Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Producer
How did you become involved with Hopelessly in June?
After leaving GDE in 2008, I realized I needed to really start networking and meeting new people if I was going to succeed as an independent film producer. Along with attending many events in LA, I joined and updated most of the social networks I could get my hands on. One of them being LinkedIn.com. I literally posted, “I am now available full time as a Producer” and through a mutual connection, Vincent Brantley replied with, “You’re looking to produce, I need a producer.” We met at Mel’s in Hollywood to talk and that Saturday I was on set for the first time with Hopelessly in June.
As an indie producer, what additional things are you involved with that a producer on a larger film production wouldn’t be doing?
Well I assume I wouldn’t be shopping for crafty, lugging around a cooler, buying props, casting at a strip club and painting fences… but I do these things (just as all of our cast and crew chips in) because there are only a few of us that have a job to do, this massive goal, a feature film, and without doing all things necessary to get the job done, it wouldn’t be possible. I’m not above any job. I get my hands dirty and I also expect the cast and crew will do the same as they see a need. And they do. We have a team that goes above and beyond because they believe in it. Some of my producer jobs also include: location scouting, continuity, transportation, make up, wardrobe, equipment pick up and painting. Yes, I once had to re-paint a fence to avoid an unhappy location owner shutting us down. Apparently you can’t just touch up a fence with any old can of “white” paint.
What is the biggest challenge for you as a producer of a film with a small budget.
Hiring and keeping crew motivated to work for you. We aren’t offering much and therefore it’s hard to ask for and expect people be available when you want to schedule production and for them to be smiling and on top of their game. But with honest, open communication, flexibility and a friendly attitude we are able to keep our cast and crew on board and excited to work with us. It’s a team effort and we all have a common goal. We all believe in Hopelessly in June 200%.
In December of 2008, did you see yourself still working on Hopelessly in June now, in July of 2010?
Oh hell no! When I first met Vince, they seemed to be “half done” with production. Soon after that the production team and writers sat down and decided they needed a complete script overhaul and plan because this short film (it was originally going to be a 30 minute short) was going to be a feature film. We have never taken “time off” from working on Hopelessly in June. Whether we were shooting, doing re-writes, location scouting, casting or raising money, we are always busy. We all have Vincent to thank for that. He is extremely motivated and determined to get the job done and because of that, Hopelessly in June will be completed and will be on the big screen some day soon.
Tags: Allison Vanore, filmmaking, Hopelessly in June, indie film, networking, producer
