Yes, Kirby I do. Producers
love to talk about money that doesn’t exist.
It’s a thing they do. In
fact, the favorite word of producers is “million” (when it comes to talking
about film budgets and investors’ money -- any money that isn't theirs).
When they say “back end,” they’re usually talking about something
that will never happen or never comes, but, if it does, it usually looks
different than the way they describe it (sort of like a horse’s.
Back end.) “Above line and
below line” talk is a way to avoid talking about the actual line (whatever or
wherever that is). Producers
offer points so they don’t actually have to say the word, “money” or have
to think that they’re agreeing to share profit money.
So, instead of saying “one percent of the money I’d rather keep, but
have to agree to give at least something to you since you either wrote or
possibly directed or financed or acted in the picture,” they say, “one
point.” It’s as if they’re
imagining they’re playing cricket or some game like it.
And don’t worry your screenwriter’s head about principal photography.
If there’s no principal in your story (or any school
administrator whatsoever) you’re fine.
DcH
related
cartoon