Killer Whales

There's a body in the bathroom.

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 13: #copyright. You need it for chain of title on your script! Register your screenplay at https://t.co/ZPHdOOeRAL to keep those rights tight. SAG also need copyright in place for registration. Don't put all those hours of sweat, fear, and creativity in jeopardy...

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 12: #SAG. If even one of your actors is Union, EVERY actor gets SAG rates ($125/day, before overtime). But first, you have to register the film with SAG. That means copyright your script, then fill out the forms. Do it early. Green lights can take up to 6 weeks or more...

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 11: #scriptbreakdown. If you're directing, your first job is to break that script down. Analyse your characters: wants, circumstances, relationships. Then divide each scene into dramatic blocks, each with an objective (e.g. "seduce", "convince"). Staging & camera comes next.

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 10: #attorneys. We got one! 1000 haunted voicemails later, and we finally connected with JMD Law (only one voicemail went to them). Roll on the investment contracts, people...

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 9: #screenplay. Draft 13 and we are officially done with script revisions! It's taken over 6 months to get here... but unless you're Aronofsky, you gotta keep revising. Features don't let you cheat like shorts do. Story has never been more important.

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 8: #friends. The ones who put you up on their couch. The ones who give you three production designers. The ones who let you cook their eggs. The ones who will work after work just for your vision. Friends. Honour them. They are key to making an indie movie.

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 7: #waiting. Most of the time, things take longer than expected. Which is annoying, because when they do happen, they happen unfairly at once. Patience and faith are two essential qualities to weather the waves of film production.. but all good things come to those who wait.

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 6: #lawyers. Investment just isn't an option without one. Finding one can be overwhelming - too much choice, too expensive (+$10,000 in many cases), or too damn hard to commit. We used https://t.co/ZvuAd4PkeF to narrow the options - an upfront, simple attorney database.

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 5: #casting. If you've got a single SAG actor, you need to register the production with SAG. It's not hard - but you will have to contribute to SAG's pension fee, and offer standard actor wages. Our third SAG actor meets with us tomorrow to audition for Liza's Tinder date!

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 4: #filmset. Shooting in actual locations isn't always cheaper, or more convenient. Sometimes, building your environment makes a lot more sense for controlling what you can film. By constructing wooden 'flats' (walls) you can manipulate the space to your heart's content!

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 3: #castingdirectors. It's not always the director and producers who assemble the talent. Too often ignored, CDs are usually essential to discovering new talent, creating a cast's harmony, and matching role with actor. We are thrilled to have just found Kristi Lugo 🤘

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 2: #screenwriting. It's never done. Today, we reached draft 13 (I think) and we are still revising. Going from short-form to feature-length pacing is tough, and it requires humility. Don't be afraid to welcome new ideas and discard the old in the script, even after 'ACTION'!

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Day 1: #operatingagreements. Every LLC needs one to show investors your production plans, and who has decision-making authority. Get an entertainment paralegal. DON'T use LegalZoom, like we did -- their boilerplate Agreement will need revision and cost you. *soulful ululation*

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Welcome to Magpie Factor's daily Film Development Chronicle! Here we will be documenting day-by-day the trials and tribulations of getting our first movie, Killer Whales, made. If you're an indie filmmaker like us -- we'd love to answer any questions! #killerwhales #indiefilm

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

LLC, S-Corp, Articles of Organization, Tax Withholding, CPA, Equity... READ our descent in Kafkan madness here. https://t.co/KpFSsSbjMa

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Every film has a director... but who is it? https://t.co/g56xJDsfv6

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Framing, and why we do it -- how do you frame your shots? What are your favourite examples of editing patterns?

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

On the Vulnerability of Sharing Work -- how do you share your art?
https://t.co/jK9n0pEUDU

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Getting into indie film, or struggling with a short? Here are some lessons we learned from a book called "The Hard Way". https://t.co/S3OSLylw6u

[Killer Whales @magpiefactory]

Sal's knees landed on the carpet in a gasp of old cigarette ashes. He muttered, cheek placed against the wall, so close he could taste the carnage of plaster and paint. Abe, not knowing whether to look at his cat's corpse or Sal's lips, merely listened to the confession.