

Summary
Learn from a filmmaking duo who have produced over a dozen films!
PLUS! You will receive a case study sample budget and crew list!
In this webinar, you’ll gain practical insights into how to hire a talented crew within your budget. You’ll learn how to evaluate talent, build departments, and approach crew members with professionalism and clarity. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of how to use your resources effectively and make smart crew hiring decisions that contribute to your film’s success!
PLUS! You will receive these exclusive handouts for you to keep:
- Case Study Sample Budget
- Crew List
What You'll Learn
How to Build the Crew You Need
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Understanding emotional currency
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Empowering collegiate interns and volunteers
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The "name talent" of it all and how it impacts crew size
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Why authenticity and sweat equity matter
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When to stay skinny and when to scale
Understanding The Types of Rates You Will Pay
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Questions you need to ask yourself about your project when crewing up
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An overview of the types of roles you need to budget
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An overview of what you will pay for them
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Hiring on potential over proof
Low Budget Nuts And Bolts
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How to “fix it in prep”
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Maintaining a positive set atmosphere
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The benefits of investing in teaching and giving back
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Checking egos at the door
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Putting together equipment packages that make sense for your crew size
Case Study
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Sample $1.5M film- (Name redacted for confidentiality)
Q&A with Erika and Kristi
Who Should Attend
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- Independent filmmakers
- Directors and producers
- Aspiring filmmakers
- Filmmakers of all levels
Executive

ERIKA ARLEE - WRITER/DIRECTOR
Erika is a critically acclaimed writer, director, cinematographer and co-founder of the award-winning production company, Honey Head Films. Her work spans genres while maintaining a character-driven approach to avant-garde storytelling. A constant receptor to lighting bolts of inspiration, Erika is the author of 10 narrative short films, 4 feature films, a TV pilot, and has written multiple commission screenplays. Erika specialized in ultra low-buget filmmaking.
Her feature film, A SONG FOR IMOGENE, premiered at Bentonville Film Festival before going on to win Best Feature at The Rhode Island International Film Festival and open Cucalorus Film Festival. It was awarded Best Narrative Feature at Oxford Film Festival and screened in competition at the Atlanta Film Festival.
She heads Honey Head Films' annual summer camp, Shoot Like A Girl, which equips young women with the tools and confidence they need to hone their creative visions while pursuing an interest in film.
KRISTI RAY - PRODUCER/ACTRESS
Kristi Ray is a multi-hyphenate creative who’s been making waves in the independent film scene for the past fifteen years. Classically trained at Lee Strasberg in New York City, her work as a leading lady gravitates toward dynamic characters and strong, compelling, female-centric stories. She has won several awards for her work in cinema, including Best Actress, Best Narrative Feature, Best Supporting Actress, Outstanding Performer of the Year along with many other nominations.
She co-founded Honey Head Films - an award winning, female owned production house with a mission-driven approach to narrative filmmaking. As a creative producer and actress Kristi Ray is intentionally moving the needle forward for marginalized voices in cinema - both in front of and behind the lens.
She stars in a number of feature films including the latest award-winning Honey Head feature film A SONG FOR IMOGENE.
Testimonials
Praise for Erika and Kristi's Previous Teachings with Stage 32:
"I thought Erika and Kristi's class was great. It's a whirlwind, a fire hose of information but that's what I wanted, for my purposes -- a sample of everything you need to think about when producing a film. And while some such an overview can be intimidating (and to truly delve into it would have taken weeks!), they presented the subject in a very calm way, with examples and helpful hints. I don't know that it could have been handled any better. They rock. " -Lise P
"Erika and Kristi were very knowledgeable and competent. But most importantly, they were able to share their passion and enthusiasm for making low budget movies without compromising standards. As a tag team, we got the benefits of both Erika's directing and Kristi's producing specialties. I have reviewed my project plans based on the insights I gained in this class. Great job!" - Dele F