The Race to Win the Box Office

What really makes a movie a box office hit? Some may say the storyline; others may say, the actors but my answer is totally about the numbers. Such as how much money did it make the opening weekend? What was the estimated production cost of the movie? What are the chances of the movie being a sequel? The primary sites I check for these numbers are Box Office Mojo, IMDB, and Reuters.

One of my mentors shared some insights that intrigued me. For instance, a studio produces a movie for $20 million. Opening weekend the sites report the movie made $43.3 million.  Have you ever wondered how all those movie tickets are calculated in a weekend? They’re not! They are estimated figures; the official numbers don’t come out until Monday. Bet you didn’t know that! I want to review two movies from this opening weekend Iron Man 3 starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Tyler Perry’s Peeples starring Kerry Washington.

As everyone may know this is part three of Iron Man which; had a production budget of $200 million but has grossed a whopping $949 million worldwide. By the way, Iron Man 3 is now ranked the second-biggest movie opening of all time. Peeples, on the other hand, production budget was estimated to be $15 million but only grossed $4.9 million, domestically. The chances of Iron Man being a part four is very high, however, I don’t expect a part two for Peeples.

From a producer’s perspective, the goals are to exceed the production budget. If you’re thinking that money from the box office is going into the director, producers, or actors’ pockets- you’re wrong. About half of the money goes to the various theatre chains and other portions go back to the studio to recoup the money spent in production. Also the studio may use the box office money for marketing commercials, billboards, and radio stations. 

Tyler Perry Goes to Jail?

Tyler Perry allegedly does not sow all “Good Deeds. ” We’ve heard about him footing the bill for the late, great Whitney Houston’s funeral; and even replacing a woman’s stolen van in Atlanta.  However, a recent incident caused him to be viewed negatively by the press.  

Terri Donald, author of “Bad Apples Can Be Good Fruit,” proclaims she sent a copy of her book to Tyler Perry Studios before the movie started filming. Donald is requesting $225,000 in damages as well as her book being credited in the opening and closing credits. She believes this deed should not go unpunished for the stolen plot of the film. Donald even went as far to demand the accounting revenue of the film to date.

Although this is not the first lawsuit, it definitely will not be the last. Tyler Perry needs an efficient research and clearance team to ensure that the court visits ceases. Back in 2010, Perry faced another lawsuit for copyright infringement regarding a song used in an episode of the comedic sitcom, “Meet the Browns.” Additionally, the late gospel singer’s estate sued on behalf of Bertha James when Madea used the chorus from her song in “Madea goes to Jail.”

According to box office mojo, “Good Deeds” total domestic gross is approximately $35 million. The movie starred actresses Gabrielle Union and Thandie Newton. The synopsis is about a businessman Wesley Deeds being jolted out his scripted life when he meets Lindsey, a single mother who works on the cleaning crew in his office building.

As a fan of Mr. Perry, I hope these allegations are not true. He is a million dollar machine and I cannot fathom him stealing an ideal for a film. For the ones that did not catch the film when it premiered February 2012, I encourage all to check out the film. It was a great movie and I hope you enjoy it too.

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.

Making A Difference: WIFTA

After deeply considering several relevant film and television organizations, I chose to review the association, Women in Film & Television Atlanta (Wifta). Being a Georgia native and resident, I chose WIFTA as my industry niche because this association has blossomed into a great networkIing service for businesses and  individuals. The film and television industry is predominately operated by white males; therefore, Wifta is significant to my industry because they offer vast supportive services for diverse women pursuing and functioning within the entertainment industry.

Their purpose is “dedicated to improving the status and portrayal of women in film, television, video, and other screen based media by offering opportunities for media makers to connect, create, champion and inspire.” My strategy is to connect with the Wifta Association by submitting an application as a student member; which affords me the opportunity to join a committee, attend workshops, seminars, and apply to jobs in my field of interests. Wifta offers resources to major companies in Atlanta, and several programs for screenwriters groups, PSAs, mentorships, and student scholarships.

            The array of programing opportunities available for members, and at times offered to the general public, are thought-provoking and relevant. These programs have proven to enhance educational and professional aspirations. Additionally, their programs may positively affect my industry solely because individuals are choosing not to receive college degrees but rather; they choose to attend Wifta's informative workshops and seminars. With the advancement of technology and the increasing number of future innovators pursuing the entertainment industry, market saturation occurs and gaining leverage becomes challenging. Thus, innovation, proficient marketing, and networking become keys to success in this industry.

            As a future business media mogul, I will render devoted services in connecting women and men in film, television, and video by creating and inspiring youths and peers in developing a strong foundation of brand visualization in the entertainment industry. 

I hope that these words encourages anyone who reads them.

Thanks for stopping by & I welcome all feedback.

Love, Adversity, Triumph!

Multiple videos were featured on TED.com, but there was only one that captured my attention, “Steve Jobs: How to live before you die.” As an entrepreneur, I found his speech at Stanford’s commencement enjoyable and the audience appeared to be inspired as well. As a human, it deeply touched my soul. Steve Jobs discussed three major points: connecting the dots, love and lost, then death.

Connecting the dots was a brief history on his adoption and shortly- lived college experience. He dropped out of college because he realized all he was doing was wasting his parents’ life savings. He was allowed to drop-in some courses and this was his means of learning calligraphy. The course taught him the intricacies of typeface and designs. Jobs at the age of 20, with a friend, began to work on the Apple Macintosh computer.

His remarks on love and lost described how his passion for computers drove Apple into a $2 billion brand; however, he was soon fired from the company he’d started. After leaving Apple, his love for his work caused him to branch into computer animations; thus, Pixar and subsequently Toy Story were born.  He commented on keeping faith alive, doing what you love, and never settling. His speech on faith pleasantly surprised me because faith is a driving force in my life.

He ended his speech with perspectives on death. He cited a quote he’d read, “If you live each day like it’s your last, someday you might certainly be right.” There is no reason not to follow your heart. No one wants to die, but death is the destination we all share, no one has ever escaped it. Death is the single best invention in life; it clears out the old to make way for the new. The new is Me, the new is You, as well as the people who remain after we are gone. Through his adversities and profound revelations, I contemplated my life and the paths I’m taking. Since time is limited, as he stated, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. I will have the courage to follow my passions and intuitions, and I will not allow critics to drown out my inner voice.

Jobs’ speech was highly insightful and poignant. Today is a few days away from the day my family and I laid my grandmother to rest. She was tenacious and fought adversities too. She strove to live her best life, just like Jobs. After hearing his speech, I have a better understanding of why life should be lived with vigor, purpose, and patience. I know one day my dots will connect and I will beam knowing my efforts were not futile. I will trust in God, allow His will to be done, and triumph!

Rest in Peace Steve Jobs & Hattie Mae, you have forever changed my life.