Your Step by Step Guide to Getting Distribution for Your Film
Reviews Average Rating: 5 out of 5
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Diane Meyer Michelle is an amazing instructor. She really knows her stuff and is so willing to answer questions and even offered a free appointment with the attendees to discuss their projects. This course is totally worth the cost! -
Indy Saini I learned so much in Michelle Alexandria's distribution class. I was at a loss how to move forward with my film, but through Michelle's class I got a clear plan how and what to do. She was very generous with her knowledge, and organized about all the info from her many years of experience. She also got to know the individual projects of the students, and guided us with specific feedback for our particular films. So glad I took this class. I'm now excited about the next steps, not dreading them!
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Stage 32 Producing Class: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Distribution For Your Indie Film
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Distribution For Your Indie Feature Film Learn how you can navigate the complex world of independent feature film distribution to get your film on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, iTunes, and more, from a producer who has worked on over 25 feature films! Are you ready to secure distribution for your independent feature film? There are more opportunities today than ever before for you to find distribution for your independent feature film. Theatrical releases are making a big comeback with companies like Apple getting into the game, streamers like Amazon, Netflix, Hulu are hungrier than ever for content and digital platforms like iTunes, GooglePlay (and more!) are all avenues to distribute your film. There are literary dozens of homes for your film in today's marketplace. So how do you choose the right distribution platform for your film, and how do you make sure that you get the best deal once you do? First, it is critical that you understand the distribution landscape immediately as you begin your film's journey, as it will allow you to make the best decisions in setting your budget, development plan, and the scope of your production. Distribution will have major implications for your shoot, so it is crucial that you don’t wait until the film is done to start looking for distribution… you need to start now! The trick to securing the best possible distribution for your film comes down to understanding the distribution process and current global film market. As a filmmaker and producer, you have control over a number of essential aspects in the dissemination of your film, from finding the right distributor for your film (much more on this) to understanding distribution contracts and what you can negotiate to protect yourself and the lifetime rights of your film. In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand 4-Session Class, Michelle Alexandria - a producer who has worked on 25 feature films with budgets of $6MM and less - will teach you the ins and outs of today's complex distribution landscape to ensure you are in the best position possible to secure a great distribution deal for your independent film. Don't miss this chance to learn how to get distribution and the best deal for your movie! Praise for Michelle's Talent & Knowledge: “Michelle's expertise and experience has been invaluable to my work as a filmmaker! I can't recommend working with her enough.” – Stacy L. "As an indie filmmaker who has always had trouble AFTER my film was made, working with Michelle was truly helpful. Thanks, Stage 32." - Nick M. "Michelle Alexandria!! BRILLIANT! And gracious with the info...so easy to follow and understand! Truly ...thank you!" -Tina-Marie
3 Key Steps To Build Your Film Package & Attract Financing
Learn what you need to attract financing through packaging with a producer who has worked on over 25 feature films! Instead of approaching investors with a script and a sales pitch, this Stage 32 exclusive webinar will teach you the tools needed to make an impact so that financiers see your film as an opportunity. You'll be shown how to break this daunting concept of creating a film package into manageable steps, using the resources available to you with minimal expenditures, starting with things you can do for free. You'll learn how to develop your material to what investors need, what elements you must include in your package, what resources to utilize and how to use them, sell your project at festivals and markets, and create sales projections budgets, and more. Guiding you in this Stage 32 on-demand webinar is Michelle Alexandria, a PGA member and producer at Light Year Pictures. Michelle has personally worked on 25 feature films $6MM and under and 3 television projects in various capacities including producing, line producing and executive producing. Michelle has spoken on the topic of raising financing at the Cannes Producers Network and other prominent film festivals and markets including MipCom, Berlin, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and AFM. Her knowledge is extensive and her advice actionable, and now she's here to deliver the goods exclusively on Stage 32. You'll walk away confidently knowing how to build your film package, how to make your project appeal to investors, how to access investors, and, most importantly, you'll know how to do it all without breaking the bank. Praise For Michelle's Stage 32 Education "Sure, everyone wants Leo or George in their films. Sure, everyone thinks their film is the next My Big Fat Greek Wedding or some other independent blockbuster. Sure, everyone believes that they have THE idea that is going to get them the money. Michelle just gave me the map as to HOW to get the money by being REAL. I can't wait to get started and to bounce ideas off my team. This was so much fun. Thank you!" -- Denise P. "The amount I learned in just 90 minutes from the webinar is astounding. Michelle is very educated and well spoken. No matter where you fall in this industry, you should take this course!" -- Anthony M. "Clear, concise, and brilliant." - Mario D. "I have a deck for my film. It's going in the garbage. I will be starting over tomorrow with this wealth of information flowing in my head. Remarkable job, Michelle!" - Phil M. "Sure, everyone wants Leo or George in their films. Sure, everyone thinks their film is the next My Big Fat Greek Wedding or some other independent blockbuster. Sure, everyone believes that they have THE idea that is going to get them the money. Michelle just gave me the map as to HOW to get the money by being REAL. I can't wait to get started and to bounce ideas off my team. This was so much fun. Thank you!" -- Denise P. "Fantastic content! A bit like drinking from the firehose, but still gave me lots more ideas. I had previously taken a similar course through Sundance, and this gave even more info and detail." -- Barbara D. "Very informative! I really appreciated the visual aids on the one pager, pitch deck, comparable, etc. The advice on the types of genres that are harder to distribute was also very helpful." -- Kara C.
