What I Learned at the Texas Filmmaker’s Production Fund Panel at 2008 SXSW.

Texas Filmmaker’s Production Fund Panel at 2008 SXSW.
Host: Bryan Poyser
Guest Speaker: Geoff Marslett (winner of 3 TFPF grants)

This year’s deadline is June 2, 2008.

With the deadline rapidly approaching for the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund I probably shouldn’t waste your time by telling you how it all began in 1985 or that the Texas Film Hall of Fame is its biggest fundraising event. What am I am going to do though is cut to the chase and give you a few last minute tips that might help you wrap up your application and put all the materials into the mail with the confidence that…well, at least you actually completed the TFPF process and submitted your project before the deadline (postmarked by June 2, 2008.)

So, without further adieu…

…THINGS I LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING THE 2008 SXSW TEXAS FILMMAKERS’ PRODUCTION FUND PANEL.

Presented in one of the smaller panel rooms I attended, the TFPF presentation was packed. (Surprisingly, since Billy Bob Thornton was speaking at the exact same time just across the hall.) The presentation itself was pretty simple. Bryan Poser handed out copies of the 2008 application and we went through it page by page. Three time grant winner, Geoff Marslett, was on hand to offer a bit of advice and present visual representation of projects completed with TFPF funds, as well as, his current work in progress.

Having submitted an application for the grant, myself, in 2006, the information presented and gleaned from this panel was both helpful and frustrating at the same time. Below are some questions that might arise while you prepare your application and hopefully the answers will shed a little light and help make the process a bit easier.

What sort of video sample should I submit?

The video sample is one of the most important aspects of the application. If you have footage from the project you are working on that would obviously be your first choice. Scenes are absolutely the best video footage to submit. They are the clearest representation of your work and talent.

A trailer is probably the worst thing you could submit. Pretty much anyone can cut together a bunch of scenes and make something interesting out of it.

Keep in mind that the jury wants to see something that is going to represent the project you are working on both in tone and quality.

Does my project have to be about a Texas related subject?

No, but you do have to be a Texas resident. The jury is looking for interesting projects and whether or not you have the skills and planning to use the limited funds wisely.

Does the size of my budget matter when applying?

Yes and no.

The recurring theme of this TFPF panel was “will this project be completed?” The further along your project is or the more realistic your budget is play such large factor in the decision making process. You might have a great idea for a film, have already shot several scenes and calculated for a budget of $500,000 but then someone else has a great idea with a budget of $5000. Giving the $500,000 project $2000 isn’t going to put much of a dent in that $500,000 budget unless it’s complete and you are applying for finishing funds. On the other hand, giving $2000 to a $5000 project with a filmmaker who’s already underway and has a good video submission…smarter move.

There are just so many factors involved. Put yourself in the shoes of someone approaching you for money…would you fund your project based on the numbers and experience you’ve laid out for yourself?

How important is the accuracy of the budget?

Very. This was one of the hardest parts for myself because we rushed the application. You really have to sit down and be realistic. If you have never had to create an actual budget before you should apply for the TFPF grant just to give yourself the experience of going through this process. Even if you don’t win any money, you have a great template for your project that you can review, alter and adjust for future financial opportunities.

What exactly is “inkind?”

While this might seem obvious to a lot of people, for those of you who don’t know what this means on the budget application, these are services that you think will be “donated” to your project. This could be food, equipment, cash, etc. (And if you’ve ever made a film in Texas you sure as hell rely on a lot of “inkind” services!)

How much detail do I need to go into on the Project Description?

To put it simply, this is a 3 page literary presentation of your project. Create the most succinct, visually descriptive string of words that you’re able to muster. When a person is done reading your project description you want them to have the same feeling they would have after viewing the finished film.

Express a clear vision and share your passion for the project.

How far do I take my project timeline?

Take it all the way to the finish line and keep running. If you’re going to spend time and someone else’s money you want others to know that not only are you willing and able to complete this project but that you’ve thought about what you’ll do after post production. When do you expect to submit to festivals? Which ones? Do you already have interested parties for distribution and intend to bypass festivals? Are you going to self distribute online and at personal screenings?

Show us the journey your film will take and when it will get there.

TO SUMMARIZE…

Basically, the entire TFPF process is a complete crap shoot. Not to sound negative but the number of applicants increases every year so the competition to get past the first round is pretty strict.

Remember that the jury, as impartial as they might try to be, is still made up of human beings. You never know who is going to read your application, what sort of mood they are going to be in or what type of filmmaking project they favor over another. I’m not saying that there is any favoritism but the cold, hard fact is that you might follow all the rules, create the most passionate project description, have a stunning video sample and calculated the most accurate budget known to man….and still find your project rejected and out in the cold.

The upside of all of this hard work is that, in the end, you now have an incredible business plan that you can use to apply for alternative grants and present to perspective financial investors. And that, to me, is the beauty of the TFPF Grant.

You live and you learn….usually the hard way. But if it was easy it wouldn’t be worth doing now would it?

Best of luck!

CLICK HERE to take a look at sample TFPF Budgets and Proposals.

CLICK HERE for 2008 TFPF Application and Guidelines.

WATCH AN EARLY MUSIC VIDEO BY TFPF AWARD WINNER ” GEOFF MARSLETT”: