The Elements of Producing (Narrated Articles): Recent Episodes
Mike Rekola
Narrated short blurbs on the style of producing, self-discovery, and life's waypoints, all from Executive Producer— Mike Rekola.
rekola.substack.com
Meet the person who can make or break your indie film: The Fixer.
Making an independent film can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, especially for low-budget filmmakers who have limited resources and time. As a filmmaker myself, I understand the importance of having someone who can help streamline the process and keep things on track.
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WHY IT MATTERS…
A fixer can make or break an independent film by ensuring that the production runs smoothly, saving time and money, and ultimately leading to a better end result.
THE BIG PICTURE…
A fixer is an essential part of any film crew, responsible for coordinating logistics, managing permits and locations, negotiating deals, and solving problems on set. In independent films, where resources are often limited, a fixer's role becomes even more critical.
ZOOM OUT…
In the film "The Farewell," director Lulu Wang relied on a fixer to help her navigate the challenges of filming in China. The fixer was instrumental in finding the locations and helping the team work with the Chinese government to get the permits needed.
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Want to make it as an independent filmmaker? You better be prepared to get in shape.
Making movies is hard enough, but doing it on a shoestring budget makes it even tougher. Without physical fitness, stamina, and strength, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage.
As someone who is an Executive Producer in filmmaking, I know firsthand how physically demanding it can be to lug equipment, set up shots, and keep up with actors.
WHY IT MATTERS…
Being physically fit and having stamina is crucial for independent filmmakers because it can help you work faster, longer, and more efficiently. When you’re on a tight budget, time is money.
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Your filmmaking success depends on more than just your talent. A healthy “Sphere of Influence” takes work but always pays dividends. Simply put, a “sphere of influence” is distilled down to the set of people you know. This includes family, friends, community acquaintances, industry colleagues, and more.
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WHY IT MATTERS…
In the competitive world of independent filmmaking, having a strong network can be the difference between getting your project off the ground or not. It’s important to understand how to build and maintain relationships in your sphere of influence to maximize your chances of success.
Sphere of Influence is like playing the game, the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Take yourself, and your goal, and find the best connections that you can leverage. So when you’re facing the question of “how do I get my project off the ground”, or “how do I get on that film’s set”, the answer lies with the people you know. Even if the people you know aren’t in the film industry, they will know someone who can help your objective.
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Hey friends,
Excited to share that THE NOUNERS, the first animated TV funded by the NounsDAO goes to market today!
THE NOUNERS is an absurd animated tv pilot that we created for one of the largest crypto communities. They are basically a group that holds $45 million dollars and gives it out to creatives to make amazing art that proliferates their brand. (www.nouns.wtf).
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Unleash the full potential of your low-budget film with masterful storyboarding techniques.
Low-budget filmmakers often struggle to effectively plan and visualize their projects, leading to wasted resources and subpar results. As a filmmaker on a tight budget, I understand the importance of maximizing resources and effectively communicating the visual story to my team.
WHY IT MATTERS…
Storyboarding is a crucial step in the filmmaking process that can save time and money while elevating the quality and impact of the final product.
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Word Count: #378 | Read Time: > 2 Minutes
Maximize your film's potential by understanding the pros and cons of debt and equity financing.
WHY IT MATTERS…
As an independent filmmaker with a budget between $100,000 and $5 million, understanding the difference between debt and equity financing is crucial in making the most out of your limited resources. Knowing which financing option is best for your project can mean the difference between a successful film and a financial flop.
THE BIG PICTURE…
One recent example of a low-budget film that made a big impact is "Honeyland", a documentary about a beekeeper in North Macedonia. The film was made on a budget of just $300,000, but went on to win numerous awards and even received an Academy Award nomination. However, the filmmakers behind "Honeyland" didn't just rely on a small budget to make their film a success - they also made strategic decisions about financing. By understanding the pros and cons of both debt and equity financing, they were able to secure the funding they needed to make their film a reality.
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ZOOM IN…
For example, the filmmakers behind "Honeyland" chose to use equity financing, which meant they sold shares in the film to investors in exchange for funding. This allowed them to avoid taking on debt and incurring interest, but it also meant they had to give up some control over the film's creative direction.
On the other hand, if they had chosen debt financing, they would have taken out a loan to fund the film, but would have had more control over the project. Debt financing is a method of raising funds for a low-budget film by borrowing money from a lender such as a bank, credit union, or investment company. The borrower is then required to pay back the loan, plus interest, over a specified period of time. Debt financing can come in the form of a traditional bank loan, a line of credit, or a crowdfunding campaign.
ACTION ITEMS…
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Research different types of financing, including debt and equity options, to understand which one is best for your film.
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Consult with a financial advisor or accountant to help you make informed decisions about your film's budget and financing.
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Look into grants and other forms of non-traditional funding to supplement your film's budget.
👋 Filmmaker,
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You’ll love this easy-to-use Contact Management System. Over 100 people downloaded it this past weekend.
It’s right here, waiting for you 👇.
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Master the art of pitching your indie film with a compelling deck.
