Summary
Learn From A PGA Producer Who Has Made Over 25 Feature Films.
As a filmmaker, screenwriter, producer or actor you may have a great idea for a film or a top-notch script that's ready for production. However, the challenges that most independent films face are that they have the idea, the vision or the script but little to no money to build their development package properly to take to investors.
The bottom line is that you now need financing. And that requires a plan, specific information that investors are looking for and the proper format to present your project to investors in. So how do you make your project more attractive and inviting to investors?
Good news! You can start building your development package even with little to no money to achieve the results you need. In this class, you will learn how to build this critical development package for as little as zero dollars and for no more than $3,500. A professional development package for your project is usually the major difference between scripts that get financed and scripts that don’t.
In this exclusive Stage 32 4-part on-demand class, you will learn everything you need to know to build an enticing film development package for little to no money. Teaching you how to build a world-class film package that will attract investors is Michelle Alexandria, PGA member and producer at Light Year Pictures. Michelle has personally worked as a producer, executive producer and line producer on 25 feature films with budgets of $6MM and under. Michelle has lectured on the topic of raising film financing at the Cannes Producers Network and other prominent film festivals and markets including MipCom, Berlinale, Buenos Aires, UniFrance, Sundance, and AFM.
Michelle's knowledge is extensive and her advice actionable, and she is bringing all of her experience and perspective to the Stage 32 community to help you succeed with your projects.
Michelle will lead her class through the things you can do for anywhere between zero dollars and a few thousand dollars to build an effective and attractive feature film financing package that you can confidently share with potential investors. If you have access to a computer, the internet, and have passion for your project, you can take immediate action steps to make your project attractive to money.
If you are looking to make your feature film an attractive investment to financiers so you can get your movie made and distributed, this class is a must!
PLUS! Michelle will give out exclusive handouts to help you build your film development package including:
- Investor Development Document Template
- Investor One Sheet Template
Praise For Michelle Previous Stage 32 Courses
"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.
What You'll Learn
CLASS 1: What you can do for little to no money to build your film's development package
The most basic steps in film development that cost you nothing. In this class you will learn several different ways to take action today for little to no money that get you closer to having a viable package that attracts investors to your project.
- Steps, resources, and actions you can take towards developing your project without spending any money.
- The power of your idea. It’s valuable. Your script is worth more than you think.
- Your unique characters go a long way in the pitch. How do you present them?
- How can a simple overview of your story open doors to packaging and investors? How to succinctly tell your story.
- Q&A with Michelle
Handout: Investor Development Document Template
There will be an assignment after this class.
CLASS 2: Steps you can take to add to your development package that will cost you less than $500.
Projects are often in “various stages of development.” No matter what stage your project is in, you can add to and build your package to make it more attractive. We will continue by adding to your film package with options that cost $500 or less. Since development money is not often available to indie filmmakers, here we will discuss several options and resources you can obtain for small dollar amounts while building your film package to make it even more attractive to investors, cast, or agencies.
- How to advertise your film before it’s even funded…and why you want to do this?
- How an online presence can boost your development package
- Quality visual aids… for cheap!
- Q&A with Michelle
There will be an assignment after this class.
CLASS 3: Additional materials you can create and add towards your film project for under $1,500.
This class will continue by adding to your film package with options that cost $1,500 or less. These ideas can be implemented immediately to enhance your current film package.
- Do you need to start your own company to make your project? What value- practically and legally - does opening a company have for your film?
- The importance of having your banking and accounting set up before getting investment
- How proper financial set up makes your life easier down the road
- What visual aid and pitch materials are now possible to present to investors
- Why having as detailed of a budget as possible will ease investor concern
- How you can estimate how much your film will make before you even have the money to make it
- Why Film Markets can be valuable for you at the development stage and how you can get the most out of them without spending too much money
- Q&A with Michelle
There will be an assignment after this class.
CLASS 4: Steps you can take towards developing your project for under $3,500.
This class will continue by adding to your film package with options that cost $3,500 or less. These ideas can be implemented immediately to enhance your current film package.
- The value of a casting director and how they can help you get the actors you want for your project
- Why getting certain legal documents in order in the development stage can be helpful for investor confidence
- How a short teaser for your project can entice investors and how you can make one without breaking the bank
- Q&A with Michelle
Handout: Investor One Sheet Template
There will be an assignment after this class.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
PLEASE NOTE: The opportunity to learn from an expert in the field in this intensive way is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity.
- This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn independent filmmaking. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
- This class consists of four sessions, each roughly two hours in duration.
- PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.
Who Should Attend
All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to attract investors to their feature film project.
All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to communicate professionally with investors.
All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to attract investors to their feature film project.
All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to attract investors to their feature film project.
Actors who want to take control of their careers by attracting investors to their feature film project with professional materials.
Executive
Michelle Alexandria is a PGA member, film producer, and distribution consultant at Light Year Pictures. Michelle has personally worked on 25 feature films $6MM and under, and 3 television projects in various capacities including producing, line producing and executive producing. Michelle's producing credits include the family film FIRST DOG, the award-winning feature film A LIFE LIVED starring Denise Richards and Jennifer Taylor, romantic French comedy COUP DE FOUDRE A SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES, and THE EXTENDABLES starring Mark Dacascos, Kevin Sorbo, and Martin Kove. Michelle also executive produced feature films GOOD GUYS FINISH LAST, SCREAMERS, TRAUMA THERAPY, and ASK ME TO DANCE.
Michelle has attended major film festivals and markets, including Cannes, AFM, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Sundance, and more. She has also acted as a judge for several film festivals and has been a guest speaker and panelist. Michelle continues to represent film investors and filmmakers, working with them to obtain strong content according to the current market. Michelle is a member of the Producers Guild of America.
Credits
