Indie Producing: From Development to Release

Over the course of six hours, we’ll cover the stages of an independent film from inception to release, through the lens of the producer. We’ll discuss a producer’s responsibilities and best practices and see them in action using individual movies (and their unique challenges) as case studies. We’ll touch on the ever-changing independent film landscape and marketplace at a time of unprecedented access, both in terms of the lowering barrier to entry and the proliferation of “content.”

After six hours, we will hopefully be able to answer the cocktail party question: “So…what does a producer actually do?”

Class #1
Development – Learn about the different tasks a producer needs to complete to be fully prepared for shooting.

Case Studies:

• ROVER (or Beyond Human: The Venusian Future and the Return of the Next Level) by Tony Blahd, 2015
• CROWN HEIGHTS by Matt Ruskin, 2017

Financing – What is expected of a producer when looking for funding for a project?

Case Study:

• COLEWELL by Tom Quinn, 2019

Class #2
Pre-Production – You have a script, and you have the money to make it. Now what?

Case Studies:

• SYLVIE by Eugene Ashe, 2020
• COLEWELL by Tom Quinn, 2019

Physical Production – We'll take a look at the production team that manages the shoot, and what a creative producer's role is in the day-to-day life on the film set. What are the different types of producers and what are their roles

Case Studies:

• H. by Rania AttiehDaniel Garcia, 2016
• 11:55 by Ari Issler and Ben Snyder, 2017

Post Production – What should a filmmaker expect from a producer during this stage? We'll discuss the notes process, feedback screenings, and a producer's contribution during this important stage.

Case Studies:

• COLEWELL by Tom Quinn, 2019
• 11:55 by Ari Issler and Ben Snyder, 2017

Class #3
Festival, Sale, and Release – A producer's job does not stop at picture lock. We'll look at the producer's involvement in festival strategy, sales, and ultimately to the release of the film and its life once released.

Case Studies:

• H. by Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia, 2016
• COLEWELL by Tom Quinn, 2019

Discussion – Though each week will be interactive, we’ll set aside the final hour of the class for questions, comments, discussions — an open opportunity to work and problem solve with the participants as braintrust.

What You Will Learn

• The different tasks a producer needs to complete to be fully prepared for shooting, and what is expected of a producer when looking for funding for a project.
• A producer's role in pre-production: you've secured a script and funding, now learn where to start.
• Different types of producers and their roles.
• The notes process, feedback screenings, and a producer's contribution during post-production.
• The producer's involvement in festival strategy, sales, and the release of the film and its life once released.