MDA2900 - Serena's Second Visit

After having our second talk off Serena Cullen, we had another interesting look into her life, work and her insight into the world of production.

We watched a part of a musical drama she produced, as well as a pilot for a sitcom, and part of a few television movies, and we learned about the low budgets used, tight schedules, and certain times in which the projects were never fully realised, due to funding backing out (even after making a pilot episode, in the case of the sitcom!)

• If funding falls through, you can still make the project and make a larger profit, but BE REALISTIC.
• Persistence and passion are key
• Most films have about 5 memorable moments, so when you are creating a trailer, think about them and try adding them to the trailer
• Use a 2 camera sysytem for a faster shooting process

To conclude, she had five key points to tell us:

• The writer, producer and director all have a shared vision
• A producer must have passion for the project
• Access to the people, resources you need is important
• You need the Energy to see the projects through charismatically
• The most important thing is making it happen for yourself