[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
Film Courage: At what stage in the filmmaking process should filmmakers start speaking with a distributor?
Zac Reeder, Owner of Lucky 27 Media/Producer’s Rep, Distribution and Financing Consultant: I think early on.
When you have a concept and you’re thinking like,
Okay, I have a film project that I’m interested in making. I have a story. I want to make this.
I’m thinking about this budget level.
I think that’s the perfect time to start having a conversation and at least gauge the marketplace and say,
If I was going to make a million-dollar film and this is kind of the storyline and this was the cast, what do you think? Just on paper, how does that sound?
Most distributors are happy to talk to you about it and give you at least some feedback.
You’d probably be surprised. Most people will probably tell you your budget is too high based on the market today.
Because it is tough. They may say your budget is too low.
They might say,
This is a great concept, but you need a bigger cast.
So, you need to raise your budget. Instead of a million, you should make it for 3 million and get a bigger cast.
Or they might even say,
Oh, this is a fantastic high concept. If you did it at 20 million and you could get some real names to do it, that could be almost like studio quality.
I think early on when you have just the elements coming together is a good time to talk because the sooner you know what you’re dealing with and what you’re working with.
If all the feedback is really negative at the beginning, you might have to reassess and, say,
Hey, maybe I should rethink this a little bit because maybe I’m not approaching this…(Watch the video interview on YouTube here).
About:
Zac Reeder is an Emmy-nominated producer and seasoned media executive with leadership roles at Netflix, Hallmark, and MarVista. Now as a producer’s rep and distribution/financing consultant, he helps independent film and TV producers secure deals, maximize exposure, and navigate the evolving media landscape through his company, Lucky 27 Media. His website is Lucky27 (dot) com.
CONNECT WITH ZAC REEDER
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New book from Film Courage! – See it on Payhip here
