One of the most common conversations I have with newcomers to the film industry is about the bragain cost of their production. They often proudly claim that their film is “cheap” to produce. For instance, a horror movie might have a $250,000 or $500,000 budget, and they emphasise that it is cost-effective because it only has one location. While keeping costs low is important, “cheap” is not the holy grail of the market—this is a common misconception that many new filmmakers have.

Understanding Value vs. Cost

The industry is not looking for bargains. What they are looking for is a strong value proposition.

  • If you have a film that the industry values at a million dollars, and you can produce it for half a million, that project has a high chance of being made.
  • Conversely, if your film is valued at a million dollars but you want $10 million to make it, that project will never move forward.

Mastering the Value Proposition

Understanding the value proposition is essential to getting a film made. This means focusing on the elements that bring value to your project and reduce risk. Factors like the genre, the cast, the experience of the director and producer, and the market trends all contribute to the perceived value of your film.

Horror films, for instance, tend to have a strong value proposition because of their consistent demand and lower production costs. However, even within genres known for lower budgets, the key is to ensure that the value you’re bringing to the table exceeds or matches the investment you’re asking for.

Key Takeaways

  • The industry is not simply looking for cheap projects; they are looking for value.
  • Align the budget of your film with its perceived industry value to make it investable.
  • Focus on factors like genre, cast, and team experience to enhance the value of your project.
  • The goal is not to create a bargain but to deliver a strong value proposition that minimises risk and maximises potential returns.

By mastering the balance between budget and value, you position your project as one that is not only financially feasible but also attractive to investors and industry stakeholders. This approach is what ultimately gets films across the line and into production.