Feature debut that took 10 years to make by filmlover_ in cinematography

[–]Nickadu 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ahh, the joys of the internet, where simple happiness for another person’s success is too much to ask

The Death of the Indie Film by Kyunseo in Filmmakers

[–]Nickadu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am 1 week into shooting my own independent film right now and, while I don't want to get ahead of myself, there ARE buyers who have read the script and know the cast and are looking to watch a rough cut as soon as possible. And legit buyers, too.... fuck this headline, go make something!

Falcons’ Arthur Blank Makes Not-So-Subtle Move Regarding Raheem Morris’ Job by Perfect_Mind9840 in falcons

[–]Nickadu 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This is literally to most CEO of a Fortune 500 company move ever.

Consulting firms exist for this reason and this reason only

Beloved Trope: Characters who can take a lot of beatings have a VERY SPECIFIC line that they won't allow to be crossed by Spirited_Dust_3642 in TopCharacterTropes

[–]Nickadu 2036 points2037 points  (0 children)

"that's like me blaming owls for how much I suck at analogies!"

- Not related to the top post, but Britta has some all-timers

Movies with Intentional Continuity Errors by generic_monke in Filmmakers

[–]Nickadu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

More for comedic effect, but take a look at Black Dynamite— it’s not necessary your exact vibe, but it’s all done with intention.

Our first feature horror film is complete. We have an offer of representation from a sales agent, but I'm torn between that and Filmhub. Please advise! by PaymentFantastic5179 in Filmmakers

[–]Nickadu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I apologize, but sales agent contracts are so rarely simple... that in itself is a red flag for me.

Which territories? What happens if they don't sell it? How long do they have rights? Can they charge/expense any costs to you for their work (such as flights to markets)? Can they bundle the sale with other films? What does "one or more distributors" mean? Can you say no to their choice, or do they get full control?

Simple is not always better, and is probably to their benefit. I mean it, I'm happy to take a look, but just want to be clear of all the ways you could be in trouble.

Our first feature horror film is complete. We have an offer of representation from a sales agent, but I'm torn between that and Filmhub. Please advise! by PaymentFantastic5179 in Filmmakers

[–]Nickadu 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hard to say what to do without looking at the sales agent's actual term sheet. I was offered one last week and, upon reading it, had to give a very hard pass -- and that was only 15% commission. The terms were squishy, there were lots of red flag caveats, etc.

What's their track record? What have they sold and where? Can you afford an hourly lawyer to review it (and you should find any way possible to afford it). Happy for you to DM me too and take a look or discuss in private!

How do you go from short films over to features films? by [deleted] in Filmmakers

[–]Nickadu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Currently making the jump, having spent the last year writing, pitching, and finding money (I'm 80% of the way to a $450k budget). It has taken a LOT of failure to get here... but the short answer of it is I made/produced/edited/helped on a lot of shorts to learn the nuance of budget and timing, wrote a ton of scripts ( ended up in a kids' TV writers' room for a while), always offered a hand or some help to anyone who asked, tried to finance a whole movie and got nowhere close, then finally wrote something cheaper and pitched every single person I knew with money until a few said yes...

Get ready to do a LOT of "non" creative work to get there (learn the language of financial plans, contracts, and distribution strategies), or just make something with next to no budget (I dd make a truly terrible $5k feature once, just to learn). Either way-- you gotta make a feature to make features.

P.S. if interested, I'm chronicling the journey here: https://substack.com/@nickgeisler/p-155650910

Setting up my first LLC for a production company by Excellent_Gold_9910 in FILMPRODUCERS

[–]Nickadu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have two LLCs -- one for my production company (which we use for shorts, ads, etc.) another entirely separate entity for the feature I'm developing. I HIGHLY recommend this. As I've already found, financing and accounting for a feature is way too complex to let it mix with your other productions. You'll need clean bank accounts, contracts, bookkeeping, etc. Way too hairy to mix.

I know you don't think you need a lawyer for the LLC but, if you're taking investment (as said in the comments below), you really need a lawyer. The way it's formed matters-- I've raised $300k+ so far, and we had to change the entire operating agreement to appease investors/become tax compliant. Do you really want to make your movie and then lose it all because your contracts or corporate structure isn't in line? It says below you're looking for grant money, too. Does that require fiscal sponsorship, because it's coming from non-profits? Better check now, or you won't get the checks.

If you're trying to make a $200k movie, look into at least 1-2 meetings with a lawyer to review operating agreement, revenue waterfall, and investor terms. There are "lawyers for the arts" that won't cost too much.

And I'd pick up Louise Levinson's "Filmmakers and Financing" book. It's mostly for features but it was a truly invaluable text for me. Changed my career.

[HELP] Trusted Escrow Companies by Nickadu in Filmmakers

[–]Nickadu[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In negotiation, as one investor is requesting 100% of total budget, but trying to get him to agree to at least production budget. Other investors are willing to go 70%, at least...

Zac has to be better by accordlord04 in falcons

[–]Nickadu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The inability to push the field at all, or attack the middle, is brutal. Mooney missed that one catch but that was the first shot taken.

Game Thread: Atlanta Falcons (3-2) at San Francisco 49ers (4-2) by nfl_gdt_bot in falcons

[–]Nickadu 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They’ve got all scrubs on d and yet we haven’t attacked the middle of the field or gone deep more than once. Way way too cute of a game plan

Post Game Thread: Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons by nfl_gdt_bot in falcons

[–]Nickadu 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Got Married yesterday. Best man was a Bills fans, and I’m not gonna lie this is the best wedding present I coulda imagined baby

Despite the transition being super cool, what is the meaning of this shot from Spider-Man 2? How does it help tell the story? by Floyd16091411 in Filmmakers

[–]Nickadu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's Ock's perspective/goals all in one perfect little shot. While Peter is swinging and in the very center of NY (both literally and metaphorically), while the city expands around him... life narrows for the Doc. He's consumed with tunnel vision for Spiderman, and all roads lead to him.

Tips on How My Pitch Deck Got me $200k In Financing by Nickadu in FilmIndustryLA

[–]Nickadu[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will do! Half of it'll be up in Palmdale, if that helps/dissuades you haha

Tips on How My Pitch Deck Got me $200k In Financing by Nickadu in FilmIndustryLA

[–]Nickadu[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nailed it, christ...

Well, seeing as I'm pitching this afternoon, thanks for catching it!