The Three P's Every Filmmaker Should Consider: Paper, Project, and People.

Discover the three core pillars—Paper, Project, and People—that guide filmmakers in choosing the right projects for both creative fulfillment and career sustainability.

Mike Rekola

Oct 15, 2024

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From the Dermatologist’s Office Waiting Room.

Tuesday, October 15th

Hey Filmmaker,

Starting a new filmmaking project is exhilarating.

You’ve got a story to tell, a vision to bring to life, and a passion that fuels every frame.

But as every filmmaker knows, that excitement can be met with practical challenges.

Should you take on a particular project?

Is it worth the time, the effort, and the energy?

How do you know if a project will be fulfilling or a total drain?

Enter the “Three P’s”: Paper, Project, and People.

This framework helps filmmakers determine whether a project is worth the commitment, and how to balance the elements that make it successful.

Paper represents the finances, Project stands for the creative vision, and People refers to the team you’ll work with.

Not every project hits all three, but if you can get at least two, you’re on solid ground.

Let’s break down each P and why it’s so important to consider them before diving into your next film.

THE MODERN FILMMAKER

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So There I Was… (Story)

So there I was, waiting for my call to join a set for a new indie project.

I was excited about this opportunity; it felt like my big break as an independent filmmaker.

I’d put everything into this production—my time and my energy.

But as the weeks wore on, I started noticing cracks.

The budget wasn’t adding up, the team had a hard time syncing, and everyone’s patience was wearing thin.

The whole experience became a lesson in what happens when the Three P’s aren’t in place.

That project taught me that without Paper, Project, and People working together in harmony, a film can fall apart.

So, let’s dive into each of these P’s and why they’re critical to filmmaking success.

The Three P’s of Filmmaking: Breaking It Down

1. Paper: The Business Side of Filmmaking

“Paper” refers to the financial aspects of a project.

It’s not just about getting paid; it’s about having the funding needed to bring your vision to life.

When the budget is right, filmmakers can secure the necessary equipment, cast, locations, and post-production tools without constantly cutting corners.

Without adequate Paper, you risk burnout and frustration.

Think of a project where you’re constantly worried about stretching a dollar to cover essentials, like a film that tries to shoot on a shoestring budget.

Even the most passionate filmmakers find themselves worn out and unable to produce their best work under these circumstances.

Take, for instance, the 1999 film The Blair Witch Project.

This film was famously shot on a very low budget, but the filmmakers were still able to cover essentials and knew how to work within their financial constraints.

Paper matters because, without it, even the best ideas and the strongest teams can struggle.

Why Paper Matters:

Ensures that all production needs can be met without sacrificing quality.
Helps prevent burnout for the cast and crew, who rely on fair compensation.
Allows for contingency planning, so unexpected costs don’t derail the project.

2. Project: The Creative Vision

The second P, “Project,” is the heart of your filmmaking work.

The Project encompasses the story, the concept, and the artistic vision that drives you.

It’s the “why” of the film—what you’re aiming to express and why it matters.

When the Project aligns with your creative passion, you’re willing to push through challenges, because you believe in the end result.

Think of movies like Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan. Nolan’s creative vision for the film was ambitious, involving complex plot layers and stunning visual effects.

The Project itself was so compelling that everyone involved was inspired to bring that vision to life.

When a project resonates deeply, it brings out the best in everyone involved, motivating them to work harder and think creatively.

But not every project will spark that kind of excitement.

Sometimes the Paper or the People make a project worthwhile even if the creative vision isn’t groundbreaking.

However, if you find a Project that ignites your passion, you’re looking at a rare opportunity worth fighting for.

Why Project Matters:

Inspires dedication and energy, especially when conditions get tough.
Fuels your motivation to put in the extra hours, knowing you’re working toward something meaningful.
Elevates your work, allowing you to make art that resonates with audiences.

3. People: The Team that Makes It Happen

Finally, there’s “People”—the team of cast and crew that will bring your vision to life.

Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and the quality of the people you work with can make or break a project.

A supportive, talented team can lift the entire production, creating a positive atmosphere that makes even the hardest days on set manageable.

Consider the making of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Director Peter Jackson’s team was known for their dedication and camaraderie, which created a supportive environment.

This synergy allowed them to tackle the grueling schedule, tough filming conditions, and complex logistics.

The result?

A trilogy that set new standards for epic storytelling and captivated millions of fans.

On the other hand, a toxic or unmotivated team can derail a production.

Miscommunication, ego clashes, or lack of commitment from just one team member can create an environment where productivity and creativity suffer.

Remember, the People you work with not only affect the quality of the film but can also shape your professional network for future projects.

Why People Matter:

A collaborative team brings energy, creativity, and problem-solving skills to every part of production.
Positive working relationships make challenging projects manageable and fulfilling.
Strong networks formed on set can lead to future opportunities and partnerships.

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Finding Balance: When You Can’t Get All Three P’s

Ideally, every project would check all three boxes: Paper, Project, and People.

However, most of the time, filmmakers have to make compromises.

The trick is to aim for at least two out of the three.

Here’s how different combinations play out:

Paper + People: When the pay is fair and the team is great, even a less exciting project can feel worthwhile. You’re well-compensated and enjoy the experience, which often makes up for a lack of creative spark.
Project + People: If the budget’s tight, but the creative vision is inspiring and the team is enthusiastic, you’ll likely find a way to make things work. Passion and collaboration can carry you a long way when finances are stretched thin.
Paper + Project: Maybe the team isn’t ideal, but if the budget is solid and the creative vision excites you, the rewards of the work may outweigh the challenging personalities. As long as you stay focused on the end goal, you can still produce a quality film.

Finding the right balance between these three P’s can make the difference between a fulfilling project and one that leaves you frustrated.

Knowing what you’re willing to compromise on can help you make decisions that keep you motivated, productive, and engaged in your filmmaking journey.

Examples of Balancing the Three P’s in Filmmaking

Let’s look at some well-known films where these three P’s were balanced in different ways:

Mad Max: Fury Road – With a strong creative vision (Project) and a dedicated team (People), Fury Road overcame tough production conditions. The budget (Paper) was tight for such a high-concept film, but the team’s dedication and the director’s creative passion brought the film to life.
Clerks – This indie film by Kevin Smith had very little budget (Paper) but a strong Project and People. Smith’s passion for the story and the commitment of the small cast and crew turned this low-budget film into a cult classic that launched his career.
The Revenant – With a large budget (Paper) and a talented team (People), the intense production of The Revenant was sustained by the cast’s commitment to the creative vision, particularly Leonardo DiCaprio and director Alejandro González Iñárritu. This combination led to a challenging but ultimately rewarding production.

Why the Three P’s Matter: Key Takeaways for Filmmakers

Here’s why keeping the Three P’s in mind can transform your filmmaking journey:

Financial Security (Paper): Ensures you and your team are compensated, preventing burnout and enabling high-quality production.
Creative Fulfillment (Project): Inspires passion, which fuels productivity, focus, and dedication to the work.
Collaborative Success (People): Strengthens teamwork, making the entire filmmaking process more enjoyable and productive.
Long-Term Career Growth: Helps you build a network and gain skills that carry forward to future projects.
Balance and Flexibility: Guides you in choosing projects that fit your values and goals, even when compromises are necessary.

Final Thoughts

In filmmaking, every project is a choice—a choice to invest your time, resources, and creativity.

The Three P’s—Paper, Project, and People—are the pillars that help guide these decisions, balancing practicality with passion.

While it’s rare to find a project that hits all three, aiming for at least two can create an experience that’s as fulfilling as it is productive.

The next time you’re evaluating a project, think about the Three P’s.

Are you excited about the creative potential?

Cheers,

The Modern Filmmaker - M Rekola Signature