The Elements of Producing (Narrated Articles‪)‬ Mike Rekola

Meet the person who can make or break your indie film: The Fixer.
Making an independent film can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, especially for low-budget filmmakers who have limited resources and time. As a filmmaker myself, I understand the importance of having someone who can help streamline the process and keep things on track.
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WHY IT MATTERS…
A fixer can make or break an independent film by ensuring that the production runs smoothly, saving time and money, and ultimately leading to a better end result.
THE BIG PICTURE…
A fixer is an essential part of any film crew, responsible for coordinating logistics, managing permits and locations, negotiating deals, and solving problems on set. In independent films, where resources are often limited, a fixer's role becomes even more critical.
ZOOM OUT…
In the film "The Farewell," director Lulu Wang relied on a fixer to help her navigate the challenges of filming in China. The fixer was instrumental in finding the locations and helping the team work with the Chinese government to get the permits needed.



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Want to make it as an independent filmmaker? You better be prepared to get in shape.
Making movies is hard enough, but doing it on a shoestring budget makes it even tougher. Without physical fitness, stamina, and strength, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage.
As someone who is an Executive Producer in filmmaking, I know firsthand how physically demanding it can be to lug equipment, set up shots, and keep up with actors.
WHY IT MATTERS…
Being physically fit and having stamina is crucial for independent filmmakers because it can help you work faster, longer, and more efficiently. When you’re on a tight budget, time is money.



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Your filmmaking success depends on more than just your talent. A healthy “Sphere of Influence” takes work but always pays dividends. Simply put, a “sphere of influence” is distilled down to the set of people you know. This includes family, friends, community acquaintances, industry colleagues, and more.
The Elements of Producing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
WHY IT MATTERS…
In the competitive world of independent filmmaking, having a strong network can be the difference between getting your project off the ground or not. It’s important to understand how to build and maintain relationships in your sphere of influence to maximize your chances of success.
Sphere of Influence is like playing the game, the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Take yourself, and your goal, and find the best connections that you can leverage. So when you’re facing the question of “how do I get my project off the ground”, or “how do I get on that film’s set”, the answer lies with the people you know. Even if the people you know aren’t in the film industry, they will know someone who can help your objective.


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Hey friends,
Excited to share that THE NOUNERS, the first animated TV funded by the NounsDAO goes to market today!
THE NOUNERS is an absurd animated tv pilot that we created for one of the largest crypto communities. They are basically a group that holds $45 million dollars and gives it out to creatives to make amazing art that proliferates their brand. (www.nouns.wtf).


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Unleash the full potential of your low-budget film with masterful storyboarding techniques.
Low-budget filmmakers often struggle to effectively plan and visualize their projects, leading to wasted resources and subpar results. As a filmmaker on a tight budget, I understand the importance of maximizing resources and effectively communicating the visual story to my team.
WHY IT MATTERS…
Storyboarding is a crucial step in the filmmaking process that can save time and money while elevating the quality and impact of the final product.


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Word Count: #378 | Read Time: > 2 Minutes
Maximize your film's potential by understanding the pros and cons of debt and equity financing.
WHY IT MATTERS…
As an independent filmmaker with a budget between $100,000 and $5 million, understanding the difference between debt and equity financing is crucial in making the most out of your limited resources. Knowing which financing option is best for your project can mean the difference between a successful film and a financial flop.
THE BIG PICTURE…
One recent example of a low-budget film that made a big impact is "Honeyland", a documentary about a beekeeper in North Macedonia. The film was made on a budget of just $300,000, but went on to win numerous awards and even received an Academy Award nomination. However, the filmmakers behind "Honeyland" didn't just rely on a small budget to make their film a success - they also made strategic decisions about financing. By understanding the pros and cons of both debt and equity financing, they were able to secure the funding they needed to make their film a reality.
ZOOM IN…
For example, the filmmakers behind "Honeyland" chose to use equity financing, which meant they sold shares in the film to investors in exchange for funding. This allowed them to avoid taking on debt and incurring interest, but it also meant they had to give up some control over the film's creative direction.
On the other hand, if they had chosen debt financing, they would have taken out a loan to fund the film, but would have had more control over the project. Debt financing is a method of raising funds for a low-budget film by borrowing money from a lender such as a bank, credit union, or investment company. The borrower is then required to pay back the loan, plus interest, over a specified period of time. Debt financing can come in the form of a traditional bank loan, a line of credit, or a crowdfunding campaign.
ACTION ITEMS…
* Research different types of financing, including debt and equity options, to understand which one is best for your film.
* Consult with a financial advisor or accountant to help you make informed decisions about your film's budget and financing.
* Look into grants and other forms of non-traditional funding to supplement your film's budget.
Most independent films fail due to poor financial planning!
Don't be a part of this statistic…
Use this comprehensive production budget template for your indie film.


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