11: Chad Chisholm – Photographer and Author

Summary

Chad Chisholm is a professional photographer and travel writer who specializes in commercial photography in the food and beverage, hospitality and luxury travel industries. His work has been featured in many publications including Cowboys and Indians, The Wall Street Journal, Modern Luxury and more.

Chad’s homeschool background allowed him to experiment with entrepreneurship from a young age and earn three college degrees by the age of 20. A brief stint in Real Estate taught him some essential sales techniques but couldn’t sway him away from a creative career. Today, Chad works full time as a commercial photographer from his home base in Denver, CO.

Through his business—Custom Creations—Chad works on a huge range of job profiles, from agency run, international projects to creating updates for small business marketing materials.

In this episode of the Denver Media Professionals podcast, Chad shares the trials and tribulations of forging a career in photography and gives his advice for breaking into a lucrative and sustainable photography career.

[00:55] Chad got started in photography while he was studying at the University of Northern Colorado where he started as a Fine Art major, but eventually switched to a visual Arts Major.

  • He developed and evolved his focus from fine art to commercial photography.
  • Loved the instant gratification of photography.

[03:02] Chad found his mentor, Raul by cold calling people he admired. Raul took Chad under his wing and helped evolve his fine art and photography skills.

[03:31] A homeschool background allowed Chad to graduate from college with his first degree at the age of 16. He received two more degrees shortly thereafter and was licensed in Real Estate.

[05:03] Unlike most photographers, Chad uses detailed storyboards for his photo shoots.

  • When timelines are short and deliverables need to come in on time, storyboarding helps streamline the process.
  • All planning and storyboarding time is built in to Chad's proposals.
  • Do it nice or do it twice.

[11:12] Experience is especially important when dealing with international companies

[12:15] Understanding all aspects of licensing is a multi-tiered, complex conversation that many green photographers don't understand.

[18:29] Syndicated articles led to more opportunities and now Chad has multiple streams of revenue.

[20:44] Volunteering and charity work is important for creatives. It’s always a good opportunity to meet people.

[23:28] Bringing your most authentic self to set and being open to opportunities is an important and great way to meet potential clients.

[25:44] Chad built his studio in a family owned warehouse space that he wants to be a resource to the community.

  • Chad built his studio to accommodate shoots that were difficult to do without a professional space. The benefits are huge and have helped bring in an International clientele.

[28:53] More work is happening in Colorado, rather than being outsourced to out of state agencies.

  • More new content is being created as businesses invest their marketing dollars locally. Rather than refurbishing content and using stock content, people are making new marketing content.

[33:23] Any successful photographer is as much a good business person as they are a photographer.

  • Be solid in your craft and then open yourself up to the opportunities that are appropriate to where you are in developing your craft.

[37:40] Don't give free content. You'll become your own worst enemy and water down the industry.

  • Giving away your talent undermines your future pool of work.

[41:52] Mentors and continuing education have played a key role in Chad's success.

  • He encourages people who are just starting out to go out and find people who are currently working in their markets doing the things they want to be doing.
  • The right mentors will come into your life when you are ready to receive their knowledge.

[44:31] Being involved in professional organizations is important in developing a professional career. Chad is a member of The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), the  Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and Visit Denver, the local visitors bureau.

  • Professional organizations help with much more than just questions about craft, but also do a lot of networking and help wit business matters.

[52:43] Green photographers and creatives usually have to learn the hard way how to navigate choosing the right clients for them.

  • Chad says not every client is a good fit and while they are always professional to the end, he says that they prefer to work with clients who are a good fit for them.

[57:51] The one piece of advice Chad gives to aspiring photographers is: “Never give up.” He says the business can be tough and that photographers just have to keep going.

[01:01] Surround yourself with people who aspiring understand what you’re doing and what you want to accomplish and want to achieve. Learn the industry inside out. There is nothing wrong with starting at the bottom of the industry and working your way up.

Links and Resources

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

 

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12: Cory Taylor Bryant – Award-Winning Professional Makeup Artist

Summary

Cory Taylor Bryant is an award-winning professional Makeup Artist based in Denver, Colorado.  Cory has been a member of IATSE since 2014 and has over 20 yrs. experience. She has trained with several of the industry’s top award-winning makeup artist including Ve Neill, Eryn Krueger Mekash, Neill Gorton, and Todd Debreceni.

