Class Notes

Missed VFX

16.9.

Producing masterclass Marianna Ostrat

• option agreement: agreement for a timeperiod in which a producer can own the rights to start production on a concept written/deveoped by someone

• Division of responsibilities Screenwriter/Director. Vs. Producer (Original idea/adaptation vs Optional agreement)

Prequisites for project development

• First draft + valid agreement

• Core team - screenwriter, director, producer

• Development strategy + financing strategy

• Financing plan for development

• Timeline / schedule for film

• Questions for yourself: Does it make sense to produce this film? Whether and why do I WANT to produce this film? Does it make sense for yourself in this period of life as a long time dedication?

• Financing the production

• Script breakdown

• Detailed budget & production financing plan, cashflow schedule

• Finding and attaching co-producers, sales agent, distributors, and other necessary partners. Attending co-production markets and pitching sessions (EFM, Marché du Film, Baltic Event etc)

• Funding applications and communicating with funds (EFI, Kulka, Creative Europe, Eurimages), private investors, cash and tax rebates.

• Developing the script up to the final draft

• European films are heavily subsidized ie soft money ie money you dont have to pay back

• Soft loans (e.g. Eurimage for international coproductions). Eurimage loans are paid back once the film begins to earn (11% of the budget)

• Hard money, money is paid back and interest is expected (private investors, want to profit)

• For optional agreement, money is exchanged for ie validify it

• Cashflow schedule needed for even smaller projects (e.g. Investor pays 60% before production, then the rest after). There are loans specific for keeping up the cashflow that can be utilized if the rest of the investor money is coming only after shoot is done.

• Sales agent attached around picturelock that is will represent the films rights around different territories