“School’s in!

But since it’s only mid-August, I guess that makes our first Film 101 lesson technically a part of Summer School, right?  (I really wish I was talking about the classic ’80s Carl Reiner movie.)  Therefore, we’re going to take it very easy on you in this first post and discuss something that many wonder but few are brave enough to ask: “What’s the difference between a film producer and a director, anyway?”

Here’s the true answer: “That depends on who’s producing and who’s directing.”

Read this article from RedBlog

“Being a producer is much like being an actor — you get paid once a film is in production. Everyone’s heard of starving actors, right? Well there are a lot of starving producers too.

If you set up a film at the studio, you may get a paltry development fee (usually $25k) that you usually end up splitting with a producing partner or two. But for argument’s sake, you are very much like an actor — working diligently toward being on set with the hope of a good pay day.”

Read this article from All About Indie Filmmaking

“What does a movie producer really do?

Before you start with the jokes, the Producers Guild of America wants to have its say. This weekend, the guild will present its first-ever Produced By Conference, an open-to-the-public (although sold out) gathering on the Sony Pictures lot with seminars on such topics as financing, digital rights, viral marketing and – why not? – private jets.

Ahead of the three-day conference, four experienced producers discussed the challenges they face in these turbulent times, with studios cutting producer deals and taking fewer risks.

Read this article from SF Gate.

This article is from Slate.

“You probably won’t recognize the men or women who pick up the award for best picture at this Sunday’s 81^st annual Academy Awards. The trophy doesn’t go to the winning film’s director or to its on-screen stars. Rather, it’s handed to the “producers.” What does a producer do, exactly?” Read rest of article.

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THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR: Sign up for your own FREE subscription to “The Director’s Chair” filmmaking ezine, packed with hundreds of film making articles, tips, tools and techniques. This FREE monthly Film Directing ezine is read by over 3300 filmmakers in 100 countries around the world. http://www.actioncutprint.com/ezine.html

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The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage–at least it seems that way. If you’ve been thinking you need to know more about it, here’s your opportunity.

The knowledge of film making is not enough to create a good movie producer. This quality might be good if you are a studio executive, or in any other job out of film making production. To be a good producer you need to develop certain skills, for you to become an independent film maker. Read rest of article here.

Click Here to watch a video interview with mega-producer Gary Goldstein. Gary produced such hits as Pretty Woman, Under Siege 1 & 2, The Mothman Prophecies and more…

The Director and the Casting Session

When a director first gets a script, you read it through several times to get a feel for what the story is about and who the characters are. As you read the script, you will get an impression of the characters. You then have a meeting with the Producers and the Casting Director to share your ideas of the characters.

This is an important meeting for the Director, because it is where you find out what the Producer(s) are thinking and if you are on the right track. Remember: television is a Producers medium and they have the final say in everything – including casting!

Click Here to Read Entire Article

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Sign up for your own FREE subscription to “The Director’s Chair” filmmaking ezine, packed with hundreds of film making articles, tips, tools and techniques. This FREE monthly Film Directing ezine is read by over 2900 filmmakers in 100 countries around the world. http://www.actioncutprint.com/ezine.html
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