How do you convince a movie producer to make your film?

How do you convince a producer to transform your screenplay into a film? In short, convince the producer that the resulting film will make money.

Their problem, as you know, is to come up with the money and manage the business aspects of the film. Try to help them solve their problem. Or at least hint that you won’t make their job any harder than it already is.

Here are 5 things you can do which will help your case when pitching your film ideas to producers.

Bypass the studios. If you’re reading this blog post, you may assume you aren’t making a blockbuster opus for A list studio talent. Set your sights on markets for low budget product. Think DIY, not studio.

Demonstrate that you understand who will see your film. Do not pitch your producer connections on your personal artistic statement. Talk about the audience instead of yourself. Who will want to see this movie, buy the DVD, tell their friends to go see it? What’s their motivation? What’s the hook from their perspective?

Write for a low budget. Producers are more likely to take a risk on a newcomer when the risk isn’t very big.  You can reduce that risk by consciously minimizing the outlay of cash, time, and headache it will require to realize your vision. Avoid writing stuff into your script if it costs money. Good dialogue is cheap to film and the centerpiece of a good screenplay. Fancier stuff can always be added if there’s money for it. It’s easier to make money on a film that doesn’t have to make a lot of money to break into the black.

Demonstrate that you understand the financial model for your film. Are you going direct to the end user through Youtube? If so, you’ll need millions of hits to earn much money. What’s the hook about your movie which attracts such a following? Are you selling DVDs to the fans of cast members with an established following? If so, how many units do those fans usually buy when that established artist has a new product? Show the producer that you have done your homework.

Don’t take it personally. If the producers you approach seem to dismiss your film ideas or won’t read your screenplay or end up not producing whatever you’re pitching, remain calm. This makes everyone’s job easier. Show interest in their perspective and reasoning. Ask what they’re looking for. This helps keep the door open in the event you come up with another movie idea someday that might fit what they can produce.

More about this in my blog post about elevator pitches for independent filmmakers and screenwriters.

Good luck with your pitch!