I have zero reputation or history in real business filmmaking , 20 years as a DV what I’ve called a cosplay filmmaker back in the post Rebel without a Crew days, but it never left, the disease if filmmaking is a real thing, so now I’m prepping a film, a pitch, I have to study what’s used and what’s not in pitching , I hear a pitch deck is a thing, then it’s not. So now my plan is to shoot a $5000 scene from the script, like the full real scene, proper post etc. the reason I have to do that is to show proof of ability. Cinema is about giving viewers an experience that they can get lost in, get caught up in. I’m truly more excited about filmmaking now at 53 than I ever was in my naive 20’s, let’s get to work. 🤓
Depending on the film/genre, doing a scene won't help you much. Rather try to do a sizzle reel, shoot parts of some of the best scenes from your script, whatever you can afford to do. The reel should convey the mood, feel and pacing of the film. If you can do a great 2 mins. reel that's worth more than one complete scene.
@@marcoberdorfer I see how that makes perfect sense but I feel like nowadays all content is fragments of a bigger thing, I don’t think a sizzle reel shows filmmaking talent, sizzle is good for effects people and cinematographers but a filmmaker has to show a moment executed with cinematic skills, (not in reference to the photography as the cinematic humanity )
I kinda agree but he forgot that most investors will want to SEE WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE! Some type of sample that you can do what you say you're going to do.
In other words, if you want funding for your movie, you got to get David Hasselhoff on board. ;) Actually, it's really good advice not to compare your movie to Spider-Man but to El Mariachi or The Blair Witch Project. Show realistic expectations and show that your budget will be low and the potential for profit will be there right away. Also, I totally agree with starting small and gaining trust by showing success.
I wouldn’t completely kill the pitch deck idea if it’s four or five pages. On my title page I have the picture of the character to spark imagination and curiosity for the producer and investor to think of someone they would like to see in your story. 2nd page the characters and their story ( not movie stars) where do they come from who are they in bullet points. 3rd the story. 4th page pictures of locations. Comps. You do have to have knowledge about figures… just like selling a house. Lastly my bio…. ( not necessarily in this order ) Then rely on a conversation, answer questions short and sweet movies that’s telling my truth stories that I know “ life’s”that I have lived places that I have seen or heavy research for example the first adventure movie I wrote and sold. I absolutely love to write and I love my characters I think that’s a key.
You can't break into the film industry as an unknown screenplay writer by pitching your screenplay to studio production people or anyone else, regardless of how good or original your screen play is. Your product must be way more refined an dynamic than a written screenplay. You have to do it the old fashion way: Do It Yourself!! With your own Blood, Sweat, and Tears (And Money). Make a short film, make another short film. Go to film festivals, then go to more film festivals. Find ways to market your product. But Don't Every Pay to Pitch To a Production Company Executive.
Like with everything, don't over do it. A simple pitch deck that gets the point across with just enough information to get them interested can do its job well.
if its 60 pages its not a pitch deck he seems to be talking about binders. i got asked for a pitch deck it was 13 pdf slides mostly images no budget, it is to start a conversation
I love all your videos. But I tall ya, this is the best one yet. Shane can be a bit brash at times. But it's so needed for questions like these. They're the uncomfortable truths
Broadcasters in Development require the larger 70 pages budgets from Producers. To start , first meeting 8 pages and a synopsis and logline and then if they want it then the year long Development process starts.
I wouldn’t completely kill the pitch deck idea if it’s four or five pages. On my title page I have the picture of the character to spark imagination and curiosity for the producer and investor to think of someone they would like to see in your story. 2nd page the characters and their story ( not movie stars) where do they come from who are they 3rd the story. 4th page pictures of locations. Lastly my bio…. Then rely on a conversation answer questions short and sweet ice peak to movies that’s telling my truth stories that I know lies that I have lived places that I have seen or heavy research for example the first adventure movie I wrote. I absolutely love to write and I love my characters I think that’s a key.
