BUSINESS AFFAIRS RESOURCE BOOSTER (BARB)

 

The Business of Producing Screen Content

 

Successful productions are often dependent on what stage the business factors are initiated and how well the primary tasks of securing copyright, negotiating and financing are executed. The producer has to be able to bring all of the pertinent facts together; keep an eye on the big picture of the whole production; and juggle the various elements to ensure they all stay together for however long it takes to complete.   This intense workshop with case studies focus is on business strategies for producing screen content including: The critical importance legal advice plays in negotiating intellectual property rights, executing above-the-line contracts  and gaining insight as to why contingent deals should be based on the producer's share of revenues Bringing ‘production surety’ to a project. Why the production company and its executives’ financial reputations will have bearing on a successful due diligence test and the impact lack of ‘due diligence’ will have on the production ability to finance and insure productions.  In addition, the workshop will address the critical task of maintaining legal and financial control so as not to hinder production starts, cash inflow, the ability to complete final closings and the collection of financing holdbacks and tax credits.

​

Starting a Production Company

 

The workshop is designed as a broad introduction for those interested in: starting their own production company, cultivating and building their media producer intelligence, planning a shoot and/or selling their skills as a freelancer and indie-producer providing production services to the media industry. The workshop will provide clarity on corporations, partnerships, single purpose corporations, when and if it’s necessary to incorporate, and the importance of performing due diligence on your personal credit history, company brand and all matters related to the government such as business registration/incorporation, consumer and income tax filings. You will also understand the important role record-keeping and bookkeeping have in manifesting due diligence and confidence in your management skills. Other topics include what production companies look for in order to confidently hire the services of a freelancer and why delivering as promised is important to the success of your business. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding the business language of the industry, getting organized, understanding and building your own brand, and awareness of the various professions, consultants, agencies and organizations with the capacity to support your business and production aspirations.

​

Producing Documentaries

​

This workshop with case studies takes participants through the various stages of making a documentary, from concept to financing through production, post-production, delivery and distribution. Participants will discuss the proposal, research and development, the documentary treatment, ownership, life rights and the insurable pitfall of wild shooting, financing, production schedule, the budget, insurance and production surety aka/completion guaranty, the critical relationship between producer and director, getting into the field, clearances, post-production budgets, and the importance of transcription as an efficient editing tool. This lecture-based workshop, with handouts, provides an overview of how to finance factual programming, big or low budget, in today’s multi-platform and streaming environment.

​

​

MADE IN CANADA (MIC) VIRTUAL CAMPUS TOUR

​

Making films in Canada & getting seen in your own backyard is tough. In addition, the competition for financing and eyeballs is even tougher. Pushing back requires new business models and incorporating new tools and we are pleased to introduce you to 2 vital ways to grow your filmmaking capacity and industry knowledge.

 

SCREENING & PANEL DISCUSSION

WANT to bring Canadian Film into your curriculum or program?  MADE IN CANADA (MIC) Feature Documentary is a unique “must see” for filmmakers, film students, groups and organizations supporting filmmakers.  We offer a 90 minute assembly program which includes a private screening followed by a panel discussion about our national film industry

 

PRESENTER: Marva Ollivierre, Writer/Producer – Moderator: Location Host

 

PANEL: A Made In Canada screening always engender a spirited “call to action” and as an educational tool, a companion panel discussion is critical support for context, current industry situational analysis, and bridge from the screen into the classroom or meeting room.

 

MIC REVIEWS: 

"If you've been watching the industry since the days of Videodrome, much of Made in Canada functions as Canadian Filmmaking 101, complete with animated breakdowns of funding formulas.  M.I.C. provides some potent (and visual) reminders of how little of the box office Canadian creators can claim. --- Boyd does go in search of solutions, --- but it's a good primer for the frequently frustrating state of the domestic industry."   

- Eli Glasner, THE BUZZ, CBC    

​

"An impressive debut for Boyd’s first feature, because this is a film that speaks to my love of Canadian films, but truly, this is a film Canadians must see, and something that will generate valuable discussion within the industry as well. This film encapsulates what I scream at closed doors for twenty-four hours a day in my desire to promote Canadian Film. What is disappointing is that since 2010 – when this film was made – we haven’t actually progressed as much as people say we are. As Elvis said, “A little less conversation, and a little more action, please”". 

- Kindah Mardam Bey, Press Plus 1

​

CONSULTATIONS

​

Got questions on the Business of Producing Screen Content? BARB have answers and if not, BARB will help you find answers. Private consultation available – Minimum 2Hrs.

Submit inquiry on CONTACT page.  

​

"… we're super excited and wouldn't have been able to do it without your support especially as we struggled to get the project off the ground …your help with mentorship, contract support and just being there as a person we could go to has been huge!  especially the rock you've been for Tiff.  she loves you!" 

- Chris Kang, Business Partner/Associate Producer, The Apology