5 Things to remember when Producing your first film on a minimal budget

Always dreamed of becoming a film producer but feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of entering a not-so-organized film industry? These tips can help you save time and money.

Unlike Hollywood, where studios rule the roost and independent film producers begin their journies via film festivals, aside from the few who have built studios in India based on film production being a familial venture, most producers in India are self-initiated lured by the profits that a feature film can generate or by the want to use feature film production as a stepping stone to other more limelight grabbing venture like politics.

Having had a fair share of trysts with film production in Bengaluru, India, home to the Kannada film Industry, and knowing that there is an exception to every generic statement; eager first-timers or relatively new directors or inexperienced children wanting their parents to invest in helping them realize their dream of becoming leads in films coax most first-time film producers to join the mad rush of film production. The alternate reasons are a want for their name on the silver screen or friends coming together over an evening of drinks to jointly produce a feature, with one of them being a heavyweight who may have made one or more feature films before.

Whatever the case, and while it’s best to join a film production department or team in other capacities (watch for another write-up on this), albeit in the production department, spearheading a unit as its producer and putting your money where your mouth is is risky business.

Specifically related to independent film producers of the Indian film industries and expressly to the Kannada film industry, here are five things to remember while producing your first movie, especially if it is on a minimal budget;

Unlike the process at production houses and studios, as an independent film producer, you or someone you know approaches you with a story. Then you seek out a Director, or a Director with a story/script seeks you out, and now you are on your way to producing your first feature film.

1. You will be the whole and sole of this project concerning its finances. Much like a stage play, people who come in on your project will be playing their roles or doing their part of the job, then moving on to other projects once their work completes. Do not think for a moment that if one is advising you on a particular matter, that person will hold his hand out for you all the way. They will leave once paid. You, and hopefully an assistant or a few assistants if you move fancy that way, will bear the weight of this film project entirely, leaving only the creative aspects to the Director and his team.
2. 2. Network, Network, Network. Without knowing an experienced few in the film circle, you’ll be a sitting duck after you’ve made your film. Networking will come in handy when you are out and about to market your movie to potential distributors and will help strike a better deal on potential profits. Many will want to watch the first cut of your film or even the rushes; do not fall for this and display an unfinished product. News of everything spreads fast, and a film that isn’t at its best is news similar to wildfire and fodder for gossip to defame your movie even before it has seen the faces of its first audience. While the story needs to be unique and appealing to at least some part of the movie-going audience, be watchful of the trend in cinemas before you go ‘on the floor’ with your project. A generic subject trying to appeal to the ‘mass’ may be too risky for your first outing. Live by the mantras; ‘Aim small, miss small’ and ‘Specific is terrific.’
3. 3. Your profile as a producer will include helping the Director develop and supervise the film; This by no means allows you to step into the Director’s shoes or let him step into yours. A machine is only as good as its parts, and knowing your roles in the project and abiding by them is the right way forward. Of course, you may suggest your ideas in a one-to-one conversation; however, not when working.
4. 4. You will also be responsible for securing funding, hiring screenwriters to develop ideas into screenplays, and negotiating contracts with vendors and various department heads. You will need to hire the services of a registered Film Manager who will help you scout for locations with the Director and his team in tow. Remember, most people go a long way back with each other and function as an extended family. Some may also have loose arrangements between them of handing out cuts for winning a contract. Be mindful of only paying standard payments and not fancy amounts. Best to check with rate lists published by the unions involved in making films.
5. 5. It helps to break down your project into small and manageable pieces. Delegate if you have a team under you, yet be mindful of what goes on daily. Maintain files for permission taken, contracts signed, amounts paid or pending, and everything paper, even at least two years of the film having theatrically released. You never know when the government will bless you with a subsidy grant (you’ll have to apply for this) or if the taxman comes calling.

Innumerable things go on on the sets of film projects that may come before completion and potentially cause challenges. However, do not get disheartened or take this writing as a harbinger of warning and bad news. Primarily, confidence in yourself, being prepared for the tasks, and having the right people working for you will help you win half the battle of becoming a successful producer in the cine world. All the best.

P.S. Hire an experienced consultant like me to ease your filmmaking journey and realize your dream of becoming a successful movie producer.