Jackson Pat, a Producer and Director for Far East Asian films such as 'Reuniting the Rubins' (2010) and known for Producing 'Triumph in the Skies' (2015). Jackson started directing commercials with leading brands such as 'Lee Kum Kee', 'Amoy', 'Pataks' and 'Gillette' until recently he decided to producer feature films.
Jackson Pat - Producer/Director
After the interview with Jackson, I decided to follow him for a while to experience pre-production before confirming it as a work placement. As he was a family friend, I felt safe to do so whilst letting someone know where I was at all times.
Meeting point was at Curzon, where I was introduced to a producer 'Guy Allon', who line produced 'Triumph in the Skies' (2015) for UK.
Guy Allon, a independent UK film producer. Experienced in Commercials, corporate and entertainment in Europe and Far East Asia.
Guy Allon - Producer
I found myself being told an idea for their next film and being involved with helping with ideas and creating characters. The story was still in pre-production so anything could change. Whilst planning the story and characters, I noticed that the way the story changes due to whether the character is male/female, where the story is based, legal requirements such as China working together with UK etc...
Over the few days I was with them I had experienced script and money negotiation, meetings with clients, differentiating genuine and 'fake' clients and how to talk in the situation.
My first experience having a meeting with clients in restaurants felt like we had money to spend. Jackson had booked us a reservation at a expensive restaurant. When we arrived, we were immediately taken to the best table in the house and served with the the most delicious food accompanied with wine, in my case Jasmine tea. It was obvious the owners knew Jackson and how important he was for their business. From this I felt like I was a part of the elite. Although we were the ones looking for money to make a sizzle trailer, I learnt that to get investments you need to impress the client. One of the best ways to propose a business deal is over glamourous dinner. Here I listened to the negotiations and learned how to hold a conversation with clients in a business manner.
I enjoyed staying in Jacksons office in his home and helping with ideas for the script and story. Of course, as these are ideas, the confidentiality is strictly between all of us and nothing goes out of the office. Usually there is some paperwork to sign about privacy, but this was about trust as they feel I may not be with them long enough to fully know what the finalised script will be.
In pre-production the things I learned to consider for investment were:
Finders Fee - 2-5% for when someone finds the money
Investors ALWAYS get their money back
If 1 investor invests the whole production, the investor holds the rights. - This can be a bad thing where the investor can change anything they wanted to as they invested 100% into it. Whereas, if there are more than 1 investor, there is a certain amount they can change to the film because they will also have to negotiate with the other investors.
In writing, make an agreement that they get a percentage when we the filmakers want to make a pre-quel or sequel so investors don't hold all rights.
Don't give all rights away.
Without the script and actor prepared, people won't fund for development money.
Talking to banks - Know who is involved, is it viable? Need a completion guarantor.
If they feel the film is not going to work, they may take over to complete the film.
Co-producing with another country - If they want to get involved they should invest in the production.
A co-production with the BFI, could enable them to put more money into the film and there would be more potential with the film.
Roughly 20% of budget raised would get an executive producer credit.
It was a shame that my experience had come to an end so quickly as I felt all the knowledge I had gained were like Jems. At least now I have their contacts and I can keep in touch with them for future job opportunities. Even though when talking to clients we had to act accordingly, I felt Jackson and Guy were down to earth and really friendly when it came to being creative and coming up with ideas.
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