Bill Block

What Studios and Streamers are Buying (Spencer Robinson Talent Manager, Artwork Entertainment). (Big Apple Film Festival Agents and Managers Conference). #BigAppleFilmFestival #BAFF #NYCFilmFest #FilmFestival #FilmIndustry #CinemaNYC #FilmCulture #filmmaking #filmmakers #screenwriting #screenwriters #filmfestival #filmfestivals #Shortfilm #filmproduction

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Learn how to manage firearms safety from our experienced guests like filmmaker Frank Ziede, and hear about how using VFX can prevent on-set firearms deaths, in this very important episode of VFX for Indies. Please tune in at vfxforindies.com, our YouTube channel, or your favorite podcast app.

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Thank you AmericanFilmMarket.com for the very detailed panel about how to work the AFM with Jean Prewitt – IFTA & AFM, President & CEO Clay Epstein – Film Mode Entertainment, President & Founder and IFTA Chairperson Kim Spurgeon – Nevada Film Office, Director AND Part II, How to Work with Sales Agents: Clay Epstein – Film Mode Entertainment, President & Founder and IFTA Chairperson Nat McCormick – The Exchange, President, Worldwide Sales & Distribution The key takeaways I learned from this for producers and filmmakers: 1) is to get with a sales agent as early as possible 2) choose a sales agent wisely by doing your due diligence (research about the company the sales agent works with and seeing if a good fit with your film) 3) better to focus on high probability targets and spend time crafting your pitch to a company you have researched and think is a good fit with your film 4) sales and marketing (including sales agents) have more creative control most of the time than the filmmaker or director as they know what will sell 5) in your pitch to sales agents bring an independent intrinsic value like a catchy title and easy to pronounce for digital service, known actors attached that fit your genre, trailer, budget, financial plan, a short film showing proof of concept, a poster, tax incentives, bonded or not bonded, union/nonunion, scope of movie 6) sales agents and their companies have their slate for 2025 and are looking to fill their slate for 2026 7) at AFM dress professionally - lean into more upscale 8) good sales agents have a lot of exeperience, know the market inside and out globally and attend film markets like AFM, MITCOM, CANN, Berlin, Hongkong. Look for those sales agents. Sale agents are amazing at their jobs and can truly help filmmakers get their films distributed and seen with goal of making a good profit for the filmmaker. They work on commissions and some upfront fees. #film #independentfilm #salesagents #distribution #afm #filmmakers #movies

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You can also check the trailer here 🍿 #TransformersOne

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How to Choreograph a Fight Scene: Tips and Techniques from a Stunt Professional Learn how to choreograph realistic and engaging fight scenes for film and theater. Discover the essential elements to consider when choreographing a fight, from assessing the actors' abilities to determining the story context. Enhance your fight scene choreography skills with this expert guide. #FightSceneChoreography #StuntTips #ActingSkills #FightSceneTechniques #FilmProduction #StageCombat #ActionFilms #ActorTraining #PhysicalTheater #ActionDirecting

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“Puerto Rico remains an underrated powerhouse in the music industry — and here’s the latest proof. Separated from the US, this tiny island was still the third-largest exporter of top 10 singles worldwide in 2023. New data from the global recording industry trade group IFPI reveals that Puerto Rico — if separated from the United States and treated as a separate country — still ranked third on a list of exporters of top 10 singles worldwide last year. In fact, Puerto Rico was barely edged out for number two by Colombia.” “Perhaps unsurprisingly, the United States dominated that list, and it isn’t even close — 113 singles from the US reached the Top 10 worldwide in 2023. But Puerto Rico came in at an impressive third place with 45, and only one hit behind Colombia at 46. And that’s still miles ahead of the UK’s 29, followed by South Korea’s 16. Puerto Rico is actually an extreme powerhouse in the music industry in its own right, even when viewed in a bubble and not as an extension of the US, as a US territory. Already, the country is top-ranked against huge nations like the US, UK, and Japan in terms of its industry presence.” Read the article for more: #IFPI #PuertoRico #USA #UK #Colombia #SouthKorea #Japan #BadBunny #Singles #Global #GlobalMusic #Latín #LatinMusic #EU #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz

