Give Me The Greenlight

By Ty Johnston-Chavis

Give Me The Greenlight is not just a book; it's a mentor and companion, guiding creatives through the highs and lows of the independent filmmaking journey.  This comprehensive guidebook is designed to empower aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters and producers with the knowledge and strategies need

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pen Legacy Publishing
• Release date: Nov 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218315771

Ty Johnston-Chavis

Meet Ty Johnston-Chavis, a true luminary in the realm of television and film production, a leader and visionary whose influence knows no bounds. With a career spanning decade, Ty has consistently set the gold standard for excellence in entertainment.As a producer and a confident industry voice, Ty has not only brought unforgettable stories to the market but has also paved the way for others to follow. Beyond the silver screen, Ty has been a guiding force in industry initiatives, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. She is the founder of the longstanding annual conference, The Atlanta Pitch Summit, a respected annual conference, and networking marketplace where content meets distribution, allowing content creators to pitch their ideas to key executives and get their projects greenlit by TV and film companies such as Lifetime, BET MGM, TV One, FOX, Harpo Films, and Nickelodeon. Ty is not just a producer but a guiding light, an advocate for change, and an expert in her craft.

Book preview

GIVE ME the Greenlight

The Moment You Go from Script to Deal

Ty Johnston-Chavis

Copyright © 2023

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Published in the United States by Pen Legacy Publishing

An imprint of Pen Legacy, LLC, Pennsylvania

www.penlegacy.com

Library of Congress Cataloging – in- Publication Data has been applied for.

Edited By: Charron Monaye ; Tamika Hall

Formatted By: Tamikaink.com

Paperback ISBN: 979-8-218-31576-4

Ebook ISBN: 979-8-218-31577-1

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

FIRST EDITION

Table of Contents

Foreword

Getting Your Film Greenlit by Networks Cheat Sheet!!!

Introduction

So, You Want To Make Movies For A Living?

A Filmmaker’s Dream Team

What Types of Scripts Are You Looking To Shoot?

Do You Have The Time To Commit?

The Budget Starts With The Script

The Script: The Starting Point

Can You Afford The Script?

Crafting A Captivating Screenplay: Character-Driven Vs. Plot-Driven

Do They Need To Say All Of That?

Table Read: Do You Need Them or Nah?

Revisions and Feedback

Do You Have The Keys to the C-Suite?

The Power of Networking

Packaging Agents: Do You Need One

The Crucial Art of Post-Production

Budgeting for Post-Production

Can I Borrow $1,000,000.00 To Shoot My Film?

Big Budget Does Not Equate To Great Film

Sell or License? That’s A Great Question.

What Do You Need To Know Before Negotiating The Contract

Greenlighting Strategies For Filmmakers

The Digital Age Advantage

Building a Brand for Your Film and Your Name

The Film Festival Market: Is It Worth It?

Exploring Distribution Options: Theater, Streaming, and Beyond

A Great Filmmaker is Birthed From Experience

Reflection Is Your Diary, Keep It Close

Don’t Be Afraid of Feedback

Are You Evolving as a Filmmaker?

Conclusion

The Indie Filmmaking Glossary

Resources

About The Author

Foreword

I

t is with great pleasure and excitement that I introduce you to Ty Johnston-Chavis’ latest literary masterpiece, Give Me the Greenlight. As a fellow book publisher, movie producer, and entrepreneurial coach, I am always on the lookout for fresh voices and innovative storytellers. Ty Johnston is one such talent whose work has consistently left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

In 2003, I made a life-changing decision to leave my teaching career in the Maryland school system to pursue my passion for entrepreneurship. Little did I know that this journey would lead me to a world filled with creative individuals like Ty. Over the years, I have published numerous books and ventured into the world of independent filmmaking, with some of our literary creations finding their way onto screens through adaptations for BET, AMC NETWORKS, ALL BLACK, TUBI TV, and more. This path has allowed me to witness firsthand the incredible power of storytelling and its transformative impact on both creators and audiences. Independent filmmakers play a vital role in shaping our cultural landscape. We bring fresh perspectives, unique narratives, and often challenge the norms of mainstream media. We are the lifeblood of our industry, injecting it with authenticity, diversity, and innovation. Our work sheds light on stories that might otherwise go untold and voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Independent filmmakers remind us of the beauty in simplicity and the strength in resilience. We face countless challenges, from budget constraints to distribution hurdles, yet we persevere. We dare to dream and, against all odds, turn those dreams into compelling visuals that captivate hearts and minds. Ty’s journey as a producer and now director is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. In Give Me the Greenlight, Ty takes us on a thrilling ride through the world of film production, offering us a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and creative processes that shape this dynamic industry. Her storytelling prowess shines brightly in this narrative, inviting us to join her on an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic adventure.

Furthermore, I must share a momentous collaboration between Ty and myself. We had the honor of working together on her directorial debut with the trending TUBI thriller feature, A Taste of Betrayal, released in the fall of 2023. Ty's relentless dedication to storytelling was truly remarkable.

As the executive producer of the project, I witnessed firsthand her unshakable passion for her craft, which has translated seamlessly into the pages of Give Me the Greenlight. During the premiere of the film, at the very end,  I had to honor Ty with her flowers, with the audience applauding. I made her take a bow to a job well done. I love working with Ty; she is a leader and the kind of producer who knows how to execute with grace.

To aspiring filmmakers, I offer this piece of encouragement: Never give up on your dreams. Your stories matter, and your unique perspective is a treasure waiting to be shared with the world. The road to success may be filled with obstacles, but each challenge is an opportunity to grow and evolve. Keep pushing forward, keep creating, and never underestimate the impact your work can have on the world.

As you read this book, I hope you find inspiration, insight, and a renewed appreciation for the incredible talent that exists within the realm of independent filmmaking. Ty Johnston-Chavis’ words will undoubtedly leave an impression, just as they have on countless readers and viewers before you. Congratulations, Ty, on another outstanding achievement. May your words continue to light the way for storytellers everywhere.

Tressa Azarel Smallwood

CEO of MegaMind Media

Getting Your Film Greenlit by Networks Cheat Sheet!!!

M

aking a movie is a thrilling, yet challenging journey that many like yourself embark on. The path to getting your film greenlit may seem steep and filled with obstacles, but it's precisely these challenges that will shape you into a resilient and skilled filmmaker. Believe in the unique story you want to tell and the vision you want to share with the world. It's this unwavering belief in your work that will not only get your film greenlit but also resonate with audiences in a profound way. 

One of the best benefits of being an independent filmmaker is that you're not bound by the constraints of big studios or mainstream expectations. You have the freedom to push boundaries, explore unconventional narratives, and create something truly authentic and meaningful. Remember that some of the greatest cinematic masterpieces started as indie projects. 

As you relish the creative process and trust in your storytelling instincts, your passion will be the driving force that carries you through the tough times and fuels your perseverance when