PRODUCING INDEPENDENT FILMS
Enjoy a thorough, entertaining, and accessible
overview of every step of the process of producing your own film. Although emphasis is placed on live-action narrative films,
all types of filmmakers can benefit. No
experience is assumed, and ample time is devoted to questions for help with specific projects. Regardless of where you are at in the process, you will leave this workshop
having already taken your next step, having made new contacts, and holding a detailed map to carry you the rest of the way. Course includes a CD with 50+ documents: template break-downs,
schedules, budgets at all levels, call sheets, production bible, script optioning agreements, crew deal memos, talent releases,
location releases, music licensing, sample distribution deals, and more. Documents are in word or excel so you can cut, paste,
modify, and use them in your own productions. CD alone is worth more than the
fee of the workshop. SATURDAY: PACKAGING & MARKETING
10am-11am GETTING STARTED
· Identifying your
next step
· Tools to effective networking
· Finding the right producing partner
· Time-tables and goal-setting
11am-12pm
BUILDING THE PACKAGE · Choosing a script
·
Casting
· The director-producer relationship
12-1pm
LUNCH
1-4:30pm RAISING FINANCING AND RESOURCES
· The one-sheet: creating your project's "headshot"
· Crowd-funding and non-traditional approaches to fund-raising
· When and how to become non-profit
· Raising capital: creating an investment package 4:30-6pm MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION · Defining distribution goals
· Marketing: creating an effective website and trailer· Festival strategies for shorts & features·
Principles of DIY distribution · Sample distribution deals · Resources SUNDAY: PHYSICAL PRODUCTION
10am-11am CREWING UP
· The anatomy of a film crew
· Choosing the right crew size · Crash course
in contracts
· Choosing your line producer 11am-12pm OVERVIEW OF SAMPLE BUDGETS
·
The no-money exercise short · The professional calling-card short · The micro-budget feature
· The low-budget feature
· Tips to staying
on budget 12-12:30pm
WHO'S WHO: NETWORKING SESSION
12:30-1:30pm NETWORKING LUNCH
1:30-3:30pm SCHEDULING
· Script breakdown
· Crash
course in scheduling
· The
timed shot list
· Choosing
an assistant director
3:30-5pm PHYSICAL PRODUCTION
· The production bible: staying organized · Running a set · The steps of post-production 5-6pm Q&A
ACCLAIMED
FEATURE FILMS PRODUCED FOR UNDER $100K
List compiled by MARK STOLAROFF of www.nobudgetfilmschool.com IN SEARCH
OF A MIDNIGHT KISS (15K)
AUGUST EVENING (40K)
BLOOD CAR (25K)
CRASHING (10K)
THE
DEATH OF MICHAEL SMITH ($541)
BANGKOK (20k)
THE DOGWALKER (100K)
LOVE AND SUICIDE
(Cost of tape) COLIN ($70) FORGIVING THE FRANKLINS (100K)
CHALK (Under 100K)
MUTUAL APPRECIATION (50K)
THE PUFFY
CHAIR (15K)
ROOM (Under 100K)
CAVITE (Two plane tickets)
SLEEPING DOGS LIE (Under
100K)
IN BETWEEN DAYS (60K)
THE TALENT GIVEN US (30K)
DEAR PILLOW ($3,800)
FOLLOWING
(12K)
Produced for under
$150K, budgets unknown:
BAGHEAD
MOMMA'S MAN
TRIGGER MAN
SEVERED
WAYS
OWL AND THE SPARROW
LOW AND BEHOLD
GREAT WORLD OF SOUND
THE SIGNAL
SHOTGUN STORIES
CONVENTIONEERS
MOMMA'S MAN
TRIGGER MAN
SEVERED WAYS
OWL AND THE SPARROW
LOW AND BEHOLD
GREAT WORLD OF SOUND
THE SIGNAL
SHOTGUN STORIES
CONVENTIONEERS
|
Ela is one of the most
vivacious people that I've met; she makes you believe that you have it in you to do whatever you put your mind to. She spurs
you into action and away from procrastinating for fear of rejection. She shares whatever information she has without reserve.
The CD that she gives out is a gold mine to any aspiring producer. I would highly recommend her production workshop.
PALLAVI ROHATGI
Premiered her first feature film, GREATER ELEPHANT, 8 months after taking this workshop
My sister and I came from South Carolina to take Ela's Producing Workshop and our
lives have been changed FOREVER. We have completed three of our own short films in less than 10 months, and produced numerous
others in the Columbia, South Carolina area. In addition, we have given back by starting a film networking group
in our area. Ela's workshops are worth every penny - and more.
SHAREE WASHINGTON
I've
made six films since taking this class, and have built a community of artists who aren't afraid to ask each other for favors.
We help and volunteer on each others' shoots and gain from the experience and relationships.
JORGE ALVAREZ
Without Ela and her workshops, I would not be making movies.
JENNA PAYNE
I took Ela's production workshop and
it was truly a Godsend. I gained a wealth of information over one weekend that was amazingly rich in its delivery and helpful
in propelling me to take action. Her teaching style makes the information easy to absorb and she is very encouraging. I am
looking forward to taking another workshop!
JAVI HAIRSON
You know how to make a film and you didn't stint on sharing the ups (and downs) with us. The details/anecdotes
were spot on. The binder is a goldmine, chock full of excellent resources/info. Your philosophy of non-competitiveness, your
emphasis on community and doing for each other, was very refreshing. Not only do you teach but you empower, a much rarer thing.
DENIS MEADOWS
I feel like you grabbed me by
the shoulders and pointed me in the direction of my festival premiere! You are a very generous teacher - with your knowledge
and spirit. Thank you!
MAHA MELEKA AWAD
Ela, your workshop was an amazing experience. The information you so generously shared empowers me to move forward
with my efforts. You are so willing to share your expertise but moreso encourage and motivate your students to be successful.
For your great and positive energies, I thank you!
SHEILA SMITH DUFFY
The blurb for your Producing Workshop states, "WARNING: People who attend this workshop
end up making movies!" I am proof of the truth of that statement. I took your workshop in January and here I am
in May, making my first film, "Love Under Glass." Thank you for all your good common sense advice. What I didn't
expect from your workshop was being injected with enough bravery to actually do this!
DIANE
INDIGO
|
|
