The Production Manager - Better than The Hills
April 28, 2009
I’m not too sure how I got to be a reality queen but somehow I’m finding a niche for myself in this field. This project is pretty exciting and looks set to be bigger than The Hills…not that I watch it of course
I’m definitely learning a lot at this place, partly because I’ve taken a smaller role so I have some time to step back and observe how the pre production is coming together. Mainly though, it’s that organizational thing I mentioned before of working with people who are across the needs of the network that gives the project such clarity and focus.
Of course that’s easy for me to say as we’re only in week two! But it really is a pleasure. Today we had an extremely long but very productive editorial meeting where we were through detail by detail the format and plan for the shoot. It may well have been the first time I’ve ever had a production meeting so far in advance and not under extreme panic.
However my supervising producer and line producer are both MIA till next week while I throw together a company move, hire staff, book the facilities install phone lines and keep across everyone updated of every change as it happens. I’ve gone from 0 to 60 in one long meeting but I sure am happy to be working and I think this show is going to be a good one!
Tags: Television, Movie, Actor, Filmmaking, Movie Bloggers
The Independent Filmmaker - Keeping Healthy in Hollywood
April 28, 2009
Last week I got in a car accident. I’m ok and it wasn’t my fault so that’s good. Actually it was a pretty funny situation of a 16 year old boy being distracted by some cute girls that caused it and I suspect will end up in one of my movies one day, but it got me thinking about health care and health insurance.
It’s a pretty boring subject, so I’ll keep it short, but I know it’s a topic that comes up a lot when you get a few freelancers in a room. So this week’s blog may not be entertaining, but hopefully it’ll be helpful.
If you don’t work for a company that supplies it, there are only a handful of ways to get health insurance in this business. At least at the moment.
The most preferable is to be a member of a union. Lots of people talk about health insurance as a free union benefit. That’s not strictly true because you do pay yearly dues, but usually the benefits are very good and for what you get the dues are reasonable.
The next way is to buy it on your own. This is what I do and it pretty much sucks because the good coverage is pretty expensive so you get what you can afford. The rates depend mostly on your age and your pre-existing conditions. (Personally I think that’s a bunch of bullshit - one friend recently got turned down because she took anti-depressants fifteen years ago in high school and another had a breast cancer scare that turned out to be false! But whatever, it is what it is.) And ladies if you’re thinking about getting preggers there’s an additional fee for that coverage. The best thing I can say about this is get it when you’re young and healthy. But, expect it to go up every year like clockwork. My policy started at about $100/month and now it’s $250/month. Grr… When you look for plans ask around and know that they differ from state to state so what’s good and cheap in NY may not be in LA.
There’s also the Freelancers union. I’ve heard they offer good, reasonable policies. But again they differ from state to state.
The only other way I’m aware of is to use your spouse’s coverage, be young enough to be on your parent’s, start your own company and offer it or get a real j-o-b.
Finally, and I’m definitely not advocating this, but if you’re really strapped many people risk it and go without. If you do that here’s what you need to know… many cities like NY and LA have excellent free clinics for the times you get non-emergency sick and for gyn Planned Parenthood will see patients on a sliding scale. If you ever have an emergency, public and Catholic hospitals will not turn you away if you can’t pay.
That’s it. That’s all I know about health insurance. Short and sweet.
Good luck out there people! Stay well making movies!
Tags: Film Industry, Movie, Movie Bloggers, Filmmaker, Actor
The Storyboard Artist - Chris Rock, Dennis Dugan, Adam Sandler and My Wife, Betty K. Bynum!!!
April 28, 2009
Helloooooo….
Well, I am wrapping up work on my current Adam Sandler project (“Untitled” so far) and will be hitting the streets looking for some gigs.
The money must keep flowing.
The director, a very cool gentleman named Dennis Dugan has given me additional scenes to do than the original plan. Thank God, as another film I had going fell apart (for the time being) and I need the income.
