The first draft of the first screenplay I ever wrote left a lot to be desired. It was a family drama I wrote with a friend of mine in the fall of ’94, just months after I graduated UCLA Film …
Co-Production Protocol
Today I’d like to discuss a handful of thoughts on co-production protocol, with regards to partially financing your feature films overseas. So, without further ado, here are five tactics designed to assist you in your journey. Don’t Give Anyone A …
Co-Production Financing
Today we’re focusing on International Co-Productions as a way to finance your cinematic genius in waiting. Now, unless you already have direct relationships with government-run cinema finance boards all across the globe, the best way to crack the door open …
Just Say “Yes!”
Welcome to Going Bionic. Last week’s article, “Just Say No,” discussed five things to say “no” to, when it comes to advancing your career or increasing the salability of your film. Thus, today we’re going over five things to say …
“Moonlight” Rightfully Shines Upon Us
Wow….did that just happen? The better question is, How in the Hell did that happen? How exactly did Warren Beatty announce “La La Land” as the “Best Picture” winner, only to have it reversed in favor of “Moonlight” moments later when “La …
Just Say “No” to Bad Clauses in Your Distribution Contract!
Hey everybody, I hope you had an epic week. As we all know, every single creative person in the entertainment industry hears the word “no” far more than he or she hears “yes.” Thus, my intension today is to provide …
Note to Self: How to Deal With Bad Notes!
Happy Hump Day, everyone. I hope your Valentines Day was joyful and fun . Getting back to reality, today we’re exploring three quick ways on how to field horrific notes on your scripts or feature films, without jumping off a …
Copyright Insights
Hey everyone. Today we’re going to explore a few key “Copyright Strategies” that can sharply increase the value of your cinematic property. However, before we start strategizing, let’s walk through a few basics first. The Basics: Copyright Protection in Years …
Investors and You!
It was February of 2006. I had just returned from my annual birthday trip to the Super Bowl when I learned that an indie producer from the east coast wanted to hire me to rewrite a modern day pirate script. …
Sundance by the Numbers
Hey, filmmakers! Since Sundance is in full swing, I thought today would be a good time to discuss three insights on the Sundance submission process. Acceptance Numbers Don’t Lie, Even if You Wished They Would For the 2017 edition happening …
What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Sale!
Hi everyone. I hope you had a magical week. Welcome to “What To Expect When You Are Expecting (A Sale). Today’s article is written for filmmakers who are selling their recently completed motion picture. With Sundance and Slamdance coming up …
4 Key Career Strategies for Filmmakers
Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope you had a great first half of the week. Today I’m going to centralize on protocol and strategy for first time and or emerging filmmakers. My intension here is to give you a bit of …
4 Key Business Plan Strategies For You!
Happy Monday, everyone. I hope your weekend treated you well. Now the workweek is once again interrupting our Sunday afternoon happiness, I thought it’s be a good time to infuse a bit of )useful information. Today we’re going to discuss …
3 Keys to Approaching Investors
Greetings from unusually chilly Hermosa Beach (anything under 70 degrees is freezing to me). As tormented waves crash into the cool sand behind me, I thought now would be a good time to post a column on how to deal …
Get Yourself into Motion! 3 Things to do Before Next Wednesday!
Happy Hump-Day, friends. I hope your week (and year) is off to a roaring start, but if it isn’t, this article may help to get you in motion. In our ever tangled world of entertainment and technology, advancements happen as fast …
Indie Film Budget Sweet Spots
Welcome to Monday. Before we get rolling into what surely will be a hectic week, let’s first enjoy The Boomtown Rats, classic, “I Don’t Like Mondays.” With 2016 clearly in our rear view mirror, today is the perfect time to …
Managing Expectations
Happy New Year, friends and colleagues. I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful holiday season, and are rested and ready to embark on 2017. As we dive into the new year, I wanted to share my column, …
Discovering the Marche Du Film 2016!
Welcome to Going Bionic, coming to you live from the Marche du Film, otherwise known as the Cannes Film Market. By the Numbers The 2016 edition of the Cannes Film Market had already registered a record, 11,900 registered professionals, which …
Looking into the Lens of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival
Welcome to Going Bionic, and say hello to our first of many articles focusing on the 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival. I’ve attended Cannes every year since 2002, (minus 2011, when I stayed home to make sure I witnessed the …
Prepping for Cannes!
This time next week I’ll be struggling with jetlag as I attend the Cannes Film Festival and the Cannes Film Market. However, regardless of how painfully hectic it gets down in the trenches, I’ll remind myself “the trenches” are perched …