FILM CONSULTING & PRODUCER’S REP

First Focus International’s consulting and producer Rep services are available during all stages of making your film. From pre-production feedback, through securing distribution, we use our years of experience in development, producing, writing, and film acquisition to ensure that when your project is ready to be screened, it is seen in its best light. Before, during, and after the completion of your film, count on FFI to provide the guidance you need. Consulting services available to filmmakers include:

DEVELOPMENT

We offer conscientious script feedback, which extends beyond the industry standard script coverage. Our global relationships enable us to provide market-specific feedback, scene removal and addition suggestions, and expert advice on reaching greater audiences, through strategic planning and positioning.

  • Audience Analysis
  • Budget Restrictions
  • Genre Development
  • Story Pacing
  • Script Coverage
  • Product Placement

PRE-PRODUCTION

Proper contracts acquired during the pre-production stage can mean the life or death of a film in terms of distribution.  The different contracts required are generally not common knowledge.  FFI will help acquire, advise and circumvent any possible issues in regard to contracts.

  • SAG Agreements
  • Art & Props Releases
  • Chain of Title
  • Location Releases
  • Script Optioning
  • Production Releases

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the most commonly missed distribution assets is your film’s supplemental material.  This would include all the different Behind-The-Scenes categories that are invaluable to your ability to sell and market your film.  FFI will take full control of your Behind-The-Scenes strategy and help you plan, schedule and write the needed scripts that will make Distributors and Buyers fight over your film.

 

  • Behind-the-Scenes Requirements
  • Behind-the-Scenes Script Writing
  • Interview Focus
  • Film Stills Advisement
  • Blooper Reels
  • Filmmaking Story

POST PRODUCTION

One of the most critical and important phases of making your film is Post-Production.  Without careful attention to the appropriate genre, audience and marketing angles, many films and trailers are cut incorrectly making them difficult to sell.  With FFI’s guidance, your film, trailer and BTS materials will be fully optimized for maximum ROI.

 

  • Rough Cut Reviews
  • Genre Optimization
  • Commercial Pacing
  • Audience Targeting
  • Behind-the-Scenes Mandates
  • Trailer Advisement

DISTRIBUTION

Likewise, throughout the post-production process, as well as following, we break down the title-shopping process as simply as possible into four phases:

  • Complete on-going consultation while shopping the film for Domestic and/or International Distribution.
  • Representation Recommendations
  • Distribution Contract Guidance
  • Film Offer Advisement
  • Film Market Support — Should producer(s) wish to take the film to any of the following worldwide markets, we offer full advisement and support on navigating these as well. FFI has taken it’s produced and repped films to all major markets worldwide. *Cannes *Berlin (EFM) *Sundance *TIFF *MIPCOM *MIPTV *AFM *NATPE

 

  • Full support and navigation with Film Deliverables.
  • Post-House Recommendations
  • Deliverables Advisement
  • Deliverables Negotiations
  • Marketing Support — FFI will consult on all marketing decisions and strategies to help with sales.
  • Target Audience Analysis
  • Marketing Ads Consultation
  • Strategy Alignment

Platforms

Territories

Distributors

Buyers

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

FFI is the perfect liaison to seek out, pitch and secure the best distribution deals for your film.

Pre-Announcement

CONSULTANT FEEDBACK

First Focus International works closely with a loose team of consultants we have formed relationships over the years, either as independent film producers, producer consultants or sales reps. These may include past or current partners, former employers, or colleagues.  Their initial review of the project is invaluable as it helps guide our strategic plan with the film in order to maximize profit and avoid costly pitfalls.

PROFESSIONAL FILM REVIEW

Through private screenings, surveys and Advertisement data we gather the needed audience feedback which helps locate and solidify the best audience and any sub-genres.  This is sometimes also used to correct any issues with the film edits, story line and specific genre format that is needed to mazimize ROI.  The latter is up to the discretion of the filmmaker as there could be financial constraints preventing opening up the film.

TRAILER NOTES

As the trailer is one of the most important element in the sales/acquisition process, it is vital that the films trailer is carefully reviewed.  Depending on the genre and any names, or lack there of, there are very specific formats and strategies developed by FFI that have been found to exponentially increase sales and offers.  Not all film trailers need to be recut and not all filmmakers have the money to do so but it can be a powerful tool when done.

FILM WEBPAGE

First Focus will create a webpage for the film which will include the trailer, screener link (password protected), stills, pictures and all other information regarding the film.  This page can be access via the site and it’s own web address for friends, colleges, buyers and any other industry professionals interested in the film.

PHASE ONE – BUYERS

“Buyers” would include but not limited to; direct theatrical/VOD/DVD vendors which FFI has access to.  These 1,350-1,400 Buyers cover 68 worldwide territories.

PHASE TWO – DISTRIBUTORS

These are distribution companies, primarily located domestically (U.S. & Canada) which FFI accesses with all film titles we represent.  Roughly 500 companies which represent 27 worldwide territories.