over the period of 14 years I have listened to various people talking about filmmaking and made notes of important points ...This man Mark Heidelberger either has copied my notes secretly or he must be an extraordinary genius who understands wat exactly a beginner wants to know ....every word you spoke ....i just was in awe
Love how Mark opens up with the audience, inviting them into his lecture, asking them, "who is in the Gil. Who is working in the industry?" and then narrowing it down to why we are here.
The first question you need to ask yourself as a writer, director , producer, whatever it may be- is this: WHAT IS SUCCESS TO ME. If it is simply working in an industry you're passionate about and doing something you love, than there is absolutely no need to move to Los Angeles or New York. All this does is add another fish into the pond that is already overfished. All this does is kill the nature of the pond. Yes the work may be there but now all of a sudden an amazing script that would have gotten picked up in your hometown of Grand Forks, North Dakota gets overlooked by every producer in LA because they're reading 600 other scripts a week. Take that with a grain of salt... Just because everyone and their mother has moved to LA since the 70s to be a filmmaker doesn't mean you have to. Coming from a writer, director and actor from Winnipeg Canada. I Work Concurrently with producers in Canada from east to west, all because I chose to stay true to my hometown, and write what matters to me. I wish you all luck.
Sir , won't people like to be where the action is? In India it happens a lot. Whoever wants to be a filmmaker or an actor goes to Mumbai because thts the biggest platform for young talents . How can we ignore such a critical advantage? Locally you might not have competent people who can do justice to your script or your talent . For example It's great to work at Nickelodeon but working at Pixar is at an another level. Isn't it ?
@@prakkyysharma6481 hello my friend! OF COURSE people like to be where the action is. That's why everyone who was a filmmaker in the early days moved to L.A or New York. If moving to a city that has more opportunity is something you see feasible and do-able for your lifestyle, than definitely do it! Keep in mind a lot of people move somewhere where there is more action and they get sucked into a 9-5 just so they can make ends meet and pay their rent. If you have the accessibility to be a filmmaker ( which you absolutely do) than start making short films in your hometown and if you are as good as you hope to be, they will ask you to come to L.A or Mumbai, and they'll pay your way too. moral of the story is don't place yourself in a situation that will hinder your efforts. You already have everything you need. just get to work!
I also want to add something as I am from India. Nowadays you have the resources at your hand through which you can make a movie or short film. But it will take some time to do it because you have to do some heavy lifting by yourself. The world is changing rapidly. Just take examples of regional film industries in India. They are making good projects and you get recognition also. I think the boundaries are disappearing and good work gets recognition. So work hard on yourself my friend because life in Mumbai or LA is not that easy to just survive day to day life. Keep your journey and never stop. 🙏
@@eleventhvisionThank you for your insight and for providing another perspective! I am not in a position to move to LA, NY or ATL nor do I have the desire to. It’s good to hear that it is possible a different way.
@@pnaomiw Thanks for the response. I think we are very blessed to have access to many platforms now-a-days and I have seen friends move to big cities and burn out without landing big contracts. Work on your craft in your town or city and one day when you're good enough, Hollywood will come to you.
Thank you Mark for taking the time to provide this eye-opening, in-depth information to us! I've taken it in and am applying it to my script and pitch!!
I was fortunate enough to have an agent at CAA get my tv pilot script to a huge TV producer. My script was unprofessional, you name the error, it was in my script. The huge TV producer emailed me and said they were unimpressed. It was a great opportunity wasted, I failed miserably. Lesson learned, regardless of how great the concept, make sure the script is TIGHT! BTW - I was referred to the CAA agent by a well-established actor that was rep'd by CAA.
A Lecture from Matthew McConaughey?!?!?!?! I am kidding, but with the video playing at a smaller size I definitely think he looks like him here. Nevertheless, the quality content is equally exciting and appreciated. Thank you.
Great talk and I may have followup comments as I get to the end, but I wanted to give you a heads up. Mark 56:50 is literally the plot of Ray Bradbury's The Veldt. Make sure you read that story and make comparisons, to make sure that you're not going to get sued by their estate.
