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Deborah S. Patz – Author

Author of film books for industry pros and youth

Aug132010

Which Expensive Elements Do You Need In The Budget?

Can you imagine a production where nothing in the budget was extraordinarily expensive? No, of course you can’t. There always happens to be expensive line items in a production budget: kids, animals, special effects; period settings; night shoots; etc. Why? Because you need them.

Expensive elements make the production something special… but – importantly – the right expensive elements are more than just flash. The best ones have at least two purposes for their existence, one of them being a direct connection to the storyline or characters.

The trick is not to to have too many expensive elements in a production. Too many and the budget will be stretched too thin, leaving you with insufficient resources to accomplish any of them well. Narrow down to the one(s) that really matter – that solidly contribute to the story – and then allocate enough production money to them to really excel.

Do that, and the production will indeed be something special, plus you’ll have a lot to talk about during publicity and marketing.

Here are links to my previous blog entries talking about all those lovely expensive elements… just pick and choose!

See http://debpatz.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/5-expensive-budgetary-items/ for a discussion on:

1. Period scripts
2. Animals & Children
3. Night Shoots
4. Distant Shoots
5. Anything CG

See http://debpatz.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/5-expensive-budgetary-items-ii/ for a discussion on:

6. Stunts & Special Effects
7. Prototype Equipment
8. Large Vistas
9. International Coproductions
10. Music Rights

And see http://debpatz.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/5-expensive-budgetary-items-iii/ for a discussion on:

11. Lots of Set-Ups
12. Lots of Unit Moves
13. Name Stars
14. Weather-Dependant Scenes
15. Rush Hour, Hockey Season & Other Fun Times

Cheers & happy budgeting to you!
Deb

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“Film Production Management 101:
Management & Coordination in a Digital Age”
** SECOND EDITION IN BOOKSTORES NOW **

UPCOMING EVENTS (more details at www.debpatz.com):
* Getting Your Ducks In A Row – Free Book Virtual Event – in August at FB/DebPatzBooks
* Booksigning/Canadian launch at Indigo Marine Drive, N.Vancouver – Sat.Sep.11
* WIFV Networking Breakfast with Deb Patz in Vancouver – Tue.Sep.21
* Booksigning/USA launch at the Writers Store in Burbank – Sat.Oct.23

Aug62010

Film Production Management 101 – What’s New About It?

 A second edition… what’s new about it, you ask? Well, let me tell you!

“Film Production Management 101: Management & Coordination for a Digital Age”

Since 2002 there have been a lot of changes in the tools we use to produce film and television. It’s definitely time for an update to the book! Digital is the first choice for filmmaking format with film stock coming now in second. That alone is a 180 degree turnaround. This new edition only starts with that 180 degree turnaround in coming up-to-date! Inside you’ll also find a whole new chapter on publicity in this digital age, and lots of new information on money-saving tools like previs, and ISAN and much more.

The new edition is over 500 pages now… so, I guess in short: it’s bigger, it’s better; and it’s written for today’s production world!

As for what’s the same? It’s still a terrific on-the-job resource for both Production Managers and Coordinators. Not only that… when you look at Amazon, it’s all for the same price! Whattadeal.

So, read it and make up your own mind, and then share your thoughts with others on Amazon.

I also invite you to connect with me and the PM101 community on Facebook at DebPatzBooks. At the moment there’s a “Getting Your Ducks In A Row” Free Book Virtual Event going on. “Like” the page, write on the wall and/or post a picture of your interpretation of “getting your ducks in a row” for a chance to win the first autographed copy of the new book! Looking forward to connecting with you there!

Cheers,
Deb

– – – – – – – – – – – –

“Film Production Management 101:
Management & Coordination in a Digital Age”
** SECOND EDITION IN BOOKSTORES NOW **

UPCOMING EVENTS (more details at www.debpatz.com):
* Getting Your Ducks In A Row – Free Book Virtual Event – in August at FB/DebPatzBooks
* Booksigning/Canadian launch at Indigo Marine Drive, N.Vancouver – Sat.Sep.11
* WIFV Networking Breakfast with Deb Patz in Vancouver – Tue.Sep.21
* Booksigning/USA launch at the Writers Store in Burbank – Sat.Oct.23

Jul302010

How is a Wrap Party Like a Wedding?

