CLOSES SUNDAY JANUARY 27TH AT MIDNIGHT
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If You're Ready to Stop Talking About Making A Movie and Actually Make Your Movie, You're In The Right Place
In this course, you're going to learn a way to develop, finance and distribute films that is completely self-starting and can be done by anyone, anywhere.
If you're willing to do the work, you can have your dream career as a filmmaker.
There is absolutely nothing to stop you making your movie.
This course will guide you from developing your script to collecting awards, ensuring that at each stage of the filmmaking process you are making the best decisions that will result in you making the best movie possible.
Because let’s be clear: I hope you’re ready not just to make any old movie, but to make a kick-ass, standout, knock ‘em down, award-winning movie that you will be proud of for the rest of your life.
Why not?
If you’re going to work your butt off this year making it (and that’s what it’s going to take), you might as well aim super high, empower yourself with the knowledge and tools you need and make it happen.
No more excuses.
Essentially, this course will end ALL your lame excuses.
• Don't know what to make your movie about? We'll deal with that.
• No Contacts in the industry? Got that covered.
• Don't know how to get the money? You'll never be able to complain about that again.
• Worried that you don't know enough about the technical aspects of filmmaking? Stress no more!
This course will provide you with a clear actionable plan as well as share the REAL LIFE knowledge you need to make an awesome movie.
Millions of people dream about making a movie, literally millions, but then they get scared. It’s far easier to be a brilliant filmmaker in your mind, rather than actually take the risk of making something.
I know what it’s like: you don’t know where to start. It seems overwhelming. The doubts creep in:
Where can you get the money?
You live in a small town, and you’ve never even met a filmmaker!
It will probably be terrible.
Who the hell are you to make a movie?!
Who the hell are you not to — if it’s your dream?
This course will take away your fears and fill you with the tools, inspiration and information you need to succeed.
You Can Do It!
You can do it. I know you can, because I’ve done it, and I’m not special in any way, except perhaps to my family!
I don’t have a trust fund, and I was born in Dumfries, Scotland, which is about as far from Hollywood as Mars. But I did it. Without connections in the industry or wealthy relatives, I made a film that was selected for Sundance, won awards, opened doors, and took my career to a different level. I also had the time of my life making it.
Since then, I’ve made two more films, and I intend to make many more.
There is a way to do this that not only gets your movie made, but sets up the situation where you can do it again and again, for the rest of your life, regardless of whether or not you knock it out of the park the first time.
For real.
And in this course, you're going to learn that way.
About This Course
The course is organized into eight modules, covering everything that's essential for making and distributing a standout indie film.
It provides an easy-to-reference, actionable plan to keep you on track as you go through the process of making a movie.
Once you register you will receive access to ALL of the modules, including worksheets and bonuses.
You will have lifetime access to them, as well as to any future updates.
Making a movie obviously isn't done in eight weeks (or even eight months), so it's important that you can work through the material in your own time and use it as you need it.
If you have time, I'd recommend going through the whole course beforehand, so that you can get an overview of the journey on which you are heading.
Then, plug into it as a reference and inspiration while you are actually in the process of making your movie.
At the end of each lesson, you'll find downloadable PDF worksheets that provide you with journaling prompts and actions to take. THESE ARE GOLD. Seriously, these are what will make your journey so much better. They will guide you in ways that just consuming the videos won't, so PLEASE don't skip them!
If you do the work of each lesson, I promise that not only will you make your film – you'll also make the best one you can. I'm so excited for you, because seriously: there is nothing better!
Here's What You'll Learn
In the eight modules, you will learn the Sixteen Steps that are essential to making a standout movie.
- Step 1. Develop a Singular Script
- Step 2. Set a Start Date
- Step 3. Find a Line Producer
- Step 4. Lock Down a Schedule and Budget
- Step 5. Write a Business Plan
- Step 6. Find a DP, Editor and Key Cast
- Step 7. Shoot an Awesome Teaser Trailer
- Step 8. Start an LLC/ Raise the Money
- Step 9. Crowdfund: It’s Essential
- Step 10. Recruit your Crew
- Step 11. Cast your Smaller Roles
- Step 12. Pre-production Essentials
- Step 13. Get your Movie “in the can”
- Step 14. Post-production Essentials
- Step 15. Submit to Festivals
- Step 16. Execute your Distribution Plan
These are not what you would learn in film school, but based on my real life experience making Sundance winner Obselidia, they provide you with a clear, simple and actionable plan to making your own standout movie.
I won’t bore you with tech talk, 4k this and LED that, although you will learn how to make sure your movie is technically impeccable, no matter your budget.
You’ll learn the hands-on business of making a successful indie film: how to assemble an irresistible package for raising finance, who you should approach for money and how you make sure you get it. You will never worry about raising money for your films again after learning our techniques. For real.