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Hollywood Betting Big on Genre Films: AFM’s Vegas Move Signals Shift in the Independent Film Market For the first time in its 45-year history, the American Film Market (AFM) has traded the coastal ambiance of Santa Monica for the glitzy setting of Las Vegas, launching its 2024 event at the Palms Casino Resort. This relocation comes with high hopes for streamlined networking, concentrated events, and fresh energy—but also a dose of skepticism as the independent film market continues to erode. With a notable focus on genre films, the independent film industry is gathering to confront market challenges in a bold new setting. A New Venue and New Energy Relocating from Los Angeles, where AFM was a fixture for over four decades, the Las Vegas setting promises to bring renewed energy to the market. At the Palms Casino Resort, all activities—from screenings to panels to networking events—are conveniently held under one roof, a feature set to alleviate some of the logistical challenges of prior years. By consolidating everything into one venue, AFM aims to foster a community atmosphere, allowing filmmakers, distributors, and buyers to maximize their time without shuttling across various locations. The all-in-one setup at the Palms is already a draw for industry heavyweights. With 286 sales, production, and distribution companies registered, including significant players, AFM sees increased interest from international representatives spanning 80 countries. European delegates from Italy, France, and Germany are attending in solid numbers, underscoring the global appeal of AFM’s new setting. The Rise of Genre Films Amid Uncertain Markets In an industry facing unpredictable returns from theatrical releases, genre films have emerged as a key investment focus at this year’s AFM. Genre films, especially horror and action, command significant buyer interest due to their strong built-in audiences and relatively lower risk. The recent success of horror films like Longlegs and Terrifier 3 has reinforced this trend, with AFM showcasing an impressive slate of horror and action offerings. Projects generating buzz include George A. Romero’s final zombie movie, Twilight of the Dead, directed by Brad Anderson, and the psychological thriller Victoria Psycho, which reunites Sanctuary star Margaret Qualley with director Zachary Wigon. Action films are also gaining traction, with high-profile offerings such as Cleaner, featuring Daisy Ridley in a Die Hard-style thriller, and The Last Druid, a sword-and-sandals epic led by Russell Crowe.

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DIVERSITY, DIVERSITY, HEAR ALL ABOUT IT! According to the annual Hollywood Diversity Report (2024) presented by the UCLA Entertainment & Media Research Initiative, only 2.3 out of 10 theatrical film directors are people of color, Only 1.5 out of 10 theatrical film directors are women. This can be a daunting statistic that leaves many of the filmmakers I work with hopeless. I'm committed to hope and measurable change for diverse storytellers. So, I wanted to share a bit of my perspective on how l've seen diversity change in the work I do with new voices over the past few years. The budgets of the movies we make live under $4 million which isn't accounted for in the report that focuses on theatrical films in the $100M range. I think we have to contextualize when evaluating change. People of color and women often have to start at the bottom with smaller budgets. But this is where so much of the change around inclusion and equity is happening. This growth is rarely reported on, but is remarkable nonetheless. Our genre features slate with @hulu is proof of this incredible moment. I'd like to propose that we stop thinking of diversity as a bad word that's overused and performative. Diversity is real, it's needed, and it is changing the landscape of whose stories are told. There's never been a better time to be a diverse storyteller, use it to your advantage wherever, however, and with whomever you can. Ally with teams and producers who are part of this change at the grassroots level, develop your stories with them, and together let's continue to diversify Hollywood from the bottom, up! Excerpts from "The Era of Upheaval" panel at the 2023 Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul, moderated by Ron Geller, VP Worldwide Content Relations at Dolby

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What studios and streamers are buying (Spencer Robinson, Talent Manager, ArtWork Entertainment). (Big Apple Film Festival Agents and Managers Conference). #BigAppleFilmFestival #BAFF #NYCFilmFest #FilmFestival #FilmIndustry #CinemaNYC #FilmCulture #filmmaking #filmmakers #screenwriting #screenwriters #filmfestival #filmfestivals #Shortfilm #filmproduction

