Learn a step-by-step process from a PGA producer who has made over 25 feature films!

In today’s film industry, independent films, particularly those made under the SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreement, are vital for bringing diverse voices and fresh stories to the screen. However, the path to producing these films is fraught with challenges that can be overwhelming for filmmakers. With the rise of new platforms and distribution channels, there has never been a more critical time to understand the intricacies of producing on a tight budget. This course is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge to navigate these challenges successfully, from deciding whether to work with a union to managing budgets, financing, and distribution. Mastering these skills is crucial for you or any filmmaker looking to make an impact in the independent film scene.

Producing an Ultra Low Budget film within the SAG framework will present you with unique challenges, with one of the most significant decisions being whether to go union or non-union. It is important that you don’t rush this decision without fully understanding the implications so it doesn’t lead to issues like budget overruns and difficulty attracting top talent. Financing is another critical area where missteps can occur, such as structuring deals poorly, which can result in losing creative control or facing financial difficulties. Additionally, navigating distribution and marketing can be complex, and without careful planning, even the most promising films may fail to reach their potential. 

Leading you through this class is Michelle Alexandria, a Producer and Distributor with 20+ years of experience in film financing and distribution, particularly in managing Ultra Low Budget projects. Michelle has a deep understanding of the challenges that come with limited budgets and has personally worked on 25 feature films $6MM and under, and 3 television projects in various capacities including producing, line producing and executive producing.

Throughout this 4-week online class, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical aspects of producing an Ultra Low Budget film. You will learn to navigate talent contracts and make informed decisions about union participation, understanding the pros and cons of each approach. You will get a strong understanding of budgeting and crew contracts, where you’ll discover strategies for managing limited resources and maximizing production efficiency. Options in financing will also be covered, teaching you how to structure deals that attract investors while protecting your creative control. Finally, you will learn about distribution and marketing strategies, offering insights into how to successfully market and distribute your film on a tight budget. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to successfully bring your Ultra Low Budget film to life.

PLUS! Receive these exclusive handouts:

• Development funds breakdown sheet
• Film slate sheet template
• One-sheet example (pre-pitch deck sheet)
• Distribution Agreement
• Talent Agreement 

Praise for Michelle’s Past Teaching with Stage 32

"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.

Session 1: Understanding Talent Contracts and Union Decisions

• Industry Overview: Union vs. Non-Union Productions

• Understanding the SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreements

• Key differences between union and non-union productions

• Pros and Cons of Union Participation

• Cost implications and budget considerations

• Impact on talent recruitment and production quality

• Navigating Talent Contracts for Low-Budget Films

• Essential clauses and terms in talent agreements

• Strategies for negotiating with actors and agents

• Case Studies: Success Stories and Lessons Learned

• Examples of films that thrived with and without union participation

• Analyzing the factors that led to their success

• Q&A with Michelle 

Session 2: Budgeting and Crew Contracts at the Ultra Low Budget Level

• Understanding Budget Constraints at the Ultra Low Budget Level

• What does "Ultra Low Budget" mean in practical terms?

• Resource allocation: development, production, and post-production

• Crew Contracts and Essential Agreements

• Key crew roles and contract essentials

• Handling locations, extras, and other essential agreements

• Maximizing Production Efficiency

• Tips for managing shorter schedules and limited resources

• Balancing production quality with budget limitations

• Tools and Resources for Effective Budgeting

• Software, templates, and real-world budgeting examples

• Q&A with Michelle 

Session 3: Financing Options for Ultra Low Budget Films

• Exploring Financing Options for Ultra Low Budget Films

• Crowdfunding, private investors, and grants

• Understanding what works best for your project

• Contracts and Terms for Securing Financing

• Key components of financing agreements

• Investor expectations and how to meet them

• Key Components of Financing Agreements

• Essential clauses in investor agreements

• Protecting your rights while ensuring investor confidence

• Investor Expectations and How to Meet Them

• Setting realistic expectations and deliverables for investors

• Communication and transparency throughout the production process

• Q&A with Michelle 

Session 4: Distribution and Marketing Strategies for Ultra Low Budget Films

• Understanding Distribution Options for Ultra Low Budget Films

• Digital platforms, traditional distribution, and grassroots strategies

• The role of sales agents and distributors

• Marketing Your Film on a Limited Budget

• Building a marketing plan with minimal resources

• Leveraging social media and digital marketing

• Navigating Distribution Contracts

• Key clauses and terms to watch out for

• Ensuring fair revenue participation

• Case Studies: Successful Distribution of Ultra Low Budget Films

• Examples of films that achieved success with minimal budgets

• Lessons learned and actionable insights

• Q&A with Michelle 

PLEASE NOTE:

• This exclusive Stage 32 class will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an executive and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.
• This class is designed for screenwriters, producers, and filmmakers interested in understanding how to make an Ultra Low Budget film.
• This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class roughly 2 hours in duration for each session with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• If you can't make a Zoom session live, don't worry! It will be recorded and you can watch it on demand at your convenience. 
• **Michelle will be available to you on email during the 4 sessions to answer any questions you have about your craft, career or project.**
• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the lab.
• Payment plans are available - please contact Amanda at edu@stage32.com for more information.

Producers of all levels who want a better understanding of how to produce an ultra-low-budget film.

Filmmakers of all levels who want to better direct an ultra-low-budget film by understanding how they are produced.

Screenwriters of all levels who want to have a better understanding of how an ultra-low-budget film is made to inform their writing.

Wednesday, September 18th, 12:00 PM PST

Wednesday, September 25th, 12:00 PM PST

Wednesday, October 2nd, 12:00 PM PST

Wednesday, October 9th, 12:00 PM PST

"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.