Kent, Author at Movie Mogul

How to Handle Late Payments as a Freelancer

Posted on April 2, 2023December 26, 2023 by Kent

Freelancing feels like the Wild West sometimes. There’s no HR department for personnel issues and no accounting team for payroll. While this has its benefits, it comes with downsides, too. You might be one of the 54% of freelancers who haven’t been paid by their client. Or you receive a late payment eventually, as 74% of freelancers report.

Unfortunately, resolving payment issues is a rite of passage in this business. The good news is there is a process to get paid. Here are six easy-to-follow steps to follow in non-payment situations.

Step 1 – Gather Evidence

Collect all relevant invoices, emails, texts, and other paperwork related to the work you did and the compensation promised. This evidence will be crucial in proving your case if you need to escalate the matter. Deal Memos are the ideal piece of evidence as they show executed and approved rates, days of work, terms of payment, etc.

Step 2 – Contact Who Owes You Payment

Send the person or company who owes you payment another copy of your invoice, with a reminder that the payment is past due. Include how many days it’s late. If you got paid for the wrong amount, resend the invoice and explain the discrepancy.

Be sure to communicate with the appropriate individual. For example, if you’re a PA, it may be better to first speak with your department head rather than going directly to a Producer.

Step 3 – Following Up

Sometimes, one payment reminder isn’t enough. If you don’t hear back after the first email, continue to reach out with reminders. Be persistent. At the very least, send a reminder when the payment is:

30 days late
60 days late

There is a correlation between payment reminder emails and timing of the payment. Typically, after the second reminder… they will make a payment a few minutes after that email. If emailing doesn’t work, don’t forget the power of a phone call. You may have more luck reaching a resolution on the phone.

Step 4 – Late Fee Policy

If your client is repeatedly late with payment, let them know you’re implementing a late fee policy. A 1% to 5% fee usually nips the problem in the bud and sets the tone for future payments. And you can always remove the late fee as an incentive for prompt payment.

Step 5 – Small Claims Court

If your emails/calls go unanswered, or if the Producer does get back to you and refuses to pay, you can file a lawsuit in small claims court for breach of contract.

Note… small claims courts only deal with cases below a certain value. In Colorado, individuals can only go to small claims if their lawsuit is under $7,500. In California, the maximum amount is $10,000.

Step 6 – Civil Court

If the amount owed is larger than small claims court limits, or if you are experiencing ongoing issues with the Producer, you may need to pursue civil action. But before initiating any legal proceedings, consult an entertainment lawyer. They can advise you on your legal options and help you take further action if necessary. Keep in mind that legal battles can be costly, so you’ll need to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.

Sometimes, the only thing to do is to walk away from a bad client. But depending on the state of your finances, that can be hard to do. Weigh the cost of the decision, financially and in peace of mind. You might find it allows for better opportunities to come your way.

Production Incentives Update: The View for 2023

Posted on January 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Kent

Whether they are a financial godsend or a revenue burden to states, production continues to boom because of film incentives and tax credits. However, the challenge for any producer is to stay up to date as incentives are in a constant state of flux… or disappear entirely.

Louisiana was the first state to adopt a tax incentive program for film and television production in 1992 and the strategy took off nationwide. Today, at least 35 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer tax incentives for film production.

The good news is that there are lots of options. Many states have an incentive of some kind to encourage you to shoot your project there. However, applying for a tax credit or incentive can be complicated, especially since every state has different rules and regulations to follow.

Film Incentives – Types

While there are six main types of film incentives, they will vary depending on the state.

Refundable Tax Credit – The state will pay the production company in excess of the company’s owed state tax.
Non-Refundable Tax Credit – Any amount that remains from the credit is automatically forfeited.
Transferable Refundable Tax Credit – Can transfer the credit over to a local company so that they can reduce their tax liability.
Tax Rebate – A refund check issued from the state directly to the production company.
Grant – Direct payment issued to the production company by the state. Unlike rebates, you do not have to pay any tax on a grant.
Bonuses – Some states offer additional perks to filmmakers. Such as for using specific locations, local business, or hiring local staff.

Film Incentives – State by State

Below is a list of most of the states that have some type of film incentive program. Please note that programs are always changing. Many states have added to, or tweaked, their incentives for 2023.

Alabama

Incentive Type	Non Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Alabama Film
Minimum Spend	$500,000
Funding Cap	$20,000,000

Alabama only offers incentives on the first $20 million of qualifying product expenditures. This means that if your film budget exceeds this amount, only the first $20 million spent in Alabama will qualify for the film tax credit.

Arizona

Incentive Type	Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Arizona Film and Digital Media
Minimum Spend	None
Funding Cap	$75,000,000

The Arizona Motion Picture Production Program goes into effect in 2023. To be eligible for the tax credit, producers must shoot their film or television show primarily in Arizona, conduct pre-production and post-production in the state and hire Arizona workers to work as crew on the production.

A 15% tax credit will be provided for productions of up to $10 million, 17.5% tax credit for productions of up to $35 million, and 20% tax credit for productions over $35 million. Production companies will be offered an extra 2.5% tax credit on production labor costs related to positions held by Arizona residents.

The program also provides cash refunds for production companies if the credits are larger than the amount of taxes paid in Arizona.

Arkansas

Incentive Type	Combination of Tax Credit and Rebate
Website	Arkansas Production
Minimum Spend	$200,000
Funding Cap	$4,000,000

For tax rebates in Arkansas, qualified expenditures include any costs incurred for development, pre-production, production, or post-production of a qualified production. Eligible types of production include animation, documentaries, feature films, pilots, video games, and scripted television. Reality tv, talk shows, game shows, and commercials ARE NOT eligible for any film tax rebate.

Act 797 of 2021 changed the rebate program to allow the incentive to be taken as either a rebate or a transferable tax credit. The Act also added an additional 10% incentive for qualifying veterans, extended the program’s sunset date through June 30, 2032, and set a cap on the tax credit of $4 million per year.

California

Incentive Type	Non Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Film California
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$330,000,000

Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2023-24 state budget extends funding for California’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program an additional five years (through fiscal 2030-31) and proposes to make credits refundable for the first time since the state launched its incentive in 2009. The cap remains 20-25% for all crew, depending on the budget. A minimum of 75% of total “principal photography” days must occur wholly in California.

California Tax Credit Program offers bonuses based on the project’s job ratio. These are judged in three different categories that may not be combined: out-of-zone filming, visual effects, and music scoring / track recording labor.

Out-of-Zone Filming Bonus: Determined by the percentage of principle photography days outside of the Los Angeles 30-Mile Zone.

Visual Effects Bonus: Based on services performed in-state. There is no minimum spend requirement.

Music Scoring / Track Recording Labor Bonus: Based on wages paid to scoring musicians and contractors employed solely for the purposes of recording music for the project.

