Indie producer Julia Stemock took her professional frustrations and disappointments and made lemonade. The project is the fruit of an innovative 8-hour, 3-table gabfest between more than 36 industry professionals that was organized and staged by Stemock with the idea of passing along the kind of practical, real-world information that could save other aspiring filmmakers from costly mistakes, errors in judgment, or the fallout from ego-blindness. "The Basics of Filmmaking" focuses the cameras on working professionals who cover every step of the filmmaking process, each addressing his or her particular area of expertise. Subjects include accounting, acquisitions, actors, directing, composing and original music, editing, distribution and producer's representatives, festivals and screenings, financing, insurance and completion bonds, legal aspects and copyrights, locations, marketing, music editing and music licensing. Also discussed are negative cutting, post sound, producing, production design and art departments, pre-production and production guidelines, publicity and press packages, schools, titles and digital design, writing and scripts, and more.
The CD ROM included in the package contains a wealth of valuable resources, forms and checklists. Included are lists and website locations for guilds, festivals, trade shows, and industry publications; distributor's delivery requirements; a production chart; feature film and video production budget examples; and, a glossary of terms. Checklists are included for distribution, editorial and sound, finance, insurance, legal, literary acquisition, location, producer, publicity and talent. Agreement forms include co-production, joint venture, location, non-disclosure and writer collaboration examples.