A parttime special effects and vfx guy here. I have mainly worked on TV series. And two feature Dunkirk and an indie feature I’m Dreaming of a White Doomsday. Which is weird for a single person studio in the Netherlands. And frankly when that offer for that indie came, I had just come of of Dunkirk. And I had a bit of the “I made it big, so why do an indie?” Very arrogant and luckily I reconsidered. Because working, remotely, with these filmmakers on a 10k (commercials I do already have bigger budgets) passion project was incredible! Initially I felt most, because at the bigger project you just follow art design! Here there were vague one line descriptions. Like I want glowing ambers amidst the rubble. And I went a desolate post apocalyptic landscape. So I initially I was looking and experimenting. Getting deflated and frustrated when requirements kept changing. Then I realized that the director himself, trusted on the input other had. And I could actually create, which is quite hard but very fulfilling. And I happened to be working in series in March 2018 and out film was nominated for almost every category at the NJ Horror Filmfest. So I decided to fly from SD to NJ to see the crew again - I had seen part of the crew during the screener 6 months earlier. And to then win best film and for me best fx was incredible. As of that moment, I offered my services to the film academy. And I get requests to make props, SFX makeup and VFX. And the money is tiny. But I also have my IT company that earns consistently. So it gives me the liberty to really do these passion projects. Indie and student films are so much fun. Because people there really are driven by their passion for the story. And they are so happy when you deliver a TV or Film grade gag/effect, that leverages their production value instantly. And I get charged by their enthusiasm.
How do you work for universal studios? Is it possible for a future great book I will write, to go full studio mode with the right connections. Imagine: 1st selling book of the year 📖 I want to be the director of my own book. I only want to work with universal studios because I love their work. Would bringing in the number one story of the year, cut a deal with universal studios?
Only 3.1K viewers, it should have more, much more and more comments... It's amazing how lazy people are, especially when there is vital information for their success....
You have to take this channel with a grain of salt. Look at the movies he has produced. Everything he says could still be good advice for you, if you really want to make the kind of movies he has produced.
Good advice on filmmaking, however, you can save yourself a torturously floundering introduction by skipping ahead to 3:28 where Mark Heidelberger finally gets to filmmaking advice.
He never put a single dollar in his own project? As an investor I would not invest, in anything, where the owner doesn’t put a considerable chunk of their own doe into it. Because when they also have a lot to loose, they’ll become serious and have a drive to deliver! And deliver with quality that at least makes back their money. But a good entrepreneur knows they’ll need to make a profit when that money has been locked in and could not be used for other profit making endeavors. And I guess that’s my difference as an SFX/VFX guy. I come from an engineering background and work als a sole proprietor also in IT! I need to be very business savvy. And most artists are far from that!
(Apology in advance for self advertising) I'm a huge fan of indie film making and am working on learning and producing enjoyable content! That said I'm fairly new to this so if you want check out my channel for some enjoyable beginners work! Thanks for the great videos by the way!
over the period of 14 years I have listened to various people talking about filmmaking and made notes of important points ...This man Mark Heidelberger either has copied my notes secretly or he must be an extraordinary genius who understands wat exactly a beginner wants to know ....every word you spoke ....i just was in awe
I want your notes.. or give me 10 bullet points 😛
Great endorsement. I've only been watching these videos for 3 months.
M.
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M
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M
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M
Hands down this is the best video ever for any aspiring film producer.
Love how Mark opens up with the audience, inviting them into his lecture, asking them, "who is in the Gil. Who is working in the industry?" and then narrowing it down to why we are here.
The first question you need to ask yourself as a writer, director , producer, whatever it may be- is this: WHAT IS SUCCESS TO ME. If it is simply working in an industry you're passionate about and doing something you love, than there is absolutely no need to move to Los Angeles or New York. All this does is add another fish into the pond that is already overfished. All this does is kill the nature of the pond. Yes the work may be there but now all of a sudden an amazing script that would have gotten picked up in your hometown of Grand Forks, North Dakota gets overlooked by every producer in LA because they're reading 600 other scripts a week. Take that with a grain of salt... Just because everyone and their mother has moved to LA since the 70s to be a filmmaker doesn't mean you have to. Coming from a writer, director and actor from Winnipeg Canada. I Work Concurrently with producers in Canada from east to west, all because I chose to stay true to my hometown, and write what matters to me.