Colorado

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	Colorado Office of TV and Film
Minimum Spend	$100,000
Funding Cap	$11,250,000

All production types are eligible for these film industry tax incentives except talk shows, post-only shows, and game shows. However, the only caveat is that 50% of the crew base should consist of Colorado residents to be eligible for the film tax rebate.

Connecticut

Incentive Type	Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Connecticut Film Office
Minimum Spend	$100,000
Funding Cap	None

All project types are eligible for Connecticut film tax credit, including game shows, talk shows, and reality TV. However, the production company must spend at least $100,000 in the state.

The tax credit the company receives depends on how much they spend in Connecticut. For example, they get a 10% tax credit if their qualifying expenses are between $100,000 and $500,000; 15% for qualifying production expenses up to $1 million; and 30% tax credit if qualifying production expenses exceed $1 million.

Georgia

Incentive Type	Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Georgia USA
Minimum Spend	$500,000
Funding Cap	None

Georgia’s tax credits continue to be some of the best in the nation. Although a bill to limit tax film credits at $900 million annually was introduced to the legislature in 2022, it failed to pass. Legislators cited concerns of losing film industry business over changes to the current incentive programs.

All projects get a 20% spend. However, they are awarded an additional 10% if they include the made-in Georgia logo in the film’s opening and links to the Georgia website on the project’s landing page.

Illinois

Incentive Type	Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Illinois Production Alliance
Minimum Spend	$100,000
Funding Cap	None

Illinois film incentives include a 30% transferable tax credit on qualified expenditures incurred in the state. Production houses will receive an additional 15% production incentive if they hire individuals from economically disadvantaged areas, where the rate of unemployment is at least 150% of Illinois’s unemployment rate.

Qualified expenditures include tangible, personal property and services purchased from Illinois vendors, and compensation paid to Illinois resident employees.

The new law also expands the program to a $500,000 cap on qualified resident and non-resident wages(for a television series, qualifying non-resident wages are limited to the entire season).

Indiana

Incentive Type	Non-Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Film Indiana
Minimum Spend	N/A
Funding Cap	$5,000,000

In 2022, Indiana created the state’s first film tax credit program. The Film and Media Tax Credit offers an income tax credit of up to 30% that can be applied to offset certain production expenses, such as acquisitions, filming and sound, labor, and story rights. Additionally, production crews and talent staying in the state for 30 consecutive days or more may be exempt from the County Innkeeper’s Tax, further incentivizing Indiana as a production destination.

Kentucky

Incentive Type	Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Kentucky Film
Minimum Spend	$250,000
Funding Cap	$75,000,000

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has revised guidelines for its film incentives program, returning it to refundable credits that were scaled back in 2018. Although the funding cap was reduced from $100 million to $75 million, the state offers a refundable 30-35% tax credit. With the new guidebook, individual projects are capped at $10 million in a calendar year, and a production company can qualify for incentives on a maximum of four projects a year. However, qualified expenditures must be made from businesses within the state.

Louisiana

Incentive Type	Non-Transferable, Partly Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Louisiana Entertainment
Minimum Spend	$300,000
Funding Cap	$150,000,000

Attempts to both scale back and extend the life of the tax credit in 2022 failed in the state legislature, leaving the status quo in place. Louisiana continues to offer productions with up to a 40% tax credit on eligible expenditures. All production types are eligible for the Louisiana film tax credits, including reality shows, video games, and commercials. However, the production company should spend at least 25% of its budget in Louisiana.

Maryland

Incentive Type	Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Maryland Film
Minimum Spend	$250,000
Funding Cap	$12,000,000

Since inception of the Film Production Activity Tax Credit program in 2011, Maryland has incentivized major productions that employed thousands of residents, utilized thousands of local small businesses, and generated an economic impact of nearly $1 billion in the state. Scripted television, feature films, pilots, and commercials are eligible for film tax credit in Maryland. However, 50% of the principal photography must be in the state to receive the tax breaks.

Massachusetts

Incentive Type	Transferable, Partly Refundable Tax Credit
Website	MA Film
Minimum Spend	$50,000
Funding Cap	None

Massachusetts provides filmmakers with a highly competitive package of tax incentives: a 25% production credit, a 25% payroll credit, and a sales tax exemption. Animations, commercials, documentaries, pilots, feature films, reality TV, and scripted television are eligible for film tax credit in the state. Game shows, talk shows, and video games are not eligible. Production companies must spend 25% of their budget in the state to receive the film production tax credits.

Minnesota

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	MN Film TV
Minimum Spend	$100,000- $1,000,000
Funding Cap	None

Minnesota started offering a transferable tax credit for film and TV production in 2022. The rebate reimburses up to 25% of eligible production expenditures. All production types are eligible in Minnesota for incentives, except for game shows, talk shows, and video games. In 2023, productions applying for Minnesota’s Film Production Tax Credit will be eligible for more credit than previously offered because the compensation cap for above-the-line wages is increasing from $100,000 to $500,000.

Mississippi

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	Mississippi Film Office
Minimum Spend	$50,000
Funding Cap	$20,000,000

All production types are eligible for Mississippi film incentives except for game shows and talk shows. Qualified expenditures include production costs paid to Mississippi vendors and companies.

Local residents earn a 30% tax incentive, and local veterans get an additional 5%. All non-residents earn 25%. However, a prerequisite is that at least 20% of the production crew must be residents of Mississippi.

Montana

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Montana Film
Minimum Spend	$350,000
Funding Cap	$12,000,000

The power of film incentives was on display for every producer to see when Yellowstone, the hugely successful Paramount Network series starring Kevin Costner, stopped filming in Utah in 2021 and moved to Montana due to better incentives. Animation, commercials, feature films, pilots, scripted television, and video games are all eligible for the tax credit. Documentaries, reality television, game shows, and talk shows are not eligible. To qualify, 50% of all principal photography must take place in the state.

A 5% extra tax incentive is given if the production company uses “Film Montana” on the screen credits.

Nebraska

Incentive Type	Grant
Website	Nebraska Film Office
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$400,000

Nebraska dipped their toe into the water on film incentives back in 2021. The program set aside $1 million for incentives for feature films shot on location in Nebraska and tell a Nebraska story. Feature films are the only projects eligible. Films must use Nebraska workers, and spend at least $1 million filming in the state, to qualify for the grants.

Nevada

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Nevada Film Office
Minimum Spend	$500,000
Funding Cap	$10,000,000

All production types are eligible for the Nevada tax incentive. Companies are eligible to receive a 15% credit of the qualified production expenditures plus an additional 5% if more than 50% of the production’s below-the-line personnel are Nevada residents. Qualified expenditures include pre-production, production, and post-production expenditures, such as compensation and wages, purchases, and rentals of products or services from any local business. However, at least 60% of the production budget must be spent in Nevada.

