Off the Map Movie

How can a Film Maker get Sponsors for a Movie?

admin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

For independent film makers finding sponsors for your movie might be the hardest part of film making. Trying to fund a production without having the help or backing of a studio might take a lot of effort. Finding sources of cash flow can be easy if you know where and how to look for people interested in investing in your film.

Depending on the type of movie you are making will depend on how hard financing it will be. I enjoy art house movies and obscure cinema but these projects are going to be a lot harder to fund than main stream movie ideas. So it is best to try to give investors an idea of why this movie will be approached by an audience before you ask for money.

Credit cards, bank loans, pay day loans, and mortgages are great ways to finance a film without trying to find real sponsors. Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino did this in their early films just to get a production together and out the door. Once you self finance then you have to do your own marketing but this easy via the internet.

There are endless sources of cash flow for a film maker. You just have to figure out how you are going to get this film to a wider audience so the world can see. Try to be realistic about your production though and you will succeed in no time.

How many people are needed for Making a Movie?

admin — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Depending on the type of movie being made it may take hundreds of people to put it all together, or it may only take a few dedicated hardworking people to pull it off. The type of movie most of us watch take a tremendous amount of people to make. Every type of movie has to have actors, directors, and film crews, but the movies that make it to the theater require many more people to make. Movies that have budgets in the millions have actors, directors, writers, film crews, lighting people, producers, make-up professionals, one or more person in charge of costumes and accessories, editors, extras, stunt people, and many of the aforementioned people have assistants. The location where the film is shot could also add extra people to transport equipment from one place to another and set up props there. Making a movie can be extremely complicated and require an extreme amount of people and money. The lower quality of movie requires far less people and money, but not necessarily less work. Lower budget movies usually mean less people, which means more work for those working on the film. So how many people does it take to work on a movie? There is no exact number or answer. It is all dependent on the type of movie being made.

What are the Steps on Making a Movie?

admin — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Start with an exceptional script. Next, you’ll need to arrange financing. No script? No money? No movie. Once you secure a signed contract and the money, things really take off. You do not need a big, fancy, corner office, but you do need some place to work and have production meetings, and you’ll want to choose your staff very carefully — executive producer, producer and director are the most important staffers as far as getting the movie actually filmed, promoted and sold. You’ll need to send a staffer off to seek out locations for your movie, and start negotiations with talent. Also at this point, you should be securing production and post production facilities. Once the locations are set, it’s time to arrange for flights, accomodations, rental vehicles, the on-site caterer, set the shooting schedule and you’ll want to check in with City Hall to see what kind of permits you’re going to need. Except for your key personnel, I would wait and hire the production crew in the away venue. Now, you are ready to film your movie.Independent film making is incredibly exciting — the entire industry is. It is a road you will never regret going down.

The Independent Film Channel

www.offthemapmovie.com — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Though not always given the recognition deserved by mainstream Hollywood media, independent films are made widely available, at least to the television viewing public, by the Independent Film Channel, a long running staple of the indie community. Launched in September of 1994, the IFC airs the completely uncut and uncensored work of independent directors, whether full-length features, animations, shorts, series or documentaries, running on an uninterrupted 24 hours cycle.While most movie channels like HBO, Starz, Cinemax and Showtime will show some of the more popular independent films to hit the market from time to time, the IFC is entirely dedicated to entertaining a niche market of consumers who prefer the more unique, off-brand humor, imagery and story lines as opposed to what studio execs all too often try to pass for filmmaking.Recently, the IFC has made news by presenting their programming with commercial interruptions for the first time in late 2010. Though some viewers expressed concern this would require the channel to compromise its policy on censorship so as to not offend advertisers by risking potentially offensive product associations, content airing on the IFC remains unedited, holding true to each director’s final cut.Perhaps its greatest contribution to the independent film arena is the channel’s ability to draw in new fans to the genre. Available on most widely purchased TV plans, IFC has brought never-would’ve-been-seen movies to couches across the country. If you’re in the market for a new addition to your channel surfing rotation and don’t already watch the Independent Film Channel, it’s only one click away. Here’s a quick guide by service provider:

AT&T U-verse: Channel 797
Cable: Check local listings
Direct TV: Channel 559
Dish Network: Channel 131
Shaw Direct: Channel 614
Verizon FiOS: Channel 394

Independent DVD Gifts

www.offthemapmovie.com — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks to limited budgetary discretion, independent films rely largely on word of mouth in order to be seen by even viewers who will later reference them as their favorite films. Give the gift of true cinematic greatness this Christmas by sharing some of your favorite titles of the year with friends and family. Here’s a list of some of our favorite movies, some of which even promote a few timeless Christmas themes like family togetherness, all of which will look great covered in wrapping paper and adorned with a bow.1. The Kids Are All Right (Rated R) DVD Release: November 16, 2010 Offering a comical look at a modern take on family life, the movie explores the happy home of a lesbian couple who adopted with an anonymous sperm donor. All is well their children contact the sperm bank on the eldest’s 18th birthday in order to learn the identity of their birth father. All goes swimmingly until the chemistry between father and mothers becomes too much to resist and questions of sexuality begin to arise throughout the family. This highly enjoyable dramedy is bold enough to explore tough subject matter and smart enough to do so in a cleverly entertaining way.2.Holy Rollers (Rated R) DVD Release: October 5, 2010 Inspired by actual events, Holy Rollers follows the story of Hassidic Jewish youth who operate as drug mules, smuggling ecstasy across the Atlantic. Ultimately, a young boy must decide whether he wants to follow the strict plan his religious family has laid out for him or if he wants to experience and commit to the seedier aspects of life his family seeks to shelter him from.3.Ondine (Rated PG-13) DVD Release: September 21, 2010 A fantasy drama about an Irish fisherman who catches a gorgeous woman in his nets, believing she’s dead only to have her come to ( the ideal Christmas gift for any fisherman). At this point, he must question what is real and come to terms with the seemingly impossible as strange occurrences continue to life for the fisherman and his latest catch.

Independent Film to Die a Digital Death?

www.offthemapmovie.com — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:50:55 +0000

There’s a problem in the independent film world. It can be summed in one basic sentence: people don’t buy DVD’s anymore. Whether it’s Netflix, Hulu or a what-have-you host of websites, increasing numbers of global movie watchers now turn to digitized streaming video as their main means of film consumption.Yes, this enables a larger consumer base to see independent film via the internet, but while that may be the end goal in an ideal world, independent filmmaking is still a business and businesses see money to survive. Netflix buys content at a fair price and certainly there are means of legal movie downloading by which filmmakers can be duly compensated, but the independent film industry which is already strapped for cash in terms of budgets is hit particularly hard by piracy and free online movie viewing. Devoid of major studio funds, indie flicks have long relied on DVD sales as a key source of revenue in balancing out the sometime out-of-pocket production costs. The advent of the internet, precipitating the decline in DVD sales has been absolutely wonderful in terms of exposure for the indie scene. Unfortunately exposure doesn’t directly translate into revenue.The problem is exacerbated by a lack of Hollywood movie studio interest in independent works. Gone are the days of Disney run Miramax, specifically looking for great indie films with big time backing to help turn a modest endeavor into a blockbuster hit.So while the ease with which we watch movies is ultimately eased by streaming digital content, the originality of the selection will soon start to suffer. Perhaps convenience is always the best motivation to ensure great work, unless we want a world full of cookie-cut movies fresh out of the major studio Easy-Bake Oven.

Gearing up for the Boston Film Festival

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:36:44 +0000

For one week this September, filmmakers from around the globe will gather for the 26^th annual Boston Film Festival from September 17^th to 23^rd. This event will be held at the Stuart Street Playhouse, with its 425-seat theatre. This festival offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers and actors to showcase their work. Attendees get a chance to view new works as well as have access to the artists themselves during question and answer sessions. Each year before the festival filmmakers are encouraged to submit their work, which can be done online, and awards are giving to honor the work of these individuals.This festival is more than just a week long viewing of films. Throughout the event, dinners and receptions are held, which is not only a chance to mingle and enjoy the Boston area, but a great way for newcomers to network and get their foot in the door of this industry. Two recent award category additions that have been made include Animation and EcoFilm. Last year’s Eco Film winner was “Earth Days,” directed by Robert Stone. This category is meant to highlight and award films that raise awareness of the need for sustainability and environmental efficiency within our society. The schedule for the event has not yet been released but will soon be available on the festival’s website. Fans can also be on the lookout for a list of this year’s award nominees. If you’re interested in attending the festival, tickets will be available later this month. The easiest way to keep up with news and updates is by joining the mailing list, which can be done on the site’s home page.

