“THE SECRET TO PROJECTS THAT SELL”
It’s scary how much time, energy, and money is expended every year on films that will never be released, or even made at all, for that matter.
Just think about all the films that are submitted Sundance and don’t end up getting distribution. At last count in 2011, this was about 3,775 films. If each one costs $300,000 to make (some cost less, some far more), then those 3,775 represent an investment of over $1 billion. That’s $1 billion those filmmakers probably couldn’t afford to lose.
These staggering numbers show the amount of waste in the entertainment industry. If you aspire to have a career you love in entertainment the real question you need to answer in 2012 is how to build projects professionally – so that they don’t end up in the reject pile at great expense.
Here’s something you should know before you spend any more of your time and money:
The Number One Reason why film and TV projects fail is that their creators haven’t done their research to find out if their project is right for the market, or to find out who their competition is and who might beat them to the punch.
There’s a lot more information on this topic that could give you a serious leg up on the competition.
One of the most knowledgeable and articulate producers in the business on choosing ideas that sell is Elizabeth Kushman. Elizabeth is a 10-year veteran of the entertainment industry who got her start as Creative Executive for Wes Craven, developing such films as PULSE, CURSED and THE HILLS HAVE EYES. Elizabeth was later Vice President of Development & Production at Dimension Films, where she supervised a diverse slate including HALLOWEEN 2, YOUTH IN REVOLT, THE ROAD and SCREAM 4 for Bob and Harvey Weinstein. As Co-Producer of the Warner Bros. feature ONE MISSED CALL which was a box office success grossing $45 million worldwide.
As her career indicates, Elizabeth is one of those people who has the golden touch when it comes to knowing what will interest people in Hollywood, and this video interview with her will give you her detailed insider perspective on informed, strategic ideation. Keep in mind that her advice is valued at a premium, especially by industry A-listers, but in this video it’s FREE.
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing. ~Elizabeth
There are actually a whole lot of detilas like that to take into consideration. That may be a great point to carry up. I offer the thoughts above as common inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you carry up where an important thing will likely be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged round issues like that, but I am positive that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Both boys and girls really feel the impression of only a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.
Great interview. Great insight. Can’t imagine where riff raff like myself could get more concise info on the nature of the business.
Thanks!