New Jersey

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	NJ Motion Picture
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$100,000,000

Film and TV production spending in New Jersey topped $650 million in 2022, reflecting the Garden State’s efforts to woo Hollywood productions with incentives. Lionsgate and Netflix have both recently announced large studio production facilities coming to the state and will soon join the 29 studios already in New Jersey. Under the film tax break program, the state compensates producers 30% of qualified digital media production expenses, or 35% of qualified digital media production expenses incurred for filming scenes in New Jersey and buying in-state goods.

The state’s also offers a Diversity Tax Credit Bonus of 2% or 4% for plans to hire women and minorities for key creative positions and production crews.

New Mexico

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	New Mexico Film Office
Minimum Spend	None
Funding Cap	None

New Mexico film industry had another record year in 2022 with a direct spend of $855.4 million to the state and a record 109 productions… largely due to production tax incentives. One of the first states in the U.S. to offer incentives to the industry, New Mexico offers a refundable tax credit of 25% for spending on state film crews, goods, services and other eligible expenses. The rate can be as high as 35%, depending on where it’s filmed, among other factors.

The 25% tax incentive is also applicable to nonresident talent, given certain criteria are met. New Mexico does not have a minimum spend and all production types are eligible, which makes it even more attractive to independent productions.

New York

Incentive Type	Non Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Empire State Development
Minimum Spend	$250,000
Funding Cap	$420,000,000

Production companies may be eligible to receive a fully refundable credit of 25 percent of qualified production costs and post-production costs incurred in the state. There is a maximum of $5 million per year that can be allocated for the additional 10% credit on qualified labor expenses. The New York Commercial production incentive allows for online commercials to qualify as well, a boon for branded content companies.

North Carolina

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	Film NC
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$31,000,000

North Carolina has a strong history with the entertainment industry with incentive programs dating back to 2014. However, the program is evolving as the 2023 state budget adjusts the financial qualifications TV and film projects must meet in order to receive financial incentives from the state.

North Carolina has reduced minimum spend requirements for tv and movie projects and increased their spending caps with close to $30 million available in funding. The 25% rebate is available for “qualifying expenses and purchases made by productions while in-state.”

Oklahoma

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	OK Film
Minimum Spend	$25,000
Funding Cap	$30,000,000

In July of 2021, the state launched a new film incentive program that’s nearly quadruple the size of its current program. It’s part of a vision by lawmakers to turn the Sooner State into a production powerhouse. The program offers film and TV productions up to a 38% rebate on money they spend in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma’s base cash rebate is 20% and productions can increase the amount with boosts meant to spur long-term investment in the state. For example, there’s a 2% bonus for TV pilots and a 5% bonus for a full TV series season. There’s also a 5% boost for production companies that commit to making three films in three years. There’s an additional boost as well for filming in rural Oklahoma or a soundstage as well as doing post production work in the state.

Oregon

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	Oregon Office of Film and Video
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$20,000,000

The Oregon Office of Film and Video sets itself apart through its commitment to a more inclusive, diverse film and entertainment industry. The office is championing initiatives in affirmative action and DEI, environmentally-conscious content creation and equitable hiring practices. They offer qualifying film or television productions a 16% cash rebate to in-state residents and a 10% cash rebate to non-residents. The state also offers two bonus programs under their Oregon Production Investment Fund:

Within the Portland Metro Area: Allows a reimbursement of up to $200/day for each person traveling to or being put up at a different location. This has a project cap of $50,000.

Outside the Portland Metro Area: Allows for an additional 10% to be added to the project’s overall award.

Pennsylvania

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Film in PA
Minimum Spend	$100,000
Funding Cap	$70,000,000

Pennsylvania has been home to many film, television and commercial productions including Rocky, The Dark Knight Rises, Silver Linings Playbook, Transformers, The Office, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The state offers a 25% tax credit to productions that spend at least 60% of their total budget in the Commonwealth.

All production types except video games are eligible for the tax credit. All crew earn a 25% tax credit, and a bonus of 5% is given if stage filming requirements are met. Qualified expenditures include pre-production, production, and post-production costs incurred in the state.

Rhode Island

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	RI Film and TV Office
Minimum Spend	$100,000
Funding Cap	$20,000,000

Rhode Island provides a Motion Picture Production Tax Credit of 30% for state certified production costs incurred directly attributable to activity within the state. To qualify, the production needs to be shot primarily in Rhode Island, meaning that 51% of principal photography must take place in the state. While there is $7 million cap per project, that can be waived for qualifying motion picture and TV productions.

Animation, commercials, documentaries, and music videos are eligible for the tax credit. Qualified expenditures include pre-production, production, and post-production costs incurred in the state.

South Carolina

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	SC Film
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$17,000,000

South Carolina has been the backdrop for more than 100 feature films, 100+ TV movies, series and pilots, going back to the Edison’s The Southerners in 1914. The state offers a 25% tax rebate to film productions that spend $1 million within 12 months and at least $1 million per episode for a TV series.

Animation, commercials, documentaries, and music videos are eligible for the tax rebate. Unlike many other states, the South Carolina rebate is not first come first serve. Projects are evaluated for how much they will benefit the state by hiring South Carolina crew, using local suppliers, being bonded and insured, and having a distribution plan.

Tennessee

Incentive Type	State Grant
Website	Tennessee Entertainment
Minimum Spend	$200,000
Funding Cap	$13,000,000

Tennessee offers productions a cash rebate in the form of a 25% grant on all Tennessee labor, production services and music for qualified, in-state expenditures. Qualified expenditures include pre-production, production, and post-production costs incurred in the state. As an interesting side note, companies must post a notice in local newspapers where the filming took place after principal photography, telling the public of the need to file creditor claims.

Texas

Incentive Type	State Grant
Website	Texas Film Commission
Minimum Spend	$250,000
Funding Cap	$45,000,000

While many TV shows and films set in the Lone Star State are not actually filmed there because surrounding states offer more attractive incentives, Texas is trying to change the narrative. If the new bill, introduced in the Texas state legislature on March 7, is passed, productions will be eligible for 30 to 42.5% tax credits on in-state spending with no cap. That’s a significant increase from the existing incentive program, where film and TV projects may qualify for a cash grant of only 5% to 22.5% of eligible spending. Qualified expenditures include payments made to Texas companies for goods and services directly used or related to production.

Utah

Incentive Type	Tax Credit and Rebate
Website	Film Utah
Minimum Spend	$500,000
Funding Cap	$20,000,000

While the state did lose Yellowstone to Montana because of film incentives, Utah has a solid incentive program. The Motion Picture Incentive Program (MPIP) is a 20% to 25% incentive that offers a cash rebate or fully refundable, non-transferable tax credit on qualified dollars left in the state of Utah. Narrative, documentary, and episodic series that intend to be distributed commercially are eligible.

Utah also offers the Community Film Incentive Program (CFIP), a 20% cash rebate specifically for projects that originate in Utah with budgets between $100,000 – $500,000. The CFIP is designed as a platform to foster new and up-and-coming local filmmakers and productions.