Whip It

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:45:09 +0000

When word got out that Hollywood starlet Drew Barrymore would be directing and starring in a movie about roller derby, America wasn’t sure how to react. Barrymore had a loyal fan base as an actress, but directing would be a new feat for her.In short, Whip It is about a small town misfit (Ellen Page) who is sick of competing in beauty pageants for her mother. She finds her calling with the ‘Hurl Scouts’ roller derby team while sneaking out with a friend. The plot is intertwined with friendship, romance, and family relationships. Barrymore’s first attempt at directing couldn’t have been easy due to the unconventional storyline. However, to put it simply: she rocked it.Flying under the radar, Whip It received regularly positive reviews and grossed 13,043,363 in North America. Not bad for a first time director. However, the film did not receive nearly as much attention as it deserved. Maybe you were thrown off by the idea of a movie based on foul mouthing punch throwing roller derby girls, but that shouldn’t stop you from breaking free of the crowd and going out to rent Whip it today. All in all, the movie was unconventionally funny (Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore made a humorous duo), and even heart wrenchingly familiar. It was a relief to get away from the traditional love stories or try-too-hard comedies and get lost in the world Barrymore created onscreen. Whip It may have fallen off the map but it deserves a second chance.

Get Low: Preview of the Star-studded Summer Indie

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:08:16 +0000

Set to premiere July 30, Robert Duvall, Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek star in the comedy drama Get Low, inspired by a true story. Duval plays the reclusive Felix Bush who rarely leaves his confines, deep in the Tennessee woods. Set in the ’30s, Bush plans a funeral for himself to be given while he’s still alive. He knows most everyone in town has nothing nice to say about him as he is the subject of many rumors about why he stays by himself in the woods. As it turns out, the whole motive behind throwing this “living funeral” is so he can reveal the true secret that has kept him away for nearly half a century. Bill Murray plays Frank Quinn, the funeral director whom Bush contacts to make arrangements. Oscar-winner Aaron Schneider directs this film, creating a refreshing new piece, the likes of which we haven’t seen in years. The 2003 short film, Two Soldiers, won Schneider an Academy Award and one of his 1995 episodes of Murder One was nominated for an Emmy.Duvall is also working on a film for release in 2011, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. This film resumed production last year after the original film project, Lost in La Mancha, which was filming in 2001, had to be cancelled because of a cast injury. An advertising executive has the ability to travel between centuries, and enters the world of Don Quixote (Duvall), who lives in 17^th century London. Things start to go awry when Quixote mistakes the time traveler for Sancho Panza.Robert Duvall is sure to produce award quality performances no matter what role he’s in. Be on the lookout for both of these upcoming works for a unique original film.

Sundance Film Festival

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:54:53 +0000

As every independent film connoisseur knows, the Sundance Film Festival is the largest indie cinema festival in the United States. For many up and coming filmmakers, Sundance is the perfect opportunity to get their name out there and their work noticed. Taking place annually at various locations in Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is fun for film makers and viewers alike.Hollywood hotshots such as Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Edward Burns got their big break at Sundance. Additionally, a multitude of popular movies have emerged out of the festival including Saw, Garden State, Super Troopers, Little Miss Sunshine, Thank You for Smoking, and Napoleon Dynamite. After emitting such high profile films, it’s no wonder filmmakers strive for a spot at Sundance.Mainstream awareness of the festival grew in 2009 when well known celebrities showed up for the first few days of the festival (they left early to attend Obama’s inauguration). As its popularity grows, so does the quality of the films. The festival comprises of competitive sections for American and international dramatic and documentary films, feature length and short films, and some non competitive showcase section.Sundance presents independent filmmakers with an opportunity to showcase their creative talent and hard work. If you’re in the business of independent films and want international recognition, the Sundance Film Festival is the right place for you.