My approach is fresh, original, – and it works!
If you are ready to take the leap and actually MAKE A MOVIE, rather than talk about it, jump in...and DO IT.
Course Content
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1
Welcome to the course!
- Welcome to the Course!
- Introduction
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2
Module #1
- Lesson 1: The Keys to a Standout Script
- >> Lesson 1 - Worksheet
- Lesson 2: When is My Script Ready to "go out?"
- >> Lesson 2 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 2 - BONUS Worksheet - The Essential Question Checklist
- Lesson 3: What if I'm Not a Screenwriter
- >> Lesson 3 - Worksheet
- Lesson 4: Set a Start Date
- >> Lesson 4 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 4 - BONUS Worksheet - Start Date Calculator
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3
Module #2
- Lesson 5: Find a Line Producer
- >> Lesson 5 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 5 - BONUS Worksheet - Line Producer Checklist
- Lesson 6: Make a Budget
- >> Lesson 6 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 6 - BONUS Worksheet - Sample Budget
- Lesson 7: Scheduling for Success
- >> Lesson 7 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 7 - BONUS Worksheet - Sample Schedule for Obselidia
- Lesson 8: Write a Business Plan
- >> Lesson 8 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 8 - BONUS Worksheet - Sample Business Plan from Of Dust and Bones
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4
Module #3
- Lesson 9: Find Key Crew
- >> Lesson 9 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 9 BONUS - D.P Dream Checklist
- Lesson 10: Cast Your Key Roles
- >> Lesson 10 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 10 BONUS - Casting Guide
- Lesson 11: Make a Concept Trailer
- >> Lesson 11 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 11 BONUS - Concept Trailer Formula
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5
Module #4
- Lesson 12: Raise the Money
- >> Lesson 12 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 12 BONUS Worksheet - Sample Operating Agreement
- Lesson 13: The Mindset You Need to Raise Finance
- >> Lesson 13 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 13 BONUS Worksheet - Affirmations for Raising Money
- Lesson 14: The Art of Crowdfunding
- >> Lesson 14 - Worksheet
- >> Lesson 14 BONUS Worksheet - Crowdfunding To-Do List
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6
Module #5
- Lesson 15: Recruiting Your Crew
- >> Lesson 15 - Worksheet
- Lesson 16: Cast Your Smaller Roles
- >> Lesson 16 - Worksheet
- Lesson 17: Production Essentials
- >> Lesson 17 - Worksheet
- Lesson 18: A Director's Guide to Preproduction
- >> Lesson 18 - Worksheet
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Module #6
- Lesson 19: Get Your Movie in the Can
- >> Lesson 19 - Worksheet
- Lesson 20: Working with Actors
- >> Lesson 20 - Worksheet
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8
Module #7
- Lesson 21: The Edit
- >> Lesson 21 - Worksheet
- Lesson 22: Final Stages of Post Production
- >> Lesson 22 - Worksheet
- Lesson 23: When You Finish...
- >> Lesson 23 - Worksheet
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Module #8
- Lesson 24: You Are Awesome!
- Lesson 25: Execute Your Distribution
Beware the Conventional Path
You might still be thinking: this is all fine, but I don't want to have to make it happen myself. I'd rather sell my script to a production company and have them do the work!
Look, I'm never going to tell you that this method is the only way to make your movie, because that's not true, and you have to trust your intuition.
But here's the thing: if you go down the conventional route, you can spend literally years trying to make your movie…and never make it.
I personally know dozens of aspiring filmmakers who are on this path, and it breaks my heart because most of them have still never made a movie…and probably never will.
On the conventional path, you have no control over how long it will take, because you have given your power away.
You are waiting for the powers that be to greenlight you, instead of greenlighting yourself.
A New Way - The Self-Empowered Way
The method I teach is different – because you don't need anyone to give you permission to make a movie.
You raise the money you need, and you make the movie you want to make.
No compromises.
You have an awesome, inspired, creatively fulfilling time doing it.
You plan the distribution from day one, so that you make money from your film…and here’s the best part: you get to do it again, as often as you like, for the rest of your life.
The aim is not to make a single film, but to make many. To create the situation in which you can keep making them, no matter what.
That's what this course will give you: a blueprint for freedom as a filmmaker for the rest of your life.
A Proven Method
The method I’m going to share here is largely based on my own experiences, both good and bad, making my first feature, Obselidia (and if you’re reaching for your dictionary, thinking, “what the heck is that weird word?” Stop right there. I made it up, and for the record, it’s an encyclopedia of obsolete things).
The poster for my first feature film, Obselidia
This film was made for $140k using private equity finance that I raised myself, with no star names or connections.
