Achieving Success With Projects
02-22-11
I personally believe that success at anything requires a good team and a great project. This requires a fantastic idea or product and the money to retain quality people. Surround yourself with the most professional people you can, delegate authority to them and ensure everyone completes their tasks on time.
As I built my team by adding lawyers, accountants, a Trademark agent, sales people, computer pros, etc., I found it easier to raise the funds necessary to make each project I was working on. Different projects require different professionals so choose wisely to ensure everything is covered.
How do you convince the right people to join your team? I will use the movie industry as an example: First create a great idea that will attract those that will work with you because they want to be associated with such a cool project and they believe it will attract millions of viewers and be profitable. If your high concept has the potential to do this, then your chance of gaining the interest of a reputable producer and actors (if there is a strong character arc) improves and which in turn, can bring a studio on board.
l think Johnny Depp is one of the most talented actors we have on Earth and I go to everything he is in, even RANGO, his animated movie is on my ‘to see’ list. To attract an excellent actor, you need a great unique story with an excellent character for him/her to play.
Make sure your initial idea is turned into a Logline, a brief pitch, a synopsis and a solid treatment or better yet, a completed Spec Screenplay. The more developed the product/script is, the easier it is to get to the next level. The day your screenplay lands on a producer’s desk is because they already want to read it and your concept got them interested enough to ask for a copy.
Make sure your protagonist/hero has a fear he/she must face or an emotional problem they must overcome or a hard to reach goal. A role that an ‘A’ list actor can sink their teeth into and desire to play the part. If you can excite an actor or two, especially the type that distributors, producers and studios love, you are on your way. Most people will say approaching stars/actors directly is not a good idea but I believe the more you package a deal – the more chance you have at Hollywood noticing you. Some talent agencies frown on this but you can always ensure that the contract you have those involved sign is dependent upon certain closing conditions (another post for another time). That way if a more talented actor wants in or the Studio/Producer want another actor, you have the ability to do what it takes to move forward.
Your lead character’s actions should flow toward the achievement of their objective. The obstacles you put in the way generates the plot and the greater and greater obstacles – the better the plot.
During the hero’s journey overcoming obstacles to reach their goal, they must transform themselves personally. After facing their fears or reaching their goal – this defines your character’s arc – if your lead character is the same at the end of the story as they began, the character has no character arc. The combining of character arc and how they faced the obstacles creates the underlying theme of your story.
With an excellent character arc, you have a better chance at attracting a star or famous director. Take into account, that directors and stars have many scripts to choose from, you need yours to stand out above the others.
Once you track down the people you require to make your project, you will have to compensate them in some way. Normally this is with some form of currency. Some actors have ‘Pay or Play’ deals (these are where the person gets paid the agreed amount if the movie or product gets made or not). Since we all know everything is negotiable, don’t forget to offer them something else if you don’t have the money at this moment in time. Be creative because you never know what may entice the all important next element to ensure success.
A credit in your film or some form of recognition can interest those that would like to add to their resume. For someone who is already famous or popular giving them points in the project may be the needed factor to gain their interest (the more you offer of the back-end revenue, the less you normally pay up front to retain their talent). Careful as this could lead you to earning less in the long run.
Hollywood studios buy over 10 times as many scripts as they produce into movies, so hopefully your screenplay or product will be the one that is made because you got the right people on board and attracted those that draw the funds to make the project a ‘Go Picture’!
Stay focused on achieving your goals and in time and with the right team, anything can happen. A little good luck can also help you become successful.
Sandford Tuey
admin@Playdigm.com
Persistence is Omnipotent!