What Film Producer Really Wants - Tips for the entry-level Directors.

 There is the biggest question that every budding director has in their mind. After several pitching and rejection with the production houses, this question makes them sleepless. Their mind tries to crack the puzzle. Even though I haven't pitched a lot of scripts with the producers, I was part of many story discussions and script auditing sessions with the production houses. Every month hundreds of scripts are submitted to the production companies. But only a few get a narration opportunity. I hear people saying that the production houses run based on recommendations. One needs to have the call sheet of big stars. All the story narrations are eyewash.

I would like to share my piece of experience with you. Hope it will give clarity to you.

1. There are no hard and fast rules with the producers. Each one has its own way of the selection process.

2. The ideologies, and belief systems of the producer are different from one another. Hence the first point supports this point.

3. They are looking for an untold perspective of the known conflict or a new conflict that is not told.

4. Each production company has its budget and genre constraints. You need to do research on their previous films.

5. One film script will not suit all the production houses. Based on point number 4, you need to have a tailored made multiple scripts on hand.

6. For the first two projects, writers/directors need to be flexible. They may have to develop scripts based on one line given by the producers.

7. Producers may have prejudice/pre-determination on the films that make them sleepless for years together. They may want to re-create it with their own perspective.

8. When the film industry delivers a hit, some of the producers may want to do similar kinds of films (Genre/Conflicts/Events). Point 7 gets diluted at this point in time.

9. They may look at your patience and perseverance level and test to see if you are serious in the follow-ups.

10. You may have to keep in your mind that even after documentation, projects get shelved because of silly reasons. Be determined and have the courage to face challenges.

I will continue with a few more thoughts in my next article.