Good interview, usable advice, I hate creating pitch decks but have created dozens of them and the films that get financed have absolutely nothing to do with the freaking pitch deck. But if you don't have one you'll have a harder time conveying your vision to your investors, cast and crew. Pitch decks are for directors to create something tangible for presentation. If your deck sucks your film will probably suck too. You'd be surprised how many first time directors don't have their scenes designed. They actually believe that the art gods will show up and tell them on the day. Nonsense, this is a craft not art. You are not an artist, you are a storyteller and business person.
Make sure you seek investors that understand risk investment in the film industry..get a good attorney..do your homework on distribution and marketing with realistic ROI...don't work with friends work with business minded individuals..get good actors. Learn the trade..learn how to write and produce equitable projects..good luck.
I am working on my pilot episode of an epic fantasy series. If I chose to produce a graphic novel of the pilot instead of a pitch deck, could that lead to success?
Houston Howard is a huge advocate for graphic novels being a starting point for growing your audience before translating to film. Right here on Film Courage too! th-cam.com/video/LlQtR1YM4qs/w-d-xo.html
If the graphic novel sells well, possibly. Maybe go through GoFundMe or GiveSendGo to get hype for the graphic novel (tackling a social issue or appealing to a specific crowd [Christian, etc.] always generates hype). People are more willing to invest in something if they know others are already investing. If your graphic novel is a success (at least from a money-raising standpoint), the movie might be too. Good luck and God bless.
If it sells well, then yes its a good idea. But are you an artist or do you have to hire someone to do the art? Can you secure a publisher or will it be self-published? So you might have to invest a lot of money. And there is no guarantee of success. Even if you sell 50,000 copies or more, then potential investors and studios might think that is not enough. So you could have a very successful graphic novel or series of them, but you never get to make it into a TV show
I sold two investors on my WAY out there sci-fi/horror screenplay based on my pitch deck. But yeah, ultimately it really is how are you going to make them money and get their money back. But all this is moot in Summer 2024. Everyone is broke, WW3 is looming on the horizon, and the studios are broke or simply not buying. Indie film is all but dead.
Nobody is going to loan you millions of dollars for an original, untested concept, so either write for an already established franchise or start on a smaller, cheaper scale. (books, comics, graphic novels, internet episodes, etc.)
Unless you have the "Rights" to those smaller, cheaper scale (books, comics, graphic novels, etc) don't waste your time. If you don't have the Rights, no one will finance your film. And don't waste your time writing a screenplay for an 'already established franchise', that franchise won't be interested in seeing your screenplay. If that franchise wants to or plans to produce another film in their franchise they will, and unless you get hired to write the script before you've written it, you're just wasting your time.
Is it just me or this guy is telling inconsistencies stories about his first funding for his film ? I don't get it. Is he got the fund after he called back after he can't answer the question, of he has to back and forth 5 years for the first yes ?
This is HORRIBLE advice. A pitch deck is literally the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can bring to investors. Based off of shanes films and their reception(ALL NEGATIVE) I would say its MUCH more likely that this man just sucks at creating captivating stories and cant create a pitch deck good enough to secure funding. Create your pitch decks folks, they are your BIGGEST asset.
You’ve given some very great insight in these interviews. I’m not a film maker, but it’s really cool to see the processes from an insider perspective. One question: does your typical investor search for projects themselves, or do they put their name in a hat, so to speak, and wait for the pitches to come in?
Just had a pitch today. Pitch-deck was crucial to have on-hand.. it was essential.
Film Courage is always dropping gems per their guests. Thank you for sharing
I have zero reputation or history in real business filmmaking , 20 years as a DV what I’ve called a cosplay filmmaker back in the post Rebel without a Crew days, but it never left, the disease if filmmaking is a real thing, so now I’m prepping a film, a pitch, I have to study what’s used and what’s not in pitching , I hear a pitch deck is a thing, then it’s not. So now my plan is to shoot a $5000 scene from the script, like the full real scene, proper post etc. the reason I have to do that is to show proof of ability. Cinema is about giving viewers an experience that they can get lost in, get caught up in. I’m truly more excited about filmmaking now at 53 than I ever was in my naive 20’s, let’s get to work. 🤓
Depending on the film/genre, doing a scene won't help you much. Rather try to do a sizzle reel, shoot parts of some of the best scenes from your script, whatever you can afford to do. The reel should convey the mood, feel and pacing of the film. If you can do a great 2 mins. reel that's worth more than one complete scene.