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FILM BUDGETS, SHOOTING SCHEDULES & FILM FINANCING BUSINESS PLANS PREPARED FOR ANY SIZE BUDGET If you're seeking film financing, you should know every REAL investor's first requirement will be that you have a professionally done Film Financing Business Plan and Detailed Film Budget. I am a seasoned Producer/Line Producer and I have over 20 years experience in film production and distribution. I specialize in film financing business plans and production budgets and shooting schedules at affordable rates. Turn around is remarkably quick and 30 days of free updates and free consultation are included. I've done over 400 budgets and schedules and nearly 300 film financing plans. All budgets and schedules are done on the industry standard Movie Magic. You get all master files and pdf copies. Many NON-FILM INDUSTRY business plan services are completely unaware of the requirements necessary and the various specialty sections that must be contained in a feature film business plan. Financial projections are very specific to films, along with demographics, profit sharing, film budget, talent lists, feature film distribution, etc. I include all these elements and much, much more. Pitch decks are NOT business plans and investors will ALWAYS require a business plan. Feel free to contact me for more info and rates....

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JR Mitchell Leaves Adavanza to Establish Osobarra Films, Announces Major Partnership and Exciting New Projects Seattle, WA – In a new shift within Seattle’s film and media industry, JR Mitchell, an Academy Award-shortlisted filmmaker and creative, is leaving the renowned media production company, Adavanza, to form Osobarra Films, setting the stage for a new era in film, television, and commercial production. Adavanza, a recipient of dual accolades from 425 Business Magazine for excellence in Marketing + Design & Commercial Photography/Video + Ad Agency/Marketing Firm, has been celebrated for being a "most righteous group of media partners." This move is accompanied by the announcement of a significant partnership as Mitchell steps into a dual role as a partner at Joysauce, an AANHPI-focused multimedia network founded by Asian Hall of Fame Inductee & GeekWire Chairman Jonathan Sposato. Osobarra Films will be at the helm of producing key projects for Joysauce, including the network's flagship show "JoySauce Late Night," and the upcoming film "Reconnected," as well as overseeing the full production slate. In addition to these exciting ventures, Osobarra Films is proud to announce its upcoming documentary feature film has been selected from hundreds of applicants to participate in the Washington FilmWorks Production Initiative Program. This program incentivizes the cream of the crop among Washington films, highlighting the company's innovative endeavors in the industry. The project was also awarded fiscal sponsorship through the Northwest Film Forum, underscoring its anticipated impact. Among the first commercial projects under this expanded umbrella is the much-anticipated follow-up to the iconic Marshawn Lynch/Beacon Plumbing commercials, showcasing Osobarra Films' commitment to continuing its legacy of captivating and engaging cinematic productions for the local and national markets. Those advertisements are currently being broadcast. About Osobarra Films: Originating from a word birthed in the imaginations of childhood best friends, Osobarra Films emerges as a vanguard of cinematic creativity, placing the craft of storytelling at the forefront. With a philosophy centered on transforming every frame into a portal to new worlds, Osobarra Films combines epic narratives with iconic brands to deliver unforgettable experiences. We are committed to engaging not just the minds of our audiences but also their hearts and their sense of humor, believing that a truly memorable story touches all aspects of the human experience. Dedicated to captivating and inspiring audiences, and etching its stories into the collective memory, Osobarra Films is not just about making content; it's about creating enduring impressions that resonate across generations.

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Want to Get Your FILM FUNDED? Here’s What You Don’t Know—And Why It’s Costing You Think a great script is enough to get investors interested in your film? Think again. In my recent conversation with Jon Gosier, film financier and founder of FilmHedge, he exposed the real secrets to securing funding for your film or TV project—secrets that most filmmakers overlook. If you don’t know what investors are really looking for, you could be missing out on the chance to turn your passion project into reality. Jon’s insights go beyond the obvious and dive into the hidden strategies that can make or break your pitch. In this exclusive interview, we uncover: * The one financial tool you must know before walking into a pitch meeting (most filmmakers don’t have a clue) * Why your film’s box office performance doesn’t matter to investors—and what does * How to eliminate investor risk and guarantee funding without having a blockbuster budget If you’re serious about getting your film or TV show funded, you cannot afford to miss this insider’s guide. Click here to read the full interview and find out what every filmmaker needs to know to secure the financing they’ve been dreaming of. LINK - https://bit.ly/JONGOSIER Photo Credit: Courtesy of ShoppeBlack dot us

