Tao will trade read/critique for help on his film

Hi guys,

This post is geared toward those of you who know me from this online community we have here - so I won't bother identifying myself or my credits. This is for those of you that know who I am and what I have to offer.

I am directing a short film in January in Los Angeles. As with most of these things, we are stretching our budget to its limits. I need help in many areas. Those of you who are writers who are interested in having me read and give a thorough critique of your script - I am offering a barter arrangement where I will do just that (within six weeks after completion of principal photography) in exchange for the following kinds of help on my film:

-if you donate or help me secure a needed location in L.A. (right now we need a beautiful downtown loft with rooftop access, a docked yacht, a fancy restaurant, a fancy production office, and access to a Metro station/Union station) - I would only be willing to trade on this one if your location is actually chosen and used in the film.
-If you have set experience and would work as a production assistant for at least three days of the five day shoot. And work HARD.
-if you have a company that would donate needed supplies such as HD tapes, water, food, equipment, facilities (I would barter depending on the extent of the donation and whether it's something the film needs).
-for those of you with SIGNIFICANT PROFESSIONAL experience in specialties like:

production designer
line producer
script supervisor
1st and 2nd AD
UPM
composers (please, only with a LOT of experience scoring films)
storyboard artists
post production supervisor
sound mixer
location manager

...please send me your resume. If we meet and I decide to work with you, obviously the benefits are not only that I will read and critique your script (or a script on a project you are attached to as director or producer that needs work), but that when I segue into directing features next year, we will have formed a relationship and perhaps could work together again.

Lastly, for those outside L.A, or with entrepreneurial zest (or stupidity/idealism) who still want to be involved, I would also trade critiquing and more extensive mentoring services in exchange for a financial investment in the film. Partners on this would also be considered investors in the film and treated/thanked/represented as such. This would be discussed and negotiated since I haven't done this before and I'm more comfortable trading services. But hey, films need money, and I've had many approach me to ask for this, so what the hell?

That's all guys. Dunno if anyone will be interested in this, but I figured it's worth a shot.

Interested parties send me a note at: wewheeler90405@yahoo.com

Or post something here (unless it contains info you don't want public.)

Do you need a writer?

Lemme see if I got this straight...

You want one of us to work 3 days on your film (Avg. 10 hrs a day = 30 hrs) and for this, you will read the script (2 hrs) and give a written critique of it (3 hrs) ( 2 + 3 = 5 hrs.)

How does the 30 hrs we're giving you equate to the 5 hrs you're giving one of us?

Sigh.

My boyfriend is a professional fine artist but we live in Florida. Storyboards are right up his alley . . . alas, we are geographically challened.

Pencey-

if you don't see value in the deal, then by all means, don't do it. That's why i directed this post towards people who know me and the value of what I can provide.

How much financial commitment?

As I am still in the clutches of Uncle Sam until Feb. 6, I shall most likely not be able to participate. Otherwise, I would gladly be your water boy, gratis.

Good luck with the film.

Hay Tao, I’m an SAG actor if you need any help in that department I’ll be more than happy to help out.

Just thought I mention it. 8)

don and others who've emailed me re: the investment idea-

to be honest i put it in as an afterthought. i haven't ever "priced" my services like that before, and I want to make sure everyone would feel happy with the arrangement. i will call a few friends of mine in a similar career situation and ask them what their fee is for this kind of thing, and figure out some kind of fixed "lot" or "share" that would be the investment in the movie/payment for my critiquing/mentoring. then i need to work out with my producer and lawyer how to organize the arrangement re: the financial structure of the film, and standardize what the investor would be getting from me in terms of hours, assurance of contacts, whatever.

let me think about it.

Tao --

This is an interesting proposition. And if the price is fair, I would seriously think about the the investment idea.

Kudos to you on being very resourceful. And let us all know on what your price is.

EJ