I wish you all luck.
Sir , won't people like to be where the action is? In India it happens a lot. Whoever wants to be a filmmaker or an actor goes to Mumbai because thts the biggest platform for young talents . How can we ignore such a critical advantage? Locally you might not have competent people who can do justice to your script or your talent . For example It's great to work at Nickelodeon but working at Pixar is at an another level. Isn't it ?
@@prakkyysharma6481 hello my friend! OF COURSE people like to be where the action is. That's why everyone who was a filmmaker in the early days moved to L.A or New York. If moving to a city that has more opportunity is something you see feasible and do-able for your lifestyle, than definitely do it! Keep in mind a lot of people move somewhere where there is more action and they get sucked into a 9-5 just so they can make ends meet and pay their rent. If you have the accessibility to be a filmmaker ( which you absolutely do) than start making short films in your hometown and if you are as good as you hope to be, they will ask you to come to L.A or Mumbai, and they'll pay your way too.
moral of the story is don't place yourself in a situation that will hinder your efforts. You already have everything you need.
just get to work!
I also want to add something as I am from India. Nowadays you have the resources at your hand through which you can make a movie or short film. But it will take some time to do it because you have to do some heavy lifting by yourself. The world is changing rapidly. Just take examples of regional film industries in India. They are making good projects and you get recognition also. I think the boundaries are disappearing and good work gets recognition. So work hard on yourself my friend because life in Mumbai or LA is not that easy to just survive day to day life. Keep your journey and never stop. 🙏
@@eleventhvisionThank you for your insight and for providing another perspective! I am not in a position to move to LA, NY or ATL nor do I have the desire to. It’s good to hear that it is possible a different way.
@@pnaomiw Thanks for the response. I think we are very blessed to have access to many platforms now-a-days and I have seen friends move to big cities and burn out without landing big contracts. Work on your craft in your town or city and one day when you're good enough, Hollywood will come to you.
Everything Mark says here is gold. Write it down, know it and do it.
Thank you Mark for taking the time to provide this eye-opening, in-depth information to us! I've taken it in and am applying it to my script and pitch!!
And then taking us along, his journey to success, working on other jobs while making music videos at the side. Really great speaker...
I was fortunate enough to have an agent at CAA get my tv pilot script to a huge TV producer. My script was unprofessional, you name the error, it was in my script. The huge TV producer emailed me and said they were unimpressed. It was a great opportunity wasted, I failed miserably. Lesson learned, regardless of how great the concept, make sure the script is TIGHT! BTW - I was referred to the CAA agent by a well-established actor that was rep'd by CAA.
Success is also luck too, meeting that one person that can open that one door which will change your life.
It's all about luck mate!
I listened to the other interview with Mark and got a lot out of it. Looking forward to listening to this and sharing. Thank you, Film Courage!
This is the best channel on youtube for gaining more knowledge of filmmaking!
A Lecture from Matthew McConaughey?!?!?!?!
I am kidding, but with the video playing at a smaller size I definitely think he looks like him here. Nevertheless, the quality content is equally exciting and appreciated. Thank you.
Thats what i was thinking im not moving to LA this dude gonna steal my chick ...... im cool with bollywood
Totally agree :)
Thank you. Heidelberger's incite into the financing of movies was very informative and eye-opening.
We love this class. Thanks for watching and we're glad you got something out of it.
That was great! Thanks for posting!
Great talk and I may have followup comments as I get to the end, but I wanted to give you a heads up. Mark 56:50 is literally the plot of Ray Bradbury's The Veldt. Make sure you read that story and make comparisons, to make sure that you're not going to get sued by their estate.
A parttime special effects and vfx guy here. I have mainly worked on TV series. And two feature Dunkirk and an indie feature I’m Dreaming of a White Doomsday.
