Writing a Proof-of-Concept

After I graduated, I struggled with having something that could showcase my writing ability past portfolio pieces. There were shorts that I was fortunate enough to make in University, but I don’t like them as much as I used to because I’ve developed my voice and style way more in the last year or two. 

I wanted something strong, something that could so clearly be mine and distinctly in my voice. I had a script that I had written on and off for the last two to three years. It was my first feature ever, but I loved the characters, the world that I’d built. And I was fortunate enough to have input from Cody, who was incredibly supportive and loved Paper Monsters. So many people around me gave me the push, and I leaped. 

I settled on a proof-of-concept for the feature rather than filming a pilot. This was partially for monetary reasons. I toyed with the idea of shooting the entire movie, but I knew that the budget would be tough to finance, and I didn’t think that I had enough directing experience to make a feature. I’ve only directed student shorts that I’d written, and nothing more. 

Proof-of-concepts are fascinating to me. Many of us know the success stories, like Whiplash or Lights Out or Sin City. Will this happen to me? Maybe not, but we can be optimistic about it! Because I know that there’s only a small chance that someone wants to invest in me after seeing this movie, I wanted to make sure that the short can stand on its own. 

To me, this is the key to making sure that your proof-of-concept doesn’t just feel like a trailer for something that may never be made. Some proof of concepts are just scenes taken out of the feature and filmed, and that’s not a bad thing. It can be effective. But to me, the best chance of getting your name out there or just a really solid proof is to make sure you have a beginning, middle, and end, while still maintaining a little bit of mystery for the feature to explore. And of course, the most important part to me is setting up the vital themes and tone of your movie. No one will want to invest if you’re not saying anything. What’s the point of your story? And how can you make it interesting without giving it all away? It’s a tough balance, but having a great team around you to keep you in check is incredibly helpful, which is why I’m grateful to Cody and my boyfriend for being my producers, and having an amazing (and experienced) friend as my Assistant Director. 

Right now, we’re in pre-production, planning and getting everything in order. Follow @papermonsters_short on Instagram for updates! And please leave any comments with tips for crowdfunding and/or indie filmmaking. I’d appreciate any advice sent our way!

– Kait