Film Financing

Has the Drive to Fund "Social Issue" Docs Affected Their Form?

cristina — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Over the past few years, I've had the pleasure of attending a number of film festivals and conferences, some with a press pass blogging for The Independent, some as a filmmaker; and each time I watch films, attend panel discussions, and most importantly, speak to documentary filmmakers to learn about their creative practice and the realities of producing.

Film-Friendly State: Shooting in Illinois

cristina — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600

In her role as managing director of the Illinois Film Office, Betsy Steinberg spends a lot of time talking with filmmakers on both coasts and overseas. “In Chicago, and around the state, the abundance of looks is never-ending,” she says. “Every filmmaker says it is the most under-photgraphed place in the movies.”

10 to Watch in 2010... Plus Five Runners-Up

cristina — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Choosing The Independent's 10 to Watch is like trying to predict the future, or the stock market, or the weather in New England. The films on this list are in all stages of production and the filmmakers range from seasoned professionals to debut artists. So you might wonder how we named this particular group. How, exactly, does one go about predicting what 2010 has in store?

How Funders are Like Crushes and Other Sundance Morsels

erin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Editor's note: Below is just a sampling of Shechter's Sundance account. For the whole enchilada, visit her blog.

Hello from Sundance!

Film-Friendly State: Shooting in Utah

cristina — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600

From New Hampshire’s “no filming permits” policy to Michigan’s 42 percent tax credit, states are fighting to stay competitive with low-cost international filming locations — and each other. For filmmakers, this means a slew of incentive programs that might make financing your next film a bit easier.

Film Journal: The Importance of Pre-Production

cristina — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600

In my first two installments of my Film Journal for The Independent, I wrote about the philosophy behind the $200,000 independent film. In this installment, I will talk about laying the groundwork to make our film at this budget, the period known as pre-production, and how the making of Losing Control reinforced the film's theme that faith is more valuable than proof.

Film Journal: Philosophies for Financing Your Film

cristina — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

In the last installment of my film journal for The Independent, I wrote about the various circumstances that facilitated the raising of $200,000 to direct my feature film, Losing Control, a quirky romantic comedy about a female scientist who wants proof that her boyfriend is “the one.” In this install

30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers

cristina — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Ever wonder what, exactly, independent filmmakers – both aspiring and established – should be reading?

Film-Friendly State: Shooting in Michigan

cristina — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:15:43 -0500

From New Mexico to Massachusetts, from Michigan to California, state and local governments are luring film-production business by passing increasingly competitive tax-incentive policies. Michigan recently joined the party in April 2008, with an unprecedented 42 percent return.

Sustaining Big Projects through Small Gigs

cristina — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:56:10 -0500

A machine’s dial turns, and a white powder is added to a spinning beaker of water as a woman’s voice overhead talks about toothpaste and animal testing. It looks like a documentary you might find on PBS, but instead, it’s a commercial for Tom's of Maine.