Which is weird for a single person studio in the Netherlands. And frankly when that offer for that indie came, I had just come of of Dunkirk. And I had a bit of the “I made it big, so why do an indie?” Very arrogant and luckily I reconsidered. Because working, remotely, with these filmmakers on a 10k (commercials I do already have bigger budgets) passion project was incredible! Initially I felt most, because at the bigger project you just follow art design! Here there were vague one line descriptions. Like I want glowing ambers amidst the rubble. And I went a desolate post apocalyptic landscape. So I initially I was looking and experimenting. Getting deflated and frustrated when requirements kept changing. Then I realized that the director himself, trusted on the input other had. And I could actually create, which is quite hard but very fulfilling.
And I happened to be working in series in March 2018 and out film was nominated for almost every category at the NJ Horror Filmfest. So I decided to fly from SD to NJ to see the crew again - I had seen part of the crew during the screener 6 months earlier.
And to then win best film and for me best fx was incredible. As of that moment, I offered my services to the film academy. And I get requests to make props, SFX makeup and VFX. And the money is tiny. But I also have my IT company that earns consistently. So it gives me the liberty to really do these passion projects. Indie and student films are so much fun. Because people there really are driven by their passion for the story. And they are so happy when you deliver a TV or Film grade gag/effect, that leverages their production value instantly. And I get charged by their enthusiasm.
The best video by film courage.
Thank you for sharing this valuable information for free
Glad it was helpful!
This was awesome. Thanks man! You have great information. This was incredibly beneficial. Hopefully one day we’ll cross paths in the industry.
Cheers Ryan, glad you found this valuable. Hope you are able to connect with Mark.
This is pure gold
thank you film courage
This was thorough and he’s interesting to listen to. Thanks for the post!
Thanks a lot for sharing your wealth of experience & knowledge with us
This was great! So much information. Thank you so much!
This was so informative!
LA & NYC. .. what about ATLANTA, GA?? They make a lot of films
And 5 years after this interview, Inside Out 2 just passed a billion dollars in box office sales.
THIS IS GOLD!!!!
We loved this class with Mark. Thanks for watching.
AEWSOME!!!!!!!!!! This much appreciated and a video that i'll watch again and again
How do you work for universal studios? Is it possible for a future great book I will write, to go full studio mode with the right connections.
Imagine:
1st selling book of the year 📖
I want to be the director of my own book.
I only want to work with universal studios because I love their work.
Would bringing in the number one story of the year, cut a deal with universal studios?
Only 3.1K viewers, it should have more, much more and more comments... It's amazing how lazy people are, especially when there is vital information for their success....
Love the Alexa pitch, really good... AI
You have to take this channel with a grain of salt. Look at the movies he has produced. Everything he says could still be good advice for you, if you really want to make the kind of movies he has produced.
Matthew McConaughey giving out the jewels.
Great information!
I enjoyed this.
Great advice.
Good advice on filmmaking, however, you can save yourself a torturously floundering introduction by skipping ahead to 3:28 where Mark Heidelberger finally gets to filmmaking advice.
very informative!
Thanks for watching Mac! We think it is a great class and covers a lot in 2 hours.
i really wonder what i did to deserve all this...i am humbled by you all (the internet)
Nice and rapid speaking! good advice though .
gold
I was waiting for him to talk about Interstellar… 😅
Thanks Matthew McConaughey
He never put a single dollar in his own project? As an investor I would not invest, in anything, where the owner doesn’t put a considerable chunk of their own doe into it. Because when they also have a lot to loose, they’ll become serious and have a drive to deliver! And deliver with quality that at least makes back their money. But a good entrepreneur knows they’ll need to make a profit when that money has been locked in and could not be used for other profit making endeavors.
And I guess that’s my difference as an SFX/VFX guy. I come from an engineering background and work als a sole proprietor also in IT! I need to be very business savvy. And most artists are far from that!
Money ! money ?
Please your all video translate in hindi
(Apology in advance for self advertising) I'm a huge fan of indie film making and am working on learning and producing enjoyable content! That said I'm fairly new to this so if you want check out my channel for some enjoyable beginners work! Thanks for the great videos by the way!
'
Give a talk while chewing gum.......nothing but class?
That ain’t gum buddy. He keeps wiping his nose too.
Great talk.