It was made as far off the conventional film-world grid as you can imagine, and yet Obselidia premiered in competition at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won two awards. It went on to play successfully at film festivals around the world, and was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards.
Winning an award at Sundance—nope, I wasn’t emotional; you’re imagining it.
In this course, you will learn exactly how I did it, step by simple step, giving you a manageable blueprint of how to make it happen yourself.
This self-starting method doesn’t fly with conventional wisdom of how to go about making a movie.
But it works, and there’s nothing to stop you except your own doubt.
From dreaming about making a movie to watching that movie premiere at Sundance took little more than a year for me, and seriously: It could be the same for you.
Obviously, I can’t guarantee that your film will get into Sundance, sell for millions and win big awards.
No one can guarantee that, and I know that I was super lucky.
But what I can guarantee is that if you follow the steps in this course, you will make your film—or, at the very least, you will lose all your excuses for not doing it.
And if you want to, you won’t just make one film, but you will hold the keys to a successful career as a filmmaker, if that is your dream.
Don't wait any longer – START TODAY TO MAKE YOUR MOVIE THIS YEAR!!!
Don't Take My Word For It
Here's what others have to say
Writer/Director and Founder of IndieFilmHustle.com
Alex Ferrari
Founder/CEO of Seed & Spark, crowdfunding and distribution platform for indie films
Emily Best
Actor (in Glow), writer/director: Good Dick; Bitch
Marianna Palka
Independent feature filmmaker (A Light Beneath Their Feet; The Archer) and television director (Suits; Chicago MD; Scandal)
Valerie Weiss
About Me
I’m an award winning screenwriter and director, which is pretty amazing because I didn’t grow up thinking that was possible.
My first feature, OBSELIDIA, premiered in Dramatic Competition at Sundance, where it won two awards, and went on to play at festivals around the world and be nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards. My second film, BLEEDING HEART, a drama starring Jessica Biel and Zosia Mamet, premiered at Tribeca, and is widely available on Amazon Prime and Hulu. My most recent feature, OF DUST AND BONES, is currently in festivals.
I started my career in film as a screenwriter (before that I was a philosophy student and a yoga teacher), and I’ve written numerous commissioned and optioned scripts, including two with renowned director John McTiernan (director of Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October).
I’ve been lucky enough to be a participant in the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, as well as the Women in Film/Sundance mentorship program, from which I learned tons. I was recently thrilled to be a finalist in the NBC Female Forward Directing initiative.
In addition to writing and directing films, I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge to empower and inspire other filmmakers. I love helping others break through their obstacles and achieve their dreams. Since 2014 I’ve taught workshops on how to make a successful indie film, and I’m thrilled to share this material in my book. If making movies is your dream, don’t let anything stop you!
FAQ
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WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Check out the section above…but seriously, it's for anyone (and everyone) who wants to make a standout movie!
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DO YOU NEED PREVIOUS FILMMAKING EXPERIENCE TO DO THIS COURSE?
Absolutely not! This course will walk you through everything and is designed to inform and empower anyone, regardless of experience, to make a stand out film.
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I'VE MADE A MOVIE BEFORE. WILL IT BE TOO BASIC?
Definitely not. Think of it as your planner and organizer so you can free up your brain space for more creative things…and let the course guide you through the process.
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CAN I GET A REFUND?
I believe this course is worth 10x what we are charging, there is so much value in it - but If you're not 100% thrilled with the it, we'll totally refund your money, within a 30 day period.
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CAN YOU GUARANTEE THAT I'LL MAKE A MOVIE AFTER TAKING THE COURSE?
Of course I can't because it's totally dependent on you doing the work! But I will say this: if you DO THE WORK, you totally will make your movie. There's no reason for you not to.
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CAN YOU HELP ME FINANCE MY MOVIE?
I wish! I'm not a financier. However, I'll always be happy to share about your crowdfunding campaign on my social media channels, so be sure to keep me in the loop about that!
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CAN YOU HELP ME GET MY MOVIE DISTRIBUTED?
I'm a filmmaker myself… not a distributor!
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DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
At present we don't.
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DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
This is the first time we've opened this course for registration, so not yet, though it's definitely something we'll consider in the future.
Wait… you're still here?
I just want to say this, whatever path you choose to make your movie, I salute you.
Making films is not easy! There are so many things to consider, so many choices to make, so many tough obstacles to overcome.
I created this course to be like a Sherpa guiding you to the top of the mountain that I have climbed successfully before.
I know the challenges that arise, because I've dealt with them.
I can warn you of dangers and make your passage so much easier.
I can make your success so much more likely.
If you choose to let me be your guide, I will honor that commitment seriously.
Nothing will make me happier than seeing you get your movie made, and if you want me to be your guide, I'm in.