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How to Make your First Feature Film On a Micro Budget Under $350k
How to Make your First Feature Film On a Micro Budget Under $350k
Taught by Erika Arlee & Kristi Ray
On Demand
$49.00
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Summary

Learn from a filmmaking duo who have produced over a dozen films! 

Get a script, budget and proof of concept trailer example that you can apply to your own film!

In the world of filmmaking, microbudget films under $350,000 have emerged as a powerful calling card for filmmakers looking to make their mark. With the rise of digital streaming platforms, it's easier than ever to create a film on a shoestring budget and get it in front of an audience. If you're a filmmaker looking to prove your storytelling chops and showcase your unique voice, making a microbudget film is one of the most effective ways to do it. But, as rewarding as it can be, the journey from script to screen on a limited budget is fraught with challenges.

When you're working on a microbudget film, you’ll quickly realize that the biggest obstacles aren't just about money. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, making it hard to move forward when resources are scarce. Plus, finding a community that believes in your vision is crucial but often difficult. Add to that the challenge of figuring out how much money you actually need, the best way to finance your project, and how to attract the right talent, prepare for your shoot, get into post production and get it distributed and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Enter Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, the dynamic duo behind the award-winning Honey Head Films who have made over a dozen microbudget films. Erika, a critically acclaimed writer and director with a passion for avant-garde storytelling, has a wealth of experience in ultra-low-budget filmmaking. Kristi, a producer and actress trained at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Institute, has spent over a decade pushing the boundaries of independent cinema. Together, they’ve brought numerous microbudget films to life, including the highly acclaimed A SONG FOR IMOGENE. Their expertise and hands-on experience in micro-budget make them the perfect guides to help you navigate the complexities of microbudget filmmaking.

In this Stage 32 webinar, you’ll learn that you don’t need permission to make your film and why letting go of perfectionism can be liberating. Erika and Kristi will show you how to find your filmmaking fingerprint, build your brand, and grow your audience before you even start shooting. They’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of producing on a microbudget, from stretching your dollar to balancing your schedule, budget, and quality. You’ll walk away with actionable insights on how to refine your model, market your film, and make a microbudget feature that stands out in the crowded indie film landscape.

PLUS! Receive the following exclusive handouts to help you with your own micro-budget film:

  • Script for their feature film A SONG FOR IMOGENE

  • Budget for their feature film A SONG FOR IMOGENE

  • A private link to their Proof of Concept Trailer

 

Testimonial from your Stage 32 Educators:

"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." -Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, Honey Head Films

 

What You'll Learn

You Don’t Need Permission to Make Your Film

  • Understand that permission is an illusion 

  • Why it’s important to abandon perfectionism 

  • How to build community around your work 

 

Finding Your Hive 

  • Break down the importance of brand equity 

  • How to find your fingerprint as a filmmaker 

  • How to grow your audience before it’s “go time” 

 

Money - How Much Do You Actually Need? 

  • Understanding the indie micro-budget feature 

  • Writing the movie you can make right now 

  • Crowdfunding vs. equity financing - what’s right for you? 

 

Refine Your Model 

  • How to mitigate risk by keeping hard costs low 

  • The art of in-kind donations and how to talk about them to investors 

  • Finding built-in production value - putting the most money on screen 

  • Attracting top-level cast and crew

 

The Nuts and Bolts of Producing on a Micro-Budget

  • Importance of communicating expectations

  • Stretching your dollar

  • Working with cast and crew

  • Balancing schedule, budget, and quality of work

 

Marketing Your Film

  • Debunking the “Top Five” festival myth 

  • Understanding your film’s unique value proposition (UVP)

  • Next steps: what the “Calling Card Film” can do 

 

Q&A with Honey Head Films

 

Who Should Attend

Filmmakers of all levels who want to learn how to make their film with a very small budget.

Producers of all levels who want to learn how to produce on smaller budgets that need investment effort.

Writers of all levels who want to learn how micro-budget films are produced so they can write projects that are easier to produce

Actors of all levels who have ever considered creating their own work.

Executive

Erika Arlee & Kristi Ray
Erika Arlee & Kristi Ray
at Honey Head Films

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 instructors from Honey Head Films

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