Month: May 2012

  • Screenplays, WGA, Copyrights

    In Reed Martin’s, “The Reel Truth”, he recommends that filmmakers copyright their screenplays. The reason for this is that a copyright carries more weight in a court of law than registration does

    Screenplay
    with WGA. He gives examples to prove his point. Also, by copyrighting your screenplay, you are able to make any and all changes you want to make without having to copyright your screenplay again.

    Commitment to Professionalism

    Donald L. Vasicek
    Olympus Films+, LLC
    The Zen of Writing
    http://michaelc.nextmp.net/wordpress
    dvasicek@earthlink.net

  • How to Get An Actor for Your Film

    If you have an actor/actress in mind for your film, call the Writer’s Guild of America, and tell them you would like to have the contact information for the actor/actress you have in mind. You’re limited to 3 actors/actresses per call. Once you get the contact information, write up a small script about what you’re going to say, before you call. The fine point of getting through the gatekeeper, there will always be a gatekeeper, tell them how they can benefit by putting you through to the agent or the actor. Gatekeepers love to be the one who “discovers” the next great role for the actor/actress for whom they are working.

    Award-Winning Writer/Filmmaker Donald L. Vasicek

    One last thing, there are always going to be naysayers in the film business. Believe in your project. Believe in your passion. If you have a slam dunk story, you can get past having an A list actor/actress to launch your project. As for companies, simply keep in mind at all times that you’re bringing an intellectual property to them that can earn them millions of dollars.

    I have learned that perseverance in the film business works. I know because I’ve been at it for 30 years. Don’t take no for answer.

  • How to Get Product Placement in Your Film

    It’s always good to get someone who knows what they’re doing. But, with some research and effort, you can do find sponsors yourself and save the money. It’ll amount to finding sponsors so that you can place products of theirs in your film(s). Research how to approach potential sponsors. You’ll find information on how to do that. Once you find the information, go to work and get your sponsor(s)!

    This will require following instructions on how to pitch (always show the potential sponsor how they will benefit by placing their product in your film, and/or by sponsoring your film). Once you learn how to pitch, then you will learn how to write a pitch letter. Once the letter is written, then do research to find corporations, companies, individuals, organizations, etc. Once you find those you want to whom to send your letter, research who you find to locate individuals who are involved in marketing within these corporations, companies, organizations, etc. Address your letters and send them to these individuals.

    Happy Sponsorship Hunting!

    Donald L. Vasicek
    Olympus Films+, LLC
    The Zen of Writing
    http://michaelc.nextmp.net/wordpress
    dvasicek@earthlink.net

    Award-Winning Writer/Filmmaker Donald L. Vasicek on Location