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Jason Brubaker – www.MakeYourMovieNow.com – Filmmaker Checklist

Filmmaking tools for serious filmmakers…

Filmmaker CheckListTake Action: Make Your Movie Now! ™

By Jason Brubaker

© 2015 Brubaker Unlimited LLC - All rights reserved. No part of this book, including interior design, cover design, and icons may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Copyright 2015 Brubaker Unlimited LLC – All Rights Reserved 1

http://www.MakeYourMovieNow.com/


Disclaimer

This eBook is designed to provide information on modern filmmaking. It is sold with the understanding that the author or publisher is not providing tax, accounting, legal, investment, business or other professional advice. Filmmaking is risky.

While the process of making movies can be fun, filmmaking can also be detrimental to your life, wellbeing and savings account.

The information in this ebook is meant to supplement, not replace, proper filmmaking training. Like any business involving money, employees, personal and professional liability and emotions, Filmmaking poses inherent risks.

Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the information contained herein is limited. This book is meant to provide a viewpoint on filmmaking and serve as a supplement to other texts and information on the subject.

The purpose of this book is to educate and entertain. The author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors oromissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

DISCLOSURE: Many of the companies, products and services mentioned in this book are affiliates of Brubaker Unlimited LLC. This means that the publisher gets paid to recommend various products and services. Your price will not be affected.

But please conduct your own due-diligence prior to making ANY purchases both here and everywhere on earth. In fact, before you make any business or financial or life decision, you should speak with qualified tax, legal and business professionals.




Introduction

Hello Filmmaker -

My name is Jason Brubaker. Since you're reading thesewords, odds are good you either heard of me through mypopular filmmaking website, Filmmaking Stuff – Or youhave a friend who excitedly heard of me and then gaveyou this checklist. . .

Before we get started, it's important that you know a little about me... And I promise to keep this part short.

As a filmmaker, I'm currently living and working in Los Angeles. So far, I have made, marketed and sold a few feature films via popular Internet, video-on-demand platforms.

Outside of making movies, I am very much focused on helping other filmmakers (people like you) make, market and sell moviesmore easily. This involves providing you with solid tactics on howto build buzz and how to create community around your movies.

Additionally, I am a contributing author of The Independent’s Guide to Film Distributors, founder of Filmmaking Stuff, a professional resource for independent filmmakers, and my articles on movie marketing and distribution have been featured in Film Slate, The Independent and Movie Maker Magazine.

Very recently I served as the manager of Film Acquisitions for Chill (which was funded in part by WME). And prior to that, I wasthe Director of Operations for the popular video on demand aggregator, Distribber. (And as a result, I have helped over one-hundred filmmakers get their movies distributed.)

I share this because I think it is important to understand who you're talking to. And while I don't claim to have all the answers,some of what I'm about to share is going to provide new insight.The best way to utilize this guide is to take whatever tips work for you and ignore anything that doesn't.




Getting Started

As a filmmaker, making a movie is challenging. There are a lot ofelements that must come together.

Sometimes you work with good people and this comes easy.

Sometimes there is so much to do, that you get overwhelmed.

(Believe me, I've been there!)

But don't worry. . .

I put together this filmmaking checklist to help you.

The following film production checklist will provide a brief overview of the independent filmmaking process.

Keep in mind that this is only an overview.

Seriously. . .

Without actually grabbing a camera and working with people more experienced than you... All the resources in the world will do you no good. So here is our goal.

Ready?

After reading this guide, if you can grab at least one useful filmmaking tip from this checklist, then we can both be happy.

That's it. Easy, right?

I mentioned this earlier. And in full disclosure: Where it makessense, I have included recommendations for related products and services. If you click the links and make a purchase, I may receive compensation. If referrals aren’t cool, ignore the links!

As always, if you have questions about anything in this guide, please feel free to contact me. I would love to find out how thesetips help you get closer to your filmmaking goals!




Filmmaker Checklist

In the following checklist, I broke the filmmaking process into 65steps. Obviously some steps will be more challenging than other steps. But like I said, if you take time to study this guide, you might get a tip or two that can potentially make your life easier!

1. Before you get started, make sure you read and study everything you can about the filmmaking process. A good place to start is obviously the Filmmaking Stuff website.

2. A screenplay is the blueprint to your movie. Write or acquire ascreenplay you want to produce. Make it something exciting!

3. Complete an initial breakdown of your movie. From there, schedule and budget the project. How much does it cost?

Note: If you are unsure how to break down and schedule amovie, my affiliate partner Peter Marshall has an awesome Course at www.MovieScriptBreakdown.com and if you are not yet ready to make a feature, why not start by making ashort movie? Go to: www.101ShortFilmIdeas.com

4. Write a business plan that details how your movie will be made, marketed and sold – What is your budget?

5. Talk with a lawyer and other professionals to figure out your best funding strategy. Is it best if you utilize equity funding, crowdfunding and tax incentives to fund your movie?

