From hanging out in the right bars to getting your hands on finance and the best script, Adam P. Davies and Nicol Wistreich reveal what you need to do to make it big in film . . .

1 Secure your script

You cannot make a film without having a decent script. And having means owning. If you didn’t write the script yourself, you need to “acquire the rights” to turn it into a film. This means either commissioning someone to write the script for you or, if it already exists, entering into a contract with its owner. If the script is based on a play, book or game, you will also need permission from its rights-holder to turn it into a film.

2 Team-building, part 1 (advisers)

You need professional advisers from early in the process. You must engage lawyers with experience in the industry, as the strength of your contracts will affect the fundability of your film. Likewise, to engineer the best tax position, everything you spend on getting the film prepared and made will need to be properly certified by your accountant.

3 In good company

You’ll need to set up a limited company through which to do all your dealings; nobody in their right mind will give you thousands of dollars in your personal capacity. Your advisers can help you to incorporate a company at Companies House, which can cost anything from £20 to £750.

4 Get knowledge and get networking

There is plenty of information out there. The Film Finance Handbook (www.fundyourfilm.info) will teach you how films are financed; The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook will show you how they are made. Read the trade press and join relevant real and online communities, eg, www.netribution.co.uk or the New Producers Alliance, for up-to-date information on what’s going on in the market.

It’s a matter of who you know as much as what you know. Hang out in the Soho bars, mingle at the many UK festivals (www.britfilms.com/festivals) or even journey to Cannes, attend lectures and seminars and make as many quality contacts as possible. You never know when they may be able to lend an ear (or dollar).

5 Team-building, part 2 (production team)

It’s difficult to attract serious money if you’ve never made a film, but surrounding yourself with established players will increase your chances. Working with a recognised producer, experienced heads of departments (cinematography, costumes, set design, etc) and – perhaps most importantly – well-known “talent” (director and cast) will all make your film “package” much more enticing.

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