An Exclusive Stage 32 On-Demand 4-Part Class

Plus! Get a 25 page Producer Checklist that will help you navigate from Prep through Post! Don't miss out!

You don't have to wait for a green light from a studio to make your movie!

Audiences have never been hungrier for original content, and there’s nothing to stop you from giving it to them if you know how to produce an ultra-low-budget film.

In this exclusive Stage 32 4-part intensive course, you’ll get a step-by-step guide on how to get your film made. 

Not all movies need to cost tens of millions of dollars to produce. In fact, some of your favorite producers and directors, like Darren Aronofsky, Sam Raimi, and Robert Rodriguez, famously made films on ultra-low budgets early in their careers.

Now, it’s your turn.

Over four sessions, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to produce an ultra-low-budget movie, including:

• Choosing the right story
• Perfecting the script
• Building your budget from pre-production through post
• Finding your funding
• Managing your team
• Locking locations
• Casting
• Insurance and safety considerations
• How to shoot fast safely
• Handling unexpected costs
• Finding distribution
• And so much more

To show you how it’s done is producer and unit production manager Aymie Majerski, the founder and CEO of LotusShark. She’s produced low-budget indies such as SANTA’S PROMISE, HEALING RIVER, NOTZILLA, 4192: THE CROWNING OF THE HIT KING, and 7 BELOW.

In addition to film projects, Aymie and her team at LotusShark produce digital content for Showtime, Spotify, HBO, YouTube Originals, the OTR International Film Festival, and more.

Not only will Aymie provide you with what she’s learned in her many years of experience, but she’ll also provide you with 25 pages of producer checklists that you can use from prep through post-production so that you’re prepared as possible well after the course has ended.

Don’t let fear, budget, or industry access hold you back from making the film the world is waiting to see. This class will show you how you can get it done!

Praise for Aymie's Teaching:

“Aymie not only knows her stuff because she has been in the trenches and uses real-world examples but she does so in a fun and approachable way and truly cares and wants to help other filmmakers” -- Sara T.

"Aymie taught me so much in just 4 sessions. Her knowledge is truly invaluable for anyone interested in any part of the filmmaking process." -- Mark L.

SESSION 1: The Script

• Why This Story?
• Why will people get behind this project?
• Why this script and this story?
• Is Your Script Ready?
  • Script coverage
  • Getting feedback and what to do with it
  • Who is the market?
• Do you have your bases covered?
  • Rights
  • Title search
  • The unexpected things to consider upfront
• Your Budget
  • How to determine if your film is ultra-low budget?
  • Understanding the budget line items, tightening and adjusting
  • What are your funding sources?
• Q&A with Aymie

SESSION 2: Pre-Production

• Managing Your Budget
• Building Your Team
• Determining Your Locations
  • Are they specific?
  • Tax credits
  • Location and scheduling considerations
• Casting Your Film
  • Why is casting important
  • Do you need a casting director?
  • Cast before money? The pros and cons
  • Who do you want vs. who you can afford
• Insurance
• COVID Considerations and Costs
• Locking Your Schedule
• Pre-Production Checklist
• Q&A with Aymie

SESSION 3: Production

• What to Expect When You're Not Expecting
• How to Manage Your Budget as Things Begin to "Roll"
• Shooting Fast... But Safe!
• Tips to Managing Unexpected Costs
• Watching Out for Your Cast and Crew... Always!
• Q&A with Aymie

SESSION 4: Post-Production & Distribution

• Post-Production
• Your team
• Your budget
• Your timeline
• Lions and Tigers and Bears... Oh My!
  • Re-shoots and ADR
• Taking Your Film to Market
  • Festival strategy
  • Monetization
• Distribution
  • What is distribution?
  • Ways to connect with and secure distribution
  • Sample distribution scenarios
  • The changing economics and dynamics of distribution
• Q&A with Aymie

WHAT TO EXPECT

• This class is designed for all level creativs - beginner, intermediate and advanced who are looking to understand how to effectively produce a low-budget feature film.
• Even though this class is on demand, we highly recommend completing all homework and assignments given in the class so you can get the most from your experience.

Directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) interested in the next steps to completing their low-budget project.

Producers interested in the production strategies for producing a low-budget film.

Writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) interested in the next steps to completing their low-budget project.

Actors interested in the art of low-budget filmmaking.

On-Demand

“Aymie not only knows her stuff because she has been in the trenches and uses real world examples but she does so in a fun and approachable way and truly cares and wants to help other filmmakers”

Sara T.