6. Following laws and regulations, go after the money. This will require strategy, persistence, honesty and enthusiasm. 7. Finding, meeting and closing prospective investors on the merits of your movie will be one of the tougher parts of the process. Realize that every “no” gets you closer to “yes.”

8. Most investors will want to know how the money is going to be spent, what they can expect in return and how will you eventually get their money back. Filmmaking is a risky business,full of unknowns and you should ALWAYS disclose this.



http://www.MoviePlanPro.com/

http://www.101ShortFilmIdeas.com/

http://www.moviescriptbreakdown.com/

http://www.MovieScriptBreakdown.com/


9. Have a plan for the movie when it is complete. Will you take the festival route? Will you market it to colleges and universities?Will you send it directly to sales agents and acquisition pros?

Note: While it's great to imagine that a movie distributor will hand you a million dollar check, this rarely happens. In fact, most movies end up in popular marketplaces like Amazon and iTunes. Visit: www.HowToSellYourMovie.com

10. After following these steps, you have been networking with prospective investors. The question is, were you able to get the money? If not, here are some (but not all) of your options.

A. Choose a new movie project.B. Alter the screenplay to cut costs.

11. Get more favors and freebies. Seriously, write out a list of everything you can get for free, or at a discount. This includes props, wardrobe, locations, transportation and craft services!

12. Assuming you did get the money, pick a date for production. (And if you don't get the money, go back and repeat step one.)

13. Hire a lawyer to help you with contracts and releases. If you’re short on cash, do a web search for lawyers for the arts in your area. These folks will usually help with minor legal stuff.

14. Before you have the money, many people will be working forlittle to no money. So expect a lot of “nos” before you find the people who can help you bring your vision to life.

15. You can make your life easier if you work with people who have production experience. If you are in a small market, reach out to people who spend their days producing corporate video.

16. Finalize your script. Get it to a point where you are no longergoing to keep changing things. This is a locked script.

17. Number your scenes. Then once again, break down your script. This involves grabbing each element, location and character. From this information, create a final schedule.



http://www.HowToSellYourMovie.com/


18. From your schedule and breakdown, create a final budget. You probably know how much money you have to work with. If you find you don’t have enough you have two choices:

A. Get More Money!B. Modify the script and schedule.

19. Get your crew. Work with a seasoned Physical Producer AKA Line Producer AKA Unit Production Manager to help you get organized. These pros will look at your schedule and tweak it.

20. Additionally, if you’re going to direct and product, having these pros around to help out will open the door to relationships with 1st Ads and crew. These folks will help you hire the right people. They will know a good payroll company. And many knowa thing or two about tax credits in your state.

21. I know. Money is tight. So if you cannot hire a location scout, you may have to scout and procure locations yourself. This means you will knock on doors, introduce yourself, your project and your goals. The goal is to appear reasonable.

22. What can go wrong with a location probably will. So you will want to have a 2nd and 3rd location added to the mix. This way,should something happen, you will have a fall-back plan.

23. Assuming you’re directing your own movie, you will want to find a director of photography who shares your sensibilities and has equal enthusiasm for the project.

24. Your DP will help you find an asthetic for your movie. Given your cost constraints, you will most likely shoot in HD.

25. Marketing: Create a website specific to your movie. Make sure you have a way to get site visitors on your mailing list.

26. Later as you get into production, you will be able to add a movie trailer. (The goal: increase your mailing list subscribers and create a website you can later modify into a sales funnel.)

27. If you’ve raised money, you can hire talented actors interested in your project. But in the event your budget is tight, try to cast people with large social media followings.



http://www.AudienceList.com/


28. Once you have all of your actors, you will want to find a location for a table read. Go through the script. If you wrote it, now is a time to take some notes for a final tweak. Anything youchange in the script also changes the budget and the schedule.

29. DO NOT skimp on food. You will want someone in charge of Craft Services. They should be good at going out and getting deals on food and catering. If you can not find anyone to do this for you, you'll have to do it yourself. Allow me to repeat. . .

30. Make sure you have adequate food. If you are doing a union shoot, there are guidelines and rules you must follow. If you are doing a non-union indie, then some advice is: GET QUALITY!

31. Do you have all of your permits, releases and agreements? Do you have production insurance? There are so many different types of insurance, it will make your head spin. Make sure you talk with some experienced insurance professionals to make sureyou have adequate insurance for your movie!

32. Meet with your Camera Department and find out how much memory you'll need (assuming you’re shooting in HD). If you're shooting film, which might be costly for your first feature – you will want to have an idea of these needs too.

