The Go-To Workshop for Independent Producers

I recently attended a “Budgeting & Scheduling Workshop for Independent Producers” in Atlanta, GA.   The event was hosted by Symmetry’s Entertainment co-founder, Dianne Ashford. The workshop covered a multitude of aspects of the entertainment industry such as script breakdowns, budget sheets, unions (SAG, DGA, IATSE), and software management.  

Dianne began her work with Rainforest Films founders Rob Hardy and Will Packer producing their straight to DVD films Motives 2-starring Vivica Fox and Trois 3: The Escort-starring Brian White.  I gathered much information and knew I had to comment about my learning experience on my blog.

First and foremost, I was completely impressed by her knowledge of unions and how they operate in the entertainment industry.  The Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) was one of the unions providing low budget basic agreements for narrative theatrical screenplays-which may fit the needs of indie writers. Since, I’m located east of the Mississippi, the WGA East would serve my needs. You may review a brief illustration below: 

This union’s benefits are numerous.  Contracts are written with WGA and payments are made when finished products are distributed on television, DVD, and other media outlets. Other benefits include:

· Receiving minimum rates

· Credit and creative protection

·      Residuals

Other knowledge gathered was related to payments to high-profiles actors, bond companies, and the severity of receiving clearance for the usage of other’s original work.

Additionally, as an indie writer and producer I definitely want to protect my work and some of my choices are:

·      Registering my work as a student for $17 with the WGA East.

·      Registering my work online for $35 with the U.S Copyright Office.

·      For extra security, the “poor man’s copyright” by mailing a copy to myself with a post-mark date from the postal services.

Using actual scenarios, Dianne provided me with additional keys to success such as producer’s roles, review of movie scripts, equipment rates, industry-standard lingo, and using reference materials to my advantage.

Big Kudos to Dianne and I wish her much success in her future endeavors.  I recommend this workshop for all levels of independent producers.

FYI: I also would love to have her mentor me.

I hope that these words encourages anyone who reads them.

Thanks for stopping by & I welcome all feedback.