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Hello, Is anyone familiar with the process of paying SAG actors a 'signing bonus' for the bulk of their pay to avoid paying the 17% fringe benefits? For example, instead of paying $100k + 17% for 117k, you would pay $30k salary + 17% for $35,100. The remaining $70k would be paid as a signing...

Hi, Does anyone know of a knowledgeable, indie friendly, CPA who can assist on taxes and other production related matters? Any recommendations are much appreciated. Thanks

Thanks guy, appreciate it...

Hi, If I want to go 100% by the book, which forms do I need when paying cast/crew? From my understanding there is W9 and 1099? Is the W9 to prove immigration status? and the 1099 is for independent contractors? I guess in California neither cast/crew can legally be declared indpt...

Hello, I would like to raise the profile of a film within Hollywood to help secure the best possible distribution deal. Would a publicist help me achieve this? If no, what would be the best course of action? Thanks... Best Mike

this happens ALL the time in Los Angeles. just put an ad on craigslist for an insurance rider and you will get many hits. the going rate is about $200.

officially speaking, you do need a permit in Los Angeles even if it's a private location. for smaller shoots though it is very unlikely anything will happen, unless a neighbor complains. the reason for the requirement is big films will pull up with huge trucks and make their presence felt in...

Hello, If a Canadian incorporated production wants to shoot in California, legally, do they have to setup a California LLC, or can they fly in, film and leave? Thanks Mike

Hello, Does anyone know how, if at all, SAG enforces the definition of a 'non-professional' performer for the ultra low budget agreement? I spoke to a SAG lady on the phone and she said SAG, SAG eligible actors and 'professional' actors would all be incorporated into the agreement by default...

Thanks guys for the helpful info...

Hello, If you use SAG actors in a non-SAG film can the film be distributed, or can SAG block the release? What are the ramifications? Thanks Mike

Thanks Sweetie... you elegantly outlined my three options. my issue right now though is time. I'm still in post production so I don't want to contact buyers before I have a screener available for them to watch. And then, the availability of the booth is only for a limited time. So I need to...

Thanks diretorik, I was hoping you would offer your insight... What you stated above is my plan but a couple of events have got me thinking if it's not superior to still go to AFM. First, someone is willing to split a booth with me so the cost would be reduced to 5k. And second, I've met...

Thanks so much for your detailed and informative post, Sweetie. If I could pick your brain for a bit more I would be even more grateful... Assume the following: 1. the movie in question is extremely sellable and is not a filler movie 2. I will not use a sales agent 3. I've sold a movie before...

thanks...what would you say is the correct approach for selling a marketable film w/o a sales agent? there are quite a few sales agents who want to rep the film but I'd rather not give 20-25% commission and a 50k expense cap, if I could do it myself. would you say the buyers are going to ignore...

thanks...is it possible to make sales with just a pass and not a booth? ignoring the cost for a second, would you say the value of the booth is significantly greater than a pass?

Thanks... did you have a booth or were you walking the floor? what was your process for approaching AFM? did you contact buyers before hand or did you walk in cold? would you advise against walking in cold? Thanks again..

Hello, I recently completed a feature film and would like to bypass the sales agent route and sell it myself. I'm considering getting a booth at AFM. Do you think it's worth it? Can I make sales without going to a major film market? If I can, is it even worth the considerable cost of getting a...

Hello, If I don't go through a payroll company to pay my cast and crew can I still legitimately declare these as expenses for tax purposes? I would pay by cheque but I wouldn't deduct anyone's taxes or anything like that... Thanks Mike

Thanks guys..much appreciated.