so how's your financing coming?

For the new and independent film maker, this is a constant and nagging question.  How is your financing coming along?  During the past year as I have been working with the money people to get my project going, I have in effect learned the wisdom of Thomas Edison who once said, "I have not failed.  I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work."  I've said before in my posts that making a movie (especially for someone new to the field) is about not giving up....ever.  While I have not kept count, I can appreciate the statement regarding finding 10,000 ways that won't work.

I know that there are many people who read this blog who have never made a movie, but would like to do so.  Therefore, I want to share a bit about the "ways that won't work" or rather, how to find the way that will so that you can be successful:

1. Get an attorney.  I have a marvelous one who have gone to bat for me many times and reviewed many of the contracts that have come my way.  Yes, he charges, but his wisdom has been worth every penny.  (Oh, and he specializes in the entertainment industry, so he knows what he's doing.)
2. Get everything in writing.  During my work on Traunik I have encountered far too many people who said, "Yes!  I want to be a part of this project!"  Then when I asked for the check....they disappeared.
3. Be nice.  Okay, this sounds more like your grandmother than someone in the entertainment industry, but I have found that (A) Being nice opens doors and (B) People re-appear and the second time around they may have access to the cash you need when they didn't have it the first time.
4. Stay excited.  I have been fortunate to have the most wonderful director and crew.  On a daily basis they have encouraged me, even when it seemed that the 10,000 ways not to get the money all seemed to fall on one day.

Sometimes it takes time.....a lot of time.  And sometimes, it seems there are more scammers than good people in the world, but that's not true.  Keep going because you only need to find one effective way to fund a movie and when all is said and done, who cares about the 10,000 ways not to do it?