@@marcoberdorfer I see how that makes perfect sense but I feel like nowadays all content is fragments of a bigger thing, I don’t think a sizzle reel shows filmmaking talent, sizzle is good for effects people and cinematographers but a filmmaker has to show a moment executed with cinematic skills, (not in reference to the photography as the cinematic humanity )
🗡️😇👌⚡💯💥🦾😈🔱
How did it go? Did you shoot the scene?
I always start by saying, "Whatever you're gonna ask. Don't bother. I don't know."
I was told no one wants to “read” script anymore. The pitch deck was to sell to these new executives.
You are correct. Don’t listen to this guy! This video is out of proportion.
@@ProducedByMilesI concur… I’d also make a picture book that summarizes the story.
This information was very helpful. It's definitely an eye opener.
I kinda agree but he forgot that most investors will want to SEE WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE! Some type of sample that you can do what you say you're going to do.
Shane is such a wealth of knowledge!
The interview is a great listener.
In other words, if you want funding for your movie, you got to get David Hasselhoff on board. ;)
Actually, it's really good advice not to compare your movie to Spider-Man but to El Mariachi or The Blair Witch Project. Show realistic expectations and show that your budget will be low and the potential for profit will be there right away. Also, I totally agree with starting small and gaining trust by showing success.
I wouldn’t completely kill the pitch deck idea if it’s four or five pages. On my title page I have the picture of the character to spark imagination and curiosity for the producer and investor to think of someone they would like to see in your story. 2nd page the characters and their story ( not movie stars) where do they come from who are they in bullet points. 3rd the story. 4th page pictures of locations. Comps. You do have to have knowledge about figures… just like selling a house. Lastly my bio…. ( not necessarily in this order ) Then rely on a conversation, answer questions short and sweet movies that’s telling my truth stories that I know “ life’s”that I have lived places that I have seen or heavy research for example the first adventure movie I wrote and sold. I absolutely love to write and I love my characters I think that’s a key.
Interesting. I e directed and produced features and I have never not been asked for a pitch deck and written on the movie and return on investment.
I love this advice. THANK YOU!
Wait, what? Stage 32 says otherwise. And they have Netflix, HBO Amazon etc etc in their network.
Nicely done.
You can't break into the film industry as an unknown screenplay writer by pitching your screenplay to studio production people or anyone else, regardless of how good or original your screen play is. Your product must be way more refined an dynamic than a written screenplay. You have to do it the old fashion way: Do It Yourself!! With your own Blood, Sweat, and Tears (And Money). Make a short film, make another short film. Go to film festivals, then go to more film festivals. Find ways to market your product. But Don't Every Pay to Pitch To a Production Company Executive.
the interviewer on this channel always seems to ask such great questions
Like with everything, don't over do it. A simple pitch deck that gets the point across with just enough information to get them interested can do its job well.
absolute gold
if its 60 pages its not a pitch deck he seems to be talking about binders. i got asked for a pitch deck it was 13 pdf slides mostly images no budget, it is to start a conversation
I love all your videos. But I tall ya, this is the best one yet. Shane can be a bit brash at times. But it's so needed for questions like these. They're the uncomfortable truths
Loved this. 😍
Damn, just done with my awesome straight to the point pitch deck as advise from a friend to do :(
Go with what you have. Shane is talking about his experience with his investors. Your experience may be entirely different.
Broadcasters in Development require the larger 70 pages budgets from Producers. To start , first meeting 8 pages and a synopsis and logline and then if they want it then the year long Development process starts.
I wouldn’t completely kill the pitch deck idea if it’s four or five pages. On my title page I have the picture of the character to spark imagination and curiosity for the producer and investor to think of someone they would like to see in your story. 2nd page the characters and their story ( not movie stars) where do they come from who are they 3rd the story. 4th page pictures of locations. Lastly my bio…. Then rely on a conversation answer questions short and sweet ice peak to movies that’s telling my truth stories that I know lies that I have lived places that I have seen or heavy research for example the first adventure movie I wrote. I absolutely love to write and I love my characters I think that’s a key.
