So i’ve been really thinking about this whole idea of going through with a feature version of my student documentary film, Obsessed & Scientific. I’ve written a rough treatment, and i’m pretty positive that it could make an interesting film. I’ve also been thinking about the logistics involved in bringing such a project to life. I’m currenty comfortable in a great job, and i’m looking to buy a house in the next year. How does someone in a position such as this expect to get a film project off of the ground without making some sacrifices? Well fortunately i’m not even close to really having to deal with any of that. I am, however, thinking about production companies. A quick search on the net has left the term ‘we do not accept unsolicited submissions’ on heavy rotation in my mind. Where the hell do I start with this thing? Is it practical to consider shooting some of this on my own dollar? Am I naive to hope to work in 16mm for this film? So many questions! I know there’s some established documentary filmmakers who read this site, so if you’ve gotten this far in the post, perhaps you could share your experiences in getting your projects made. Also, if anyone has a good online resource for documentary production companies that WILL accept treatments, hook me up!
John Titor Project: Production Companies?
02.27.07 | by Jay C | 10 Comments
10 Comments
speak up
Add your comment below, or trackback from your own site.
Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam.
You can use these tags:
I really enjoyed your short. Good luck with the new endeavor!
Thanks!
I enjoyed the short, very nicely shot. I would be curious to see the treatment for the feature length. The John Titor side of the story holds more interest for me. Are you looking for a production company to cover the complete production cost? That might be a little hard, especially if you are set on shooting 16mm. But, on the other hand you have a great short film here that makes a great sales tape.
Hey Chris,
I’m not entirely sure what i’m looking for. I guess I’m just trying to figure out what the most logical step is. I’ve considered starting to shoot the film myself, filming as I get money. I own an Arri BL, and i’ve purchased a very basic lighting kit. However, I don’t know that i’d be able to carry this thing through to the end. Perhaps shooting some new footage and putting together a promotional short to go with my treatment would be a good idea?
I think that is the way to do it. I just started shooting a doc feature with that same plan. Shoot to make a great promo piece, that seems to be the best plan for people like me that don’t really have anything noteworthy under my belt. Then the trick is to get some good meetings with distribution and networks. Where do you see this film being shown?
Well I think I would aim for some of the cable specialty channels. IFC, The Documentary Channel, Sci-Fi Channel (Space in Canada), Discovery Channel…
I think there’s definitely an audience for it on those channels. I was sort of hoping some Canadian film grants could help me out, but the film will ultimately contain very little Canadian content. Also, i’m not too sure how many grants are given to filmmakers that are also working a full time job.
Ah, Canada.
I was just in Barrie, ON shooting an episode of Intervention for A&E. I am not sure how the Canadian film grants work, but keep me posted on your progress.
Jay,
Interesting film, very nicely shot. There definitely seems to be enough of a story there to expand into a one-hour doc for TV. Even though there isn’t much Canadian content, I bet there would be interest from CHUM (the Space channel), the Documentary Channel, and maybe even Discovery. Step #1 for you is to get hooked up with the right producer. Browsing production company websites won’t cut it – you have to get out there, meet people, and get to know the Canadian documentary community. You need a producer you get along with and who cares about your project, not a large production company.
Do you know about the Documentary Organization of Canada (www.docorg.ca)? Why not join, come to some meetings, join our listserv, etc.
You’re an hour from Toronto. Are you planning to come to Hot Docs?
Oh, and also, forget about “film grants.” It’s not that you have to be unemployed to apply (as you suspect), but as a first-time filmmaker you’re not eligible for much money, and there’s a whole style and language involved in writing grant applications that it would take too long to learn.
Hey Eric,
Thanks for the comment. I will definitely check out http://www.docorg.ca. I do hope to attend Hot Docs this year. I suppose I should just start looking for some producers that would be willing to get behind the project. I think I also need to do some further work on my treatment.
I assume you’ll be at Hot Docs this year? I hope to make it out there as much as I can, providing my work schedule doesn’t interfere.
Try to take some time off and attend Hot Docs as an industry delegate. (It’s pricey, but worth it if you make good contacts and learn about the industry.)
Check out the industry info here:
http://www.hotdocs.ca/TemplatePage.aspx?PageID=4
And also, why not talk to your old Niagara College prof about helping you get into Doc U, a Hot Docs program for beginning filmmakers.