| Producing a $1 Million to $3 Million Canadian Feature Film |
|
|
|
/ 6
| Gabriella Martinelli | |
|
Page 1 of 3 Intermediate filmmakers who have made some shorts and have an idea for a feature film frequently approach veteran producer Gabriella Martinelli, President and CEO of Capri Films, asking for her guidance. In this section, she answers the questions she is most frequently asked, offering general guidelines to those embarking on their first feature film.Are there rules to follow to make a feature film? No two films are alike; every one is different and requires its own approach. I don’t think I have ever done two movies that have been financed in the same way or had exactly the same elements in them. One can be script-driven, another cast-driven, director-driven or producer-driven. I tell people that if it was simple, everybody would do it. How do I get started? From your idea you develop a script, and more frequently than not, you will have to pay a portion or all of that script development yourself. If funders really like your idea, you may be able to obtain development funding from agencies such as Telefilm Canada or the Harold Greenberg Fund . Each agency has its own specific application criteria and requirements, such as a synopsis or examples of scenes of dialogue or character breakdown. Sometimes you can get funding from a broadcaster, even if your idea is meant to be a feature film. At the beginning, what is the most important document I need? You must be able to prove you own the rights to film the story or no funder will lbe interested in your project. Specifically, funders need to know you will own the rights for a long enough period of time to complete the project. At Capri we are currently working on a film that requires us to have four different contracts and agreements in place that say we have the legal right to tell that story. What is a realistic budget for a first- or second-time feature filmmaker? Most first-or second-time feature filmmakers in Canada are looking at making a film at the level of about $1 million to $3 million. What are the options for financing? Unless you have a very rich uncle, financing comes from a number of sources, at least four or five. A frequent scenario includes: Telefilm Canada, the Harold Greenberg Fund other agencies. Provincial Tax Credits, Federal Tax Credits, a distributor’s advance and perhaps a broadcaster. How difficult is it to finance your first feature film? It’s not easy, but there are markets for these films. Sabah for instance, was made for less than $1-million. Young producers have to believe that there is a way of breaking through into the marketplace and sell that belief to potential funders. Continued... |
| Next Article > |
|---|
