Recognition

It is very true that everyone just wants a pat on the back and recognition for whatever it is they do. As I continue to develop Raindance Montreal, I've realized that an easy way to create an active community and bring people together is by recognition. I am going to begin profiling different local filmmakers, and taking submissions of 'filmmaking horror stories' so we can learn from each other, and learn from the peers that are doing the same kinds of things that we are. All of this stuff will be going out in the Raindance Canada newsletter bi-weekly.

Just like the stories we tell through our films, our own personal stories and anecdotes are great tools for learning. If we don't learn from the mistakes of others, we have to make all of the mistakes ourselves....and I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of time!

The biggest new development with Raindance Montreal's Courses and Events is............................. Raindance Film Festival Presents: 48 Hour Film Challenge Montreal!


This has not been made OFFICIAL yet, I am very close to being done my proposal and marketing plan, but I am STOKED about hosting this! We are planning for the 12/13/14 of August. And if anyone knows what August in Montreal is like, they will agree with me that this is a perfect time to run this challenge! We will be holding an event after the challenge, an "AWARD's Night"...which brings me back to recognition! And competition has a driving energy too, I am VERY competitive and played organized sports growing up, so I know all about a good competition. I have never done one of these challenges before, but anyone that has gives the most amazing feedback about what a great experience it was, and FUN of course, and when you combine that with a hearty spoonful of recognition, well then you've got yourself a recipe for relationship and community building. 


Lastly, our very FIRST course in Montreal is now OPEN for registrations! 
WRITE! RIGHT! - a workshop on writing for Film and TV, May 7/8 & 10th http://www.raindance.org/site/write-right-screenwriting-class-montreal

If you have any filmmaking stories or advice to share, feel free to send them to me at montreal@raindancecanada.com

Cheers! Try giving someone some recognition today :)

Kate

Importance of Paper Trails!

 We often dis-regard the importance of contracts, receipts and book-keeping in general. PAPER PAPER PAPER. Especially as a filmmaker a large part of our work will include drawing up contracts and release forms that stipulate the specifics of monetary delegation and protect you from liability issues. Taking the time to draft up these kinds of documents with everyone we work with may seem like a burden, but the time you take to do this will inevitably save time and money down the line. The best offence is a good defense.

 Even if it an un-paying project, you will give your cast and crew piece of mind if it is clearly outlined that they will receive residuals if the project makes money down the line with a deferred payment structure, calculated by hours worked. Photographers must sign a release for their photos before they are taken, a location must sign a release before it is used for liability reasons, actors and extras have contracts that release their likeness and name to the production ect ect. 

There are many online resources that have templates for these types of releases. Contracts become even more specific when money is involved, including percentage negotiations and riders. When big numbers are in play, an entertainment lawyer is a must, which is important to keep in mind when taking your career seriously. 

Receipts will give you exact expense figures which can be used for tax breaks, and will give you a good idea about budgets for future projects. Projecting production budgets could be the swaying factor in receiving funding through grants or investors. It will strengthen your business plan and it will put you in the realm of being among other working professionals in the film industry. 

So do your homework, be prepared, and protect yourself and your projects! 

Kate