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Roadmap to a $150,000 Film

ROADMAP TO A $150,000 FILM A few weeks ago I wrote that every filmmaker and screenwriter should have multiple scripts in different budget ranges. The main indie film budgets are $150k, $300k, $700k, and $2 million. Script Notes When crafting a $150,000 film, self-contained scripts are key. Think horror, intimate dramas, or personal faith-based stories. Keep the cast to under 10 major roles and limit locations to one primary cinematic setting with 5-10 additional spots Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago

IS PITCHING OVER IN 2025?

IS PITCHING OVER IN 2025? Do you think Netflix is going to option your screenplay? Los Angeles is at a standstill—COVID, strikes, dwindling film incentives, and now the fires! Should screenwriters start thinking more like producers? This article is from Stacey Parks, one of the original pioneers in distribution and financing. She’s been in the industry for decades, and I’ve been following her insights for over 20 years. Here’s what she has to say about Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago

AI Filmmakers

GenX Filmmaker Rant of the Week​ ​ This week, I had two conversations that left me rethinking everything I thought I knew about filmmaking: A DP and Producer friends of mine are working on a vertical feature film (yep, iPhone framing). Low six-figure budget. It’s targeted at an Asian market, but guess what? Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok might follow with micro-series. A director raising money for an animated film shared their AI-generated sizzle reel with me. Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago
one sheet

Film Producer Script Coverage Report

You Have a Screenplay. What’s Next? Turning your screenplay into an independent film can feel overwhelming. The best way to approach it? One micro step at a time. That’s where the Film Producer Script Coverage Report comes in. This in-depth assessment evaluates your screenplay through the lens of a Producer, answering critical questions such as: Where does my script fit in the current film market? What’s a realistic budget estimate? Should I produce the film Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago

Film Slate 2025

Why every filmmaker needs a slate of films for 2025! If you want your screenplays to be produced and financed you need to have a slate of scripts in different budget ranges. Your goal is to have your film funded! ​ Here are the SAG indie film budget tiers. ​ $50k to $300k – Ultra Low Budget $300k to $700k – Moderate Budget $700k to $2 million – Low Budget $2 million plus – Regular Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago
film development funds

Film Development Funds

Film Development Funds: Your Startup Budget Think of film development funds as your startup cash. Without them, it’s tough to get your project off the ground. You’ll want to aim for 5-10% of your total budget to cover some key early costs like: Entertainment Attorney Fees– To handle contracts and protect your project. Sales Agent Projections– So you know how much money your film could bring in. Producer Retainer– To get an experienced producer on Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago

Limited Theatrical Release Case Study

Limited Theatrical Release Case Study After some research here are some standout films that had a budget of $1,000,000.00 and under that did extremely well with a limited theatrical release. Did production have a budget set aside for marketing and a theatrical release or did the distributor cover the cost? Those questions will be answered in Part 3. Regardless having a limited theatrical release does increase your exclusive and nonexclusive deals on streaming services! If Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago

Death of Cinema

Cinema is going through a similar death the way that theatre had about 20 years ago. The majority of Broadway plays/musicals are now based on IPs. Back to the Future, Beetlejuice, The Notebook, “the musical” etc. Broadway had to adapt to spectacle. Of course there is still off-broadway plays that still challenge their audience. Now AI is coming. The audience will now custom make their own fantasies, dreams, nightmares, and bypass the filmmaker. Add a Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago

Indie Film Investments vs. Lottery Tickets

Do you need money for your film? Thinking about approaching a film investor? How much do you need? $300k, $1 mil, need more? To keep things simple, let’s say you need $300k. Now tell your potential investor to go to the convenience store and buy $300k worth of scratch off lottery tickets. What are the odds that they still get zero? -5%, -20%, -50%, break-even, or make a modest profit of $100k (I’m pretty sure Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago

Mastering the Art of Pitching in the Film Industry

Mastering the Art of Pitching in the Film Industry In the world of filmmaking, pitching is a defining skill—some fear it, while others thrive. It’s an indispensable craft that you must cultivate. Your ability to effectively convey the creative and financial value of your film project is of utmost importance. One of your most potent tools is a visually compelling pitch deck. Filmmakers can often be categorized into three distinct groups: Screenwriters: Aspiring to sell Read more…

By filmbusinessplan, ago