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!
Other education that may be of interest to you:
How To Put Together A Perfect Pitch Deck For Your Movie
Learn how to make your pitch deck attractive to investors and top talent from a producer who has worked on over 25 films! PLUS! Michelle will provide you with an exclusive pitch deck template for you to use on your own projects! Your film investor pitch deck, sometimes called your business plan, is the most important tool in your initial stage of obtaining financing for your script. Your deck provides an overview of your script and provides the first impression of your film so the investor can become familiar with your project and determine if this is an opportunity for them. A pitch deck is also used as an aid to attach an actor or director you are interested in. Your pitch deck allows investors, companies, and talent to become familiar with your before reading your script so your pitch deck must really stand out in order to garner meaningful consideration and interest. Your deck must not only tell the story of your project, why it is 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. Filmmakers tend to make visual heavy look-books without any indication of financials for the project and call it a business plan. Also, novice filmmakers often inflate potential or unrealistic elements of the budget and profitability, causing companies, investors, and producers to see the lack of experience in the filmmaker behind the project. Investors will know if you are overshooting your numbers, whether your film comparables are not realistic, or if you are exaggerating the size of your potential audience. These pitfalls are easily avoidable if you have the knowledge of what companies and investors are really looking for. A professional business plan is filled with equal parts optimism and reality. Of course, any company or investor dreams of major success, but what truly makes them consider participating in a project is believing in the team, the project, and being presented with a realistic overview of the potential return on their investment. In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand webinar, seasoned producer and distributor Michelle Alexandria will take you through a step-by-step process to build your successful pitch deck. She will give you examples of successful pitch decks that helped her secure financing to make her movies and equip you with the necessary tools to secure funding for your film. PLUS! You will receive an exclusive pitch deck template to use on your next project! You will walk away from this webinar with the necessary tools to build your pitch deck for your project to get investors, producers, and cast interested! Praise For Michelle Alexandria's 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.
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.
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
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.
How To Build Your Pitch Deck For Success At AFM & MIPCOM
A NEW EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR Early Bird Sale - Take 20% Off Learn what it takes to build a pitch deck that lands financing and distribution at the major markets from an executive producer who has successfully produced and sold 25 films with this process. Your pitch deck is the business plan for your creative endeavors and it’s one of the most critical tools for accessing partnerships and financing for your film or television project at AFM, MIPCOM and all the film and television markets. With the American Film Market (AFM) and International Market of Communications (MIPCOM) fast approaching, you’ll need your pitch deck perfected before approaching the countless production, financing, and distribution companies you’ll be meeting at these events. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll learn how to build a pitch deck that will tell the industry players your story, why they should invest in it, and why it has incredible financial potential. Winning over any company and investor requires you to get them to fall in love with your story while showing them a realistic overview of the potential return on their investment. Taking you through this vital information is Light Year Pictures Executive Producer and Head of Distribution, Michelle Alexandria. Michelle has over 20 years of working in sales and distribution, with 25 features produced for $6 million and under. Previously, she was the Head of International Sales and Acquisitions for Glasshouse Distribution. She knows what producers and investors at festivals and markets are looking for, having regularly attended and spoken at festivals around the world, including AFM, MIPCOM, Berlin, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and Cannes. This webinar will show you everything you must include in your pitch deck and how to build it so that the people reading stay engaged with the material and you. Michelle is exclusively sharing with you professional pitch decks that helped her secure financing to make her films and successfully sell them by featuring engaging stories and realistic expectations. Don’t wait to learn from an industry veteran with proven success and build your pitch deck today.
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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