Make This Movie: A Filmmaking Series Christopher Sakr

Coming April 3rd, 2018, Make This Movie is a serialized 12 episode podcast from ShoHawk Media. It chronicles writer, producer, and director Christopher Sakr's, his crew's, and cast's journey of producing a feature length film called Counterintelligence. Moving episodically through the entire filmmaking process, from writing, to pre-procution, principal photography, through post and release, Sakr will chronicle making this micro budget feature for just under $12,000, with the help of his collaborators and friends lending their skills and voices.
 
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In this first episode of Make This Movie, filmmaker Chris Sakr begins the filmmaking process with the script for Counterintelligence. He traces the story from the initial seed of an idea, through his screenwriting practices, reverse-engineering his script to be made at a low budget, and to his "braintrust"—the close confidants he takes script notes from to polish up the final draft!
 
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In this episode of Make This Movie, Chris introduces accomplished producer and ShoHawk co-founder Michael Hall to break down the importance of budget attention and accuracy in independent filmmaking, some common mistakes at every level of the production game, and how to cover a production for unforeseen expenses. Then, Chris dives deep into his own budgeting process for Counterintelligence, including the sheets he used, how he broke down the script, and how he managed to build a budget and a rough schedule at the same time!
 
For exclusive access to documents relating to this and other episodes, sign up and ShoHawk.com/makethismovie!
 

With the help of former co-producer David Pennington and ShoHawk co-founder Michael Hall, the first half of this episode follows along as Chris unfurls some key attributes of successful film-financing. They explore past experiences, mistakes, and victories relating to both crowdfunding and raising equity finance from investors. Then, Chris synopsizes all the crucial lessons learned throughout self-fincancing Counterintelligence.
 
The second half of the episode dives into the nitty-gritty of taxes, as they apply to independent filmmakers and film production companies. Assisted by his accountant, Steve, Chris breaks down filmmakers'options, what to expect come tax-time, how to plan accordingly, and how to start a production company from the ground up, including his own setup for Counterintelligence Motion Pictures LLC.
 
For exclusive access to guides and documents relating to this and other episodes, sign up and ShoHawk.com/makethismovie!

Casting is among the most important filmmaking processes, and here the window opens to its nuances. Counterintelligence's rockstar casting director Rachel Meyer takes Chris through what it took to cast this movie, and other films she's worked on. She and Chris take us from how they were put in touch initially, through her review of the script, up to audition days and locking in the film's pitch-perfect cast!
 
The second half of the episode reveals the specific workflow Rachel uses to cast movies. She covers organization, outreach techniques, and overall efficiency practices, from working with agencies to reaching out through social media. This deep-dive presents how important and difficult a casting director's work is, and how micro-budget filmmakers and producers can replicate this work if they're strapped for cash.
 

For exclusive access to guides and documents relating to this and other episodes, sign up and ShoHawk.com/makethismovie!

Pre-production is the overwhelming, often monotonous, any essential part of making any film. But especially a micro-budget independent one. It requires diligent attention to detail, communication, and organization. If you pre-produce right, the rest of the process runs that much smoother. Pre-production as a whole is such a dense topic, Make This Movie will cover it in two separate episodes, outside what we've already explored.
 
In Part 1, we'll look at nailing down locations, hiring key crew members, providing necessary contracts getting the right gear, props, and wardrobe. And that's just the half of it!
 

For exclusive access to guides and documents relating to this and other episodes, sign up and ShoHawk.com/makethismovie!