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Advice / support thread for SHORT FILM WRITERS & DIRECTORS looking for PRODUCERS to collaborate with. I’ve been asked for advice on DMs but thought work sharing my personal views publicly in case it’s helpful!...
(1) Try finding your producer early. It can be less desirable when a project has the DoP, editor, and half the cast on board. It can feel like you’ve already done half the work, except the boring / hard bits. This isn’t always possible though, which is fine! Just explain why.
(2.a) Assess honestly what your project offers your collaborators, including the producer. Are you super low-budget, and are looking for volunteers? Can you offer everyone flat fees? Or can you offer proper daily rates (rare). Take this into account when thinking of who to ask.
(2.b) Using myself as an example, I've produced around 20 shorts. Because of this, shorts benefit me now if: (a) they're well-paid (can happen!), (b) they're insanely exciting to me creatively, or - mainly – (c) they're with a director I know and am developing a feature with.
(2.c) It isn't b/c I feel I'm above shorts, or that I'm not still learning. But everyone has to move forward. HOWEVER 2-3 years ago I was still developing my craft; I was producing alongside my masters, and for the right script & director, it benefitted me whatever the fee.
(Caveat to this: I don't promote unpaid work. If I was ever working voluntarily on an indie short, so were all the other cast/crew as the total budget tiny. If you're paying yourself, or anyone else, pay the producer)
(2.d) So, it's about finding someone at the right level of experience, who the project will benefit as well as being a lot of fun. Being honest with yourself about what your project can offer will help manage your expectations & find someone you really click with. But how?...
(3) Are you watching lots of short films? Great! Look on the credits for producers, production manangers, coordinators, even production assistants. Is this that producer’s first credit? Maybe they’ll want more projects! Does the coordinator or PA want to step up into producing?
(4) Okay, give yourself a few hours for this: research film festivals across the UK (or where you're based)... google the BAFTA-recognised ones. Look at their short film programmes. Look at ALL the shorts & find the producer / PM & reach out. This is hundreds of names!
(5.a) Think of connecting with industry producers as a long-term goal rather than a project-by-project task. You’ll more likely make a genuine creative and personal connection with a producer if you meet or approach them without immediately pitching a project.
(5.b) Like any relationship, people learn about each other over time, and we are all more likely to listen to potential collaborations when we’re already familiar with one another – it’s why we often go back to the same partnerships. So, where can you meet people?..
(5.c) Go to industry events if you can; join FB groups for filmmakers; attend festivals & introduce yourself to people whose films you liked; assist on shorts & meet producers; ask friends & other directors to intro you. See if that producer is even right for you & your work!
(6) If a producer you were hoping might get involved has to decline - which I know can feel really discouraging when you have a great project and want to get it made - reply with understanding, remain polite and ask if they might have contacts more suitable to recommend.
(7) If, as a last resort, you have to produce it yourself, or ask a friend to, don’t think it’s forever! Know that it will likely be easier to find a career producer once you have a solid short under your belt to demonstrate to them your abilities and vision.
(8) Stay positive during your search, and don’t be disheartened if it takes a while. Maybe it’s worth taking a few months to find the producer who’ll go on to make several shorts & maybe even a first feature with you. Keep making a concerted effort over time and it will pay off.
Final note: Keep in mind that a reason why short film producers are thin on the ground is because they sometimes get overlooked after the film is complete, by festivals, platforms and collaborators, and don’t receive credit for their considerable efforts...
... Once you’ve found a partnership that works well, treat them as your equal, ensure they do the same for you, and always appreciate each other! (END)
Further bullet-point thoughts:
• Find recent production graduates!
• Commercials producers who want to move into fiction!
• If the script isn’t gripping anyone, is it the right script?
• Research the role of a producer thoroughly!
• Find recent production graduates!
• Commercials producers who want to move into fiction!
• If the script isn’t gripping anyone, is it the right script?
• Research the role of a producer thoroughly!
