Asking for Millions

I was recently flicking through a mag while sipping a flat white and trying not to look like a nigel nobody in a trendy cafe, and came across an interview with Matthew Metcalfe - talking about the role of film producer. The article was entitled somewhat whimsically 'How to Ask for Millions and Get It'. Yeah right, as we say in this part of the world. Makes the job sound like something between a con man and a gigolo. On second thoughts...

He made the point that a producer must have a balance between creative and business abilities. Fair call. As a writer, my heart always lies with the creative side of a project. But in my temporary role as a producer, I've been bringing to bear a few things I've picked up through such escapades as founding a major housing trust, running several businesses and being on countless boards. At the same time it's been a learning curve in terms of the specifics of feature film production.

As Metcalfe said, no one owes a filmmaker anything, no matter how good we might feel our material is. When you're asking for other people's dosh, you need to build a convincing case for it. It's where inspiration meets realism. When it works, it's brilliant. But that's not as common as any of us would like.