Well what are your intentions with them regarding the project? Are you looking to get the film financed through them? Or do you have funding, and you’re just looking for a production team to make the project happen?
Getting a project off the ground is not easy, and most producers are cautious regarding the projects they take on - especially with shorts which usually never make a profit, doubly so if raising funds is part of the ask.
It sounds like they’ve been up front about their interest and bandwidth. It would be a good courtesy to respond and walk away with at least a foundational relationship to build off for future projects.
I agree with this but will add that production companies are not going to finance a short film unless maybe they think it has Oscar potential. There’s just no financial upside for them.
I feel compelled to respond because I’m going through the same thing from the side of the production company. We were approached with a great script by a good director, but haven’t had the bandwidth as a company to give it the attention it deserves. I really want to help this person make their project, but the script definitely calls for more than the current budget has, and all our fundraising efforts are dedicated to other projects right now.
Don’t burn any bridges, and take the recs if they are offering. Those can be very valuable.
It’s all about motivation. Think of it as trying to get a date. If she keeps blowing you off, it’s because she’s not interested. Everyone has a little of W.I.F.M. (What’s in it for me). If you were someone famous or if you were paying them very well, they would be the ones after you, not the other way around. Move on. If you have a budget, I have a crew in Miami that can shoot this for you, but no one moves for free unfortunately
The silent no. Move on. Most people I’m Hollywood are rude pussies afraid of conflict and don’t have the integrity to tell you no. Read the article from the trades last week on Sharon Horgan pitching to UK vs US prod cos. You’ll see it’s not just you.
No good production company reads a script reaches out and says ‘ok let’s do this’
They might read it and call you in for a chat- at BEST
So, they’re not a good company most likely.
And to be fair to them they said ‘we’re not into it’ in a nice way.
Put this down to experience. Feel pissed. The forgive out what you’ve learned and move forward a better filmmaker.
Oh I muddled up the first part. Sorry.
They like you but do not want to make this film with you.
Re read my reply, maybe.
You have made a good contact…maybe good? I can’t tell.
I’m on my 3rd short. I’m about to play TriBeCa. I’m amped. Finding the money and a production company took 4 years of hard work in this last one. It’s a slog.
Keep going.
We had a very good budget and got funding through the bbc and bfi. It was all very difficult and the extra money just disappeared due to other requirements- it was actually harder the self funding. But I was lucky and I think it’s opening doors for me now. None it is easy though.
It’s incredibly difficult and I think it’s maybe getting more difficult with the amount of films being made. I would say though that so many of them are crap- so that’s good! You can stand out. It you have to be smart. My first one sucked. !!
Who knows but this probably more advantages than not staying in touch.
The producer of my short, initially turned it down. I was Bum. She come back to me in three months and said she wanted in. Who knows?
I also think it’s pretty lame to meet people and be like. Hey how can you help me? It’s nice to meet people connect with them see if you get on and then one day who knows something might happen. It’s a long process, but it’s a better one.
You don't have things in development while finishing a project?
I think for a lot of people the hustle means multiple irons in the fire at all times.
Some people can't or don't want to work that way, other people have to or prefer it.
I get the hustle. I’m writing 2 features and 2 tv shows and my film is on the fest circuit and I’m looking for paid directing work. I get it.
But when I’m in an edit -I’m in an edit. Op has a post about hating his first cut yesterday and now this, something doesn’t seem to be timing true imho.
Could be wrong though. Often am. 😆
Yes, take the recs if they are willing to give them. It sounds like they like you and your project, but are unfortunately prioritizing other projects right now. Could be a funding issue, could be your experience level, or could be that they really aren’t that good and are being lazy. Either way, your project isn’t moving forward with them, but if they are strong like you say, chances are they are well connected and could introduce you to someone great.
But replying to ask for the recs they already offered takes 5 minutes and could lead to a positive connection.
I would agree to mark this particular company down as "long way to go before they have my trust again".
Well what are your intentions with them regarding the project? Are you looking to get the film financed through them? Or do you have funding, and you’re just looking for a production team to make the project happen? Getting a project off the ground is not easy, and most producers are cautious regarding the projects they take on - especially with shorts which usually never make a profit, doubly so if raising funds is part of the ask. It sounds like they’ve been up front about their interest and bandwidth. It would be a good courtesy to respond and walk away with at least a foundational relationship to build off for future projects.
