Ask Adam #3: Can I Make My Movie Without Star Actors?

Independent film producer, former studio executive and media expert, Adam Leipzig, answers Becca’s question: “Can I make my movie with regular actors, not with stars?” Adam says yes you can, and you should try for stars, too.

Ask Adam #4: What Am I Forgetting To Budget For in My Movie?

Independent film producer and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Marc’s question: “What am I forgetting to budget for in my film?” Adam recommends budgeting for contingency, insurance and distribution.

Ask Adam #5: As A Director, Will I Get Final Cut?

Independent film producer and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Susan’s question, “Will I get final cut?” Adam explains the answer in the context of how film distribution deals work.

Ask Adam #6: Filmmakers, Do Film Festivals Matter?

Independent film producer, former studio exec and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Ellis’s question, “Are film festivals really important?” Adam answers this question less than two minutes, touching on how festivals provide opportunities for distribution, networking, movie reviews, building audience and buzz, and being with your filmmaking tribe.

Ask Adam #7: Your Film Didn’t Get into Sundance. Now What?

Ask Adam #7: Your Film Didn’t Get Into Sundance. Now What?

Independent film producer, former studio exec and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Margaret’s question: “My movie didn’t get into Sundance, now what do I do?” Adam answers this question less than two minutes, offering the insight that many great movies didn’t get into Sundance either, and they still got good distribution. Adam encourages filmmakers to keep going and focus on getting their work to distributors and audiences no matter what the festival programmers say.

Ask Adam #8: You Just Got Into Your First Festival, Now What?

Independent film producer, former Nat Geo and Disney exec, and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Michael’s question: “I just got into my first film festival … what do I do?” Adam answers in about 2 minutes that in addition to the fun and honor of being selected, there is a real business reason to attend the festival: distributors may be there, sales agents, investors, etc. Adam advises filmmakers to come to festivals with everything ready for distribution, including media kits and appropriate representation.

Ask Adam #9: How Long Should Your Script Be?

Independent film producer, former studio exec and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Lisa’s question, “How long should my film screenplay be, and does it matter?” Adam answers in about 2 minutes that it does matter, because a script that’s too long shows you haven’t polished it enough, and may be too expensive to shoot. At the same time, he advises that a screenplay should be as long as required to tell its story well.

Ask Adam #10: What Is A Letter of Intent? Can it Help Filmmakers?

Independent film producer, former studio exec and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Jim’s question, “What is a letter of intent?” Adam explains in about 2 minutes that a letter of intent is a way actors can show their support for being in a movie without a full contractual commitment or long negotiation, and with a letter of intent from the right actor you may get the financial backing you need.

Ask Adam #11 Do Indie Filmmakers Need A Lawyer?

Independent film producer, former studio exec and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Francesca’s question, “As an indie filmmaker, do I need a lawyer?” YES! Attorneys will protect you and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive in order to retain one. Flat rates are often offered to indie filmmakers.

Ask Adam #12: What Is A Film Market?

Independent film producer, former studio exec and media expert Adam Leipzig answers Ken’s question, “What is a film market?”

Adam explains in about 90 seconds that it’s kind of like going to a super market for movies. It’s one of the best places to show your finished movie to potential distributors.

123