Cory has worked on projects in film, television, music videos, commercials, live stage events, and print and editorial.  She’s worked with celebrities, politicians, professional athletes, and music artists. Cory specializes in Beauty Makeup, Male Grooming, Special Makeup Effects, Character Makeup, Practical Makeup Effects, and Hairstyling.

Show Notes

[02:22] Curt asks about Cory’s background, where she is from, her background, and how she got out to Denver.

[05:25] After graduating high school in three years, she attended the University of Texas in Denton. At the time, was second only to Julliard as the top music school in the country, had a great tv/radio/film program.

[6:36] Cory attended makeup school after graduating with a dual degree in British Literature and Cultural Anthropology.

[08:39]  At the age of 38, after a long stint at IBM, medical issues prompted an epiphany that ultimately changed her direction in life.

[13:00] Cory talks about some of the artists she has met through IMATS (International Makeup Artists Tradeshow).

[14:47] After six spinal fusions and facing possible chronic pain and complications, Cory discusses a spiritual awakening she experienced that lead her to take the leap and become a makeup artist.

[18:36] After much agonizing over favorite names that might not have done as well with her target audience, Makeup by Cory became her primary business.

[23:44] In order to become a makeup artist, the licenses required can vary wildly from state to state.

[26:07] Although no certificate is required to be a production makeup artist, she recommends hiring someone with production experience and/or training.

[29:12] The difference between special effects makeup and special makeup effects are difficult to distinguish unless you work in the industry.

[42:44] Often, people do not understand how much it costs to do quality work.

[44:31] What does it cost to retain a makeup artist or stylist or special effects makeup artist?

[51:20] What kind of percentage does the makeup department generally receive for a film in the Denver market?

[54:49] What kind of things should someone look for in a great makeup artist?

[01:00:08] What is IATSE, and what are the benefits?

[01:04:22] What do you think could be done to create a more thriving film industry in Colorado?

[01:07:51] What is it that you love most about what you do?

[01:11:21] What are some of your more well-known makeups?

[01:15:17] Do you have any bucket lists of events or clients that you would like to experience in your career?

[01:15:17] How do you make your money as a makeup artist? How many gigs a week do you need to do a week or a year? How do you figure that out?

[01:15:17] Upcoming projects: An Eye for an Eye with Adam Bearly, A Girl Like Me with Yaritza Figueroa and Carrie Gomez (Scy Pictures), and A Great Divide (shot and takes place in Colorado)

 

Links and Resources

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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13: Alex Ferrari – Founder of Indie Film Hustle, Bulletproof Screenplay, and Ask Alex

Summary

A true renaissance man of film, Alex Ferrari worked his way up through the ranks from the bottom to become an award-winning director and writer, as well as a producer, editor, colorist, cinematographer, podcast host, consultant, and all-around indie film guru. His commitment to making the art of indie filmmaking accessible and relatively inexpensive to the masses has garnered a massive following of dedicated fans worldwide. He can often be found on the guest list as a speaker at any number of film and media events, and his films have screened at festivals around the globe.

In addition, Alex Ferrari is the creator of the Indie Film Hustle website and podcast. He has also created the podcasts Bulletproof Screenplay and Ask Alex, and has recently launched Indie Film Hustle TV, which is a fantastic resource for filmmakers on the internet.

Show Notes

[2:06] Alex’s background

  • Born in Fort Lauderdale, FL, raised in NY, living in L.A. for the past ten years
  • Full Sail Film School
  • Inspired to create a guerilla film school on DVD to make it affordable for lower-budget filmmakers in order to give back to the film community  

[6:42] Alex’s take on the value of film school, then and now

[11:11] Connections that filmmakers make and their value

[12:27] Alex’s experience with his first job as a tape vault operator, and how he got it

[13:50] Building his first demo reel

[17:06] How Alex discovered that he was meant to be his own boss

[18:05] How Alex made his first director’s demo reel

[19:15] Going into business for himself

[20:06] How Alex got into color correction and a brief history

[21:52] Jumping on the Red bandwagon, and adding more tools to the toolbox

[23:13] “You always ask for forgiveness, not permission… you just gotta hustle, you gotta be bold.”