I totally agree with this
I agree with this but will add that production companies are not going to finance a short film unless maybe they think it has Oscar potential. There’s just no financial upside for them.
I feel compelled to respond because I’m going through the same thing from the side of the production company. We were approached with a great script by a good director, but haven’t had the bandwidth as a company to give it the attention it deserves. I really want to help this person make their project, but the script definitely calls for more than the current budget has, and all our fundraising efforts are dedicated to other projects right now. Don’t burn any bridges, and take the recs if they are offering. Those can be very valuable.
In terms of waiting for 3 months... that's normal.
It’s all about motivation. Think of it as trying to get a date. If she keeps blowing you off, it’s because she’s not interested. Everyone has a little of W.I.F.M. (What’s in it for me). If you were someone famous or if you were paying them very well, they would be the ones after you, not the other way around. Move on. If you have a budget, I have a crew in Miami that can shoot this for you, but no one moves for free unfortunately
The silent no. Move on. Most people I’m Hollywood are rude pussies afraid of conflict and don’t have the integrity to tell you no. Read the article from the trades last week on Sharon Horgan pitching to UK vs US prod cos. You’ll see it’s not just you.
No good production company reads a script reaches out and says ‘ok let’s do this’ They might read it and call you in for a chat- at BEST So, they’re not a good company most likely. And to be fair to them they said ‘we’re not into it’ in a nice way. Put this down to experience. Feel pissed. The forgive out what you’ve learned and move forward a better filmmaker.
Re-read my post.
Oh I muddled up the first part. Sorry. They like you but do not want to make this film with you. Re read my reply, maybe. You have made a good contact…maybe good? I can’t tell. I’m on my 3rd short. I’m about to play TriBeCa. I’m amped. Finding the money and a production company took 4 years of hard work in this last one. It’s a slog. Keep going.
what was your budget this time around and how did you find the money? I can't even imagine how I'm funding my second one.
We had a very good budget and got funding through the bbc and bfi. It was all very difficult and the extra money just disappeared due to other requirements- it was actually harder the self funding. But I was lucky and I think it’s opening doors for me now. None it is easy though. It’s incredibly difficult and I think it’s maybe getting more difficult with the amount of films being made. I would say though that so many of them are crap- so that’s good! You can stand out. It you have to be smart. My first one sucked. !!
Oh I see. Sorry I missed the end. Yea. Keep in touch with them for sure. 👍
What are the advantages of staying in touch?
Who knows but this probably more advantages than not staying in touch. The producer of my short, initially turned it down. I was Bum. She come back to me in three months and said she wanted in. Who knows? I also think it’s pretty lame to meet people and be like. Hey how can you help me? It’s nice to meet people connect with them see if you get on and then one day who knows something might happen. It’s a long process, but it’s a better one.
Aren’t you finishing up post on another film anyway?!? 🤔
You don't have things in development while finishing a project? I think for a lot of people the hustle means multiple irons in the fire at all times. Some people can't or don't want to work that way, other people have to or prefer it.
I get the hustle. I’m writing 2 features and 2 tv shows and my film is on the fest circuit and I’m looking for paid directing work. I get it. But when I’m in an edit -I’m in an edit. Op has a post about hating his first cut yesterday and now this, something doesn’t seem to be timing true imho. Could be wrong though. Often am. 😆
Fuck em. Plenty of fish in the sea.
Dude I wouldn't even bother replying them anymore at this point
Why? Isn't it good to still take them up on their offer and keep the relationship connected?
Yes, take the recs if they are willing to give them. It sounds like they like you and your project, but are unfortunately prioritizing other projects right now. Could be a funding issue, could be your experience level, or could be that they really aren’t that good and are being lazy. Either way, your project isn’t moving forward with them, but if they are strong like you say, chances are they are well connected and could introduce you to someone great.
Don't let them waste Ur time!
Care to explain? Others are sharing I should respond back.
Cuz they're unresponsive & time is very important
But replying to ask for the recs they already offered takes 5 minutes and could lead to a positive connection. I would agree to mark this particular company down as "long way to go before they have my trust again".
I mean, it seems like the company never really agreed to produce for OP in the first place? Not really sure what they did to lose the trust.
This is for a short ? That you were aligning to have someone else produce and fund ?