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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

How do i get funding?

Vince Doran

Vince Doran

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Got a great story to tell about a famous bushranger that operated here in Australia. The bloke was quite famous in his time (1800"s) and his relatives have leaked some vital new information to me that will re-write the history books.
I would like to document the mans life as accurately as possible, the script is written, now... how do I ask for funding? This will be my first feature IF i get funding,...any tips on getting finance for the project would be appreciated.
Thanks
 
what job pays 30 million a year?
Thanks Pawel very informative
 
Vince Doran said:
...This will be my first feature...
Click to expand...

Do you have any previous work (commercials, shorts, TV) to show would-be investors? Seems to me that would be the place to start. Potential investors could be anyone (with money) who is willing to listen to what you're trying to sell, who may or may not be in the "making features" business. You really have to be a great salesman...really.

If however you have no previous worthy material to back you up, then I'd say your best bet is simply to try to sell the script/idea to someone who can get the project made.

The main thing to keep in mind though is that nobody but you is as passionate about your project than you. Absolutely keep that in mind.

Good luck
 
Make it a book firsth, go to a editorial, and fortunately if it is interesting it will be edited.
 
Thanks guys, a relative of the bushranger has written a book about to be released and we are discussing the potential. i'm not a salesman but have done only 2 TV commercials and 2 self funded docs that have sold ok and have worked freelance for 15yrs on other peoples projects. Including work for ch10 ch9 ch7 TV Just thought it was about time to bite off possibly more than i can chew but I'll be chewing like mad.. I know this wont be easy but hey.. what's life without a challenge?
 
Christopher I was thinking of shooting a trailer first to get the idea across and show my skills ..will see what happens....what's a LLC? Hey I'm a newb to the production side of it all
 
I think that's American for a incorporating a liability limited company, over here in the UK that's a LTD. Not sure what that is in Australia
 
"what job pays 30 million a year?"

very few unknowns get $30 mil for their 1st movie ...
how many $30 mil movies are made in Aussie land these days ?
how many of those were by unknowns ?

i assume you have a budget on paper that totals $30 mil?

you could try to
get a few name actors or known Director/producer attached to the project
OR lower the budget ... or ?
ask friends for "NAMES" and their contact info ... ask persons at the TV channels you worked at if they can give you any info or any leads ...
 
Do you really need $30M??? You have a script, but do you really have a budget ironed out? A business plan?
 
Write a great script and shoot some good short films.
 
In australia its a bit different. You need a script then you need get a Distributor letter of intent, and Screen Australia on-board for you to attract any investment dollars. Screen Australia is a pivotal institute for any funding as most investors wont commit without their involvement.. So speak to them. If your script is as profound as you say is, you will attract attention.

PS. In Australia you wont get anywhere near 30m (haha). And you shouldn't need that much anyway even with a star name. Expect to budget for about 1.3-1.8 for your typical indie docco.
 
Well what will happen is you will venture out and find one of those mysterious creatures called a "Producer" then you go to who ever it is that funds films in Australia, In New Zealand there is the film commission and beg for money, if your script is really good they will probably give you maybe a few million.
 
Vince Doran said:
what job pays 30 million a year?
Thanks Pawel very informative
Click to expand...

1. Get a script breakdown. without a schedule, you cant make a budget.
2. Prepare a detailed budget and top sheet from the breakdown.
3. As many have suggested. if you want to direct, try to get name actor's
australian, american, german, someone that is known in at least 1 to 2 markets. That are talented of course. Will this appeal beyond Aussies?
4. Prepare a private placement memorandum telling investors HOW the money will be spent, and how you plan to make it back. RESEARCH.
5. Hire a producer with credentials and contacts. If he buys in, that's a good start. It's all about the "packaging" mini trailers can help or hurt. depends on execution.
6. If you intend on securing private financing. Ask, ask, ask. As director Sam Raimi once said... "get em to cough green or cough a name" when he funded his first horror feature. if someone says no, ask them for people's contact info that may be interested in investing. His words, not mine.
7. Everybody you expect to invest, the guy who drops $25K on a poker hand, mr high roller. is the LAST person who will invest. The stingy accountant or friend who you would never expect, inevitably ends up investing. Film investing is an EMOTIONAL experience. If you ar epassionate and have a great story, it can sell itself. IF you are prepared professionally.

That's my personal experience. Ask, ask, ask. If you believe in the project, and your passion is tempered by a solid crew and producing team. You have a shot.

But without a breakdown and schedule... you can not budget and will look like an amateur as you basically have another "mind deal" Most AD's breakdown scripts on the side. rates vary. Very affordable and worth its weight in gold

best of luck
 
First thing u need to do is to write it down and get a copyright for the story . Then send it to whoever u want .
 
Ok, thanks everyone some useful information here. I won't be asking for 30m cause I know I won't get it but it would be nice to use. I'm doing it Mad Max style, that movie held the Guinness world record for highest profit to cost movie on the planet for 20yrs and most of the cast and crew were newbs, like me.
Funny thing is a relative of mine (Phil Avalon) gave Mel Gibson his first acting role in Summer City and paid him $400
 
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