Film Producing: Core Elements

Do you have a short or feature film you plan to produce? In this eight-week self-paced online course, you will learn the fundamental concepts of creative producing for independent fiction films - from development to financing to budgeting and more with an accomplished producer as your guide. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to create pitch materials to communicate your project’s vision to funders and key collaborators and get feedback on your work from a Sundance Collab Advisor.

This is a self-paced course. Self-paced courses allow you to watch pre-recorded lectures at your own pace, while working on deadlines to get individualized feedback on your work.

What you bring to the course:

• an interest in producing. (You do not need to have a screenplay or active project to participate.) Creators at any level of experience are welcome.

What you’ll get from the course:

• An understanding of your role in creative development and how to identify your core producing philosophy.
• How to assemble a strong team and key crew.
• An understanding of the process of optioning material as well as collaborating with screenwriters.
• Knowledge of industry-standard deal terms and the fundamentals of deal negotiation.
• An overview of financing available to independent filmmakers and how to develop your financing strategy.
• How to break down a scene and schedule your days on set.
• An understanding of the key steps of the marketing and distribution process.
• How to consider festival and distribution options for your project.

This course will:

• provide tools and techniques to apply to any project.
• offer opportunities for designated homework to be reviewed by a Sundance Collab Advisor.
• connect you with other creators via a discussion board where you can discuss core concepts and share your work.

You will submit your work to a Sundance Collab Advisor for written feedback at two points throughout the 8-week course. For an additional fee, you may elect to meet with your advisor for a 60-minute one-on-one session during the course term.

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available and are considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Those who apply earlier will have a greater chance of getting support. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the course registration form.

Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.