WHY IT MATTERS…
A pitch deck is a crucial tool for independent filmmakers to secure funding and partnerships.
THE BIG PICTURE…
A pitch deck is a visual presentation that highlights the key elements of your film project, including the story, cast, crew, and budget. It's used to persuade potential investors, partners, and other stakeholders to get behind your project. One example of this is when the independent film THUNDER ROAD used a pitch deck to convince investors to back the project, successfully raising its $269,000 budget, with the film going on to win SXSW once finished and launching Jim Cummings career.
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If you learn how to secure funding for your film project, you’ll never work starve again.
WHY IT MATTERS…
Finding investors is crucial for independent filmmakers to bring their projects to life.
THE BIG PICTURE…
Independent filmmaking can be a challenging and expensive endeavor. One of the most significant challenges is securing funding for the project. In today's competitive film market, it is essential for independent filmmakers to be able to locate and pitch potential investors effectively.
An excellent example of a low-budget independent film that was able to attract investors is "Tangerine" directed by Sean Baker. The film was shot entirely on an iPhone 5s and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. This helped the film to secure distribution deals and attract backend investors as well as investors for future projects.
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Don't let on-set problems derail your film. Learn how to effectively deal with location difficulties, uncooperative talent, and crew-related issues.
WHY IT MATTERS…
As an independent filmmaker, every production day counts. By learning how to handle common on-set issues, you can keep your film on track and within budget, ensuring that you can bring your vision to life.
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As a low-budget independent filmmaker, creating a film schedule may seem like an insurmountable task. But with careful planning and organization, you can make a schedule that helps bring your vision to life without breaking the bank.
WHY IT MATTERS…
A film schedule helps keep production on track and ensures that all necessary tasks are completed within a reasonable amount of time. It also helps allocate resources effectively and can save money by avoiding costly reshoots or delays.
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Want to secure funding for your indie feature film? Follow these tips for pitching investors.
WHY IT MATTERS…
It is essential for independent filmmakers to secure funding in order to bring their film visions to life. Pitching investors can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and preparation, it can lead to the successful funding of your film.
THE BIG PICTURE…
Unlike studio films, indie projects often rely on a patchwork of grants, private investors, and crowdfunding campaigns to get made. This means that filmmakers need to be creative, persistent, and strategic in order to succeed.
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If you are studying films to inspire your own filmmaking, that’s great. But, if you only watch them in one way (with full sound & with full picture) then you might be doing it wrong.
WHY IT MATTERS…
Jordan Peele once said something like “take your eight favorite movies, smash those together, and make that film” (paraphrased).
This is because viewing the works of other directors and filmmakers tend to inspire us to be a better artist. It can also help us with creative problems. After all, nothing new is under the sun.
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Not sure if you’re a producer? Ask this one question— Do you make shit?
THE BIG PICTURE…
Producers play a crucial role. They are the executives of a project. Responsible for oversight of all aspects of a film's production. Think securing funding and contracts to managing budgets and schedules. Without producers, films would not be able to get off the ground and make it to the big screen.
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ZOOM IN…
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One of the main responsibilities of a producer is to secure financing for a film. This involves finding investors who are willing to fund the project. Negotiating deals with studios as well as distributors.
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The producer generally creates the budget for the film to ensure that it stays on track. Usually, working with the director. Additionally, they coordinate with the production team to ensure everything remains on schedule.
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In addition to managing the finances, producers are also responsible for the logistics of the production. This includes hiring crew members, securing locations, and ensuring that all necessary equipment is available. They must also manage the schedule, making sure that everyone is where they need to be at the right time and that the production stays on track.
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Lastly, producers also play a key role in the creative process. They work to help bring the film to life. This can involve providing feedback on the script and helping to shape the vision of the project.
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The development phase of independent filmmaking sucks. It’s hard work and many brain hours spent iterating. Throwing bad ideas out with the trash, as quickly as they come.
WHY IT MATTERS...
The development phase of independent filmmaking is the shaping phase. Filmmakers work to carve their projects into a fully-realized story, complete with a solid script and a clear plan for production.
ZOOM OUT...
During the development phase of filmmaking, filmmakers must:
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Come up with a concept
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Translate the concept into a script
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Build budgets and schedules to secure funding
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Attach collaborators
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Why pay for software, when an industry standard provides it for free? Whether you’re new to filmmaking or an old hat, money is always tight. So when you can use industry-standard software you should jump at the chance. DaVinci Resolve is one of the best software out there.
The Big Picture
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DaVinci Resolve is the world’s only solution that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production all in one software tool!
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DaVinci Resolve base software is completely free, or pay $295 for the full suite.
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DaVinci Resolve is used by Hollywood’s biggest studios— Disney, Universal, Warner Brothers, and many more.
Why I Use It
First, because I love editing. It’s my favorite part of the post-production process. Second, since I learned to use it, I can more effectively communicate with my editors. Thus I became a stronger producer.
Go Deeper
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Visit the DaVinci Resolves website, here. It is built by an Australian company, Blackmagic.
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Download DaVinci Resolve for free here.