Dennis often has to “sell” his vision and ideas on scenes to Adam, who is a smart businessman and knows what he wants. Dennis knows how many frames he needs to sell his point. Some people want to see a lot. Adam and his crew have so much going on that little is good and filling.
I’ve been working on boards for mostly gags. Certain scenes in this movie have mild to mid stunts attached in addition to C.G.I. or “practical” or on the set special effects.
Just last Friday, Dennis let me sit on a meeting with he, his first A.D. and a C.G.I. company vying for a job on the show. Very informative. The company was previously sent a copy of my boards for the scene that needs C.G.I.
From there, they can plan their bid and figure out how long the shots would take to produce.
I am still storyboarding on the STORYBOARD PRO program and then turning the frames into JPG’S. From there, I can set the frames up as I wish, add type or any use of PHOTOSHOP or PAINTER.
If I get some more down time, I will get back to my passion, screenwriting. BIG IF. I want time, but not TOO much time.
I visited my wife, BETTY K. BYNUM on the set of my previous film, DEATH AT A FUNERAL. It stars Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Tracey Morgan, James Marsden, Luke Wilson and others. The director, another friend of a few years, Neil LaBute gave Betty a few lines in the film and her one day of filming turned into three.
Betty got to know Chris Rock a little and from what I have seen and heard from many, Chris is one of the NICEST and down to earth people in the business. Eats with the crew, DOESN’T cut the line, and never plays the “star” role. He, Will Smith and George Clooney probably have the best reputations in the business.
So, I must now get back to cracking.
Tags: Filmmaker, Film Blog, Filmmaking, Movie Bloggers, Movie Theatre
The Standby Painter - The Work Day From Hell
April 28, 2009
Who hasn’t had “one of those days” at work? Usually they don’t involve embarrassing yourself in front of somebody famous, but that’s one of the risks in this risky business. I can’t recall when I’ve last achieved this kind of hideous stupidity. The closest I’ve come was when Sally Field …
Tags: Film Industry, Television, Film Blog, Movie Theatre, Actor
The Development Executive - Is Your Writers Group Worth It?
April 26, 2009
If I wanted to become a doctor, but I didn’t really want to go to school for it or do it full time, so I just joined up with a handful of other people who wanted to be doctors and twice a month we talked about what we would or should do in specific medical cases without any real doctors actually telling us if we were right or wrong - do you think a hospital would hire me? I would friggin’ hope not. And to me, this analogy is why I think most writers groups are pointless.
Now before you all jump down my throat, I am fully aware that there are some very elite and picky writers groups in LA, NY, Chicago, etc., that turn out great writers with great material. I know there are some groups where writers have to be in WGA or be produced or optioned or represented to even be considered. I’m not talking about these few super elite groups. I’m talking about the rest of them.
The blind leading the blind is an often used phrase because it applies in so many instances, none more perfect than with a writer’s group full of people who don’t have a clue. In doing events around the Country, so many writers pitch to me by saying their writers group thought it was the best and really liked it. Well…congratulations. But, the shiniest piece of shit in the pile is still a piece of shit.
I’m not saying writing groups don’t have their upside. They give writers deadlines, motivation and peer feedback. And if you are only looking to write as a hobby or as therapy or just for fun – then this is great! But if you’re stuck in Nebraska (or even if you’re in LA) and you want to jumpstart your screenwriting career, your writers group full of beginners isn’t going to help you. They don’t know the market, they don’t know what sells or what’s in production or development, they don’t know how to pitch, and many don’t even know how to write. So why do you care what they say about your idea or script? Yes, you’re getting a new perspective, but it’s probably an uneducated one, so what’s the point? They may be telling you to lose the ONE thing that makes your script stand out because they just can’t see it. Like being given a fruitcake at Christmas, just smile and nod and pretend like you love what they are saying, and then find someone who knows what the hell they are talking about.
If you want valuable, knowledgeable and professional feedback, spend the money and go to a real script reader or analyst service. There’s a ton of ‘em. They probably seem more expensive than your writer group, but if you add up all the chips, dip and wine you had to buy to bring to the meetings, it would probably equal what you’d pay a real analyst to make notes on your script, and you’d get much more out of it. Or find a mentor who can guide your career and your writing process – someone who has experience in the industry and is a professional writer.