[24:20] The highs and lows of Alex’s career

[26:49] Alex’s take on the allure of the film industry

  • The sizzle of the American media industry
  • Discussing the Indie Film Boom
  • Advances in technology and the next generation of filmmakers

[36:21] Building your entire business on someone else’s platform

[37:25] The history of Indiefilm Hustle and Alex’s olive oil “odyssey”

[45:43] Alex’s initial motivation and plan for developing Indie Film Hustle

[51:31] The benefits of having your own podcast

[54:02] How Bulletproof Screenplay was born

[58:27] The art of curating guests according to Alex Ferrari

[59:40] The exploits of Faith Granger

[1:05:02] Alex’s favorite podcast episodes:

[1:09:44] Indie Film Hustle TV and how people can get involved

[1:12:28] Alex’s typical work day

[1:19:06] The top ten books that will change your life… (see Links & Resources)

[1:13:32] Maintaining a balanced life

[1:21:35] Who would benefit from watching Indie Film Hustle TV? What kind of content is available?

[1:25:08] The best piece of advice Alex has ever received…

[1:32:35] ”I’m super happy making small, little independent films that mean something to me, mean something to my audience.”

Links and Resources

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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14: Kent Youngblood – Film Director, Producer, Writer, and Cinematographer

Summary

Kent Youngblood has over twenty years of production management experience with commercials, network promos, digital content, and photo shoots. He spends his career crewing, scheduling, budgeting and location managing for production companies such as Paramount, Viacom, Herzog & Company, and High Noon Entertainment. Kent helps create commercials for clients like Audi, Ford, Coors, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, and Verizon. He helps create promos for networks such as Disney, HBO, and Starz. You may have seen his work on properties such as the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, CNN, ESPN, and CBS Sports.

In addition to making commercials, Kent is a film director, a producer, a writer, and a cinematographer. His films have screened at numerous festivals worldwide, garnered notable media attention, and won the coveted Golden Remy for Best Experimental Film at Worldfest several times. Those films were Patriot Dreams in 2003, and Wonder City in 2004.

Show Notes

[1:29] Kent’s biographical background

[2:20] How Kent got started

[8:15] Where Kent is now in his career

  • Discussion about the challenges of being a commercial producer
  • “What is a producer? Well, with regard to television and film, it’s really a creative project manager. There are some creative sides to it, but you are really organizing a project. But having said that, there are ten different designations of producer in film and video.”

[10:25] Defining the roles specific to a line producer, especially in the Colorado market

  • “That’s what really excites me about it [being a line producer] — it’s just trying to figure out how to creatively solve an idea.”

Kent Youngblood on the track

[13:18] What is the difference between a commercial and a promo?

[13:59] What is your ideal scenario when a client comes to you with a project?

  • Explanation of the advantages of a script, a creative brief, a mood board
  • Why it is necessary to have these things in advance for planning, procurement, and scheduling

[18:05] Retrospectively, what do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started?

  • “The journey is made me who I am today.”

[22:11] What is required to be a PA?

  • “Are you willing to start at the bottom to be in this industry?”
  • “… filmmaking is not a solitary enterprise. It’s a collaborative environment. You have to work with people, and a lot of times you’re going to be working with people that have more skill sets than you do,  at least initially.”

Kent Youngblood and crew

[27:01] What is your take on the value of a tribe, and networking?

[30:32] How do the other sides of your project help you with your business?

[33:11] How do you make a living here in Denver?

[37:19] Lions and talent and children, oh my…

[41:06] How did you get your work initially and how has that evolved to get most of your work through referrals?

[43:40] Advice on dealing with slow times in the business

[50:31] What are your favorite kinds of projects? What are your favorite kinds of clients?

