Well said Rebecca. When I coach and consult with producers figuring out what might be next, I remind them of all the transferable skills and that each film was a start up that they created through will and passion.
I'm very honest with students I teach and the end of the class I always say, "if after this class, you still want to pursue this path, then you should."
This is poetry. Thank you for crediting the inspiration - I watched the original poster and found it enormously powerful as well. Dark as hell and spooky and terrifying, but powerful.
As one of my producers, Terry Keefe, said on the 2-hour long BTS documentary for our 90-minute feature 18 ½, “The only real producers you’re going to find are the ones who already are emotionally vested in the project: The director, the writer, the location, etc.” So the trick for directors looking for “producers” is 1) be your own producer and/or 2) find a way to Jedi mind trick someone else into becoming emotionally vested in your film. Likewise, if someone starts with the premise that they want to be a “producer” they have to find a creative project in which they become emotionally vested. Or you will inevitably resent all those things that Rebecca warns about.
OMG --I just had this discussion the other day. the more I learn --the more there is to LEARN. I try to prep my students for this and they are not ready . I try to use the friends analogy of the couch .. PIVOT .. PIVOT PIVOT
Loved this! You pinpointed it to the tee and not only could I see myself evolving the way you laid it out I know several other producers who’ve done the same. Yes, it’s exhausting but so exciting at the same time. Keep this doc alive cause it’ll change again in the next two years then two years after that!
OMG!! This has been my life for the past 35 or so years!! Good grief. No wonder I'm exhausted too much of the time. I don't think most people (who aren't producers) understand how stressful this job can be, especially when we hardly get paid enough to cover all the hard work we're doing. Not to mention that some filmmakers think they don't need a producer. Ha! Thank you so much for this article!
I am having my personal tattoo artist write all 27 points backwards so I can read them when I look in the mirror.
How often do you think this will need to be updated going forward?
I am not sure my neck is long enough for all the future editions.
And I'm sure I missed a few steps!
Well said Rebecca. When I coach and consult with producers figuring out what might be next, I remind them of all the transferable skills and that each film was a start up that they created through will and passion.
This is amazing! And depressing!
You've just described the last 20 years of my life and I'm still at it. No wonder, we're all so exhausted!
Exactly
Really great article, best representation I've seen in a long time!
Sharing with my producing students this Fall, hope it doesn't scare them off!
I'm very honest with students I teach and the end of the class I always say, "if after this class, you still want to pursue this path, then you should."
This is poetry. Thank you for crediting the inspiration - I watched the original poster and found it enormously powerful as well. Dark as hell and spooky and terrifying, but powerful.
You got it! Sharing with my main donors.
As one of my producers, Terry Keefe, said on the 2-hour long BTS documentary for our 90-minute feature 18 ½, “The only real producers you’re going to find are the ones who already are emotionally vested in the project: The director, the writer, the location, etc.” So the trick for directors looking for “producers” is 1) be your own producer and/or 2) find a way to Jedi mind trick someone else into becoming emotionally vested in your film. Likewise, if someone starts with the premise that they want to be a “producer” they have to find a creative project in which they become emotionally vested. Or you will inevitably resent all those things that Rebecca warns about.
OMG --I just had this discussion the other day. the more I learn --the more there is to LEARN. I try to prep my students for this and they are not ready . I try to use the friends analogy of the couch .. PIVOT .. PIVOT PIVOT
OMG that's my favorite friends ep and you are so right. PIVOT!!!
Loved this! You pinpointed it to the tee and not only could I see myself evolving the way you laid it out I know several other producers who’ve done the same. Yes, it’s exhausting but so exciting at the same time. Keep this doc alive cause it’ll change again in the next two years then two years after that!
I feel every word of this from my 30+ years in this crazy business. Thank you for articulating our struggle so eloquently.
OMG!! This has been my life for the past 35 or so years!! Good grief. No wonder I'm exhausted too much of the time. I don't think most people (who aren't producers) understand how stressful this job can be, especially when we hardly get paid enough to cover all the hard work we're doing. Not to mention that some filmmakers think they don't need a producer. Ha! Thank you so much for this article!
Bravo!
Soooo freaking relatable thank you
Been there. Done all of that!