For those who do want to be part of a writer group, make sure that at least a few of the members have sold or optioned something to a REAL company. Preferably, something that was produced. And hopefully some should have representation, because the best thing that can come from a writer’s group besides inspiration and perspective is networking. And if you don’t live in LA or NY, try to join a group online where members are in LA, because you need that perspective. But quite frankly, I’ve never known a script to sell because the executive was so impressed with the writers group the author was a member of.
And if you’re going to join a writers group do some due dilligence and make sure you are joining a group where you will actually get something out of it other than some decent snacks and polite conversation. Cause if that’s what you want, stop writing and start playing mahjongg.
Tags: Hollywood, Actor, Oscars, Film Blog, Movie Bloggers
The Casting Director - Shakespeare was right - Time does not stand still…
April 25, 2009
This week flew by at a rapid pace:
Monday: Juilliard & University of Washington actors showcase. It was fine. I go to these showcases to see how the actors are being trained more then trying to discover an actor. The actors were very enthusiastic and in general, were all good. I love trained actors (after all I am one), but what I don’t like are actors who are trying too hard, which ruins any potential spark that they may have, any creative ability. Showcases can feel a little desperate as all of these actors are hoping for discovery by an agent or a casting director, but in reality what they should be thinking about is their craft. Let their training be their guide, the rest will come…hopefully. After the showcase (no food, by the way and I was hungry) I drove back to my office to set up auditions, answer calls and read a script for a meeting this week.
Tuesday: Two general meeting with actors and more sorting through suggestions for upcoming auditions. I have had over 3,000 submissions for 2 roles! Casting a film that shoots in Hawaii in July, made offers and sorting through submissions (on-line) and scheduling auditions. Why can nobody ever come the first day of casting?
Wednesday: Figure out whom we (productions) are interested in and what the status is of offers on films I am casting: VINYL, ONE KINE DAY, HALF-TRUTH, AUDREY & OLD SCHOOL STORY. Get everyone on the same page, meaning speak with the directors, get the producers to respond to my emails and talk to the agents about who I can really get in the film versus who the producers thinks they can get in the film and try and negotiate the realities of all of this so that I don’t appear negative and nobody gets upset when talking about potential talent and the reality of the situation. Manage agents and managers expectations, meaning, “don’t expect money offers” – not these days – and see who comes to you, who tells you that they need a job. This can be a surprise and a gift all at the same time. Say to yourself, “Matt, think outside of the box, who is everyone going to get excited about?” Wednesday night go to the Cricket Feet Showcase in Burbank…very well done (awesome job Bonnie!) and go home, sleep and try not to think about anything.
Thursday: 9am – Meeting on an ultra-low budget script with the producer and director. They were in my office for 1 hour and 45 minuets. I really do like the script and the director seemed very nice and excited about his film. Hope that it all works out. They leave keep setting up auditions for Friday on Half-Truth. Schedule 4 actors every 15 minuets because there is no way half will show up. 1230pm: Lunch with my actor friend who is also going to paint my office for me. All this week I have been moving from the 12th floor to the 5th floor because I am now sharing office space with a casting director and a writer/producer. Try to clean up the 12th floor office and prepare that office for turning it into a proper audition space (yeah!!!). 330pm General with a lovely actress from New Zealand. Go home late after talking to all of my directors and producers getting everyone updates. Pass out….
Friday: Wake up with a throbbing headache. I have a casting session at 3pm. I was right, about half of the actors scheduled want to reschedule. Set up and book actors for a reading next Friday on a fabulous pilot I am helping the writer cast. Get A-list actors to the reading (not an easy thing to do) and have back-ups ready, just in case the A-list can’t do it. Director arrives on time for his session (good sign, I love him already). Actors sign in and the director is amazing with the actors, he has notes, knows what to say and loves the process. My headache is still throbbing and I am thinking to myself that I have meningitis. Session ends, director is happy. Up-load session to computer. Update my to do list, make sure my phone sheet is updated and I know who to call on Monday. Turn off phone go home lie down and go to sleep. Everything will be waiting for me to tackle next week…
Over the weekend, read scripts, eat, go to the gym, review lists, come up with new ideas, go over the 200 unanswered emails and try not to inhale the fumes from the varnish and paint in my house that is coming from the construction that is going on in my home.Walk the dog.