Virginia

Incentive Type	Tax Credit and Grant
Website	Virginia Film Office
Minimum Spend	$250,000 for tax credit. None for grant.
Funding Cap	$6,500,000 for tax credit. $3,000,000 for grant.

Virginia has two different incentive funds – the Motion Picture Opportunity Fund provides grants, and the Virginia Motion Picture Tax Credit Fund provides refundable tax credits. To be eligible for the tax credit, a production company must shoot at least 50% of principal photography in the state and spend at least $250,000 in qualifying expenses in Virginia. There is no minimum spend for the grant program.

Qualified expenditure for the incentives includes expenses made in Virginia in the form of services or products, including leased products.

Washington

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	Washington Filmworks
Minimum Spend	$500,000 for motion pictures, $300,000 per episode, $150,000 for commercials
Funding Cap	$15,000,000

Washington has continued its dedication to developing entertainment production this year with a budget increase to their Motion Picture Competitive Program. In 2022, they increased the amount of film tax credits that could be awarded annually from $3.5 million to $15 million. This program also expands incentives for projects filming in rural jurisdictions, projects that tell stories of marginalized communities and projects created by people from marginalized communities.

Wrap Up

Although film incentives can be intimidating at first, the benefits are obvious. You can save a lot of money on your production by applying for one. The cost of production is always an issue and producers need to keep them in mind while budgeting. States want you to choose their location over others, so don’t be afraid to send them over any questions. If you need help with your application, reach out to the individual state film commissions where you’re interested in shooting.

The True Life of a Fixer

Posted on June 29, 2022July 14, 2022 by Kent

Few careers seem more suited to variety than that of a Fixer – the local person responsible for bringing all the elements together for a television series, documentary, commercial, music video or photo shoot. They help productions save both time and money by allowing them to hit the ground running and not worry about logistical issues.

The job requires a deep knowledge of locations, strong organizational skills and an extensive database of crews, equipment rental houses and vendors. For those that love working behind-the-scenes on a new production, it is an ideal job. But the work is demanding as a Fixer is always looking for the problem to solve. Nor is it a guaranteed ticket to landing work. Many Fixers need years of experience in many production roles to have the depth of knowledge necessary to be successful.

“I don’t see creative briefs and scripts anymore. I see jigsaw puzzles. You see the whole production through the eyes of ‘what do I need to shoot here’, not just ‘that’s a cool concept,” said Kent Youngblood, Fixer and Owner of Denver-based Movie Mogul Productions. “The weirdest thing about the job is how detail-oriented you become. I’m constantly thinking about the hundred different pieces I need to find solutions for. It can drive my wife crazy.”

Every Day is a Challenge

In the first six months of 2022, Youngblood worked on two large documentaries for European networks, each with their special challenges. For the BBC – Studio Ramsay coproduction Trailblazers, he had to provide over 30 different locations and activities, crew recommendations and transportation options for a three-week shoot. With a crew of 40, there were a lot of moving pieces. The shoot schedule was aggressive and each day was a company move to a new location. From a dusty bar in Cheyenne, Wyoming to the summit of Pikes Peak, it was a project of epic proportions. Work on the documentary series started in January and continued until the shoot concluded in April.

A month after completing Trailblazers, he was off on another huge documentary, this one for France 3 television called Pack Your Rucksack. Although the journey through Colorado was similar, this project had a much smaller crew and needed additional support for a French-speaking crew. One major challenge was working with national parks across Colorado. Due to staffing shortages and limits to what can (and cannot) be done on park land, getting answers was difficult and required persistence. In the end, having the production designated as “Low-Impact Filming” was critical to success.

By the end of June, Youngblood had travelled over 3,000 miles throughout Colorado and consumed “at least 100 Starbucks orders and way too many fast food drive-ins. It was an epic six months of travel. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

Questions and Problem Solving

Every production has its unique requirements and it is the Fixer’s job to come up with solutions to those demands. Years of experience and intimate local knowledge help a Fixer anticipate most production needs but that doesn’t mean there aren’t surprises. Requests can range from the challenging:

Can we get 250 pounds of camera equipment up to the top of the Great Sand Dunes National Park? Yes… with sledges, plenty of time and lots of manpower.

To the absurd:

Can we summit Long’s Peak in March with a crew of 20 people? No… with a crew unaccustomed to an altitude of 14,259 feet, deep snow drifts and freezing temperatures, it’s a safety hazard.

Even then, production companies will still try to attempt the impossible. The Long’s Peak climb was only canceled after five mountain climbing companies confirmed Youngblood’s concerns.

The Thrill of Accomplishment

The feeling of working on an intricate puzzle and clinching it with the final piece is gratifying. “I’ll walk into something and go, ‘This is it’,” said Youngblood. “Everything together: the locations, the crew, the equipment, the travel arrangements… and all under budget. It’s a thrill and a relief.”

Above all, one of the best parts of being a Fixer is how every project is different. “In one month I worked on a network documentary, a music video for a major label, a Vogue fashion shoot and an immersive experience for Netflix,” Youngblood said. “The variety is hard to beat. And the people you meet along the way are awesome.”

For further reading:

The Role of a Fixer

Filming in Colorado

If you’re looking for a Fixer now or in the future, reach out to Movie Mogul at their Contact page.

Filming in Colorado

Posted on April 7, 2022March 27, 2023 by Kent

Colorado has been a hidden gem for film locations for quite some time. With a rich history of filmmaking, it has been featured in such classic films as True Grit, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Filmmakers have know for years that Colorado is hard to beat when you consider its varied terrain provides the perfect stand-in, no matter the setting. Alpine peaks, rolling plains, lush forests, epic sand dunes, and modern cities are all mere hours away from one another. Because of this, Colorado can easily double for parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Beyond the varied locations, Colorado has many other advantages:

Great Weather

The state has over 300 days of sunshine and when stormy weather comes through, it moves on quickly. An average altitude of 6,800 feet above sea level provides mild winters and low-humidity summers creates crisp, cool nights. This allows production schedules to run on time with little threat of weather delays.

Quality Crew

Colorado has an enviable track record of hosting productions from all over the world. There is tremendous depth in every crew position as well as a number of equipment rental vendors and full-service production companies in the state to support them. The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) offers a bevy of programs and resources for out-of-state productions.

Affordability

As compared to states on either coast, Colorado is a bargain for filmmakers. Equipment rentals, crew rates and travel expenses are lower than production hubs in California, New York and Georgia. Not only is it an affordable state for production, the quality of life index is one of the highest in the nation. And Colorados’s rich history and diverse landscape provide numerous reasons to visit.

Incentives

After lagging behind its neighbors when it comes to providing film incentives, Colorado has a $6 million film incentive. The state allows companies that film in Colorado to receive up to a 20% tax rebate if they spend a certain amount on qualified expenses, such as crew wages and set construction.

Rich History

Colorado with its striking mountain and desert landscapes has provided the backdrop for many old silent westerns dating as far back as 1898. It has continued to be the location of choice for films like The Hateful Eight, Fast and Furious 7, The Long Ranger as well as numerous commercials, music videos and documentaries.