[53:46] When things go wrong…

[55:17] People Kent looks up to and why — Gale Anne Hurd, producer, The Walking Dead; Richard Burton, actor, Cleopatra; Joel Pilger, RevThink;  Steve Urbano, director/producer

[58:45] Discussion of how to deal with issues, particularly working with  location scouts

[1:00:39] Literature to influence and inspire

[1:02:29] Best pieces of advice from Kent, and his philosophical perspective

[1:07:14] Kent’s biggest lesson

 

Kent Youngblood behind the wheel

Links and Resources

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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15: Katie Gail Smith – Grip and Gaffer Extraordinaire

Summary

Katie Gail Smith is a dedicated grip from the Denver market and has been an active member of the freelance film community for over 6 years. After transitioning from stage lighting, she’s worked on national commercials for top Fortune 500 companies, popular television shows, and feature films. Katie gaffed her first feature, Army & Coop in 2016, and is due to gaff her second, A Girl Like Me, coming in July.

 

 

Show Notes

Katie Gail Smith, The Grip Girl

[0:49] Katie’s personal background

  • Born in Fredericksburg, TX
  • How Katie ended up in Colorado

[1:23] What is a grip?

[3:00] How Katie got started on her career path

  • Got her degree in Theater Arts to pursue a career in Shakespearean acting
  • Went back to school at Colorado Film School to pursue cinematography

[9:31] The virtues of Tyler Martin

[12:57] What does it take to be a grip?

[14:24] Discussion of upcoming trends in lighting, and comparison between various lights

[17:27] Katie’s take on the merits of film school and networking

Grips do it better in Colorado

[20:30] How Katie started working in the industry, and how freelancers get work

  • “If someone recommends you …”
  • “Fake it until you make it” as a segue into furthering your skillset

[23:04] Why live in Denver? Where does the work come from in this market?

  • “Colorado is wonderful, the people here are wonderful, it’s beautiful here, I love the weather.”

[24:30] Discussion about the quality of life in Colorado versus other markets

  • The quality and varying types of work, especially in documentary filmmaking, has a great appeal

[26:57] How Katie deals with travel

  • How it can impact relationships
  • The support available in the film community

[28:40] Discussion of in-state vs. out-of-state work

  • The importance of networking
  • Examples of being flexible in your duties can helpPushing people around all day on a dolly is how a grip stays in shape

[31:38] How do you plan for slow times?

[33:21] Part-time work

[37:00] Recent and current work

[40:21] The perfect job…

[43:20] When things go wrong…

[46:24] When things go really, really right…

[48:40] Mentors

[51:07] The best books

[55:25] The best advice ever received

[57:02] The best advice for someone wanting to become a grip

[59:59] The best lessons from the past year, and over Katie’s career

 

Links and Resources

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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16: Kate Lowell – Conceptual Artist, Profectum Media

Summary

Kate Lowell is a director and conceptual artist and is fascinated with the unifying powers of an original story. She loves the harmony between visuals and sound and the way that they work together to create an emotional impact. Her experience includes work for American Idol, Odesza, and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, American Ninja Warrior, and several others.

Currently, she lives in Denver, Colorado and enjoys avocado toast.

 

 

Show Notes

[0:42] The wonders of avocado toast

[1:25] Kate's background

  • Grew up in Lakewood, Colorado
  • Works for Profectum Media

[2:33] What is a conceptualist?

[4:35] The role Cody plays in the company and all things music

[6:34] Kate's media and video journey

[11:11] Kate's take on film school and how it correlates to real-world work in film and media

[14:25] How Profectum Media got started

[16:18] What do you do for entertainment when you work is all about entertainment?

[17:03] The definition of profectum, and how it represents the company's business attitude

[18:01] How Profectum Media is getting involved in virtual reality (VR) 

[19:05] The value of hands-on school vs. online education

[20:51] The future of Profectum Media

[22:28] Why Kate chooses to work in Denver

[24:52] How much do you travel, and how does that impact you?

[25:59] Discussion of how to handle all the gear while traveling

[28:13] The availability of work and logistics while in Denver

[29:46] Out-of-state vs. in-state business

[30:31] Best advertising and marketing practices, and client acquisition

[34:13] How Kate survives in slow times

[36:02] Recent projects

[39:59] Freezing time with Odesza

[42:41] Budgets then and now

[48:44] How do you deal with cash flow and clients?

