Learn proven, cost-effective filmmaking, and business techniques for producing a $50,000 (or less!) film project.

Overview

Join The Gotham for our two-part Microbudget Producing class where you’ll learn proven, cost-effective filmmaking and business techniques for producing a $50,000—or less— film project.

During this class, independent filmmaker Paul Harrill, who has worked on Light from Light, Something Anything, and more, will take you step-by-step through developing, planning, and producing your film. He’ll cover everything from building a lean budget from your initial conception or screenplay, navigating funding through self-finance, crowdsourcing, or other means, and how to responsibly manage all the stages of productions to stay on (or under!) budget while keeping true to the spirit of the project. Other topics will include how to find producing partners and a discussion on regional production.

A guest producer will also join the class to offer thoughts on the changing Microbudget landscape, how to work with COVID-19 protocols, and to provide another perspective on the topic.

Key Takeaways:

• How to develop a script or story treatment that can be filmed on a microbudget
• How to raise money from investors, fans, friends, and family (and the legal issues involved)
• Pre-production tips for an efficient and well-scheduled shoot with special attention given to locations, permits, and insurance
• On-set tips and answers to those mysterious production questions (We’ll also discuss catering a microbudget shoot!)
• An overview of the film festival and digital distribution landscape, and how to build these strategies into your microbudget
• Setting expectations, goals, and metrics for success from development through distribution