I am thankfull and blessed for all of the work, I love being busy!!!
I am happy…going on vacation in 2 weeks…even more happy…
Tags: Filmmaking, Director, Film Blog, Movie Blog, Hollywood
The Manager - You’ve Finished Your Screenplay - Now What?
April 24, 2009
Today we got the final draft of a new spec script that we are planning on taking out next week. It’s a very high concept story that we are really excited about.
However, here’s the first thing I said to the writer after I corrected the last few typos and got the final, final version: This is great but what’s next?
Because the second you finish your script you must have several other ideas that are fleshed out and ready to go.
This is for two reasons:
1) If the script is good (which I am assuming it is because you have been revising and working on it and hearing all my tips on showmethescreenplay.com), then no matter if it sells or not, you will get a lot of meetings from it. And the first thing people will ask you is what are you working on next.
And you definitely want to have an answer because nobody wants to meet with writers who don’t have their next idea that they are working on. But, also, by having ideas that are ready to go, you can “soft pitch” them and see what people respond to.
By getting a sense of what people respond to you can get a feel for if the story is working. If it’s not working, you might want to think of some other ideas.
2) If your script should have the good fortune of selling, then the best time to sell your next work is right after this script sale. You will be hot and the “the buzz on the street” will be at its highest.
This is why we tell our clients that they must be working on several ideas at once. That way, once your script is done and you’ve turned it into your agents or managers or producers, you already have your next idea fleshed out and you can dive right into it.
Tags: Film, Director, Movie Blog, Television, Film Blog
The Showrunner - Fullerton is a F*** of a long way from LA
April 23, 2009
Today was only the second time I’ve ever been to Fullerton.
The first time was when my friend Roseanne invited me to speak to her tv writing class. And this week I went out there because Roseanne invited me to speak to her writing class on the topic “TV: Then and …
Tags: Movie, Movie Bloggers, Hollywood, Movie Blog, Film Industry
The Production Manager - One step forward, two steps back
April 21, 2009
So I end up getting the MTV job which is pretty lucky in this economy so it seems. I’ve had to take a pay cut and reduce my title but it’s a small price to pay for a three month contract.
My grandfather once told me that you sometimes have to take a step back in order to take a step forward and it’s something I’ve come back to in my career time and again.
Of course everyone wants their career to follow a linear path but it’s not always possible to move smoothly up the ranks. One colleague of mine did just that and found himself running a department only four short years from his first PA position. Needless to say he was out of his depth having missing out on the confidence you get from having worked in the same position for a while.
When I was first starting out and had worked mainly in factual programming, I found myself struggling to find that elusive third job. When the opportunity came to apply for a production secretary role on a scripted comedy at a rather prestigious company, I reluctantly applied. This turned out to be an excellent career move as I not only got experience in a totally different genre, but I also got my foot in the door with the company and was able to move quite seamlessly into two further projects as a production coordinator.So you really never know where one job will take you.
No-one really wants their resume to read as anything other than career progression, but fortunately in our industry it is often the shows you have worked on rather than the role you held there that counts.
Tags: Oscars, Movie Bloggers, Actor, Movie, Director
The Standby Painter - (Harrison) Ford: Dependable, Reliable, A Classic
April 21, 2009
(Harrison) Ford: Dependable, Reliable, Always a Classy Vehicle
It’s a strange thing to admit, but I almost never notice the acting during any of my films, even when I’m standing there a few feet away from the action, day after day, next to people like Angelina Jolie and Ed Burns as …
Tags: Movie Theatre, Movie, Movie, , Film
