Become an Independant Film Producer

Turn Your Filmmaking Dreams into Reality: Learn to Produce Micro-Budget Films in Just 8 Weeks!
January 22- March 13/14h 2026

Producers Mastermind is a comprehensive 7 week online course and live 2 day workshop for both beginners and advanced learners. Participants will be guided by experienced entertainment professionals in production and distribution.  Topics covered include legal structure, development, fundraising and networking relationships. The series concludes with a live 2 day workshop to be held in Los Angeles, CA with real world pitches to investors and small businesses.

Hands-on training, real-world pitching opportunities, and a network of industry professionals await you!

Schedule and Topics

Topics
Weeks 1-7: Zoom Classes
Schedule: Thursdays, 2 hours per session. 6PM-8PM (PST)

Week 1: Setting the Foundation

Thursday January 22nd, 2026

Topic: Introduction to Producing

Overview of the producer's role in filmmaking.
Legal structures: LLCs vs. Sole Proprietorships for production companies.
Key considerations when forming a legal entity.
Topic: Legal Framework for Micro-Budget Productions

Contracts and agreements: crew, cast, and vendors.
Basics of intellectual property rights and copyright.
Overview of legal paperwork for under $200K productions.
 
Week 2: Developing Your Project
Thursday January 22nd, 2026

Topic: Writing and Development

Structuring compelling stories for independent films.
Collaboration with screenwriters.
Understanding script breakdowns for budgeting.
Topic: Budgeting and Payroll

Preparing a micro-budget: essential line items.
Tools and software for budgeting.
Managing payroll and understanding tax incentives.
 
Week 3: Assembling the Team
Thursday Feburary 5th, 2026

Topic: Working with Talent and Crew

Casting: finding and securing talent for your project.
Navigating relationships with casting directors.
Working with SAG-AFTRA for union actors.
Topic: Collaborating with Key Personnel

Working with a director: defining creative and logistical roles.
Collaborating with a line producer: turning creative visions into actionable plans.
Managing a 1st Assistant Director (1st AD): creating shooting schedules, ensuring on-set organization, and maintaining production flow.
Overseeing department heads: cinematography, production design, sound, and other key roles.
Building a cohesive team that aligns with the project’s vision and budget.
 
Week 4: Securing Funding

Thursday Feburary 12th, 2026

Topic: Crowdfunding & Crowd Equity Fundraising

Platforms to use and how to launch campaigns.
Creating compelling pitch materials.
Engaging and retaining investor interest.
Topic: Building Investor Relationships

Crafting your pitch to potential investors.
Developing investment proposals and budgets.
Legal and ethical considerations.
 
Week 5: Marketing and Partnerships
Thursday Feburary 19th

Topic: Small Business Partnerships & Product Placement

Collaborating with local businesses for funding and sponsorships.
Leveraging product placement for additional revenue.
Negotiating win-win partnerships.
Topic: Distribution Strategies

Overview of distribution channels for micro-budget films.
Self-distribution vs. traditional distribution.
Leveraging film festivals for exposure.
 
Week 6: Pre-Production Essentials
Thursday Febuary 26th

Topic: Working with Production Insurance

Understanding the types of production insurance: general liability, workers' compensation, and Errors and Omissions (E&O).
Why E&O insurance is critical: protecting against legal claims related to copyright, contracts, and content.
Key considerations when selecting insurance providers.
Topic: Preparing for Production and On-Set Safety

When to hire a set medic: projects with stunt work, hazardous conditions, or extensive cast and crew.
Risk management: ensuring safety protocols are in place.
Finalizing schedules and budgets.
 
Week 7: Real-World Production Scenarios
Thursday March 5th

Topic: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem-solving on set.
Managing creative and logistical challenges.
Topic: Preparing for the Final Workshop

Reviewing pitch decks and campaign materials.
Practicing investor and product placement pitches.
 
Week 8: Two-Day Interactive Workshop
 Friday and Saturday March 13th and 14th

Day 1: Building Partnerships and Networking

Session 1: Small Business Product Placement Preparation
Practice and refine pitches with feedback from instructors.
Workshop partnership proposals for small businesses.
Session 2: Crowd Equity Campaign Setup
Set up and finalize campaigns on platforms like Seed&Spark.
Craft campaign messaging and visuals.
Session 3: Q/A and Work with Coaches 
Evening Event: Networking Mixer
Meet potential cast, crew, and creative collaborators.
Build connections to assemble your production team.

Day 2: Real Pitches to Businesses and Investors

Session 1: Q/A and Work with Coaches
Session 2: Pitching to Small Businesses
Present product placement proposals to real small business representatives.
Receive live feedback and explore partnership opportunities.
Session 3: Investor Pitches
Present project pitches to potential investors.
Gain valuable insights and possibly secure funding.
Conclusion: Presentation of Certificates,feedback from industry professionals and Networking.

 
Program Deliverables
A fully developed pitch deck for investors and small businesses.

A live crowdfunding campaign ready for launch.

Real-world experience pitching to small businesses and investors.

Connections with potential cast, crew, and industry collaborators.

Knowledge of securing and managing production insurance, including E&O.

Strategies for working with directors, line producers, 1st ADs, and department heads.

This program equips participants with the tools, confidence, and network to launch their first micro-budget film or TV project successfully.