This course is designed to help new producers enter the world of professional filmmaking.  Over 24 weeks, and across four modules, we explore the key components of development, finance, production/post-production, sales & distribution, seen from a producer’s perspective, whilst developing the individual strengths of each participant.

During the course you will develop an understanding of which projects have the potential to entice and excite audiences; hone your ability to work with writers to achieve a screenplay that can attract director, cast, finance, and distribution; develop the ability to package those creative and financial elements to an industry standard; acquire an understanding of how to run cast and crew; and learn how to manage the expectations of finance and distribution partners as you take the film through post production and delivery – all while keeping a firm grip on the sales, distribution and marketing opportunities to ensure the film can reach the widest audience possible. 

The six months culminate in the presentation of a market-ready proposal for your own feature film, including an outline of the film’s talent, finance, and sales/distribution package.

Module 1 – Development

Why do you want to be a producer?  How do you choose the right projects? What films work in the current marketplace?  What stories are you passionate about?  How do you source the best stories?  How do you secure or option rights? (We work with an industry lawyer to make sure you understand how to do that contractually, to industry standard).

How do you develop those stories into saleable screenplays? How do you write effective loglines for your projects and hone your pitching skills?  How do you develop your network and manage your relationships?  How do you source development finance?

Module 2 – Packaging and Financing

The director’s engagement.  Creating an overall proposal.   Key questions to ask before proceeding.  Attaching cast and working with a casting director.  Sales agents – researching them and finding out who is right for a project, and why.  Distributors – the cornerstone of your financing?  Which companies fit which projects and what are their criteria?  We explore funding sources and finance plans, working our way through the spreadsheets in order to understand and be able to construct recoupment schedules and waterfalls, and understand collection agreements and contracts.

Module 3 – Production and post-production

Closing your finance plan and achieving greenlight. Essential agreements, rights and liabilities.  What are your rights and responsibilities as producer?  Crewing up; scheduling and budgeting. The pre-production countdown. How to manage production and ensure a smooth-running, efficient and enjoyable shoot.  Editing and maintaining the vision of the film throughout post-production.  We explore the key steps in this process, including technical post, music, and deliverables.

Module 4 – Distribution, Sales and Marketing

How to execute a distribution plan across all platforms and windows.  How to develop a film festival strategy.  You may have a distributor on board, but how do you ensure the best marketing and PR campaign for your film?  And if you don’t have a distributor or sales agent on board, how do you achieve this?  Social media campaigns, artwork, awards.  Managing the release, and maximising the audience. How to move on to the next film.