Frequently Asked Questions

Q - I have a script and want to make a film. How do I start?

A - Contact us and we'll help evaluate your project's needs. Together, we can determine the next steps.

Q - Can someone critique my script?

A - Yes. We have development and creative people in our database that we beg favors from. They give you a constructive critique and evaluation of your script. They also tend to be honest so please set your ego aside. Be aware that you may be asked to make a minimal donation for their time and effort.

Q - Do you charge anything for your services?

A - We want you to make the best film possible for the least amount of money so we will never charge for guiding and advising you. (If you harass your Project Manager constantly, we suggest you do something nice for him/her so he/she doesn't start avoiding your calls.)

Q - Can you fund my project?

A - Unfortunately, our non-profit organization hasn't grown enough to have large corporate sponsors. But we're working on it and hope to be able to have scholarship and/or production funds in the near future. For now, we have producers in our database who can help you develop a business plan and explore various funding options. And their guidance is free to you'll save on the cost of seminars and actually have a mentor instead of a speaker. (If you take too much of their time, however, you should offer to buy lunch or coffee.)

Q - Why the Project Manager approach?

A - The film industry is a business. Good business tends to be efficient and cost-effective. The Project Manager understands he/she is responsible for making sure your film is done efficiently and cost-effectively. This is why we take a business-like approach. You supply the creative side and we help maximize this in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Q - What expenses can I expect?

A - You need to have some budget to rent production equipment and, if applicable, to pay a token fee to your crew. As a non-profit, we offer tax write-offs from donations to vendors and to crews, so you always get a discounted rate.

Q - Can you help me get a free crew?

A - Yes, but chances are they'll be fresh out of school and won't be very experienced. We've found that a lack of experience can sometimes cost money, which defeats the whole purpose of making your film look great for less. We'd rather get seasoned pros and beg them to give you a discounted rate. This way you shoot quickly with less mistakes (time is money), you suffer less L & D (loss and damage), and your production will save money in the long run.

Q - What are your most negative experiences with a free crew?

A - Let's talk about free crew and equipment. For free crew, damage to equipment tops the list. Insurance deductibles are often $1,000 or more. A broken $600 monitor, therefore, has to be replaced by the filmmaker. God forbid HMIs get damaged. Another problem with free crew is the commitment level isn't always 110%. As for free equipment, we've found that the equipment donated isn't always 100% operational and the replacement priority is very low and slow. One of our filmmakers, for example, was shooting on 35mm and the free video assist system died at 1AM. Since the donor didn't want to be bothered at 1AM, the filmmaker had to continue shooting "blindly." The lesson we always learn is that sometimes in trying to save pennies, it costs dollars.

Q - What are your crew rates?

A - Like everything in this industry, crew rates are also negotiable. But first, please understand that a lot of our crew contacts are union. If they're non-union, it's probably by their choice. Remember that our primary mission is to make your film look good and cost less. Crew experience is valuable and can make your film look and sound great, and your shooting experience smooth and painless. A lot of the crew people we call won't work for free, but they're usually willing to donate a large percentage of their normal fees and accept a token payment instead. They get a tax break, you save money in addition to getting their experience. That said, we've found that most positions can be filled for about $50-$150/day. Some even do flat rates.

Q - I need a budget done. Can you do this and is there a charge for this?

A - Yes, we can do script budgets. We usually do short scripts for free. If the script is longer, thereby needing more time and effort, we will ask you for a donation. The maximum donation we will ask is $100 for feature length scripts. Shorter scripts will either be free or no more than $50, depending on their length and complexity. (Remember, normal rates for feature budgets average around $500 and, more importantly, any donations you make are tax-deductible and help our non-profit function.)

Q - Can I choose my crew?

A - Absolutely. We can fill in positions that you need, or get resumes and demos for you to choose from. You should, for example, be comfortable with your D.P., your Production Designer and your First A.D.

Q - Can you help me with casting?

A - Definitely. You can check out actionactors.net for a sampling of our talent. We can stage the entire audition for you if need. We'll call actors groups and get the casting notice out. If you don't have a small camera, we'll even rent one at a discounted price and throw in the tape.

Q - What format do you recommend shooting in?

A - It depends on what you are trying to accomplish and what your budget is. We can get discounts on any format (Mini-DV, HD, Film, etc.).

Q - Can you help me with production insurance?

A - Yes. We can get you discounts for general liability, equipment, workers comp, general production insurance, etc.

Q - Don't see the answer to your question?

A - Please ask!