040: Best advice from 2021

19 Dec 040: Best advice from 2021

Posted at 11:27h in Co-Production, Finding Partners, Podcasts, Screenwriting by Caryn McCann 0 Comments

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Top ten advice tips from 2021 podcast guests. They offer insights on finding story ideas, writing for the China market, attracting producers and much more.

Today’s podcast is a roundup of the best advice of 2021. Indeed, the guests gave great nuggets of wisdom throughout the interview. Additionally, this compilation is only a few snippets of advice. In particular, each guest offers a treasure trove of knowledge and experience that you use for furthering your own projects.

030: LEGAL ADVICE: WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID BACK OF A NAPKIN AGREEMENTS

Firstly, American lawyer and China media expert, Jesse Weiner gives advice on how to protect your IP in China. Additionally, he advises on, what you need to attract a Chinese financier, and hope for a reset of US-China relations.

Certainly, speaking Chinese is very helpful. Jesse gives encourages words for those who even give just a little effort to learn a few words.

031: CONTROVERSIAL FILMMAKER ATTRACTS AWARDS & DEATH THREATS

Next, filmmaker Chris D. Nebe balances propaganda and journalism in his controversial documentaries. Furthermore, Chris emphasizes the U.S. and China needs to learn to work together. Thus, problems cannot be solved with violence. He talks about how we live in a global village.

032: IS AI THE SOLUTION TO FINDING GOOD SCRIPTS?

However, producer and Distribution Exec David L. Suarez talks about the challenge of finding good scripts. Furthermore, he tells how to break into the China market. David suggests read about China. At the same time, learn about the culture. Uniquely, he offers a fast track alternative to getting meetings.

033: ACTION STAR RISES IN THE EAST

Also, action star Chris Collins is an action actor / action director made in Hong Kong. In particular, he talks about being discovered. In addition, he discusses the differences between Hollywood and Chinese film financing. Moreover, Chris says “what can you do for me?” is the wrong question. Work for the bottom up. Additionally, he adds how the right attitude can lead to more opportunities.

034: ADVICE ON HOW TO BECOME A GAME WRITER

In addition, Game Writer Jordan Defazio talks about the opportunity for western game writers in China. Furthermore, he discusses the freedom game writing offers over screenwriting. Jordan suggests you should be ready to throw away what you’ve written at a moment’s notice.

Likewise, he adds you need to carry out the team’s vision. But somehow also make it your vision too.

035: ADVICE & TIPS ON WRITING FOR A CHINESE AUDIENCE

Naturally, China writer Marc Handler discusses the benefits of working with a Chinese writing partner. Likewise, he discusses China bashing and China’s talent management problem. Consequently, Marc echoes you need to offer something of value. Examples include specialized knowledge, distribution or investment. Take the long view. Partner with Chinese writers.

Furthermore, he says he couldn’t write a story for China himself. To illustrate, he needed that authentic voice and he found it by partnering with Chinese writer.

Truly, I appreciate that Marc mentioned The China List’s free service to producers and writer members. In particular, we have a page called “Find a Writing Partner”.

Benefits of using The China List’s “Find a Writing Partner” tool:

Overcome writer’s block.
Adapt your script for the China market.
Divide and conquer your workload.
Get instant feedback.
Gain a new perspective on your work. Find out more here: https://chnlist.com/writers/find-a-writing-partner/

036: ACTING IN CHINA – PROS & CONS

Nests, American actor Davy Williams talks about the differences between acting in Hollywood and China. He advises on getting steady work. Additionally he tells of the challenges of Chinese distribution. For example, Davy talks about the pros and cons of acting in China. Additionally, Beijing is the film capital more than Shanghai.

037: LESSONS ON FUNDRAISING IN CHINA

Scott Einbinder is a producer, executive, investor and China consultant. Significantly, he discusses the challenges of fundraising in China. Additionally, Scott suggests making friends and not just business associates with future Chinese partners.

In particular, younger Chinese junior execs who studied abroad generally understand both sides. Scott has encouraging words for Hollywood regarding working with China.

038: HOW TO FIND STORY IDEAS

Producer and tech whiz Keith Collea advises on how to find story ideas. He shares the right way to pitch and how to attract film producers. Keith says if you have some talent, just go to China and make Chinese movies.

Your best chances to get a movie off the ground is in China. That’s where the money is.

Similarly, there are also stories you can mine about Chinese people coming to the west. Namely, this allows you to make the movie in the west. Correspondingly, this becomes a Chinese movie than can travel.

039: LIGHTS, CAMERA, DISCRIMINATION!

Lastly, China-based documentary filmmaker Luo Tong and her creative Director, Matthew Baren chatted recently with us. In particular, they discuss why the film industry needs more women. Furthermore, they discuss what to do when your investor and director don’t see eye to eye.

Matthew suggests not looking at China as a mountain of money. There’s a wealth of stories and talent pool. China isn’t just WuShu movies. Also, he also talks about the growth of documentaries in China.

Luo Tong mentions reminds us a good start is to be friendly.

China Hollywood Greenlight Podcast – Episode 40

Best Advice for 2021

Show Notes

Host: Caryn McCann

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheChinaList

Twitter: @chnlist https://twitter.com/chnlist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/