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Hannah Peterson's THE GRADUATES
Carolina Groppa
October 18, 2024
Happy Friday, Dear Listener!
News dropped yesterday of good progress made by Producers United as Warner Bros Discovery, Disney, Paramount, Universal and HBO accepted their policy revisions. It’s one step towards the necessary and dire change to help producers survive.
In case you missed it, producers Heather Rae (FANCY DANCE) and Joy Gorman Wettels (Unprisoned) stopped by the show back in May to explain why they, along with other prolific career producers who make up about 90% of Hollywood's biggest independent, studio, and streamer producers at the top of their game, came together to fight for change.
This win came on the heels of a recent FilmLA report showing that “only 18 percent of the scripted TV and film projects released last year were made in Los Angeles.” That’s down from 22% of 2022 releases and 23% in 2021, as stated in this Indiewire article.
This is an issue to impacts our state and our nation. If production and labor continue to leave the Golden State and the United States, which are revered for its export of culture, I don’t know when or how we will get it back. From the many conversations I’ve have with people much smarter than me on this topic, California needs at least $1B dollars to be competitive with other states.
I also frantically texted a trusted contact with much deeper knowledge of the California tax credit after learning these dire stats. She explained:
“There’s actually a lot of confusion about how tax credits work, especially here. They are determined through a legislative process which often takes years. For example, the new July 2025 version was signed into law 2 years ago. Essentially the legislature pushes to get bills signed into law. The legislature is responsible to its constituents (like you!). The very best thing you or anyone can do is to take these concerns to our local leaders (plus be sure to vote for the ones you like next month). The film commission doesn’t decide anything - they just follow the law. But know this: the state is very well aware. We truly need constituent activism to push for things to move more quickly. “
So, great, what do we do about it? Well, I took her advice to heart and we have to pay attention to who we vote for in November as well as take action. Call your state representatives. Advocate! Shout it from the rooftops! As JLo once proclaimed: LET’S GET LOUD! And let’s help turn things around.
The wellbeing of our community depends on it.
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS
Forging Your Own Path: Actor/Producers in Conversation - Sat 10/19 at 3:30 PM I’ll be moderating a conversation with Margaret Cho and Darrell Britt-Gibson for the Proof Film Festival. Join Me Tomorrow!
Fall Mixer - Wed 10/23 from 6:00 - 9:00PM Come hang, have a drink, and connect with me and our fellow AOPers. RSVP here.
As always, thanks for doing this life thing with me!
HIGHLIGHT MOMENT
I met filmmaker Hannah Peterson last summer when her feature film debut, THE GRADUATES, world premiered at Tribeca to strong critical reviews. It also won the Best Cinematography award on behalf of DP, Carolina Costa. The film is an enormously affecting look at life after a terrible tragedy.
I’ve kept her film on my radar since and have been eager to see and support it.
I was delighted when we serendipitously reconnected as new moms many months later. Nothing could have prepared me for how expansive motherhood has been. I used to fear that it would narrow my world, my opportunities, my reach. Joke was on me as it’s been quite the opposite.
Last week, Hannah and I (and our babes!) shared a salad, coffee, and conversation. We strolled the shady streets of Glendale while discussing her beautiful film, our respective north stars, and the age-old pontification of how anyone does it all.
“The Graduates” 2023 Deauville American Film Festival / Hannah + Raf
I asked her for some insight on what she looks for in a producer, what makes someone exceptional, and some takeaways on the other side of making her first movie. She said:
“Your film is only as strong as the most vulnerable member of your team. An exceptional producer knows that and shows up for everybody on set, whether that is you in the heat of the moment, under pressure to get the take, or the camera PA, who has been sent on an errand and needs gas money to get back but is too timid to ask for it. I used to think that I wanted to be protected from the knowledge of the everyday nuts and bolts so that I could focus on the cast and what I needed to get the scenes. However, I learned on the set of my first feature that being a director is much more than making the film itself; it is being a leader. And part of being a leader is knowing what is going on with your team. My producer walked the line brilliantly, informing me what I needed to know without overly involving me. The producers that I gravitate toward have this level of discernment. They put people first and lead with empathy, confidence, and kindness.”
If you are in LA, I’ll be at the Vidiots screening on Nov 11th!
PRODUCER’S CORNER