First Money In: How to Raise Development Funds for Your Feature Film
Learn a step-by-step process from a PGA producer who has made over 25 feature films! PLUS! You'll receive a Development Agreement Template, a Breakdown of Development Funds Document, and a One-Sheet Template to help you raise funds for your next project! As filmmakers, we understand that the industry is ever-evolving with new challenges and opportunities emerging every day. For most independent filmmakers and producers, the most challenging piece of the puzzle is often obtaining funds to make your movie. And the hardest funds to attract are usually the first money in. You have your script and dream, but is it enough to attract your initial funding? This is where your true creativity and innovation can shine through. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn the strategies, techniques, and essential tools needed to bring in your development funds - the first money in so you can create a valuable, professional film package that creates momentum and attracts the full funding needed to get your film made. This webinar addresses the most essential elements for independent filmmakers to attract this essential financing - pitching materials and techniques and creative fundraising strategies. You will learn a proven strategy to engage potential investors, some of who you may already know. You will walk away from this webinar with the process and technique you need to create a compelling business plan, showcase distribution potential, identify potential actors, highlight the director's background, craft an engaging script synopsis, leverage tax credits, and outline a clear pathway for investors to recoup their investment. By building confidence in your ability to navigate the industry, you can pique the interest of investors and secure the necessary resources to bring your vision to life! PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you raise the first funds for your project. Downloads include: Development Agreement template Breakdown of Development Funds Document to make your own A One-Sheet template If you're looking to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to attract financing for your feature film project, this webinar 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.
Understanding the SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement Application and How to Apply
A producer on over 25 independent features gives you a step-by-step guide to how you can get your independent feature film into production with SAG-AFTRA talent during the strike by applying for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Application PLUS! You'll receive a checklist of what you need in place before speaking with talent and investors during the strike. It can feel like the current SAG-AFTRA strike against the AMPTP has ground the industry to a halt, making it close to impossible even for you independent producers out there to make your films. But that’s not the case. SAG-AFTRA is supporting independent filmmakers who are unaffiliated with the AMPTP and are granting many independent producers a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement that allows you to proceed with your productions while remaining in compliance with the union. Stage 32 stands firmly with SAG-AFTRA and we are here to teach you the process to apply for a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement so you can try to get your movie shoot under way while properly supporting the union. Independent movie productions such as the Sam Raimi produced DON’T MOVE starring Finn Whittrock, Ishana Night Shyamalan’s THE WATCHERS starring Dakota Fanning, David Lowery’s MOTHER MARY starring Anne Hathaway and independent TV series such as the faith based global hit THE CHOSEN have all been approved for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement and will be in production during the strike. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn the multiple steps you need to go through to apply for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Waiver as well as the essential tools and materials you need to secure financing, cast union actors once approved for the waiver, and secure distribution channels for your film even in these times of industry unrest. Navigating you through the process is Michelle Alexandria, PGA member and producer at Light Year Pictures. Michelle has personally worked as a producer, executive producer on numerous feature films. Michelle has lectured on the topic of raising film financing at the Cannes Producers Network and other prominent film festivals and markets including MipCom, Berlinale, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and AFM. Michelle currently has multiple independent feature films on the runway to production and applications pending with SAG-AFTRA to be able to use SAG-AFTRA talent in her films. PLUS! You will receive exclusive handouts to help you make your film during the current strike. Downloads include: Checklist of what you need before speaking with talent and investors during the strike Filmmakers, writers, producers, and actors are resilient. It is in these very challenging times that true creativity and innovation shine through if you know how to comply with the industry unions and work with them, not against them, to make your movie. *This webinar is purely informational. SAG-AFTRA is not in any way associated with this webinar and participation in this webinar does not guarantee any particular outcome with SAG-AFTRA. 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.
