THE PRODUCER
There are a lot of people who take part in the process of creating each solitary film, music, or TV project. And many influence how a brand ends up on screen and stays in the final cut. One of these individuals who is so important to brand marketers is the film producer. We spoke with Dion Foley, producer at Nasser Entertainment, who has worked on productions such as Dawn Rider, Suddenly, and Damage. Read our interview with the producer to get a better understanding of life on set and how it can impact brands.
The Interview
HB: How did you get into the entertainment business?
DF: I started interning for a production company.
HB: What is your typical day like?
DF: Lots of emails & phone calls, make sure things happen as they should regarding development, production, and delivery of various films in different stages of production. Create contracts and legal documents, and negotiate deals. Meetings with agents, managers, etc.
HB: While working as a producer what are your responsibilities?
DF: Negotiating actor and director deals, prep contracts, reviewing contracts, overseeing the development & casting processes, delivering films to distributors and broadcasters, overseeing the financing process, and overseeing and preparing tax credit documents. Maintain relationships with agents, managers, etc. Look for new sources of financing, new projects and relationships, and co-productions. Pitch TV shows to broadcasters and TV studios. Pitch films to distributors, both in developments and completed films.
HB: Tell me some of the work you have done.
DF: Releasing in late 2014 was Final Girl - a highly anticipated directorial debut from world-renowned photographer Tyler Shields, starring Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin (The Call), Wes Bentley (The Hunger Games) & Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games), The Virginian, a western starring singing sensation Trace Adkins and Ron Perlman (Hell Boy), Dawn Rider, a John Wayne remake starring screen legend Donald Sutherland (The Hunger Games), Christian Slater (Bullet to the Head) & Jill Hennessy (Crossing Jordan).
HB: What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the entertainment business?
DF: Follow your passions and pay your dues and everything else will come naturally. Work hard and more importantly work smart. Internships are a great way to learn and get a feel for the industry, especially if you're not sure what specifically you want to do. Also, never send an email or call someone when you're angry, cool off first. Don’t burn bridges, it's more advantageous for you to keep your cool and be the bigger person. One more thing is most things are not worth arguing about, who cares if they think they are right - all that matters is that you get the result that you want.
HB: If you could go back in a time machine what era would you choose and why?
DF: 1960's - best music, great vibes, get to witness history in the making.
HB: What TV show should everyone be watching?
DF: Game of Thrones! And Brooklyn 99.
HB: And what is your TV guilty pleasure?
DF: Re-runs of Star Trek Next Generation and also American Pickers.
HB: A movie that made you cry was?
DF: Armageddon.
HB: When is the last time you went to a theater?
DF: 2 days ago.
HB: If you could pick four people to have dinner with dead or alive, who would you choose?
DF: Bob Marley, JFK, John Lennon, Benjamin Franklin.
Learn More
Visit our blog to see what happens when Hollywood Branded takes business behind the sign with more industry greats such as Mark Wahlberg.
Are you interested in integrating product placement into your entertainment marketing mix, but simply don't know where to start? There is so much more to product placement than you may think and it is important to be educated about the key tactics to best fit your brand. Download our Product Placement 101 Infographic to start learning more today!