[52:53] Dealing with conflict and how they affect contracts 

[54:01] Seeking legal advice

[55:18] What makes great clients, and how to deal with clients that aren't right for you

[58:44] The benefits of saying “no”

[1:01:08] The admiration of Kanye West

[1:04:46] The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papsan

[1:07:55] Siddartha by Herman Hesse

[1:09:29] The best piece of advice for Kate, from the late Patrick Sheridan

[1:10:46] Why Kate's believes “fake it 'til you make it” is horrible advice

[1:16:44] Kate's biggest lesson over the last year

[1:21:36] The best life lesson

 

Links and Resources

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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17: Jeanne Kopeck – Emmy-Winning Commercial Director

Summary

As a youth, Jeanne grew up in New York.  Then, as a young adult, she made her way out to Colorado studied art at the University of Colorado.

Over the next few years, Jeanne worked as a graphic designer and then art director for the KUSA television station.  Early on, she started requesting opportunities for creative direction on set. People took notice of her passion and talent, and she was recognized with 12 Emmys during her time at the station.

Jeanne then moved on to Colorado Production Group, which eventually became Citizen Pictures, and that’s where her career as a director really took off.

About 10 years ago, Jeanne and her husband started Mrs. K, which is based in Boulder, CO and focuses on creating branded content for networks.  Jeanne has worked with clients such as ABC, Animal Planet, the Cooking Channel and many more.  She’s worked with talent such as Oprah Winfrey, Anthony Bourdain, Mike Tyson, and on and on.  The list is very large.

Jeanne is known for a calm directing style with celebrity talent and for her ability to draw out performances not only from actors but also from “real” people.

Jeanne Kopeck On Set With Anthony Bourdain

Show Notes

[1:23] Jeanne’s background

[12:30] The value of formal education vs. on-the-job training

[15:12] Learning how to learn

[15:53] The value of networking during film school

[16:47] How Jeanne got started with KUSA

[18:26] What is art direction in television?

[19:45] The pace of production working on a news program

[21:34] Growing up in the industry, and finding local support to blow up buildings

[27:38] All about Mrs. K

[30:43] Work outside Colorado vs. in-state

[31:45] Dealing with gear and traveling remotely

[35:20] Why Jeanne resides in Colorado

Jeanne Kopeck on the Set[37:42] Growing a network of clients

[38:57] Marketing then and now

[41:53] Dealing with the competition

[43:49] Advice for someone just starting out

[48:18] The advantages of becoming the lowly PA

[50:29] Dealing with the ups and downs of freelancing

[51:59] How Jeanne learns and keeps up with the times

[52:45] The value of downtime

[55:20] Things that can help keep the creative juices going

[58:56] Remembering that working in media is a group endeavor

[59:57] Current projects

Jeanne Kopeck's Epic Work

[1:09:07] Working for Disney+

[1:11:48] Typical budget ranges for productions for Mrs. K

[1:13:18] Determining how much to charge for a project

[1:16:32] Good projects, bad clients, and how to deal with it all

[1:20:57] The reality of life vs. art

[1:25:42] Being a working woman in what has historically been a “man’s world”

[1:30:23] The best book Jeanne has ever read

[1:33:13] Words of wisdom that made an impact

[1:35:45] “Your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness”

[1:36:41] The greatest lesson ever learned

Links and resources

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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18: Trai Cartwright – Screenwriter, Producer, Master Storyteller

Summary

Trai Cartwright is a 25-year industry veteran and a creative writing and business development specialist. She teaches, produces and writes screenplays and novels. While in Los Angeles, she was a screenwriter, independent film producer and story consultant, and development executive for HBO, Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios, and New Line Cinema.

She was the assistant director for Leonardo DiCaprio‘s online endeavors, and the manager for 20th Century Fox‘s Mobile Studios. Trai currently teaches creative writing, screenwriting, and producing for Western State Colorado University, Denver University, and CU Denver. Conferences, cons, and one-on-one as a development and story editor. She's the screenwriter of Secret Ellington, and the producer of a docu-webseries called Hidden Tigers, and a short film called Sundown Road.

