Interesting Investment Opportunity

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

I have a Friend who is a well established Actor. Many credits on his IMDB Page. Titles you'd recognize.He sent a guy my way for a Film they are working on together. Very low budget Feature Length Film. They had me review the Script. I've read many Screenplays, so I can see how they translate to the screen. I'd call this an "Intelligent" Script. Reminded me very much of the Screenplay for American Beauty. Similar feel. Character and Story Driven, easy to shoot without need for special considerations (Location, props, CGI, stunts, other special effects...)The investment is what I'd call Low/Moderate. Nothing I can't handle. I could write a single check for the amount and if I lose 100% I wouldn't be hurt at all. I'd be credited as a Producer and get 20% of the project (gross).Plan is to get it shot/edited and in the can this summer and then hit the Festival Circuit late this year or early 2012 - Sundance of course being 1st choice.I'd estimate that there is a Very Good to Excellent chance of the project being completed. Also a good chance for some budget overruns. There are some items that I think are under budgeted. I'd likely be first in line for them looking for additional $ to plug those holes if/when they arise. I know this going in and would plan accordingly.I'd say that the chances for any return at all on my investment will be low. Always a chance that if it is screened at one of the big festivals, it will get picked up for distribution. At that point, even with a limited distribution, I'd make many many (many?) times my investment. Very much a high risk of losing a low investment with a slight chance of huge return. Why are they considering me if the $ is so low? Partly because of the relationship. But my friend is already "investing" by taking a minuscule fraction of his standard day rate for his cut of the Film. The other guy is young and not yet established and doesn't have many $ contacts.Thoughts?

[Skeleton Jelly 2]

Thoughts?

Get ShortyI'd do it if I could afford it just because it would be cool to be listed as a producer.I don't have an opinion on the financial aspects of it.

[eYank 0]

I have a Friend who is a well established Actor. Many credits on his IMDB Page. Titles you'd recognize.He sent a guy my way for a Film they are working on together. Very low budget Feature Length Film. They had me review the Script. I've read many Screenplays, so I can see how they translate to the screen. I'd call this an "Intelligent" Script. Reminded me very much of the Screenplay for American Beauty. Similar feel. Character and Story Driven, easy to shoot without need for special considerations (Location, props, CGI, stunts, other special effects...)The investment is what I'd call Low/Moderate. Nothing I can't handle. I could write a single check for the amount and if I lose 100% I wouldn't be hurt at all. I'd be credited as a Producer and get 20% of the project (gross).Plan is to get it shot/edited and in the can this summer and then hit the Festival Circuit late this year or early 2012 - Sundance of course being 1st choice.I'd estimate that there is a Very Good to Excellent chance of the project being completed. Also a good chance for some budget overruns. There are some items that I think are under budgeted. I'd likely be first in line for them looking for additional $ to plug those holes if/when they arise. I know this going in and would plan accordingly.I'd say that the chances for any return at all on my investment will be low. Always a chance that if it is screened at one of the big festivals, it will get picked up for distribution. At that point, even with a limited distribution, I'd make many many (many?) times my investment. Very much a high risk of losing a low investment with a slight chance of huge return. Why are they considering me if the $ is so low? Partly because of the relationship. But my friend is already "investing" by taking a minuscule fraction of his standard day rate for his cut of the Film. The other guy is young and not yet established and doesn't have many $ contacts.Thoughts?

It basically sounds like you are playing a slot machine. Theres a good chance you get nothing back, but there is always the possibility of hitting the jackpot. You say the investment is nothing you can't handle. If the amount of money is not going to affect you now or in the long run then how is this different then taking your money to the casino other then you will have a movie at the end, which might be worthless.I hope that makes sense. Just trying to give you something to think about

[ajs510 122]

If you believe in the project and the project management and can afford the investment, then why not do it?Sounds like it would be an interesting experience if nothing else ever comes of it.

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

Yeah. The educational factor and other experiences might be enough for me to enter into this Project. I've always wanted to be involved in "The Business", but know I don't have the "Front of the Camera" talent. This would be like a Masters Class in the business aspects of the Industry. Having a real IMDB Producer Credit would be a nice credential....oh and in before the first "Gay Porn?" comment.

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

It basically sounds like you are playing a slot machine. Theres a good chance you get nothing back, but there is always the possibility of hitting the jackpot. You say the investment is nothing you can't handle. If the amount of money is not going to affect you now or in the long run then how is this different then taking your money to the casino other then you will have a movie at the end, which might be worthless.I hope that makes sense. Just trying to give you something to think about

Yes. Definitely Slot Machine. I think from a pure EV Calculation this is not a great investment. However, there is a fair chance that I'd be willing to do more than one such project like this in the Future and the experience that I can get is pretty unique. The value of that experience might be worth the investment.

