Shaked Berenson explains that producers prioritize investing in filmmakers and production companies with proven track records over unsolicited screenplays. Building long-term relationships, understanding market trends, and demonstrating grit and consistent work are key to securing financing and distribution in the film industry. Talent alone is not enough; persistence, learning from failure, and evolving projects are essential for success.
In the competitive world of film production, many aspiring screenwriters and directors wonder what it takes to secure financing and support from producers. Shaked Berenson, an experienced producer, sheds light on the realities of the industry, emphasizing that producers invest in people and relationships rather than just screenplays.
Berenson notes that it is uncommon for screenwriters or directors to approach producers offering to help with the producer's own ideas. Instead, most people pitch their own projects. However, unsolicited material is rarely accepted. Producers often have a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) list, where they specify the types of projects they are currently seeking, such as young adult TV series or other genres.
Even filling out an RFP form does not guarantee acceptance. Producers tend to work with people and companies they have collaborated with before and who have demonstrated reliability and quality.
One of the key points Berenson makes is that filmmaking is like a marriage, not dating. It involves enduring difficult times, such as unexpected challenges on set, and celebrating successes together. Because of the risks and complexities involved, producers prefer to work with trusted teams over time.
Scripts can change, be polished, or even be rewritten entirely, but the people involved remain constant. Therefore, producers invest in the people and companies behind the projects rather than the scripts themselves.
For example, Berenson mentions working repeatedly with filmmaker Tom Malloy on multiple projects because of the established trust and understanding of quality and delivery timelines.
Producers typically do not finance more than half of a project's budget, expecting the other party to have skin in the game. Berenson's company also operates an aggregation business, distributing hundreds of movies across platforms like Tubi, Pluto, Amazon, and more. This data-driven approach helps them stay on top of market trends and identify what types of content are in demand.
An example is their partnership with a company producing faith-based micro-budget movies in Atlanta. Knowing the production quality, sales channels (such as Pure Flix and Up TV), and revenue patterns allows them to finance multiple films per year, increasing output from one film annually to four.
Berenson advises that aspiring filmmakers who want to be the next successful producers of niche content, like faith-based movies, need to start by making a few films independently. Producers need to see the quality and marketability of the content before considering financing.
It is not enough to simply ask for a chance; filmmakers must prove themselves by creating and selling content. Producers already have a roster of experienced production houses, so newcomers must demonstrate their value and reliability.
While financing is difficult to secure, distribution is relatively easier. Producers have teams dedicated to watching and acquiring completed films. Additionally, platforms like YouTube allow filmmakers to self-distribute and monetize their work.
Berenson highlights that with modern technology, talented individuals can create high-quality films with relatively low budgets, using devices capable of shooting in 8K and affordable editing software.
A recurring theme in Berenson's insights is the importance of grit—the capacity to persist consistently in a direction while learning and improving from failures. She defines grit as the ability to keep going despite setbacks, adapting and growing through experience.
She recalls advice from a panel early in her career: while persistence is important, if many people say no, it might be a sign to reconsider the project or approach. Filmmakers should not keep pushing the same script endlessly but should learn from feedback and move on to new ideas.
Success in filmmaking often requires starting in entry-level roles, such as a personal assistant or camera department, to learn the craft and industry. Writing, reading, and seeking feedback are crucial steps toward creating great work.
Shaked Berenson's perspective offers valuable guidance for aspiring filmmakers:
For those passionate about filmmaking, the path involves more than just talent—it requires dedication, adaptability, and the ability to build meaningful professional relationships over time.
