Creating a serious awards contender is no easy task, especially when working with a budget of less than $5 million. The Zurich Film Festival’s industry-focused Zurich Summit recently hosted a panel to discuss this very topic. The panel consisted of industry professionals who shared their insights and experiences in producing award-worthy films on a limited budget.
Rowan Riley, Head of Development and Production at Alma Margo Pictures, expressed her belief that it is extremely challenging to make a movie that stands out in the eyes of award-giving bodies when funds are limited. She argued that the production quality often falls short of what is needed to win an Academy Award. While there have been exceptions over the years, Riley contended that the threshold for creating a successful awards contender presently lies above the $5 million mark.
Although awards play a significant role in the film industry, Howard Meyers, the Executive Vice President & Global Head of Business Affairs at Focus Features, emphasized that they are not the sole purpose of filmmaking. His company has a rich history of nominations and wins, but he believes that the primary focus should always be on creating the best film possible. Meyers acknowledged that being recognized by prestigious awards is part of their company’s DNA, but they prioritize artistic integrity over chasing accolades.
A successful awards campaign requires a thoughtful approach in connecting with voters. David Flynn, the creative lead at wiip, shared an intriguing anecdote about Glen Hansard’s impromptu musical performance at a party attended by Academy voters. Flynn noted that finding ways to engage with Academy members can be challenging due to the strict rules regarding solicitation. However, by seizing an opportunity to showcase the talent directly to the voters, Once, the 2008 breakout musical film, went on to win the Oscar for Best Original Song.
According to Meyers, having a dedicated and passionate cast and crew actively involved in an awards campaign can significantly impact its success. Their availability as ambassadors for the film is crucial in promoting it to the public and industry professionals. Meyers stressed the importance of screening the film and organizing Q&A sessions, interviews, and performances to generate buzz and intrigue around the project. However, he lamented the challenges that can arise when actors or directors have conflicting commitments that limit their availability during the critical awards season.
The Zurich Summit, a collaboration between the Zurich Film Festival and CAA Media Finance, provided a platform for these esteemed professionals to exchange ideas and insights on the intricacies of awards campaigning. This one-day event, held on September 30, served as a valuable resource for those looking to navigate the challenging terrain of awards season, particularly when constrained by limited budgets.
Creating a serious awards contender on a budget of less than $5 million is undeniably difficult. The panel at the Zurich Summit shed light on the intricacies and challenges faced by filmmakers in this realm. While it may be daunting to achieve recognition from prestigious award-giving bodies under such financial constraints, the commitment to producing remarkable films remains at the heart of the industry. Despite the emphasis on awards, the true measure of success lies in the ability to craft stories that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.