1 I’ve got a great idea for a film… what next?

All films start with a great idea… but it takes time and effort to get it to the screen and it is often a long process.

To start, you need to have a written concept that you can present to potential producers.

There are four main ways to get an idea (of course there are more – let me know)

1. Write a script yourself. If you have never written before, perhaps you could consider doing a screenwriting course to get started. Also, there are many books / resources available to assist you (check out FTI’s bookstore).

2. Find a screenwriter who is willing to write a script based on your idea. You will also need to find a producer and director who are interested in pursuing it too…

3. Find a script that has already been written – talk to the writer about making it into a film.

4. Find a short story / poem / image / almost anything and get a writer to adapt it for screen. You could do yourself too…

The Australian Writers Guild (AWG) has a list of writers and their pay rates. You can download useful documents from the Screen Australia website that will show you the correct way to format your script and getting started in the industry.

2 How Is Your Application Assessed?

The Film & Television Institute uses a panels for all funding rounds. The panel consists of three professional industry practitioners, chosen by Production Support. Each panelist is sent all applications and supporting material to read and assess. The panel members then convene at FTI to discuss each application with focus on the script, the budget and the merits of the creative team.

The panelists will assess projects in terms of:

STORY

The quality of the script and originality of the idea. The story, the exploration of form and narrative. The potential for direction and performance. Is it well developed and production ready? Is it 5-10 minutes? Is it innovative?

TEAM

Team composition and their ability to deliver within the proposed timeline and budget. Do they have a good show-reel? Do they have a good track record? How are the Directors and Producers statements?

BUDGET

Have they provided a realistic budget that adequately reflects the project’s requirements?

MARKETING

Will the film be likely to do well at festivals?

3 What Crew Do I Need To Have Locked In For My Application?

FTI recommends you have your key crew locked in – most importantly, a Producer and Director.
Having a Producer allows the writer or director to concentrate on the creative elements, and the producer can take care of everything else.

A Director will provide information on HOW the film will look, what processes will be used in order to achieve the ‘look’. Basically, what the final project will be like.

It is great if you can have a Director of Photography, Production Manager, Sound Department and Editor also locked in.

4 How Do I Prepare A Budget?

An A to Z Budget can be downloaded from the Screen Australia (SA) website or you can enlist the services of a production manager or producer to prepare a budget for you.
There are many publications and resources to help you with your budget.

We have a template budget for OOMPF, Raw nerve and Town Of Vincent.

Email me if you would like a copy – nat_eaton@fti.asn.au

5 How Do I Write The Statements Required?

Here are a few tips to help you write statements for your application.

Writers statement
What is the film about? Whose story is it (which character is the voice)? What is happening? What are the challenges faced by the characters? What is the resolution? What are the themes? Why is this film important?

Directors statement
How will the story be told? what conventions will be used? what is the visual style of the film? if referencing styles /. films – HOW will you achieve the look / feel? Will colour or other thematic conventions be used to convey themes / ideas? How do you envisage the finished film? Are there actors chosen or in mind to participate? Where do you think the film should be filmed? What is the genre(s)?

Producers Statement
How will the film be made? Locations? Actors? Costumes? SFX? Safety? Money allocated to all of these if required? Is the crew sorted? How will the film be marketed – what are the plans once the film is finished? Which film festivals will the film be entered into? Have you allocated money in the budget? Think ‘what needs to organized & thought of in order to make this film the way I want?”