“Film Production Management 101” has a checklist for a wrap party so you can remember all the elements necessary to plan an excellent, memorable wrap party. I’ve always thought planning a wrap party was much like planning a wedding reception, but done much faster. Let’s have a look:
 

WRAP PARTY WEDDING
Invitation list & invitations Invitation list & invitations
Party Room Church & Reception Venue
Decor (of Room) Decor (of Room, Church & Bridal Party)
Music Music
Other Entertainment (Wrap Reel, etc.) Wedding Photographer
Catering and Bar Catering and Bar
License (for Bar) Marriage License
Notifications (Police, Fire, Health…) Newspaper Notifications (if desired)

 

Soooo… it looks as though if you’re thinking of getting married, your experience planning wrap parties – or at least my Wrap Party Checklist – will do you well! I know I’ll be using it. 😉

To download the forms that accompany “Film Production Management 101” – including the Wrap Party Checklist – swing by the MWP Books site at: http://www.mwp.com/virtual-film-school/resources

Cheers & happy wedding… uh, wrap party… planning to you,
Deb

“Film Production Management 101:
Management & Coordination in a Digital Age”
** SECOND EDITION IN BOOKSTORES AUGUST 2010 **

UPCOMING EVENTS (more details at www.debpatz.com):
* Getting Your Ducks In A Row – Free Book Virtual Event – in August at FB/DebPatzBooks
* Booksigning/Canadian Launch at Indigo Marine Drive, N.Vancouver – Sat.Sep.11
* WIFV Networking Breakfast with Deb Patz in Vancouver – Tue.Sep.21
* Booksigning/USA Launch at the Writers Store in Burbank – Sat.Oct.23

Jul232010

Film Production Management 101 at Theatrebooks

What a great bookstore for industry books! One of my all-time favs.

I was in Toronto recently and dropped by Theatrebooks to show them the new edition of my book before it arrives in bookstores next month. They hosted a booksigning for the last edition of my book… way back in 2002!

What a warm homecoming-like welcome I received on this visit! Even from Breeze (here guarding  the door).

For this edition, the first booksigning will be here in Vancouver, so I’ll have to be in Theatrebooks in my heart this time! For those of you in the Vancouver area, I hope to see you in person! Details coming soon… (oh boy!)

Cheers,
Deb

“Film Production Management 101:
Management & Coordination in a Digital Age”
** SECOND EDITION IN BOOKSTORES AUGUST 2010 **

UPCOMING EVENTS (more details to come):
* WIFV Networking Breakfast with Deb Patz in Vancouver in September
* Booksigning at the Writer’s Store in Los Angeles in October

Jul162010

Inspiration at the Movies: Shanghai Noon

“Alright, we’re just going to wing it.”
– Roy O’Bannon (Shanghai Noon, 2000)

Do you ever feel like this when it comes to using new technologies and social medias? I know I do.

The cool thing about “winging it,” though, is that although there is no full plan in place, reviewed and rehearsed, you act anyway. You don’t sit idly by. The other cool thing about “winging it” is that it conjures up images of flying… and you have to do something in order to soar. Oh yes!

So, in honour of winging it, I’ve recently created and posted my first YouTube video (ok, ok, call me a late starter) talking to you about the new edition of my book “Film Production Management 101” from a director’s chair “on set”. Wing it! Have a look…

Cheers & a good shoot to you!
Deb

– – – – – – – – – – – –

“Film Production Management 101:
Management & Coordination in a Digital Age”
** SECOND EDITION IN BOOKSTORES AUGUST 2010 **

Jul92010

Memorable Movie Moment: Prince of Persia

Not all memorable movie moments are dialogue-based, and some are outright unexpected.

During the chase scene in the holy city, one of the henchmen was busy keeping track of the fast moving hero (who was leaping from building to building), when the henchman pretty much knocked himself out running into a low doorway.

I love this movie moment. If you have experienced such a moment – a hit or near miss on a low doorway – while exploring ancient cities and ruins then you’ll laugh along with me. It’s the laughter of “That’s so true; I’ve been there!” This lovely bit of detail amid wall-to-wall action connects fiction to reality… our reality. It further extends our suspension of disbelief and instantly brings us into the movie itself.

Just goes to show… you can have memorable movie moments at unexpected places. And we love it.

What unexpected memorable movie moment comes to mind for you?

Cheers,
Deb