Show Notes

[1:20] Trai’s background

[2:36] Growing up as a child writer and storyteller

[3:09] Trai's introduction to screenwriting, film, theatre, and community at NYU

[4:52] The discovery that crew work was not her calling

[6:17] Trai's first studio job at Orion Pictures, Sharon Bidal, and Wordperfect

[7:50] Lessons obtained (in hindsight) about education

[9:59] The film industry and the adventurous spirit

[11:50] Figuring out how you want to work

[12:48] The value of being a PA

[13:22] How Trai earned her money

[16:29] Decompressing in Fort Collins

[18:02] Doing time in Chicago, and a fortuitous encounter in a pool hall

[19:50] Gary Marshall, Northwestern University, and Avid editing systems

[21:38] The Honeymoon Period, and learning when to call the fire department

[25:43] Heading to LA with Dawn Wildsmith, Surf Nazis Must Die, and being a PA in LA

[32:19] How temping changed Trai's life

[33:54] Working in the industry, and The Irv Scheckter Company

[36:12] Adventures with Prelude Pictures

[38:24] Lost in Space in Marilyn Monroe's old dressing room at Paramount Pictures

[39:33] VP of Creative Services and Peter Saphier

[41:11] Side work with writers

[42:47] Working remotely as a viable option in the film industry

[44:25] Amassing skills as a crew person in Colorado

[45:24] The need to go where the opportunities are

[48:00] Filmmaking as a career vs. a hobby/project

[49:30] 10,000 hours to expertise, 5,000 hours to competence

[50:30] Ambition vs. heart – for writers, directors and producers

[51:47] Having the persistence and be willing to truly commit in the film industry

[53:15] Savoring the brilliant moments and learning to fall

[55:21] Living in Colorado while working in the industry

[56:55] Building businesses in Colorado vs. California

[59:40] Working in Colorado

[1:01:22] The coup at Creative Artists Agency

[1:04:57] Teaching the business of show business

[1:06:37] The value of education

[1:08:00] Never stop learning

[1:09:45] Vet your educators in order to build yourself a community

[1:12:27] Leaving LA

[1:17:36] Creativity defined

[1:18:37] Marriage and creative people

[1:20:20] Shifting perspectives in order to succeed and be happy

[1:23:03] Pulling back in order to move forward, and lift other people up

[1:27:20] Creating a Master's Program with Denver Media Professionals

[1:28:28] Women in Film and Media in Colorado (WIFMCO)

[1:32:00] Find an organization that resonates with you, and become a part of it

[1:34:25] All the cool things that WIFMCO does

[1:37:05] Giving back and investing within the Colorado film and media industry

[1:40:16] The lesson learned over the last year

[1:42:11] The biggest life lesson

[1:44:40] Advice for aspiring screenwriters

Links and resources

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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19: Tom Malloy – Veteran Actor, Writer, Producer, and Film Fundraiser

Summary

Tom Malloy is an actor, writer, and producer, a passionate and driven filmmaker committed to telling compelling stories with commercial appeal. Many of these projects are developed through the production company he founded in 2005, Trick Candle Productions.

In 2016, Tom co-founded the sales and distribution company called Glass House Distribution. Glass House maintains a presence in all the major film markets including AFM, EFM, TIFF, MITcon, and Cannes, and has grown from two people to a seven-person operation, recently adding a TV-series department.

Tom's unique ability to both write projects and raise funding for them has been a primary factor in the success of the company. In fact, Tom shared his expertise on the subject in the best-selling book about independent film financing called Bankroll. In 2019, Tom co-founded Filmmaking Stuff HQ, which is one of the premiere online training platforms for filmmakers.

Show Notes

[1:37] Dividing time between LA and upstate New York

[2:48] How Tom got into the film business

[4:45] How his various roles all work together

[6:33] Motivational speaking and getting started in fundraising

[8:50] Creating the perfect pitch

[10:53] Improving on earlier pitches

[12:18] The average day of a producer

[14:29] Juggling multiple projects

[16:14] The advantages of partnering up and building your network

[17:50] Moving from working with friends to working with pro talent

[19:26] The difference between a producer and a fundraiser

[21:47] Defining different types of producers

[23:57] Tom's take on crowdfunding

[25:41] Investors motivated by ROI vs. vested interest

[29:12] What kind of package do filmmaker's need to pitch a studio?

[31:35] Movie Plan Pro

[33:01] The merits of various funding sources

[35:19] What do producers take into account when producing a first-time director's script?