Good interview, usable advice, I hate creating pitch decks but have created dozens of them and the films that get financed have absolutely nothing to do with the freaking pitch deck. But if you don't have one you'll have a harder time conveying your vision to your investors, cast and crew. Pitch decks are for directors to create something tangible for presentation. If your deck sucks your film will probably suck too. You'd be surprised how many first time directors don't have their scenes designed. They actually believe that the art gods will show up and tell them on the day. Nonsense, this is a craft not art. You are not an artist, you are a storyteller and business person.
Shane's cool I like this guy, real talk.
Make sure you seek investors that understand risk investment in the film industry..get a good attorney..do your homework on distribution and marketing with realistic ROI...don't work with friends work with business minded individuals..get good actors. Learn the trade..learn how to write and produce equitable projects..good luck.
I am working on my pilot episode of an epic fantasy series. If I chose to produce a graphic novel of the pilot instead of a pitch deck, could that lead to success?
I had a similar idea for a feature.
Sounds like a great idea. For some reason frank millers 300 popped into my head. Check it out. Good luck!
Houston Howard is a huge advocate for graphic novels being a starting point for growing your audience before translating to film. Right here on Film Courage too!
th-cam.com/video/LlQtR1YM4qs/w-d-xo.html
If the graphic novel sells well, possibly. Maybe go through GoFundMe or GiveSendGo to get hype for the graphic novel (tackling a social issue or appealing to a specific crowd [Christian, etc.] always generates hype). People are more willing to invest in something if they know others are already investing. If your graphic novel is a success (at least from a money-raising standpoint), the movie might be too. Good luck and God bless.
If it sells well, then yes its a good idea. But are you an artist or do you have to hire someone to do the art? Can you secure a publisher or will it be self-published? So you might have to invest a lot of money. And there is no guarantee of success. Even if you sell 50,000 copies or more, then potential investors and studios might think that is not enough. So you could have a very successful graphic novel or series of them, but you never get to make it into a TV show
super great informational video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Sure did. @@filmcourage
Damn this is great!
Love this one. Thanks for watching Benjie!
I sold two investors on my WAY out there sci-fi/horror screenplay based on my pitch deck. But yeah, ultimately it really is how are you going to make them money and get their money back.
But all this is moot in Summer 2024. Everyone is broke, WW3 is looming on the horizon, and the studios are broke or simply not buying. Indie film is all but dead.
Nobody is going to loan you millions of dollars for an original, untested concept, so either write for an already established franchise or start on a smaller, cheaper scale. (books, comics, graphic novels, internet episodes, etc.)
Unless you have the "Rights" to those smaller, cheaper scale (books, comics, graphic novels, etc) don't waste your time. If you don't have the Rights, no one will finance your film. And don't waste your time writing a screenplay for an 'already established franchise', that franchise won't be interested in seeing your screenplay. If that franchise wants to or plans to produce another film in their franchise they will, and unless you get hired to write the script before you've written it, you're just wasting your time.
He talks a lot of sense, but the hat shading out the eyes is not good look for an interview.
4:54
Johnny Bond married a Filipina and have a daughter Jainy Bond ****
My original idea, James Bond 007 is the uncle of Jainy Bond 007,The father of Jainy Bond is Johnny Bond the brother of James Bond 007***
Is it just me or this guy is telling inconsistencies stories about his first funding for his film ? I don't get it. Is he got the fund after he called back after he can't answer the question, of he has to back and forth 5 years for the first yes ?
Who will buy my original idea the Jainy Bond 007 ?
This is HORRIBLE advice.
A pitch deck is literally the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can bring to investors.
Based off of shanes films and their reception(ALL NEGATIVE)
I would say its MUCH more likely that this man just sucks at creating captivating stories and cant create a pitch deck good enough to secure funding.
Create your pitch decks folks, they are your BIGGEST asset.
People would watch more of your videos if they were shorter
Longer = more knowledge !
You’ve given some very great insight in these interviews. I’m not a film maker, but it’s really cool to see the processes from an insider perspective.
One question: does your typical investor search for projects themselves, or do they put their name in a hat, so to speak, and wait for the pitches to come in?
A great question that I cannot answer. However I have self funded the POC on my site. Like he said always have a few. - 1890 Media