Creating a realistic budget can make or break a film before it ever makes it into production. Where should you spend? Where can you cut? How do you stretch your dollar? In short, how can you assure you're creating the highest quality film for the lowest price? 

Listen, not everyone can afford a line producer. And even if you can, you want to make sure he or she is protecting your vision and your money! Understanding this aspect of the business and how a film can be put together is everything! Let's make this complex aspect of filmmaking easier, shall we?

Michael Madaville (Taken, Taken 2, Taken 3 to name a very few) is one of the most respected line producers in the business. Michael has created budgets from some of the most successful indie darlings, mid-majors and studio films in the business. And now, exclusively for Stage 32, he will take you by the hand, help you problem solve just about every issue that may arise, and help you toward financial success no matter what your budget may be. 

Using examples from his decades in the business, Michael will walk you through examples of micro to major budget films and discuss how to reduce costs for crew, locations, materials and more and how to apply that information to get your schedule tight and your budget to where it needs to be.

No more chasing funds or getting caught short during filming! Michael will show you how to get on the path to a smooth shoot well before yelling "Action!"

The “Filmmaking With a Calculator” Mentality

• What is the current state of the marketplace with feature films and media in general?
• How do you give yourself the best chance to get your film made in a world where compromises are not only ordinary, but required?

The VIDCON Mentality

• What is it and why is this a key entry point into the industry?

Problem Solving Your Overall Project

• How can you look at your script’s cost in relation to the funding offered and give it the best chance of getting made?
• How do you reduce costs?
• What are some of the considerations in terms of American unions to be aware of?

Problem Solving Your Production Crew

• What are the three points of a great crew member and how can that be crucial to your project?
• What are the structural elements for crew in both micro and major films?

Where Should You Shoot Your Film?

• How can you give yourself a competitive advantage based on where you shoot.
• Location – US, Canada and international shooting

Budget & Schedule

• When do you get a budget and a schedule and why is it important?
• What questions should you ask about the budget & schedule and what parameters should you be giving out?
• Bond companies – what you need to know.
• What are the key aspects of the schedule as it relates to the scriptwriting?
• How do you determine time to shoot in relation to the script?
• Tactics for budgeting microbudget and major budget films
• How to present the schedule and the budget with your project

Q&A with Michael

Producers looking to make the best financial decisions for their project.

Line producers looking to understand the best method of line producing a project.

Filmmakers wanting to understand ways to keep costs down and creativity high.

Accountants wanting to learn different techniques to help decrease the budget.