (And In The Right Order!): An Interactive Virtual Seminar

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 00

So there are tons of options for distributing your film. But how do you make sense of them all? It's a huge issue facing filmmakers. What's the deal with domestic vs. international? Should you split your rights or not? Where do you carve out rights for yourself and when can you do this? Where do festivals fit into the mix? Is DVD, TV, VOD first second or third? Does premiering on one platform 'ruin' deal possibilities for the other platforms? IN this virtual seminar we discuss these issues to help filmmakers get on track about how they can make use of these distribution opportunities most effectively.

Debt Financing for the $1 to $5 Million Indie Film Blueprint

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 00

Debt-financing is a often misunderstood part of low-budget indie film financing. In this seminar with Adrian Ward of the National Bank of California, Adrian discusses the ins-and-outs of debt financing in the $1 to $5 million range and how filmmakers can most intelligently and effectively make use of it.

From Development to Sundance to Distribution: Unconventional Wisdom & Doing It "The Hard Wa

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 00

Daniel Meisel, producer of All She Can, which premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the Sundance 2011, is proof positive that is is possible to get into Sundance and get picked up for an all rights deal despite being a small film, a drama, with no name cast, and first time director. In this seminar Daniel discusses how he took the hard road and how it paid off.

From Development to Sundance to Distribution: Unconventional Wisdom & Doing It "The Hard Wa

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 00

The $1 Million Indie Film Blueprint: Best Practices From Writer/Director Adam Cultraro (Part 1)

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 00

In this filmmaker-to-filmmaker seminar, Adam answers the question: "Knowing what you know now, how would you go about producing a $1MM indie film? Pretend you're starting from scratch. You're a filmmaker living outside of Hollywood and you want to get into the indie film business, but you want to do it in a smart way."

The $1 Million Indie Film Blueprint: Best Practices From Writer/Director Adam Cultraro (Part 2)

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 00

In part two of this "filmmaker-to-filmmaker" seminar, Adam answers the question: "Knowing what you know now, how would you go about producing a $1MM indie film? Pretend you're starting from scratch. You're a filmmaker living outside of Hollywood and you want to get into the indie film business, but you want to do it in a smart way."

The $1 Million Indie Film Blueprint: Best Practices From Writer/Director Adam Cultraro (Part 2)

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 00

In part two of this "filmmaker-to-filmmaker" seminar, Adam continues answering the question: "Knowing what you know now, how would you go about producing a $1MM indie film? Pretend you're starting from scratch. You're a filmmaker living outside of Hollywood and you want to get into the indie film business, but you want to do it in a smart way."

GOING GLOBAL ON-DEMAND: ESSENTIAL SELECTIONS

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 00

Essential selections from Film Specific's live two-day Going Global Bootcamp covering foreign sales, legal issues in distribution, getting and keeping investors, and leveraging festivals for theatrical.

The $1 Million Indie Film Blueprint: Best Practices From Writer/Director Adam Cultraro (Part 1)

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 00

In part one of this "filmmaker-to-filmmaker" seminar, Adam answers the question: "Knowing what you know now, how would you go about producing a $1MM indie film? Pretend you're starting from scratch. You're a filmmaker living outside of Hollywood and you want to get into the indie film business, but you want to do it in a smart way."

Video Tutorial: Working With Reps For Your Film

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 00

To use a rep or not to use a rep? It's a conundrum of many the independent filmmaker. They want the access a rep can bring but not the cost involved in adding a middleman to the film sales equation. In this tutorial we discuss the ins and outs of working with reps for your film, including both the advantages and disadvantages, how and when to approach them, and how much you should expect the process to cost when all is said and done.

Cannes Report 2011: 22 Indie-Friendly Sales Agents

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 00

Fresh from the 2011 Cannes Film Market, our hand-picked list of 22 indie-friendly sales agents.

PART 1: Foreign sales agent Sean Haley and producer Ryan Harper on foreign sales and distribution

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 00

Foreign sales agent Sean Haley and Producer Ryan Harper debate global sales and distribution

PART 2: Producer Suzanne Lyons presents "10 Ways To Get Investors & How To Keep Them"

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 00

Independent Producer and Financing Expert SUZANNE LYONS discusses how to find investors for indie films and how to keep them coming back for more.

PART 3: Entertainment Attorney Gordon Firemark presents "10 Things To Watch Out For In Distribu

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 00

Entertainment Attorney Gordon Firemark discusses how to avoid pitfalls when negotiating a distribution deals and dealing with reps

PART 4: Independent Producers Jen Dubin & Cora Olson on leveraging festival premieres for theatr

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Sat, 14 May 2011 00:00:00 00

Successful indie producers JEN DUBIN & CORA OLSON discuss how they leveraged festival premieres at Toronto & Sundance to release their films theatrically.

10 Essential Film Specific Resources

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 00

With all the hours of Virtual Seminars and Expert Series Seminars over the last couple of years, here's 10 resources on Film Specific we think are absolutely essential for independent filmmakers

FILM BUSINESS PLANS: THE BUSINESS PLAN 2.0 VIDEO SERIES

webmaster@filmspecific.com (Stacey Parks) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 00

Planning on making a film? Using private equity to finance it? Then you need a business plan. This video series explores the tenets of a good business plan, the necessities you may have forgotten, and the biggest mistakes filmmakers make. Whether you're thinking about putting together a business plan for your film or already have one completed, this video series is a must-see.