Can you help me raise money for my movie?

In a sense. I have been a funder, and I can give seasoned advice about things that do and don’t work in a proposal… also, whether your proposal is appropriate for the funder you’re pursuing. I’m not a professional grant-writer, but as with your movie, I can give you good advice about whether your grant proposal, or other document or plan, is ready for prime time.

What do you charge?

This is always worked out in a negotiation, based on the nature of your project and the work you want to do. So we should talk about those things first. Don’t be afraid. I want you to have money left for your movie.

Will you introduce me to important people? Or show them my work?

It’s not really a part of my service. I’m here to prepare you to approach people in a professional and powerful manner with your work. However, I do talk to “important” people all the time, and if I feel like it, and you’ve indicated that it’s okay, I’ll talk about your work. I may or may not tell you about it, depending on the situation. Those professionals are also entitled to their privacy. Usually, conversations naturally lead to the names of people who are, or might be, important to you and your work.

Can you help me with staffing / casting / repping / selling my movie?

I can talk all day about these things, and I have very strong and seasoned opinions. However, I will always advise you to hire a line producer, casting agent, producer’s rep, or sales agent before taking my opinion as gospel.

So then, you’re like a ‘script doctor’, right?

Not really. I don’t see your work as sick or in need of a Doctor. In its ideal state, it is wonderful and powerful. I’m just trying to help you find your way to that ideal. Every project is well-begun. Some have higher hills to climb.

Can you help me get into festivals?

Together, we can streamline your approach, so that you and your film are couched in an aura of respectability and professionalism, in addition to displaying your inspiration and talent. We can certainly also review key “dos and don’ts” that can impact a film’s chances of surviving screening processes, and being shown.

I’m already broke. Why do I need to pay you?

You may feel broke now, but just remember that any film awaiting production, screening or distribution still faces many challenges and risks that can deepen your penniless state. My commitment is to help you steer past perils and pitfalls to your ultimate success.