if you want to produce it yourself, you're going to have to dig deep and shell out at least a few thousand dollars. maybe not hundreds, but probably at least tens.

if you want to sell it, the first step is you're going to have to get an agent.

your location has a lot to do with how you'll be able to do all this.

www.maketradefair.com
www.thehungersite.com
www.oxfam.ca

I am interested in doing what zach braff did with garden state. I have no idea if he sold it to fox searchlight or what but I am interested in directing it and acting it it... If I sold it wouldn't I lose director rights and not have the opp. to act in it?

Thanks for the replay by the way.

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Originally posted by xinu

I am interested in doing what zach braff did with garden state. I have no idea if he sold it to fox searchlight or what

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Zach Braff was a successful actor who had already directed for TV when he found a producer (Danny DeVito) to agree to finance his script if he could attract name talent. He went to his agent and they put the package together.

If you truly want to follow in his footsteps you need to get yourself a job as an actor on a TV series, make a good short film and direct a few episodes of a TV series.

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but I am interested in directing it and acting it it... If I sold it wouldn't I lose director rights and not have the opp. to act in it?

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Without some sort of resume as a director and actor the chances are high that you would not be hired to direct and act if you sold it.

If you cannot put up the money yourself, you're going to have to find an executive producer who believes in you enough to find the money.

It's not easy, but it's done all the time. Sometimes it just ends up being a group of friends that pool their money to make the film.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

Thanks so much guys for your replys. This is helping me sort out what I need to get done.

Now on to more questions...

Well Then what I am thinking is getting the money to do it myself. Lets say I get the money. Do I contact a production company to do it for me? Or do I just rent equipment and do it myself?

Also, I read on the writer guild of america, WGA, that they are helping new talent in the independent film market. They have agreements that would help writers film a project. From what I understand they will give up to $1.2 mil. for projects. Lets suppose I get that. what would I do with the money??? Buy a production set for a few months, props that I need? Hire actors, directors, producers??? Or just use the money to film with.

hmmmm...I would find someone who has shot several short films...(One's you like) and pay them to make your movie. You can do it yourself, but remember that, as I am learning, the first movie you make will probably not be as good as you wish. At least hire someone who has done this before to advise you. That's my two cents.

Matthew Sconce

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Originally posted by xinu
Well Then what I am thinking is getting the money to do it myself. Lets say I get the money. Do I contact a production company to do it for me? Or do I just rent equipment and do it myself?

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With your limited experience it might be best to hire a production company.

Have you thought of maybe getting a little more experience as an actor and director before you jump into this project?

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Also, I read on the writer guild of america, WGA, that they are helping new talent in the independent film market. They have agreements that would help writers film a project. From what I understand they will give up to $1.2 mil. for projects. Lets suppose I get that. what would I do with the money??? Buy a production set for a few months, props that I need? Hire actors, directors, producers??? Or just use the money to film with.

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When you ask, ?Or just use the money to film with.? that?s exactly where the money will go - to producers, actors, crew, equipment, props, film, labs, and sound.

People with money to invest in movies (even grants like the WGA) are interested in helping people with at least some experience. I?m sure that you can appreciate that.

Someone who has made a few short films, worked in the business for a while as a writer, or actor or director of photography or production manager, who wants to make a movie will have a better chance of getting money than an inspired, dedicated amateur.

I?m not suggesting you don?t try. Go for it! Many strange and unexpected stories come out of the production business.

Just remember to put yourself in the position of the people with money. The Writers Guild gets hundreds of thousands of requests for their grant money every year. Other than a great story you believe in and the knowledge that you are the best actor and director for the script, what does your project have that is better than all the others?

How can you show people that you are the best actor and director?

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

I say if you want to direct it you shouldn't act in it then. My advice pick which ever one you like, to me it would be easier if you acted in it, that's if you have acting experience.

This is the best posting site I think I have ever been to. Everyone, thanks so much for your input. certified instigator, your advise has been very honest and I thank you a bunch for it.

Well I have decided to try and get the money myself. About how much does it cost to get the final product?