[38:13] How do find producers and investors?

[41:36] How to approach pitching single projects versus a slate of projects

[43:07] Pitching for the hot genre

[44:37] How does an aspiring filmmaker turn this passion into a business?

[46:45] How much does it cost to go to a film market?

[48:29] Investing in your career

[49:42] How do you keep the executive producers/backers out of the creative process?

[51:13] How do you figure the budget of how much you need to raise for a film?

[52:30] Quick tips, the most effective strategy, and advice for first-time fundraisers

[55:12] How do you know you have a great script?

[57:42] Advertising for readers

[58:10] What is involved in the pre-production development?

[59:30] Bankroll Your Film

[1:05:33] “Stay out of the movie business!”

 

Links and resources

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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20: Sara Elizabeth Timmins – Creative Director, Producer, Film Educator

Summary

Sara Elizabeth Timmins established Life Out Loud Films in 2008 to create quality, inspiring, impactful films that champion women. Her films have been seen in theaters, the Hallmark Channel, Starz, Showtime, and internationally. She's worked with talented actors such as Jane Seymour, Ellen Burstyn, Chris Cooper, Josh Lucas, Mackenzie Foy, and writers like NY Times best-selling author David Baldacci. Most recently, she field produced an HBO docuseries for Mark Wahlberg‘s company and is in development on several feature films and a series. She also works as a consultant for both films and filmmakers and has produced national campaigns for companies such as Meyer Natural Foods & Laura's Lean.

Sara Elizabeth believes she has a responsibility through film to spark conversations that spark action, that spark change, and remains dedicated to encouraging the work of talented writers – and championing female leaders behind the camera while providing strong female roles in front of it. She is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, SAG, both DGA– and PGA-eligible, and was a qualified independent producer for NBCUniversal/IFTA.

Show Notes

[1:39] Sarah's Background

  • Grew up in Warren, Ohio
  • Attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Was always very involved in front of the camera and theatre until graduation
  • Discovered her love of film while volunteering her time on the production of Tattered Angel with Lynda Carter
  • Moved to LA for 7 years producing for others
  • In 2008 she decided to start her own company, Life Out Loud Films
  • Did a lot of work in Southwest Virginia, now works out of Atlanta

[4:06] The impact that working in Atlanta has on Sara Elizabeth's business

[6:44] How does a market make its own work when incentives are small?

[10:26] The production value of working in rural communities and locations

[12:29] What About Bob? and how to give back to the community as a filmmaker

[13:50] How Life Out Loud Films dealt with the economic downturn of 2008

[18:44] Braveheart and finding the proper perspective

[21:21] Finding the balance between business and creativity

[24:35] How constraints of business can be a boon to filmmakers

[25:54] How Sara Elizabeth fosters quality, inspiration, and impact to produce films that champion women

[30:21] Crew building inclusive sets and finding a balance

[34:13] A day in the life as both a creative director and producer

[36:41] Sara Elizabeth's workshops, and working with the assets you have

[42:47] Budget ranges and saleability

[45:36] The merits of attaching recognizable talent to smaller-budget films

[50:14] Ways to sabotage your film

[53:06] Some of the realities of commercial and theatrical distribution

[55:50] Walking the fine budget line with your cast and crew

[59:06] The feasibility of involving SAG and union workers in low budget films

[1:05:16] Fundraising money as an independent filmmaker

[1:14:18] The quality of investors and why they invest

[1:19:37] Developing a community model for filmmaking projects

[1:21:35] What you should have in-hand when approaching investors

[1:23:04] How much a professional-sounding pitch can cost you

[1:27:11] Consulting services can be a source of invaluable shortcuts

[1:31:20] Finding funds to put towards professionals to elevate your project to the next level

[1:33:37] Sara Elizabeth's advice to young filmmakers

Links and Resources

  • View Sara Elizabeth's credits on IMDB
  • Visit Life Out Loud Films
  • View the Life Out Loud Films Demo Reel
  • Connect with Sara Elizabeth and Life Out Loud Films on Instagram and Facebook
  • Keep an eye out for a new program coming soon: No Film School, No Trust Fund, No Problem!

 

Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!

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