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MARTIN GROVE'S HOLLYWOOD REPORT FOR 6/9/24: BAD put exhibitors in a good mood with a turbo-charged $56M launch that left theatrical naysayers in the dust.   Hollywood handicappers originally buzzed that the R rated Sony/Jerry Bruckheimer Films' BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE would drive off with $40-50M and then upped it to $45-50M -- and mid-weekend went to $53M! Sony lowballed expectations with a $30M estimate.   Driven by BAD, the weekend marketplace totaled $103.5M, per Comscore, up 54% from the prior weekend and down 38% vs. this time last year. Comscore's year to date tally has 2024 at $2.83B, down 26% from $3.81B in 2023. Last weekend, 2024 was down 24% vs. 2023.   BAD hammers home that people haven't stopped moviegoing. When  there's something playing they want to see, they show up -- despite high ticket costs, oversized concession prices and inflated related costs like transport, babysitters and dinners out.   This bummer summer reflects the retreads, prequels and worn out IP Hollywood tried to get away with. The coming summer weeks should sizzle with Disney/Pixar's INSIDE OUT 2 (6/14), Universal/Illumination Entertainment's DESPICABLE ME 4 (7/3) and Disney/Marvel's DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE (7/26).   Meanwhile, back at the multiplexes: BAD, which reportedly cost $100M to produce, opened to a wildly overperforming $56M at 3,885 theatres ($14,414). Internationally, per Comscore Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian, it debuted to "$48.6M for a global opening of $104.6M."   BAD's tracking for first choice is best with men over 25 (16 points over norm) and next best with under-25 men (15 points over norm). Women over 25 are 11 points over norm and women under 25 are five points over norm. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes are a blah 64%, but audiences are cheering at 97%.   WB/NL's PG-13 horror thriller THE WATCHERS opened #4 to $7M at 3,351 theatres ($2,089). It's the feature directorial debut for Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, whose thriller TRAP, starring his daughter Saleka Shyamalan, opens 8/9 via WB. WATCHERS' first choice tracking is below norm for all demos. RT critics hate it at 29% and audiences are a scary 52%. WATCHERS did $4.7M internationally for a global cume of $11.7M.   Sony/Alcon Entertainment's PG animated family appeal THE GARFIELD MOVIE was #2 in weekend three with $10M (-29%) at 3,959 theatres ($2,526). It reportedly cost just $60M and has done $68.6M domestic and $192.7M worldwide.   As for next weekend: Disney/Pixar's PG animated "INSIDE OUT 2" is opening at about 4,200 theatres. Some pundits see an $85-95M debut. It's tracking best for first choice with women under 25 (20 points above norm) and next best with over-25 women (eight points over norm).   Roadside Attractions' R rated historical drama "FIREBRAND" is opening in limited release. RT critics are executing it at 52%.   #movies #boxoffice #martingrove #badboys    

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From the Latest FilmLA Report • Scripted TV production in Los Angeles dropped 99% in Q3 2023 compared to 2022. • FilmLA calls for a significant expansion of California’s $330 million production incentive due to a 20% drop in local filming. • Other jurisdictions like New York, Ontario, Georgia, and the U.K. offer more competitive, uncapped or larger subsidies, putting California at a disadvantage. • Strikes in 2023 and a decline in Peak TV also contributed to a production slowdown. • Global production declines occurred, with Georgia and the U.K. also seeing reduced TV releases. • California temporarily boosted its incentives in 2021, but ongoing state budget deficits limit further expansions. • FilmLA warns California must act to support its entertainment industry or face continued market share losses. FilmLA Seeks 'Vast Expansion' of California Tax Credit (variety.com) https://lnkd.in/gps_6c9A

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The rise of streaming has changed the game for artists, but it’s also created challenges in terms of fair compensation. As an industry, we need to rethink how we value and distribute music. What do you think is the best way forward? #MusicIndustryChallenges #StreamingRevenue #FairCompensation

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