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Download DaVinci Resolve Studios for $295 here.
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Listen to other popular articles from The Elements of Producing:
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rekola.substack.com
If you don’t read, you’ll remain a stifled writer. Imagination grows when fed, and reading screenplays is one of the best ways.
The Big Picture
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Reading a screenplay helps inform you about how others break down their stories, characters, and actions. You also get to learn what ways you would like to present your written word on the page. E.g. I love the way Martin McDonnaugh formats.
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You only get one chance to hook a reader. Reading a screenplay of the movies that hooked you helps to illustrate what may or may not be needed to hook others with your script.
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Learn to predict the future. By reading films that win competitions, and film festivals, and appear on sights like Coverfly, you’ll learn to predict the future of Hollywood. E.g. Promising Young Woman was a Blacklist winner in 2018 and was nominated for an Oscar in 2020.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rekola.substack.com
You can’t be everywhere all at once. However, a well-executed pitch video can properly convey the project, and your excitement, and entice individuals’ attention.
The Backstory
A pitch video is a short 3-5 minute visual asset for a filmmaker seeking to raise funds. It is an asset that is underutilized and undervalued especially when it comes time for fundraising, crowdsourcing, or seeking community investment with a platform like Wefunder.
Why it Matters…
There are a number of reasons why pitch videos are crucial from first impressions, to clearly conveying information, and more. But, my favorite reason is that a pitch video conveys to potential investors your excitement and vision for the project. In addition, it is selling your project if you include solid “Calls-to-Action”. Personalizing your pitch video with your authentic self, business plan, and strong visuals will be one of the most powerful tools in your fundraising arsenal.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rekola.substack.com
Ever feel suffocated by the amount of work in front of you? Family tasks are stacked on top of work ones and then there are personal chores. I suffer from decision paralysis— if too many tasks become backlogged, I shut down, rather than power through. I suffered for years, but then discovered General Eisenhower’s Decision Matrix.
The Backstory
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General Eisenhower used this matrix for work and personal tasks during WWII, so, integrating it into your adult life, shouldn’t be too hard.
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The Eisenhower matrix is rooted in prioritizing tasks according to their urgency or importance. Then taking an action.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rekola.substack.com
Podcast production can be death by a thousand tasks. Reduce the suck— design and implement a podcast episode framework. But what is a framework? It’s the structure you give to your audio including planned segments, questions, sound effects, and format to build a more compelling episode.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rekola.substack.com
Cover Your Ass, with an MOU
Word Count: 269 | Read Time: 2 Minutes
Films die from lack of transparency in partnerships, will yours?
Filmmaking is hard. Vagueness in team dynamics makes it worse. A Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is a clear solution through the storm with transparency in roles and responsibilities.
ZOOM IN
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An MOU is an initial agreement between two or more parties outlined in a formalized document.
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An MOU is not legally binding but signals usually one or two things— the parties are aligned to proceed in a certain direction, and if required are ready to move forward with a formal contract (if so desired).
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An MOU is a blank document where parties, who intend to come together, outline their desires and needs, from the impending relationship.
The use case for creatives can be unique and varied. Some of the most common approaches are between writing partners, production teams, co-creators, and more.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Whether I am bringing people into one of my projects or I’m joining an already established team an MOU is essential BEFORE commencing the relationship. It’s only fair for everyone to have the ideas, roles, rights, and more all clearly defined in black ink. Again, MOUs are not legally enforceable but they do provide clarity and act as a canary in a coal mine if any party is deviating from the proposal.
GO DEEPER:
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For example, writing partners might use an MOU to outline— ownership of the material (i.e. the rights), the process of writing, and what the desired business outcome is (i.e. sell it, make it, who gets paid what, etc).
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Download an MOU from one of my projects, here.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rekola.substack.com
The Smart Brevity Pledge
This is not you’re normal newsletter.
The Problem:
We are in a golden age of word dumping, aka the art of being verbose to inflate one’s own ego. The Elements of Producing is not that. It’s short blurbs on the style of producing, self-discovery, and life's waypoints, all from a proven Executive Producer— Mike Rekola.
Why it matters:
Smart Brevity, that’s the goal. Distill important concepts (about life, self-discovery, and filmmaking)— quickly and succinctly. Earning you, time back to enjoy the silence.
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Humans spend an average of 26 seconds reading content.
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Humans scan, not read, almost everything that pops up on our screens.
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It takes only 17 milliseconds for our brain to decide if we like what we see, otherwise, we move on to the next article, tweet, meme, or text.
The Bottom Line:
All creators face an epic challenge: How do I get others to pay attention, in this dumpster fire of adulting?
My Answer: I’ll honor you, my reader with the Smart Brevity Pledge.
I promise to share with you new and revolutionary ideas. Then stop. I won’t dilute it with flourishing words, long caveats, nor pointless asides.
Go Deeper:
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Smart Brevity is a concept designed by Axios founders": Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz. You can pick up their manual of style, here.
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Watch Jim’s TED Talk on Smart Brevity 👇.
Thanks for reading The Elements of Producing! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rekola.substack.com