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The Producers Clout

Tutor: Carl Schoenfeld

We do not have this course programmed at the moment.
Call Emma on 01273 384222 or email info@lighthouse.org.uk for more info.

This intensive weekend course prepares emerging producers and filmmakers with an organisational map through the various stages of the feature film production process and discusses how to meet film industry requirements beyond the magic words "We're in!".

During the course, participants will work on approaches to clarify their projects' strengths to a variety of potential funding sources. Confidence gained by a clear understanding and further systematic negotiating of creative, financial, legal and management issues improves the chances of turning a script into a viable investment opportunity.

Carl has been managing production companies for ten years, producing award winning documentary and drama for TV as well as theatrical release, working with industry financiers completion bond and sales agents, and has been invited to talks, panels, master classes and international film festivals around the world. His experience has been condensed into this workshop to provide a short cut around some of those costly and long winded learning curves faced by all who want to get their first movie made.

Carl is a fine teacher because he conveys a real enthusiasm for learning. There is a freshness about what he teaches because one feels he has recently learned it himself from personal experience and with a good deal of pleasure.
Simon Perry, President, ACE

I learned more in one afternoon than I did in three years at film school and because he had made all the mistakes himself - and he was not coy about admitting them - we all felt safe to make a few ****ups of our own along the way too because that was the only way we were ever going to know as much as Carl clearly did.
Darren Bender, Head of Production, Screen East

My Brother Tom was a classic independent producer triumph of hope and determination against the adversity of a difficult market for challenging work.
Robin Gutch, Head of FilmFour Lab

From the feedback we received on the course of the evening I believe everyone greatly appreciated the pitching event to the extent of asking for when it will be run again!
Jo-Ashton Jones, Road Movies (Wim Wenders' Production Company)


Workshop Outline

Saturday am: Feature Film Development Foundations

Introduction & overview
The various roles and responsibilities of a Producer
Where you can fit in
Clarifying aims & ambitions
The UK production environment - What works?
Identifying stories that find an audience
Script analysis: dramatic, economic, marketing considerations
Structure and needs of the development industry
Identifying potential partners: writers, producers, directors, financiers
Successful delegation: strategies to ensure a productive relationship
Copyright & chain of title

Saturday pm: The Rough Guide Through Development Hell

Your first production company
Growing a business plan organically
The slate
Development finance, budget & schedule
Corporate structure, mentors and executive producers
Pitching & Negotiation
Production finance partners put to the test
Finance structure: license, minimum guarantee, equity and co-production
Packaging the project
Promotional short (pilot)
Pitching & Negotiation - getting the money

Sunday am: After the Green Light - Preproduction

Standard conditions precedent to funding: completion bond, approvals, recouping positions and corridors
Progress and cost reports
Production team, heads of department, crew: what do they do? How can they help?
Contracts
Rights Clearance continued
Insurances
Budget & Schedule
Health & Safety
Running production meetings

Sunday pm: Shoot & Deliver

Supervise the shoot & schedule
Control cashflow
Manage creative talent
Publicity
Postproduction route
Credits
Rough cut screenings
Delivery lists
Using press, TV and film festivalto find your audience
The work of sales agents and distributors
Q&A