Learn practical strategies for successful pre-production for your indie film from producer Kelly Williams!
Overview
Pre-production is a crucial part of the filmmaking process—especially for independent projects. No one wants to spend the shoot constantly putting out fires. In this class, Independent Spirit Award–nominated producer Kelly Williams (Sorry to Bother You, The Long Dumb Road, What Happens Later) will share how to get the most out of your time in pre-production and set your production up for success.
You’ll learn what to watch out for, how to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final film, and how to make key decisions during pre-production. The class will also explore the importance of “soft prep” and how early planning can make all the difference.
The class will also feature a Q&A session for filmmakers to ask specific questions about their projects and issues they might be concerned about in prep.
Designed for filmmakers ready to take the next step on their film’s road to production.
Never say, “We’ll fix it in post!”
Instructors
Kelly Williams
KELLY WILLIAMS is a creative producer and co-founder of Ten Acre Films.
His latest projects include: ALL THAT WE LOVE (Tribeca 2024) starring Margaret Cho and directed by Yen Tan, WHAT HAPPENS LATER starring Meg Ryan and David Duchovny, THE SENIOR directed by Rod Lurie, MARK, MARY & SOME OTHER PEOPLE (Tribeca 2021), NO FUTURE (Tribeca 2021), I USED TO GO HERE (SXSW 2020) and the short film RULES FOR WEREWOLVES (Toronto IFF 2020).
He has produced six feature films that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival including LIGHT FROM LIGHT, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU (Independent Spirit Award winner), THE LONG DUMB ROAD, HELLION, BEAVER TRILOGY PART IV, and PIT STOP (Independent Spirit Awards nominee). Sundance short film premieres include HELLION, BLACK METAL, THE SEND-OFF and DON’T BE A HERO. In addition, he produced multiple films that premiered at SXSW including 6 YEARS, 1985 and the award winning A BAD IDEA GONE WRONG & THE SUPLEX DUPLEX COMPLEX.
A 2019 Independent Spirit Award Producer to Watch nominee, Williams is also a Sundance Institute Creative Producing Fellow and a Sundance Institute Catalyst Fellow. He is a past advisor for the Sundance Co//ab, a lecturer at the University of Tennessee and a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to producing, he worked as a film programmer for various film festivals and was awarded the 2007 International Film Festival Summit Excellence Award for his work at the Austin Film Festival.
Date, Time & Location
This event takes place over multiple dates.
Monday, June 23, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
Virtual Online
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
Virtual Online
RSVP DEADLINE: June 24, 2025 @ 8:00 PM
RSVP Instructions
GOTHAM MEMBERS: Enroll in this class through your Member Dashboard to receive your 20% discount.
Not yet a member? The Gotham community has access to year-round programming, resources, and support, plus exclusive perks and discounts.
Learn more about membership.
This class will occur virtually via Zoom. Both sessions will be recorded and shared with registrants after the conclusion of the class.
If you are coming with a guest, they must RSVP independently.
Contact
Questions about the event? Contact [email protected]
