A Happy 2014 To All, Let The Fun Begin....

    2014, What's It Mean To You?

  After a couple weeks of doing next to nothing, I'm ecstatic to get the wheels spinning again.  

   First, after stuffing myself with holiday meals and goodies, I'm ready to start churning off these extra calories.  

   I really enjoyed speaking with many of you throughout the holidays.  Goodness knows, I love talking about movies.  I'm definitely looking forward to speaking with even more of you in the upcoming months.  To those of you I've spoken with already, I look forward to continuing those conversations throughout the year.  

   Everyone knows this industry is about cultivating relationships.  Tightly-knit circles revolving around one another. It's a you scratch my back, I'll scratch your back type of world we live in.  It's important we always keep that in mind, when dealing with one another.  I don't know who you know, you don't know who I know, and we'll never know by mistreating one another.  It's nice to know there are folks willing to help you out, even if it's a minor detail.  Something small could end up opening a major door.  We just never know.  

   What's 2014 mean to me?  Bright new beginnings, with many new and old friends, and limitless possibilities.  

 

A Few Factors In The Decision Making Process

  Who Makes The "Cut"?

 I've received quite a response from a discussion I recently started in the Hollywood Funds group on LinkedIn.  So large, in fact, it led to the formation of this blog.  I thought, "you know, Ron, it might be simpler to let folks know what you're looking for."

With that in mind, let the madness begin....

Realism ~ I'm not talking about the film itself, I'm talking about the realistic expectations of the filmmaker.  It's never a good idea to look at any project with a glass half full approach.  For one, you can't know what the public response will be to any film.  So saying, "I have the greatest picture on earth that everyone's going to love," isn't the best approach.  I applaud the confidence, but overconfidence has consequences.  

Identification ~ An email response is okay, but a phone conversation is much better.  I prefer getting to know the filmmaker, before physically seeing anything.  To me, it's really about fostering a relationship built on trust.  As much as I'm getting to know you, you're getting to know me.

Passion and Vision ~ What is it about your project that makes it so meaningful to you?  What can you do or have you done to minimize the risks?  How prepared are you, at this point?  For that matter, where are you with your project right now?  Again, this is information that I want to hear first.  You can prove it after we've decided there's a melding of the minds.  Yes, we will sign NDA's before you send anything over.  I thought I'd just get that out of the way.  

Future ~ I'm looking for filmmakers that we want to work with repeatedly.  Initially, we're looking for lower budgets.  That's not to say we won't go a little higher, it really just depends.  At this time, I won't entertain animations or science fiction films.  I'm on the fence regarding historical films.  

I'll put together more information on future posts, based on the responses I receive.  Yes, the posts will rely entirely upon you.  I'm leaving it in your hands, so don't be shy on LinkedIn.  

Cut to:  Hollywood Funds