In this ongoing series, we're sharing tips, advice and insights from real entrepreneurs who are out there doing business battle on a daily basis. (Responses have been edited and condensed for clarity.)
Kia Jam is the founder and president of the independent film production company K. Media Hour. Over the past 25 years, the company has produced more than 30 films, including Lord of War, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For and the upcoming The Strangers: Chapter 1 and The Strangers: Chapter 2 “. .”
In a recent interview with entrepreneur, Jam has shattered the state of indie filmmaking and how streaming is changing the game for both viewers and creators.
We all see the job title in the credits, but can you explain what a producer's job is?
Producers are the glue that holds the entire production together from A to Z and oversee every aspect of production from concept to release. The process is fraught with challenges, from securing financing to managing the unpredictable nature of production – sometimes including the whims of Mother Nature. It often requires sleepless nights and the producer's unwavering commitment to the project.
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How has the role of a producer changed in the broadcast age?
The increased demand for content due to streaming platforms has made producers manage more projects simultaneously and work with faster turnaround times. This increased demand has made it challenging to hire key crew members, leading to higher labor costs. Budgets are significantly impacted with streaming platforms influencing financial decisions. These platforms often offer larger upfront fees to actors, sometimes eliminating contingent compensation, which traditional producers may struggle to match.
What is the most important thing you consider when taking on a new project?
Financial aspects aside, I think about whether I'm willing to immerse myself in that world for the duration of the film's development, production and distribution. While other team members come and go—directors for a year or so, actors for a few months—my fellow producers and I remain involved throughout the span of the project. I once spent six years on a film before it was made. But it depends on the story – is it compelling enough and does the script really require it to be done?
What are your top tips for fundraising for movies or any endeavor?
It is essential to create a compelling pitch that resonates emotionally with potential investors by clearly articulating your project's value proposition. The pitch should be a careful combination of creative elements, a financial plan and a financial model that makes sense. Understanding your audience is key – thoroughly research potential investors, tailor your pitch to their specific interests, and look for those who are passionate about your space. Building and maintaining relationships is critical. Networking and constant follow-up can open doors, but remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. You can meet someone today and not have the right project to collaborate on until years later.
Above all, persistence is crucial. Stay adaptable, refine your pitch based on feedback and stay focused as fundraising requires persistence, focus and the ability to deal with rejection. It's challenging to find a good funder or partner, so when you do, treat them right to make sure you can work together again. Treat their money as if it were your own.
A common complaint among viewers is “There are too many to choose from!” How do you approach that pain point?
This is so true. As a content creator, standing out in the vast sea of easily accessible content is increasingly challenging and requires a strategic approach. Developing a strong brand identity helps build an audience that knows what to expect from you and creates a community. Targeted marketing using social media, influencers and niche platforms can create buzz among those most likely to appreciate your work.
What past projects are you most proud of? What are you excited about in the future?
Anytime you manage to get a movie into production, it's a moment to remember and celebrate. My first major film production was Dungeons & Dragons. It took my partner and I over five years to raise the $26 million needed to make it happen. Despite our inexperience—me as a producer and him as a first-time director—we trusted our instincts, surrounded ourselves with talented people, and refused to take no for an answer. We went through every grueling step and eventually finished the film on time, selling it to New Line. Since then, the film has grossed over $100 million worldwide across all platforms, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished.
A project that I own, The Day the Clown Criedis often considered the white whale of Hollywood and has been around for over 50 years. It is, by far, the most powerful script I've ever read, and I'm especially excited about making this film.
How did you get into the world of film?
From the first time I saw it atI knew I wanted to make movies. I didn't know exactly how I was going to make that dream come true, but I was sure it was what I had to do. I started a production company and a mobile DJ business during college, focusing on live events. This led to producing an event for a new VFX startup called Digital Domain, founded by James Cameron, Scott Ross and Stan Winston. I ended up with a job there, working in their commercial department. It was basically my film school. I eventually produced a short film, which turned out to be a turning point in my career. Back then, before the iPhone era, it was challenging and expensive to get the equipment needed to shoot 35mm film. The barrier to entry was high, but if you managed to produce something, it was easier to get noticed because of the limited number of projects out there.
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Today, with the advent of affordable technology, shooting a short film on an iPhone and editing on a laptop is much easier. However, this also means there is a lot more competition, making it harder to stand out. The short film I produced was eventually sold to a studio, which led to an overall deal with the studio. That was the beginning of my feature film career more than 25 years ago.