Questions
&
Answers

Is there a Template or software package available that anyone knows about, that deals specifically with television pilots, and series episodes?

I am sure various genres differ slightly in their budgetary needs, but is there a standard foundation one can use as a template to build upon?

Are you using the Internet, podcasts, webcasts or digital downloads to distribute your film? Do you promote your fil through social networking...?  The real question is, how's it going? What have you learned that will change your approach on your next film...?

Anyone know the name of the kid on the Stingray in the 1971 doc On Any Sunday? Director doesn't know. Film was shot in 1970-71 in San Juan Capistrano, Ca.

http://homepage.mac.com/nickersonresearch/WheelieBoy/iMovieTheater482.html

I am a very small production comapny and we so far always worked on our own project . We just got hired to make a documentary . I need a contract between my production company and the comapny hiring us . Could anyone help me , I do not seem to find on under FILE

Thank you.

I'm putting together the paperwork to begin fundraising for my documentary and am looking to see if anyone has a sample "one page" that they could share with me. It really helps me when I see examples of things rather than just templates or documents that tell me "how to" or what to include. I think seeing the way it actually looks and how one reads would be a big help.

Also, is it common for producers of documentaries to spend money to purchase reports such as the ones found at www.filmprofit.com or are those reports geared more towards scripted films?

Thank you!

Michigan Tax Credit/Rebate/incentives:

I have the latest (Fall 08 - US Production Incentives) and Michigan seems still up an running. Does anyone know if this has changed? I thought the state could not fund any plan due to 2008 over spend. Does anyone know??

side note: thanks Norm for a GREAT site! 

Jean-Luc

Norman, thanks for the answer. I have a follow up question however. I already have most of the business plan together and someone asked me to send a one-page for now; I have read the typical format of how it should be presented but was hoping someone would share an example of one they've used (I didn't see anything in the files). In other words, I know how it should look in theory but wanted to see it actually in practice. I hope that makes sense. Thanks!

Where can I find and buy a Comparable Pictures ROI Report that analyses Latino films?What are the companies selling this service and what should I expect to pay for this? Our film is a gothic political thriller set in Chile and the U.S.

Please email me at haikufilmsorg@yahoo.com Thanks, Mabel Valdiviezo Haiku Films 415-335-3143

Has anyone closed a financial deal with anyone from any of the groups?

I'm not looking for names.... Well, of course I really am looking for names, but I doubt you'll part with them. So I'd like to know if anyone has chased any film group deals that actually turn out to be real.

Norman

Does anyone has a co-production agreement sample that includes a standard progress to production an timeline?  It would be great if you could share this with me or point to someone who does.

Please include haikufilmsorg@yahoo.com in your reply.

Do state tax rebates allow star salaries to rise unchecked? Or are the extra funds really helping indie films get made?

I am a student filmmaker using SHowbiz Scheduling as a demo for the first time. I am having difficulty with it. Is it possibly to print out the shcdule section before filling and completing EVERYthing  else? If so, how? I need just that sample section for class ASAP

I'm developing a narrative 1/2 hour series as part of an educational program that teaches social studies and science.  I am using already created high school curriculum to use as a template for some of the shows.  

Was wondering if I am going to be stepping on copyright infringement issues because I am basing some content off of already created curriculum.  Keep in mind these shows are fictitious in nature, but use the narrative to teach real concepts. i.e. CSI, meets actual science.

(I know this is a lawyer question, but wanted to ask peers before I shell out big bucks to get an official answer)

In 2006, we the committee had created the film showing during the festival (not film). I videotaped and edited the movie. We agreed to show the movie only during that festival (few days). Alot of people saw that movie and spread out the words and they want to buy DVD which we did not plan that before. Now I want to sell it. My committees will support me to use that film as demo reel. I plan to ask my commmittees to sign release paper that become my movie. Is there a proper form for my committee to give me permsission. Understand what I am saying?

 Laura

Thank you, Tristan

I am putting together a budget for New Mexico for 1.5M and am researching crew rates - I have the labor guide and under IATSE it states this would fit in the extremely low budget catagory (in the 2007-09 low budget theatrical agreement it is call Tier 1). Here is my question and I will try to be as clear as I can.

If I am hiring local NM crew then I would apply Tier One which uses the rates Key/2nd/3rd. If I am bringing in non-local then I would have to apply Wage scale non-production cities tier two productions which have a different pay rate. AM I CORRECT IN THIS?

I am sure I am reading this all wrong and basically when I go on the labor guide local 480 does not show a tier 1 rate it just show the basic rate - Should I just work the numbers off of the tier 1 numbers on the 2007-09 low budget theatrical agreement. 

Help and Thank you!
Jean-Luc