Summary
Learn from a powerhouse filmmaking duo who have produced over a dozen microbudget films!
You’ll also receive a case study script, stripboard, crew list, and expert tips on building your microbudget crew!
As a filmmaker, one of the most important skills you can have is knowing how to hire a strong crew for under $20,000. In today’s competitive landscape, where short films often serve as a calling card for future opportunities, mastering the art of stretching your budget while still delivering a high-quality project is key. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar will teach you how to make smart hiring decisions, maximize your resources, and confidently deliver a project that stands out—even on a limited budget!
You may have already faced obstacles trying to assemble a team when your budget is tight. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by how to balance paying your crew fairly with the need to deliver high production value. Maybe you’ve managed basic coverage or smaller shoots, but find it difficult to build a reliable team that shares your passion. This webinar is designed to help you tackle these challenges with simple strategies for hiring based on potential, building trust with your team, and knowing when passion and hard work can make up for a smaller budget.
To guide you on this journey, your Stage 32 educators Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray are ready to share their extensive experience. Together, they’ve brought numerous microbudget films to life, including the highly acclaimed A SONG FOR IMOGENE. Their expertise and hands-on experience in ultra-low-budget filmmaking make them the perfect guides to help you navigate the complexities of hiring and managing a crew on a tight budget without compromising your creative vision.
In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll explore how to build the right crew, budget for key roles, and decide when to scale up. You’ll also learn essential strategies for prepping your set, maintaining a positive environment, and using resources wisely. By the end of the session, you'll have the expertise and confidence to hire and lead a crew that will bring your film to life and elevate your project to a level that commands attention and leaves a lasting impression.
You’ll get a chance to ask Erika and Kristi your questions during an exclusive Q&A session!
PLUS! You'll recieve:
- A case study
- Stripboard
- Crew list
"Stage 32 is an amazing creative community that acts as a pivotal bridge to members of the film industry, especially those at early career stages. We are excited to share our years of award-winning production experience with all Stage 32 members."
-Your Stage 32 Educators, Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray
What You'll Learn
How to Build the Crew You Need
• Hiring on potential over proof
• Empowering collegiate interns
• Understanding emotional currency
• Why authenticity and sweat equity matter
• When to stay lean and when to scale
Understanding the Types of Rates You Will Pay
• Questions to ask yourself about your project when crewing up
• Overview of the types of roles you need to budget for
• What you will pay for these roles
• Hiring on potential over proof
Micro-Budget Nuts and Bolts
• How to "fix it in prep"
• Maintaining a positive set atmosphere
• The benefits of investing in teaching and giving back
• Checking egos at the door
• Assembling equipment packages that fit your crew size
Case Study
• For Every Breath: Short Film
Q+A with Honey Head
Who Should Attend
Filmmakers looking to build and manage a microbudget crew to elevate their projects
Directors interested in learning how to hire and lead a team on a limited budget
Producers aiming to maximize resources and ensure high production value on a small budget
Aspiring filmmakers who want practical strategies for assembling a passionate, dedicated crew
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
"Stage 32 is an amazing creative community that acts as a pivotal bridge to members of the film industry, especially those at early career stages. We are excited to share our years of award-winning production experience with all Stage 32 members."
-Your Stage 32 Educators, Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray
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