To take advantage of any state, you need a company well-versed in production logistics, location scouting, and permitting procedures. As natives of Colorado, we know the state from Grand Junction to Burlington, Fort Collins to Trinidad, and every place in between. We are skilled production coordinators that have experience in all aspects of film and television production. We also represent a variety of filming locations in Colorado, as well as local studios offering full production services in Denver. If you need a Fixer on your next shoot, drop us a line.

Tips for Shooting Video on Green Screen

Posted on April 4, 2022March 27, 2023 by Kent

Filmmakers looking for an easy way to expand their shoots need to understand how to use green screens. With a good green screen, you can more easily create special effects, simulate locations, and build virtual sets. You can be shooting at a studio in Denver and make it look like you’re in the middle of the Amazon!

But without proper technique, shooting a green screen can be more painful than it is helpful. There’s nothing worse than spending hours cleaning up bad green screen footage because someone didn’t spend time setting up the green screen properly.

To save you time on your next project, here are some tips for shooting green screens.

The Wall

In some situations, a green screen will be painted on a wall, but often green screens are hung using a green fabric material. In these cases, make sure to pull the screen tight on all sides.

For a good key, you need a green screen surface that is as flat and smooth as possible. You don’t want creases or folds in your screen. Folds create shadows that will wreak havoc on your keying in post-production.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important parts of using a green screen. Why? Because if you don’t evenly light it, you’re going to have shadows. If you have shadows, you’re going to have a bad key. Always concentrate on lighting your green screen thoroughly.

Light your Screen

The biggest mistake you can make with a green screen is lighting the screen and the subject as one. You will need multiple high-quality lights set up just to light the screen. Use diffused, nondirectional lighting that hits your screen from above. That will give you the flat lighting you need for a good key. Try measuring the lighting on your screen with a waveform monitor. You’ll know the green screen is lit well when you see a flat line going across the monitor.

Light your Talent

Talent is a part of the environment you’re creating, and that environment has its own light source. Knowing what type of footage you’ll be using for your new background will tell you how best to light the talent in front of your green screen. Where’s the light coming from? Is it behind the talent or in front of them? Plan this out and light it accordingly.

Keep It Separated

Separate your green screen from your foreground elements as much as possible. A good rule is to pull your foreground elements at least ten feet away from your green screen. This will help to eliminate shadows that your foreground elements might cast on the green screen. Just like creases in the screen, shadows cast by the foreground elements will cause problems when you are trying to get a clean key.

In addition, separating your foreground elements from the screen will help eliminate the spill. Spill occurs when some of the green light bounces onto the objects in the shot, giving them a soft green outline. You don’t want to deal with spill when keying in post-production.

If It’s Green, It’s Gone

If someone shows up in a green tie, the Key tool in the video editing software will show a hole through their chest. Look out for colors that have just a hint of green too. Mirrored or reflective objects like eyeglasses can also be a problem. Take the time to review your shots before filming to make sure you aren’t picking up green reflections on any objects.

Plan Ahead

When shooting green screen, you want to be prepared. Know how to key properly. Know your shots and camera angles. Storyboard them or previs them so that everyone on the crew knows what you’re going for. Let the cinematographer know where the light source is coming from in each shot. Plan these scenarios.

Shooting on a green screen can provide some great results. It’s not that hard to do as long as you plan ahead and watch out for the small things that can pose big problems later on. We hope these tips make your next green screen shoot a little easier.

Super Bowl Ads for 2022 – The Best and Worse

Posted on February 12, 2022March 27, 2023 by Kent

Super Bowl Sunday is the one day of the year that television viewers look forward to commercials. From the legendary 1984 ad for Apple Macintosh computers to E-Trade babies and Old Spice hunks, some of the most famous commercials of all time have aired during the Super Bowl.

Although viewership has dropped off in recent years, the Super Bowl remains the biggest night of the year for advertisers. To hold our attention this year, the big game leaned hard on star power. Here’s a round-up of the five best commercials, along with one stinker.

General Motors

Mike Myers’ Dr. Evil from Austin Powers lore isn’t so evil compared to the looming threat of climate change. So the villain is taking over GM and leveraging the new Ultium platform behind the Hummer EV and Silverado EV to defeat his environmental nemesis. Sadly, Scott is still left behind.

Samuel Adams

Boston Dynamics has shown over the years how its robots can do backflips, open doors, enforce social distancing rules and perform parkour. Turns out their robot dog, aka Spot, can also fetch a can of Sam Adams beer. Good boy!

Coinbase

The cryptocurrency exchange platform hit the Super Bowl stage with this creative debut ad… and it got people talking. What’s not to like in an inexpensive production that’s able to generate a return on investment immediately. Isn’t that what advertising is all about?

Greenlight

Ty Burrell is definitely not the guy you want to take money advice from. The Modern Family dad makes a series of awful and outrageous purchasing decisions to highlight the importance of financial literacy in his commercial for Greenlight.

Mail Chimp

In another ‘outside the box’ spot, the email marketing platform poked fun at big-budget ads by plugging their small-business initiative. Its #BigGameSmallAds campaign sent live tweets promoting businesses from the Mailchimp Twitter account after each Super Bowl commercial. Genius!

Amazon

Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson try to get their Amazon Alexa set up for the Super Bowl and discover along the way that Alexa devices aren’t psychic. Thank heavens for that! The clumsy attempt by Amazon to show its interests are aligned with the public while their privacy doesn’t work, given their history of AI knowing more about ourselves than we do.

Whether the product or the spokesperson was the nostalgia piece, celebrities defined the advertising experience of Super Bowl 2022… and the trend shows no signs of slowing. Here’s to next year, when Alexa will be reading your mind for the ads you want to see too! And to see our commercials, head over to Our Work page.

Production Incentives Update: How 2022 is Shaping Up

Posted on January 5, 2022February 1, 2023 by Kent

Film Incentives – Types

While there are five main types of film incentives, they will vary depending on the state.

Refundable Tax Credit – Applies only to tax credits. The state will pay the production company in excess of the company’s owed state tax.
Transferable Refundable Tax Credit – Can transfer over to a local company so that they can reduce or eliminate their tax liability.
Rebate – Direct payment issued to the production company by the state.
Grant – Direct payment issued to the production company by the state. Unlike rebates, you do not have to pay any tax on a grant.
Bonuses – Some states offer additional perks to filmmakers. Such as for using specific locations, local business, or hiring local staff.

Film Incentives – State by State

Below is a list of all of the states that added to, or tweaked, their incentives in 2021. All listed run at least until the end of 2022.

Arkansas

Incentive Type	Rebate
Website	Arkansas Production
Minimum Spend	$200,000
Funding Cap	$4,000,000

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) will hold a public hearing on proposed revised administrative rules for the Digital Product and Motion Picture Industry Development Act to conform the rule to revisions in Act 797 of 2021.

California

Incentive Type	Non Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Film California
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$222,500,000

California’s Basics 3.0 tax incentive program hasn’t undergone any major changes, but it did get some major funding. In July 2021, a legislative bill added $180 million to the program – $90 million for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and $90 million for the following year. This bill also allocated $150 million to be used for renovating existing and building new California stages. The cap remains 20-25% for all crew, depending on the budget.

In addition, the criteria to qualify as a relocating TV series has been relaxed to include series that filmed their pilot episode out-of-state. The tax credit program previously required relocating series to film an entire season out-of-state.

Colorado

Incentive Type	Tax Rebate
Website	Colorado Office of TV and Film
Minimum Spend	$100,000
Funding Cap	$6,000,000

Before the pandemic, the Colorado legislature was granting as little as $750,000 a year to the state’s film incentive fund. After lagging behind for so long when it comes to providing film incentives, the Colorado legislature allocated $6 million to replenish the film incentive fund. The rebate applies to a variety of projects, including films, television, commercials, and video games. Although $6 million is a record amount for Colorado, the state still lags behind most of its neighbors.

Georgia

Incentive Type	Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Georgia USA
Minimum Spend	$500,000
Funding Cap	None

Georgia’s tax credits continue to be some of the best in the nation. The Georgia Film Office reported that more than 360 productions were filmed in the state in 2021. That’s close to the number of productions filmed in Georgia before the pandemic.

All projects get a 20 percent spend. However, they are awarded an additional 10 percent if they include the made-in Georgia logo in the film’s opening and links to the Georgia website on the project’s landing page.

Kentucky

Incentive Type	Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Kentucky Film
Minimum Spend	$250,000
Funding Cap	$75,000,000

The state of Kentucky has new guidelines for its film incentives program, returning it to refundable credits that were scaled back in 2018. Although the funding cap was reduced from $100 million to $75 million, the state is now offering a refundable 30-35 percent tax credit. With the new guidebook, individual projects are capped at $10 million in a calendar year, and a production company can qualify for incentives on a maximum of four projects a year.

Louisiana

Incentive Type	Non-Transferable, Partly Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Louisiana Entertainment
Minimum Spend	$300,000
Funding Cap	$150,000,000

Attempts to both scale back and extend the life of the tax credit in 2021 failed in the state legislature, leaving the status quo in place. Louisiana continues to offer productions with up to a 40 percent tax credit on eligible expenditures. These include resident and non-resident labor.

Maryland

Incentive Type	Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Maryland Film
Minimum Spend	$250,000
Funding Cap	$8,000,000

Since inception of the Film Production Activity Tax Credit program in 2011, Maryland has incentivized 13 major productions that employed thousands of residents, utilized thousands of local small businesses, and generated an economic impact of nearly $900 million in the state.

Massachusetts

Incentive Type	Transferable, Partly Refundable Tax Credit
Website	MA Film
Minimum Spend	$50,000
Funding Cap	None

Massachusetts provides a 25 percent payroll credit for eligible projects. The Massachusetts Film Production Incentive was updated this year stating that a company’s production expenses in the state, exceed 75% of all production expenses, or at least 75% of total principal photography days occur.

Minnesota

Incentive Type	Rebate
Website	MN Film TV
Minimum Spend	$100,000
Funding Cap	None

For the first time, Minnesota offers a transferable tax credit for film and TV production. You can read the language of the bill here. The rebate reimburses up to 25% of eligible Minnesota production expenditures. The incentive is available to qualified feature films, documentaries, TV pilots, programs or series, TV commercials, music videos, internet and post production only. Rebates are scheduled to begin after January 1, 2022.

Montana

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Montana Film
Minimum Spend	$350,000
Funding Cap	$12,000,000

The power of film incentives was on display for every producer to see when “Yellowstone,” the hugely successful Paramount Network series starring Kevin Costner, stopped filming in Utah last year and moved to Montana due to better incentives. The state Legislature raised its cap on incentives to $12 million during the 2021 session, higher than Utah’s $8.3 package. To qualify, 50% of all principal photography must take place in the state.

Nebraska

Incentive Type	Grant
Website	Nebraska Film Office
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$400,000

The state of Nebraska has dipped their toe into the water on film incentives. Starting back in October of 2021, the program sets aside $1 million for incentives for feature films that are shot on location in Nebraska and tell a Nebraska story. Projects must use Nebraska workers, and spend at least $1 million filming in the state, to qualify for grants of up to $400,000. The Nebraska law is the first major effort by the state to attract filmmaking there.

New Jersey

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	NJ Motion Picture
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$100,000,000

Under the film tax break program, the state compensates producers for filming scenes in New Jersey and buying in-state goods. Murphy signed one expansion in January 2020, and another as part of the $14.5 billion economic subsidy program he approved earlier this year. State officials have used the program to attract such productions like “Joker” and “West Side Story.”

The yearly program cap on digital media productions increase from $10 million to $30 million, while the tax breaks for those kinds of productions increase to 35 percent of the expenses incurred in South Jersey in an effort to draw productions beyond the New York City area, and 30 percent in the rest of the state.

New Mexico

Incentive Type	Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Website	New Mexico Film Office
Minimum Spend	None
Funding Cap	None

As one of the first states in the U.S. to offer production tax incentives, New Mexico offers a refundable tax credit of 25% for spending on state film crews, goods, services and other eligible expenses. The rate can be as high as 35%, depending on where it’s filmed, among other factors.

The 25% tax incentive is also applicable to nonresident talent, given certain criteria are met. Best of all, New Mexico does not have a minimum spend, which makes it even more attractive to independent productions. Credits toward film productions were estimated at $109 million for the year ending in June 2021, and $52 million the prior year.

New York

Incentive Type	Non Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
Website	Empire State Development
Minimum Spend	$250,000
Funding Cap	$420,000,000

Production companies may be eligible to receive a fully refundable credit of 25 percent of qualified production costs and post-production costs incurred in the state. There is a maximum of $5 million per year that can be allocated for the additional 10 percent credit on qualified labor expenses. The New York Commercial production incentive allows for online commercials to qualify as well, a boon for branded content companies.

North Carolina

Incentive Type	Rebate
Website	Film NC
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$31,000,000

North Carolina has a strong history with the entertainment industry with incentive programs dating back to 2014. However, the program is evolving as the 2022 state budget adjusts the financial qualifications TV and film projects must meet in order to receive financial incentives from the state.

North Carolina has reduced minimum spend requirements for tv and movie projects and increased their spending caps with close to $30 million available in funding. The 25 percent rebate is available for “qualifying expenses and purchases made by productions while in-state.”

Oklahoma

Incentive Type	Rebate
Website	OK Film
Minimum Spend	$25,000
Funding Cap	$30,000,000

Oklahoma’s base cash rebate is 20 percent and productions can increase the amount with boosts meant to spur long-term investment in the state. For example, there’s a two percent bonus for TV pilots and a five percent bonus for a full TV series season. There’s also a five percent boost for production companies that commit to making three films in three years. There’s an additional boost as well for filming in rural Oklahoma or a soundstage as well as doing post production work in the state.

