How To Produce Your Independent Feature Film In 2024

A producer on over 25 independent feature films gives you a step-by-step guide to how you can package and position your independent film so you can get it into production in 2024!

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help with packaging and financing your film!

Oftentimes the best and quickest way to showcase your filmmaking skills is to produce your own independent film. Rather than wait around for a production company or studio to greenlight your film, you can package your own film, raise the money and start shooting! This can be a great way to get your story from script to screen and supercharge your career but independent filmmaking comes with its own set of challenges.

One of the biggest challenges you’ll face while putting together your independent film is obtaining financing to make your feature film. This doesn’t just involve finding a financier to invest in the project, but also understanding the importance of effectively packaging a film project on a limited budget. By mastering the skill of packaging your film -- putting the right team, assets and materials together -- you can maximize your chances of securing financing to bring your creative vision to life.

Packaging a film with little to no budget involves presenting a comprehensive and compelling package to potential investors or production companies. You must demonstrate resourcefulness, creativity, and a clear understanding of how to optimize limited resources. In addition to a well-crafted script, filmmakers must showcase their ability to make cost-effective decisions. This can include leveraging the talents of a skilled but affordable cast and crew, finding innovative ways to create visually appealing scenes without excessive expenses, and utilizing effective production strategies to maximize the impact of their limited budget.

In this exclusive 2-part course that will prepare you for a successful upcoming year, you will learn how to package your independent film in today's environment. This included how to find financing, how to attach talent and creative elements, and even how to secure distribution before you start shooting. You will learn how you can use regional tax incentives to help get your film made as well as how you can best conduct pre-production to plan for a smooth shoot. 

Guiding you through your independent filmmaking process is Michelle Alexandria, PGA member on the producer’s council and President of Light Year Pictures. Michelle has personally worked as an executive producer on over 40 feature films ranging up to $6MM budgets. Michelle has lectured on the topic of raising film financing and distribution at the Cannes Film Festival Producers Network and other prominent film festivals and markets including MipCom, Berlinale, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and AFM. Michelle's knowledge is extensive and her advice actionable, and she is bringing all of her experience and perspective to the Stage 32 community to help you succeed with your projects.

Over 2 interactive sessions, you will learn how you can raise money for your film, attract top talent and utilize regional tax incentives to make your film a reality. You will become equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to attract financing by demonstrating your resourcefulness, creativity, and ability to make cost-effective decisions. By mastering the art of low-budget packaging, you will increase your chances of securing the necessary funding to transform your creative visions into reality.

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you package your film.

If you’re looking to make your independent film in 2024, this rare 2-part class is a must!

Praise For Michelle's Stage 32 Teaching

"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K

“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.

"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.

SESSION 1 – How To Raise Money and Attach Talent To Your Film

• What are the first steps filmmakers should take to make a movie?
• Money – How Do You Get It?
• What is a pitch deck and what tools are needed to start putting yours together?
• I have my script. What more do I need to get someone to finance my movie?
• Where and how to start looking for information to add in
• What are the key elements to include in your business plan?
• What are investors looking for in a business plan?
• Helpful additions besides the basics: artwork, loglines, synopsis, cast, comparable titles, schedules, budget, statements, the team, contacts
• How to use your materials with people in the industry, as well as everyone else
• Who to approach
• What to send, and what not to send
• Do you need a one sheet along with your deck?
• Additional helpful tools to put together alongside your pitch deck.
• What Are Your Goals with Your Project?
• What Are HNIs (High Net Worth Individuals)?
• How Do You Attract a High Net Worth Investor?
• Where Are the Investors?
• Finding the Money
  • Why You Should Always Be Ready
  • Identifying the Partners That Make Sense
  • Who to approach and key verbiage to use
  • Crowdfunding
• Approaches to Getting an Investor
• Your Pitch Can Make or Break EVERYTHING. Here’s Tips.
• How Long Should the Perfect Pitch Be?
• Three Mistakes Commonly Made when You Approach an Investor
• Email Example
• How to Research Investors
• Who is the Ideal Investor?
• A List Making Technique that WORKS
• How Do You Get to a Meeting?
• Putting an Action Plan into Place with Your Ideal List
• How to Approach Investors
• How to Use the List You’ve Created
• How to Set Meetings and Present Yourself
• Networking Tips
• A Descriptions of the Cliques in the Industry and How to Navigate
• The Art of Not Giving Up
• Distribution and why care about it in this early stage
• What type of distribution to aim for
• How early do I approach distributors and sales agents?
• How to use this conversation with investors
• Q&A with Michelle

SESSION 2 - Using Tax Incentives and Planning Your Pre-Prod For a Smooth Shoot

• How to research state incentives
• Identify states with attractive film tax incentive programs
• Consider factors like tax rebates, credits, and grants
• How to establish a production entity
• Create a legal entity for your film production, such as an LLC or a corporation
• Consult with a tax professional or attorney for the best structure
• Understanding eligibility criteria for tax incentives
• Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for each state's incentives
• Requirements may include minimum in-state spending, local hiring, or project size
• How to plan your budget accordingly
• Allocate funds for eligible in-state expenses, such as crew salaries, equipment, and local vendors
• How to engage local film offices
• Contact state and local film offices for guidance and information on incentives
• They can provide valuable resources and connections
• Hiring local talent and crew
• Maximize your eligibility by hiring local actors, technicians, and production staff
• This may be a requirement for incentives in some states
• How to keep detailed records
• Maintain comprehensive financial records and documentation of all production expenses
• Accurate records are crucial for claiming incentives
• Submit Applications Promptly
  • Ensure timely submission of all required applications and paperwork
  • Missing deadlines may disqualify you from incentives
• Work with Entertainment CPAs:
• Collaborate with Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) experienced in entertainment industry tax incentives
• They can help maximize your credits and navigate complex regulations
• Leverage Transferable Credits: - Some states offer transferable or sellable tax credits. - You can sell these credits to other entities to raise additional funds for your project
• Explore Federal Incentives: - Investigate federal tax incentives, such as the Section 181 deduction for film and television productions. - These incentives can complement state benefits
• Build Relationships with Local Officials: - Foster positive relationships with state and local government officials. - Their support can be valuable when seeking incentives
• When and How You Should Consider Co-Productions
• Partner with local production companies or studios to access additional incentives
• Co-productions can often leverage more resources.
• Monitor Legislative Changes
• Keep up to date with changes in state and federal tax laws and incentives
• Adjust your strategy as needed to maximize benefits
• Q&A with Michelle

Q: What is the format of a lab?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.

Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer

Q: What if I cannot attend the live lab class?
A: If you attend a live online class, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class. If you cannot attend a live class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A. Plus, your instructor will be available via email throughout the lab.

Q: Will I have access to the lab afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of the lab, you will have on-demand access to the video recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like!