Producing for Success

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  • This course is open for 12 weeks
  • 9 lesson series
  • 4 hours of video

Producing is the business of movie-making. Producers assemble the raw talent and equipment for the director to build his vision on the set.  But the business of filmmaking is like no other – the demands are constantly changing, and each scene requires its unique approach to be successful.
 
In the Producing for Success Course, you will learn how to start and run a production company, manage payroll and production expenses, negotiate with vendors, work with unions, and hire the cast and crew, including SAG-AFTRA actors.
 
Your instructors - Hollywood producers whose credits include top blockbusters, critically acclaimed productions, and Emmy and Academy-Award-winning projects - will walk you through every step of producing a film, from the broad picture to the fine details.
 
In addition to the rich video modules that take you onto the set and behind the scenes, you will have access to our database of industry-standard contracts and forms you can use on your projects.  Get the edge and learn from the people defining Hollywood today in the Producing for Success Course.

The lessons
  • Making a Business Plan

    Learn, step-by-step, how to build a business plan that will appease even the savviest investors. Hollywood producers take you through the process so you can go into the fundraising process confident in the movie you’re selling.
  • Packaging Your Movie

    Learn how to choose the right actors for your movie, work with distributors in the development process, determine the value of your creative talent, how to attract top-tier talent, and ultimately make your movie attractive to distributors and audiences.
  • Agents and Managers

    Learn the different between an agent and a manager, the roles each fulfill, how to get one, the costs involved, and how to use their services to promote your career.
  • Raising Money

     Learn how money is raised for motion pictures, from equity and debt financing to tax incentives
  • Tax Incentives

    Learn how to take advantage of tax incentives, the difference between rebates and credits, how to convert credits into money, what to expect during the auditing process, and how to collect your money.
  • Forming a Production Company

    Learn how to choose the right corporate structure, set up a company, open the proper accounts, establish the legal framework for the production, work with an attorney, and set-up the production office.
  • Money Management

    Learn to manage the budget, set-up a bank account, manage the flow of money throughout the production including payroll, loan outs, kit fees, per diems, mileage, and petty cash.
  • Hiring the Crew

    Learn how to hire an experienced crew, work with above the line vs, below the line, union vs. non-union crew members, manage pay or play deals, work with independent contractors and employees, address personal conflicts on set, and ultimately assemble the most talented professionals for your project.
  • Working with Vendors

    Learn to find qualified vendors in your shooting area, manage relationships with vendors, the financial workflow from purchase orders to invoices, and tips to making sure you get the resources you need on set.