How do you write a winning proposal?
Most
filmmakers who have scoured the Internet and bookstores, searching for a guide on how to write the perfect film proposal.
Sound familiar? If it does, you know their search is in vain. While there are myriads of books and manuals on how to write
business proposals, most of these resources do not apply to the film industry. So, what gives?
I hope you're sitting down,
because, in case you haven't heard, there is no such thing as the perfect film proposal. Film proposals are written for
a specific reader, and each reader is looking for something different. Think about it; if you are going to get your film made
and distributed, you are going to deliver your proposal to anyone and everyone. From studio executives, to private donors,
to corporate partners, to nonprofit foundations-each person who picks up your proposal will be looking for something that
matches his or her specific agenda.
So does this mean you have to create a different film proposal
each time you send it out? That's exactly what it means.
Most filmmakers think the film
proposal is all about their film. It's not. It's about how their film will meet
the needs of the potential funder. That's why it's called a proposal, because you are proposing something.
If you expect total strangers to give you money to go out and make a film,
your proposal must answer their need, their
mission, their passion. Get this and you will be miles
ahead of your competition.
Customizing your proposal for each reader does
not mean you have to redesign the wheel every time you send it out. When I work with clients, we create a "proposal template,"
using the information most funders look for. Once you have completed your proposal template it's easy to customize it for each individual reader.
First, you need
to get to know your reader. You've researched foundations, and found one that is a good fit. Visit their website and learn
everything you can about who they are and why they are passionate about funding their particular cause. Take a look at their
mission statement. Note the words used to describe their cause then see if you can incorporate some of these same words into
your proposal.
Call the operations officer at the foundation and pitch your
film, then sit back and listen. Jot down key phrases, then use them subliminally by rewording them and inserting them into
your proposal. This shouldn't be a stretch, since you've already determined the foundation is a good fit.
Follow
your potential funder's submission guidelines to the letter, and keep it simple. Your readers
do not have time for ambiguity. There are dozens of proposals sitting on their desks, waiting to be read. If they have to
wade through pages of jargon to hunt for information, they will simply pass and move on to the next proposal.
I can
always tell a first time filmmaker, because their proposal is full of confusing industry jargon and complex scenes. Remember
(with the exception of a few studio executives and distributors), most of the people who read your
proposal are out there supporting causes that have nothing to do with Hollywood.
As you
write, keep a mental picture in your head of your reader. Adopt the mantra: My
reader is the person who has the power to fund
my film. You get one shot. As my grandmother use to say, "No one gets a second chance to make a first impression."
Blessings to all of you.