How You Can Build a Film Package For Little to No Budget
Yes, you can build a complete development package to attract investors with little (or even no) budget. We are going to show you how. Plus! Receive 5 downloads to help you put together your film development package! There is a misconception that you need millions of dollars in order to move your independent feature film forward. This isn't true. If you have access to a computer, internet and passion, YOU can make your project attractive to high-net-worth individuals. If you have limited funds, we will show you the best places to spend money to yield results. It may seem daunting to build a package with little or no budget but we are going to break it down, step by step, and explain in detail how to build an enticing package with things you can do for FREE, under $150, under $500 and beyond. Your Stage 32 Educator Michelle Alexandria has over 20 years working in sales and distribution. She has personally worked on 25 feature films with budgets $6MM and under. Michelle knows what gets the attention of both financiers and distributors. In this class she will share what you can do regardless of a small or non existent budget to create an enticing package that gets your project noticed. You will walk away from this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand class knowing how to create a development package, no matter your budget, that gets your project off the ground! Praise for Michelle's Stage 32 Teaching "Clear, concise, and brilliant." -- Mario D. "I have a deck for my film. It's going in the garbage. I will be starting over tomorrow with this wealth of information flowing in my head. Remarkable job, Michelle!" -- Phil M.
How to Put Together a Perfect Film Investor Pitch Deck
Your pitch deck is the most important tool in your initial stage of obtaining financing for your script. A pitch deck is also used as an aid to attaching an actor or director you are interested in. As a tool, your deck is the first impression of your film condensed so the investor can become familiar with your project and determine if this is an opportunity for them. To close the deal or at least garner meaningful consideration and interest, your pitch deck has to stand out. It has to not only tell the story of your project, why it should be attractive to talent, and what the true potential audience may be, but, most importantly, it needs to show a true and realistic path to profitability. And this is where so many decks fail. Sure, you want to paint a rosy picture with your investor pitch deck. But here's the thing, most investors who have put money into films before know BS from reality. They will know if you are overshooting your estimates (an extremely common tactic), whether your film comps are ridiculous (they almost always are) and if you're exaggerating who your potential audience will be (nearly always the case). A great investor pitch deck is filled with equal parts optimism and reality. Sure, every investor wants to dream of unbelievable riches and success, but what truly makes them open their wallets is believing in the team, the project, and being presented a realistic worldview as to the potential return on their investment. Michelle Alexandria knows a thing or two about raising money. As a producer and Head of International Sales and Acquisitions for Glasshouse Distribution, Michelle has raised or assisted in raising funds for dozens of films and other projects. She has personally worked on 25 feature films $6MM and under and 3 television projects in various capacities including producing, line producing and executive producing. Michelle has spoken on the topic of raising financing at the Cannes Producers Network and other prominent film festivals and markets including MipCom, Berlin, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and AFM. Michelle will teach you how to create an investor pitch deck that doesn't have that same dusty feeling of so many decks and which fits the current climate of raising funds. She will show you what elements truly matter for an investor and which you can leave out of your deck entirely. She will discuss the value (or lack thereof) of artwork and posters. Additionally, she'll dive into loglines and synopsis to assure that you are giving your potential investors the true vision of the project. She will teach you how to put together a realistic cast list and film comps. She will discuss budgets, scheduling and how to incorporate those elements into your deck. She will talk to you about putting together the right team and how those team members can send the right or wrong signal. Michelle's knowledge is extensive and her advice actionable, and now she's here to deliver the goods exclusively in this Stage 32 on-demand webinar. As an added bonus, Michelle will share examples of pitches decks that have helped secure millions in financing! PRAISE FOR MICHELLE'S TEACHINGS: "Clear, concise, and brilliant." - Mario D. "No BS, straight to the point information. Loved every second." - Patricia H. "I have a deck for my film. It's going in the garbage. I will be starting over tomorrow with this wealth of information flowing in my head. Remarkable job, Michelle!" - Phil M. "Sure, everyone wants Leo or George in their films. Sure, everyone thinks their film is the next My Big Fat Greek Wedding or some other independent blockbuster. Sure, everyone believes that they have THE idea that is going to get them the money. Michelle just gave me the map as to HOW to get the money by being REAL. I can't wait to get started and to bounce ideas off my team. This was so much fun. Thank you!" - Denise P.
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