Oregon

Incentive Type	Rebate
Website	Oregon Film
Minimum Spend	$1,000,000
Funding Cap	$20,000,000

Oregon has become increasingly well-known over the last few years, thanks in some part to the rebate program in the state. They offer qualifying film or television productions a 20 percent cash rebate on production-related goods and services paid to Oregon vendors and a 10 percent cash rebate on wages paid for work done in the state. An additional 10 percent is awarded if the shooting occurs outside of the Portland Metro Zone.

Tennessee

Incentive Type	Grant
Website	Tennessee Entertainment
Minimum Spend	$200,000
Funding Cap	$13,000,000

Legislators in Tennessee approved a new incentive program in April of 2021, creating new sales-tax exemptions for “qualified productions.” The program is not first come, first served and grant awards are based on the discretion of Tennessee Entertainment Commission. As an interesting side note, companies must post a notice in local newspapers where the filming took place after principal photography, telling the public of the need to file creditor claims.

Utah

Incentive Type	Tax Credit and Rebate
Website	Film Utah
Minimum Spend	$500,000
Funding Cap	$8,300,000

A cash rebate can be given to projects with less than $500,000, where at least 85% of cast and crew are Utah residents. Currently, Utah has a capped incentive of $6.79 million and can be combined with a $1.5 million cash rebate. A bill in the state legislature is attempting to raise the annual incentive cap to $15 million, in order to remain competitive with surrounding states. It is currently in committee.

Wrap Up

COVID Testing for Production in the Age of Omicron

Posted on December 25, 2021July 12, 2022 by Kent

Nearly two years into the pandemic, COVID testing is an essential part of production as companies of all sizes look to comply with protocols, keep sets safe and contain risk. The challenge for testing labs is to keep up with the ever-changing variants. Currently, it’s the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

Even fully vaccinated people who believed the shots were a step back to normalcy have been watching anxiously as Omicron has jumped from 12.6 percent to 58.6 percent of COVID-19 cases by Christmas. While early research suggests Omicron may cause milder illnesses, testing remains an important tool for productions to keep their cast and crew safe.

Here’s what production companies need to know about testing in the age of Omicron… and what experts say you should do if a member of your cast or crew test positive.

How long to wait to test after exposure?

Every viral disease has an incubation period. That’s the time from when you were exposed to a pathogen to when it can be detected. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends waiting five after exposure to COVID before taking a test. Early data suggests that it takes only around two to three days for people to start showing symptoms after exposure to Omicron. In addition, Rachael Piltch-Loeb, a researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, says that tests seem to be picking up the virus within about two days of exposure. Although that speaks to the quick transmissibility of the virus, the upside is that it may take under five days to get a positive result, allowing productions to make changes.

Which test to use?

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are the gold standard for detecting COVID. These tests, which look for the presence of genetic material from the virus, are highly sensitive and unlikely to have false positives. Given how quickly Omicron can spread, productions should use labs that offer PCR tests with results in less than 24 hours.

Rapid antigen tests are less reliable. Studies have shown that rapid tests overall are able to catch up to only 85 percent of COVID cases. They detect pieces of proteins from the virus and work best when you have a higher viral load. That is why they’re used when people are already symptomatic. Check the CDC website, which lists the best rapid antigen tests that have been authorized for emergency use in the U.S.

Ultimately, choosing a test comes down to risk tolerance. PCR tests are the most accurate but rapid antigen tests have their place, particularly when someone is symptomatic. It depends on the time frame you are working in. When there’s more than 24 hours before the start of production, do a PCR test. For same day tests, do a PCR test in addition to a rapid antigen test. That way you’ll have an immediate result but also PCR confirmation within 24 hours. But to be clear, it’s always best to test cast and crew 24 – 72 hours prior to the start of work.

If you test positive, what do you do?

Each variant changes the guidance slightly. On December 27, the CDC issued new guidelines for people testing positive for COVID:

Stay home or self isolate for 5 days.
If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

It’s important to always confirm a positive test. If the person is vaccinated and doesn’t have any symptoms, follow up with a second rapid test later that day or the next. If both tests are positive, they pose an infectious risk. When the second test is negative, then the results are inconclusive. They should get a PCR test after that to be certain.

When a cast or crew member tests positive during a work day, contact tracing becomes critical. Production must notify anyone that person had close contact with from the previous two days. In some cases, that might mean a temporary shutdown of the set to test all individuals.

Who pays for the tests?

In film and video production, it is the client’s responsibility to pay for the tests. Cast and crew are either reimbursed for the test costs or payment is already in place with the lab. If a cast or crew member wants additional tests, the production company decides who will pick up that expense. As testing is often an uncontrolled expense (i.e. how many tests are necessary), it is listed as a cost-plus budget item.

COVID test prices depend on type of test, test location and how quickly you need to have the results. Here are some current ranges:

Rapid Antigen – $75 – $100/test
PCR (24-hour turnaround) – $150 – $175/test
PCR (1-hour turnaround) – $250 and up/test

Production can also schedule a concierge nurse to come to set for testing at an even higher amount. Although Congress passed laws mandating free COVID-19 testing, the scheduling and result wait times can range anywhere from two to five days. When time is a factor, it is best to schedule your own test.

While solutions to the COVID crisis have shifted to vaccinations, testing remains key to combating the spread of the virus. But the CDC and experts point out that some protection against the virus is always better than none. If there’s any time to get vaccinated, this is the time. You’re going to want that protection in the weeks ahead as Omicron and other eventual variants surge across the country.

The Role of a Producer

Posted on November 29, 2021July 12, 2022 by Kent

Production is complicated process, especially in the advertising world. Beyond the challenging budgets, logistics and schedules, there’s the added responsibility of working with clients. Timeframes are challenging. Creative might arrive just before a shoot. And with so many moving parts, it’s not unheard of to arrive on set with little preparation.

It’s up to the producer to make sure that everything runs smoothly. No matter how big or small the production, the producer keeps everything on-time and under budget. That description, while accurate, doesn’t begin to describe the role of the Producer. Who are they? What do they do?

For example, while it’s not unheard of for multiple producers to be involved on a project, there is often just one. Ultimately, the size and complexity of the production determines how many producers are involved. Let’s take a look at three types of producers: the Executive Producer, Line Producer, and Creative Producer.

Executive Producer

If you’re producing a major commercial for a big brand, chances are you’ll need an Executive Producer on the project. An Executive Producer is focused on the financial-side of production. They might be the head of a production company or contributed/secured funding for the project. As stakeholders, it’s their job to make sure things go well.

But even with the financial stake, when it comes to the day-to-day production the Executive Producer is more hands-off than Line Producers and Creative Producers.