[brvheart 1,752]

My honest opinion is for you to send the script to frau from the entertainment forum. If she likes it, write the check immediately. Also, make sure you get an EP credit. Screw "Producer".

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

My honest opinion is for you to send the script to frau from the entertainment forum. If she likes it, write the check immediately. Also, make sure you an EP credit. Screw "Producer".

You're right, EP is my role. Good point.

[hank213 1,823]

If I kick you a c-note think you can get me a "best boy" credit?

[hblask 1]

If I kick you a c-note think you can get me a "best boy" credit?

Oh, THAT is what I should've told my priest back when I was 15.

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

If I kick you a c-note think you can get me a "best boy" credit?

I already told you, this isn't Gay Porn.

[dna4ever 2]

Yeah. The educational factor and other experiences might be enough for me to enter into this Project. I've always wanted to be involved in "The Business", but know I don't have the "Front of the Camera" talent. This would be like a Masters Class in the business aspects of the Industry. Having a real IMDB Producer Credit would be a nice credential....oh and in before the first "Gay Porn?" comment.

my gay porn email trigger alert sent me hereIf you need any more actors for the movie, I can give you my agents contact information (no joke, i have an acting agent looool)

[eYank 0]

Yes. Definitely Slot Machine. I think from a pure EV Calculation this is not a great investment. However, there is a fair chance that I'd be willing to do more than one such project like this in the Future and the experience that I can get is pretty unique. The value of that experience might be worth the investment.

True. It sounds cool that you will get to be a producer of a movie which could show at Sundance.

[vbnautilus 48]

Getting a film into one of the big festivals is next to impossible. Sundance screens something like 15 dramatic films and receives over a thousand submissions. Many of those that are accepted have big name actors and are produced with large budgets nowadays. It's not what it used to be. I would be less inclined to do it as an investment and more inclined to pay for a film that I really thought should be made. If you think of yourself as a patron of the arts and you believe in the work, then go for it. Then if it makes you money, added bonus!

[ajs510 122]

If you need any more actors for the movie, I can give you my agents contact information (no joke, i have an acting agent looool)

Which would be helpful, if he was casting gay porn. Or a walk-on role in a Bret Michaels spinoff.

[speedz99 145]

Sounds like it would be Fun, so I say Go For It. What's the Worst that could happen?

[dna4ever 2]

Which would be helpful, if he was casting gay porn. Or a walk-on role in a Bret Michaels spinoff.

wtf, I thought this WAS a gay porn audition?disregard my above assistance offer

[ajs510 122]

Sounds like it would be Fun, so I say Go For It. What's the Worst that could happen?

This is going to bug me all afternoon...

[SBriand 4]

This is going to bug me all afternoon...

I'd estimate that there is a Very Good to Excellent chance of the project being completed.

Well here I believe is the catalyst for mattykatty's post.

[ajs510 122]

Well here I believe is the catalyst for mattykatty's post.

Ah yes...pretty much the entire OP now that I look at it. Thanks, that was driving me crazy. <grin>

[BigDMcGee 3,352]

look, there is additional upside that pushes this over the top. If you hit the jack pot and this movie becaomes big, you will be a "producer", meanign you'll be able to bang hot b-list starlets all over hollywood, and maybe become an actual producer. For that chance alone, you should do it.

[Dubey 1,035]

if you truly won't feel the impact of the money, then you really should do it. If you believe in the script, at the very least you will be helping to create a worthwhile piece of art. Besides, if you don't invest, and the movie ends up being succesful, it will forever haunt you, much more than the lost money will if the movie tanks.

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

look, there is additional upside that pushes this over the top. If you hit the jack pot and this movie becaomes big, you will be a "producer", meanign you'll be able to bang hot b-list starlets all over hollywood, and maybe become an actual producer. For that chance alone, you should do it.

Maybe I can do an action movie that'll need a Stuntman...

[frautotenkinder 1,025]

If you want to make money, you should sink the total sum you're willing to spend on lottery tickets. They have a better rate of return.If you want to help make a movie, do your due dilligence: if the actor you know is working with a producer or director who he's worked with previously, look at that previous movie. If it's unwatachble--either because it's terrible, or because they couldn't get any type of distribution--do not assume that will change on this new project.Also, take your temperature. If the movie doesn't stay in budget, they'll ask everyone to write another check. Know your spending limit. Set it in your mind, and don't go over.Fun fact: Tobe Hooper will occasionally tell stories about how he got funding for the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He had talked almost everyone he knew into working for peanuts. He had his great idea, and his script. He didn't have a dime. He ended up borrowing money from acquaintances of a dubious background. And no one's ever really gotten paid (I'm talking residuals here) for their work.

[BigDMcGee 3,352]

Maybe I can do an action movie that'll need a Stuntman...

I know a world famous one.