here’s a link to some info on 2012′s Section 181. http://www.publiclaw-events.com/investing-in-film-using-irs-section-181-for-federal-tax-credits-vs-new-markets-real-estate-credits/ AND HERE’S A PDF FROM THE GOVERNMENT: http://admin.filmdoctor.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Section-181-12-4-08.pdf
Overseas shooting and Investment ideas?
Doing a Film that has overseas shots, or shooting overseas using American Investors? Here’s some data on dealing with TAX CREDITS and INVESTMENT CREDITS. Here’s a bit of the example in the UK…. Film partnerships have traditionally provided a means [...]
Film Funding – If you are seeking funding and any of these 3 things pop up… RUN!
In My Humble Opinion, if you run into a funding effort that involves one of the below items … RUN AWAY! 1. Upfront Service fees, finders fee, legals, bank charges, travel cost, etc…. ANY OFFER THAT MAKES YOU PAY [...]
SUB-FRAME editing in FCP for AUDIO
Final cut is a FRAME based editing tool. So you have to create a loop that is FRAME accurate in order to “loop” in FCP. You can edit your audio in FCP in SUB-FRAMES if you want, here’s how: You [...]
Have a great story for a script, but don’t know where to start?
Do you have a great story for a script? Feel you can’t write the dialogue? don’t know where to start? Try this: I recommend that you simply write down your story to the best of your ability. Don’t worry about [...]
Use of Sound Effects in Post
In the sound effects world, SFX libraries are buy-outs… you pay for the SFX library and you are given the rights to use for SYNC to picture or as a part of a mix for audio. You are not allowed [...]
Producing a Reality Show – Here are some thoughts.
Here are some of my thoughts on Reality TV producing: 1. own the access… own the show. (at least until they find another talent with similar aspects) 2. Trusted Show Runners / Producers only 3. Characters, Consequences, Comedy, and Conflict… [...]
Creating and Maintaining a Clean Chain of Title for a Feature Film
Here is an amazingly well thought out review of CHAIN OF TITLE by John Cones – Film Finance Attorney, Author, Lecturer Here’s a quick look at the article. To see the entire article ( which I recommend highly ) go to: [...]
Delivering the Mix… Don’t forget the documentation.
The 5.1 mix and the various 5.1 stems should be printed such that when the stems are combined, they create the exact same mix as the 5.1 mix. All the stems and the mix should be delivered according to the delivery [...]
Printing a Mix for your Film
The black hole between you and the final print! I’d like to begin a post discussing the steps and stages of Post production from the point of the final mix beging Finished, to the 35 mm or Video being Show in a threatre or on DVD. I’ve [...]
Questions to ask your film Investor…
Just because you want to make a movie and you have someone willing to give you money.. Be careful before you take the money… know why and what the conditions are. AND, know just who you’re going into business with. Qualify your investor. You can [...]
Audio Levels for Picture – Overview
Dub-Stage / Theatrical Mix To calibrate your room, read this: DUC: Room Calibration for Film and TV Post (or, in a nutshell) (or, a tutorial video) (or, as a last resort, if you can’t get an SPL meter) ”If it [...]
Planning for Filled M&E deliverables for your Film.
When it comes to delivering Filled M&E’s, it always helps to plan from the start. But, if you are the sound crew or post team… when it comes to deliveries for a feature film, it all depends on the film. [...]
Sound for Picture? why bother…. well , here’s why!
Have you ever wondered if assuring your projects sounds as good as it looks is worth it? 1. ”Audio is the single most important technical factor governing viewer retention.” – A quote directly from DISCOVERY CHANNEL PRODUCERS 2. bad [...]
China passes Japan as number 1 in film box office outside US.
For the past several months China has handily beaten Japan’s national box office take, and the gap is widening as China’s torrid pace of revenue growth continues. Although China’s annual total of $2.05 billion for 2011 fell slightly behind Japan’s $2.29 billion, [...]
GOING TO THE MOVIES THIS WEEKEND? Probably not.
GOING TO THE MOVIES THIS WEEKEND? Probably not. How come people aren’t going to the movies so much anymore? Over the past 16 years BOX OFFICE revenue has declined…. In my opinion, this is why…. 1. COST: For the past [...]
US Government Outlook for FIlm Makers
US Government Outlook for Film Makers Making a movie can be a difficult, yet rewarding, experience. However, it is also a very risky one. Although thousands of movies are produced each year, only a small number of them account for [...]
Managing Expectations – Write it all down.
One of the real problems in the media business is that it isn’t quite all business. It’s art as well, and art becomes very personal and subjective. Careers spans both sides of this discussion every day. On some projects you’re [...]
Letters of Credit – and can I use these to help fund a film?
What is a Letter of Credit A Letter of Credit is a document issued by your bank that essentially acts as a guarantee of payment to a beneficiary. This means that if you do not perform your obligations, your bank [...]
Trying to get funding? Here are some tips.
STEP ONE: REALITY CHECK One word… FINANCIALS. Investors are modestly interested in the art, but mostly interested in the financials. Don’t lie to yourself and don’t lie to the investor. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Find out what a reasonable expectation is [...]
How the heck does this film project "start up stuff" work in real life
Let me preface this to say this is a cross between a rant and just some thoughts… It starts to bug me that I hear a broken record from film groups, blogs, and links… it seems that everyone continually says [...]
What camera package should we use?
WHAT CAMERA PACKAGE SHOULD WE USE? One of the questions we get a lot is…”What camera should I use?” That is a tough question, and the answer is complex and has a lot of parameters. Right now the hottest thing [...]
Script Re-Write and Polish Tips
Some thoughts on Polishing your script. Now that you’ve worked through your story problems and have solidified your characters, you can turn your attention to dialogue. It’s normal to have a lot of on-the-nose dialogue in a first draft. But [...]
Film Distribution?
The increase in independent films has created a buyer’s market. Industry observers estimate that there are now 800-1,000 independent pictures made each year in the United States – a dramatic increase from a decade ago. Some people say it’s closer [...]
The Film Doctor team is helping some films
We’re working on DOWN IN THE 5h – Feature Film – Script consulting, Production Services, Development and shoot ATLANTA NIGHTS – Feature Film – Script writing, Producing Services, Development and shoot NEW HAMPSHIRE DAZE – Feature Film – Development Support
Welcome to Film Doctors
We are a professional group of Film makers who enjoy consulting and sharing our knowledge with others. Feel free to contact us with questions or requests for help. You can submit your projects to us for a free evaluation and [...]