Line Producer

A Line Producer joins a project in the early stages of pre-production, and without them, no one would get hired and no locations would be booked. When the concept is approved, it is the Line Producer’s job to execute it.

While Executive Producers are the ones that secure the budget, Line Producers focus on the ‘nuts and bolts’ of a project. Budgeting, scheduling, booking a crew, sourcing equipment and other logistical details are all responsibilities of a Line Producer.

Creative Producer

A Creative Producer focuses on the creative details and logistics for production. They work alongside (and oftentimes hire) writers and directors to turn the project’s concept into a reality. While every producer knows how production works, the Creative Producer is understands this process intimately. They also act as a liaison between the director and client to make sure the client’s vision is being presented correctly.

From the start to end of any production, at least one producer makes things happen behind-the-scenes. But how does a producer’s role change throughout this process?

A Producer’s Role On And Off Set

The standard answer to a producer’s role and/or responsibility boils down to this: If a producer isn’t personally carrying out a task (i.e., creating a budget, casting talent, hiring a crew, etc.), then they are overseeing it.

The producer’s day-to-day job can be broken down along the three phases of production, pre-production, production, and post production. Their responsibilities change depending on what phase a production is in.

Pre-production

Pre-production on a commercial shoot encompasses all the tasks that happen from the initial project pitch to a client and all the way to right before cameras start rolling. The timelines are typically very short, lasting only several months at most. Producers work closely with a client (i.e., a brand or business) and become their point of contact throughout the process.

Depending on when a producer joins onto a project, the concept might or might not already be developed. Either way, the producer ultimately gives (or doesn’t give) the green light for pre-production to start and bases this decision on the budget parameters provided by the client.

If the concept requires a bigger budget and/or expensive resources that aren’t available, the producer point that out and offers possible solutions. During these budget negotiations, the concept is goes to the next step and becomes a script. The budget is adjusted to meet the needs of the script and approved by the client.

Throughout pre-production there are an assortment of details producers must deal with. For example, every project needs production insurance to issue Certificates of Insurance (COIs) to vendors in order to rent the gear you need to shoot the commercial. Other paperwork to gather includes crew deal memos, location agreements, talent agreements and setting up payroll.

It’s not glamorous, but all of this work gets the production ready to roll in a safe, legal, and efficient manner.

Production

After all the work done in pre-production, a producer delegates a lot of responsibility to the director and assistant director during production. The assistant director will usually send out a call sheet every day of the commercial shoot. But if the team is small, this responsibility could fall on the producer.

Other than that, a producer’s main responsibility in production is to oversee the progress and to put out fires. This can be anything from running behind schedule, missing a piece of critical equipment, and health and safety issues such as a COVID outbreak on set. It’s the producer’s job to come up with solutions to these problems and keep the production on time and on budget.

The producer also works closely with the director, department heads in the crew, and the client to make sure that everything that was planned in pre-production comes to fruition. Much of their day is spent managing client expectations and getting their sign off on takes. When the client is happy, the set is an easy place to work.

Post Production

Post Production includes video editing, audio mixing, motion graphics or visual effects, color grading, and quality control. A producer may handle this process, depending on the size of the production company. In larger operations however, a separate post producer position exists to have an expert focusing solely on this process.

Attention to detail and great organizational skills are needed. Multiple versions are created for broadcast and social media. Closed captioning and subtitles are addressed. And while the producer deals with all of these elements, they must deliver the spot under the tight deadlines inherent in the fast-paced world of advertising.

Final Thoughts

A producer helms every successful production and commercial shoot. They manage communications with the client, handle the budget and schedule, deal with unforeseen problems and oversee the project’s progress. Organizations like the Association for Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) are a great resource and provide guidance on many production issues.

Not only is the producer responsible for getting the project off the ground, they’re in charge of seeing it through to the end. It’s not a job that is suited for everyone, but that’s why the producer is a critical part of any production.

The Role of the Producer is part of our series that looks at various roles within film and television production. Also check out our Fixer, Cinematographer and COVID Compliance Officer posts. Each goes into detail about a key position on set.

The Role of a Fixer

Posted on August 22, 2021July 12, 2022 by Kent

Ever heard of a Fixer? You might have heard them referred to as a Production Coordinator or local Producer but the term originated in journalism. New correspondents in an unfamiliar location would often hire a Fixer to help with logistics, translation, transportation and travel. Although more common outside of the U.S., a Fixer offers support at every stage of a production. From location scouting to securing crews and equipment, Fixers are the driving force behind commercials, documentaries and feature films.

How Can a Fixer Help?

The best fixers have years of experience, local knowledge and industry connections. What does all of this mean for you? Put simply, your production will run like a well-oiled machine. Although every project is different Fixers help in the following areas:

Location Scouting: Their knowledge and familiarity with locations in the area they live enables them to overcome language barriers, connect with local crews and keep locals happy.

Location Permitting: Every country has its own film commission and permit application criteria. This involves a lot of complicated paperwork. Fixers handle it, relieving the production company of the stress of permitting.

Hiring Crews: Fixers have strong working relationships with leading crews in their area. This includes Directors, Cinematographers, Producers, Camera Operators, Sound Mixers, Grips, Gaffers and even PAs. They can add individual crew members to your team, or put together a full crew that’s perfect for the job.

Equipment Rental: Whether you need a single piece of equipment or an entire gear package, Fixers can help. They have relationships (and accounts) with all the leading equipment rental houses in their area. Because of these relationships, they can get the best rates, which they’ll pass on to you. Many Fixers also have their own production and equipment insurance.

Why are Fixers Important?

Fixers are particularly important for unfamiliar locations. Through the professional relationships and networks that Fixers have developed over time, they help productions save both time and money by knowing where to find the services needed at different budget levels. Productions are able to hit the ground running and not worry about logistical issues.

As mentioned, Fixers are excellent at scouting filming locations, assisting with filming permits, arranging travel and accommodations, and providing recommendations on how to keep the production crew and equipment safe in this time of COVID.

Managing your Fixer

Establishing roles and responsibilities up front make working with Fixers easy. Checklists and lists of expectations keep clear communication between the production and the Fixer. Depending on how many responsibilities you give a Fixer, make sure not to overwhelm them with too many tasks. The Fixer can only do so much. Make sure they are not setup to fail due to a lack of producing experience or financial resources.

Finding a Fixer that can be your ambassador to their city will vary in cost from location to location, but the assistance they provide can be invaluable.

Production Expertise

From Colorado to Utah, from Wyoming to New Mexico, our team has travelled all across the Rocky Mountain West. We are skilled production coordinators that have experience in all aspects of film and television production. We also represent a variety of filming locations in Colorado, as well as local studios offering full production services in Denver, Albuquerque and Salt Lake City. If you need a Fixer on your next shoot, drop us a line.

The Role of the Fixer is part of our series that looks at various roles within film and television production. Also check out the Cinematographer and COVID Compliance Officer.