"Neither could I believe the setup for the HBO series For which I was inquiring....."
Coreece,
Yeah, HBO is no doubt the big time. Big actors, big crews, big gear, big money. However, you being a (don't take this wrong) a small time operator you have a number of advantages over many of the outfits that work with HBO.
1. Low overhead. A far greater percentage of your money, resources and efforts can go into getting your production values up because you won't be forking over significant amounts to your talent and to the 'machinery' (to paraphrase you) that comes along with the making of your film.
2. Limited approval pipeline. Just like that army of people you mentioned that it takes to get one DVD done, there's a 'Brigade' of people in the approval pipeline of big time filmmaking. Studio heads, censors, a long line of producers, writers, the director and actors (if they're big enough) are waiting patiently for their turn at the 'input' barrel. Being small time, you're 'pipe' will be too short for a 'line' as you will probably have no more than 3 - 5 people involved with any major input (writer, director, investor(s)) besides yourself. Makes it a lot easier and cheaper to get stuff done when the decisions can get done quickly.
3. Creative freedom. This should probably be part of #2 but it's pretty significant. Because you are small time, damn near any idea you can come up with provided you can summon the resources, you can do. Most important, to a high degree you can make it your way. I say that because there will still have to be compromises made if nothing more than to just be practical. Your film will be much better because of those compromises.
4. Nimbleness. This one probably falls under all of the above, but it's important enough to mention singularly. Being small means you can make your plans, accquire materials / gear, locations, etc. in a fraction of the time the big timer's do and for a lot less. Takes way more work mind you. However, having the ability to get in and get out in a day or two on location for fractions less money... #@$%!! priceless.
The drawbacks are legion. Yet, dragons do get slain. You'll have to put in far more time and effort. Not to mention wear potentially 'dozens of hats' during the process all while recruiting competent and creative people to help do the heavy lifting. Everytime I get a project done, I always look behind me and expect to see a 'Conan' sized pile of bodies behind me. It's hard, hard, hard work. But, if 'you're in it to win it' you find yourself looking forward to donning the ol' 'brassies' one more time.
"Neways....where you from composite?"
Check out my company site it'll bring you up to speed.
http://www.dreadedenterprises.com
