NEGOTIATING
FILMMAKING NOTES

How to Negotiate – Every aspect of producing involves negotiating, in one form or another. You always need to go in with the attitude that people already want to work with you.

12 MAJOR POINTS TO REMEMBER IN NEGOTIATIONS

1. PLAN WITH YOUR LIMITATIONS IN MIND

Know you limitations. In poker they call it knowing your hand and understanding what you really have. Be ready to respond to the unexpected reaction.

2. ESTABLISH RAPPORT

Have a relationship with the person you’re negotiating with. Know what they like and dislike. Find that common bond. There’s always one. Relationships are established by conversations and talking about things outside the project.

3. PITCH THE ELEMENTS

Paint a visual picture – describe the elements.Who is directing? Who wrote the screenplay? What’s the story? What’s the story behind the story? Why is the film getting made? Where will it be shot? What…