This course guides filmmakers on the development process and packaging elements needed to secure financing for their feature films, series and documentaries.

Overview

During this class with Kevin Christoffersen, Educator and Development Executive at Film StartUp, filmmakers will gain insight into the development process of gathering and creating the packaging elements needed to secure financing for either ultra-low, moderate-low, or low-budget feature films as well as financing strategies towards series and documentaries.

We'll open up on what development is, the full process involved, and all of the steps that need to be taken in order to compile a full, ‘Package.’ You’ll learn about the different benefits of taking a start-up business approach rather than optioning the rights to your screenplay.  

Then we'll focus on all of the elements needed to achieve the full Package from final script, budget, shooting schedules, business plan, data analysis, investor waterfall, lead actors attached, legal counsel, and much more. Case study films along with series and documentaries from a variety of genres, budgets, and countries will be presented in order to see what worked – and what didn’t.  

Finally, we'll delve into the different ‘Film Financing’ modules and explain what each one is, how they all comprise a certain portion of the film’s budget, and different examples of companies that operate within this arena.  We will cover the US, Canadian and European film financing processes to contrast where funding comes from through both private and public opportunities. 

Students will also have the opportunity to pitch their projects during the final class and raise questions to the group for guidance and support. (This is optional.)

A Guest Mentor will be doing a 30-minute Q&A during the last class as well.

(Kevin will also arrange free one on one consultations with filmmakers who are seeking further guidance on their current projects in Development beyond what this course has to offer.)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Film Financing
• Package Elements
• Investment Sourcing
• A.I. Data Analysis
• Investment Units through Limited Liability Corporation 
• Tax Credit Loans
• First-In Money
• Talent Retainer Fees (Scale / Schedule F)
• Pre-Sales Estimates
• Co-Production Agreements
• Proof of Concepts (Mood Reel / Short Film) 
• Marketing Materials (Look Books / Pitch Decks)
• Distribution Agreements (Exclusive / Non-Exclusive)
• Mentoring Producer
• Executive Producer
• Divide & Conquer Writer / Director / Producer

Instructors

Kevin Christoffersen

Kevin Christoffersen has been working in just about every form of media for nearly 3 decades - producing content internationally across 4 continents while living in 5 countries. He is an Educator and Development Executive of 'Film StartUp.' In this role, Kevin guides filmmakers through the A-to-Z feature film development process with workshop courses, development labs, webinars, and consultations. A recent strategic partnership with Largo Films has introduced artificial intelligent analytics into the casting, financing, and distribution strategies within the dynamics of each of his projects. Kevin was based in Switzerland for over 7 years as Executive Producer of World Television managing large scale live broadcast event productions for Fortune 500 companies, United Nations agencies and NGO's. While operating on both sides of the Atlantic, he continues to form new industry partnerships along the way...