33. Try to take as many naps as you can. This is a fun, but stressful time. So sleep. Eat. And take time to exercise.

34. Once you have all the above stuff checked off the list, you will want to meet with your department heads and make sure everyone's needs are met. Assuming you've maintained limited locations, with a limited cast and crew, you will probably still be baffled by the amount of questions that come flying at you.

35. Seriously, you would think you're making a gazillion dollar movie. But this is indication people care about their work. They care about the movie. And they want to make it a success!

36. This goes without saying, but don't be a jerk. Seriously, never forget you are making a movie. Enjoy the experience.

37. Did I mention you need plenty of sleep? I am serious here. Making a movie is going to demand a TON of energy. You need to keep up with the physical and mental demands.




38. Commence production. Defer to your 1st AD and Line Producer to keep everything running on time and under budget. Keep your cool and always remember to have fun!

39. During production, try to constantly get press to profile your movie. It would be great to create buzz, get people to your website and get them to opt into your newsletter mailing list.

40. After the WRAP, have a wrap party. Don't sleep with your cast and crew, get overly drunk or make a fool of yourself! You are a professional. Act like one.

41. After you recover from your hangover (I just warned you), you will probably start editing the movie. I suggest sharing the edit suite with another set of eyes. And do be nice to your editor.Those professionals can offer valuable feedback. Listen to it!

42. Your first cut will be rough. Screen it with a group of people who have never seen the movie. Get feedback.

43. Take the feedback and refine your edit. After that, take a week off – Do not look at the movie or mess around with it. This way, when you come back to the suite, refine and refine again.

44. Have another small screening with people who have not seenthe movie. Take notes. Take those notes back to your edit suite.

45. Add some sound FX to your movie. Clean up actor dialogue and rough areas. Sound is more important than visual.

46. Screen the movie again. This time, have the screening with anew, small set of people. Take notes. Go back and refine.

47. When you have a cut you're happy with, then you can begin to plan your next strategy. Visit: www.HowToSellYourMovie.com.

48. There are opportunities for traditional distribution. With some qualified professionals, analyze each deal. Find out if thedeal will fit your business objectives. If not, PASS.

49. What if there are no traditional deals? If you planned accordingly, you will have a strong mailing list, a marketable hook and a plan for reaching your target audience.



http://www.HowToSellYourMovie.com/


50. When you are ready to start selling, refine your website into a sales funnel. Upload your movie to one of the many popular VOD platforms. Refine your movie poster and artwork to fit.

51. Upload your trailer to YouTube and all the other video sites on the internet. I prefer to stream from YouTube because I don'thave to pay for streaming and I can monitor viewer comments.

52. Write press releases related to the release of your movie. Have a blog component that details your movie and allows other people to comment.

53. Play around with your key words and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). If those terms are new to you, find someone in your network who understands the importance of the web.

54. Marketing is all about telling memorable stories and getting into the conversations. Adding your thoughts on website forums is one way to get the word out about your movie. But if you totally disregard the conversation – that's bad form.

55. Create both a Facebook and Twitter handle for your movie. The purpose of this page is to lead people back to your site.

56. Have adequate social share buttons on your website so people can easily tell their friends about your movie.

57. If you have the budget, purchase some offline advertising in publications related to your movie. (This assumes you've taken time to define your target audience and ways to reach them!)

59. All of these methods are intended to get people back to yourwebsite. The purpose of your site is to get people to watch your movie trailer and click the BUY NOW button. Anything that distracts these visitors must go! Install Google Analytics.

60. If your website visitors fail BUY NOW, then at least try to getthem to opt into your mailing list. Do you need a mailing list?

61. Out of all the people who click the BUY NOW button, some will actually buy. If you have access to the contact information, reach out and personally thank your customer.



http://www.AudienceList.com/

http://www.google.com/analytics/

http://www.Twitter.com/jasonbrubakerla

http://www.Facebook.com/filmmakingstuff


62. Assuming you are generating revenue, consider using that money to purchase more advertising and repeat the process. In internet marketing, they call this scaling a business. The name ofthe game is: “Conversion Rates.” Read this marketing article .

63. Sooner or later, you will figure out how to jump-start your next project. And you will realize that making movies and making money making movies is possible.

64. The thing to remember is long term perspective. On averageit takes seven meetings to make a relationship! Most people quitlong before they get to meeting number seven. Not you!

65. As a final thought, I would ask you to consider the following questions: Given the resources that you have right now, what is the movie that you will make this year?

I hope you enjoyed this brief filmmaking guide. If you did, you are really going to LOVE my Filmmaker Action Pack.




http://www.filmmakingstuff.com/financing-movies-with-vod-sales-projections/

http://www.filmmakingstuff.com/financing-movies-with-vod-sales-projections/

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