Greetings, filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers. My name is Jeffrey Schwarz and I'm a director and producer of documentary feature films, original television programming, Blu-ray and DVD content, and studio EPKs (electronic press kits). Over the years I've produced DVD bonus features for directors such as Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, Jonathan Demme, Wes Craven, Rob Reiner, Joe Dante, Barry Sonnenfeld, Adam Shankman, Paul Verhoeven, John Carpenter, Chris Columbus, Sidney Lumet, and the Coen Brothers.

My feature documentary work includes HBO Documentary Films’ VITO, about the beloved gay activist and author of "The Celluloid Closet." It premiered at the 2011 New York Film Festival and made its television debut on HBO in July, 2012. Previous films include WRANGLER: ANATOMY OF AN ICON (2008) and SPINE TINGLER! THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY (2007), winner of the AFIFest Documentary Audience Award. My latest documentary feature, I AM DIVINE, about John Waters' leading lady, made its debut at the 2013 SXSW Film Festival and is currently on the festival circuit. I just started production on TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL, about the 1950s screen heartthrob.

I've learned a tremendous amount over the past 15 years of producing and directing non-fiction entertainment and would like to share my experience with filmmakers. I'm offering private documentary consulting services for any stage of production. If you are looking for advice, perspective, guidance, real-world solutions, or a shoulder to cry on I can help. I've often said to myself, "I wish somebody had told me about this before I started!" Hopefully I can be that guy for you. Whether you are a first time filmmaker with a great idea for a doc, or have a gold statuette sitting on your mantle, it can help to have an outside perspective.

Consulting services include but are not limited to the following areas:

Proposals & Treatments
Budgeting
Archival & Stock Footage
Pre-Production
Production Staff & Crew Referrals
Releases and Deal Memos
Story Development
Fair Use Practices and Clearance
Fiscal Sponsorship
Fundraising Stragety
Social Media & Marketing
Editing & Post Production / Delivery
Rough Cut Review & Feedack
Sales & Distribution
Film Festival Strategy

Consulting fees are as follows:

$75 - one hour of consultation
$250 - rough cut review with notes and feedback

For multiple hour sessions, we can discuss a discounted rate. Consultations can take place in person for Los Angeles residents, or over Skype / phone. All fees are non-refundable. Although I can provide details based on my experience regarding legal and Fair Use issues, I'm not a lawyer and do not give legal advice. I'm also open to discussing producing and/or directing your project, which is a whole other conversation.

If you're interested in starting a conversation, drop me a line at: jeffrey@automatpictures.com

For more information, please visit:

http://automatpictures.com/
http://divinemovie.com/
http://vitorussomovie.com/
http://wranglermovie.com/
http://www.spinetinglermovie.com/