Learn from a top distribution executive who’s released over 2,000 titles and acquired over 1,000 films!

Receive exclusive handouts including a sales estimate template, finance plan, and budget sample you can immediately apply to your own film!

In today’s filmmaking marketplace, it’s easier than ever to make a film — and there are more distribution options available than ever before. Often, the same script can go a multitude of ways depending on how it’s packaged: as a micro-budget, low-budget, mid-range, or high-budget film. The good news is that all of these budget levels can lead to distribution success — if you know what distributors are looking for when you begin to package your project.

You want to make sure you don’t budget too high or too low, so you set yourself up for a successful and profitable outcome.  You’ll walk away from this class with practical tools, professional insight, and direction to help you determine which budget level makes the most sense for your script.

Your host Kristin Harris is the former SVP of Development & Production at Vertical Entertainment and a seasoned expert in acquisitions and distribution. With extensive experience working with top companies like Starz Media, Cinedigm, and directly with major streamers like Netflix.

In the exclusive on-demand 4-part class, you'll learn how to align your film’s budget with what distributors are looking for, gaining practical tools to use right away, and insider insights to confidently position your project for maximum success in today’s marketplace!

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts to help you:

• Sales Estimate Template

• Finance Plan Template

• Budget Sample for SAG Modified Low Budget

Session One: Financing Overview: Our focus is money – You need it, but first take a step back and learn about what we ought to be considering as we work towards financing our project.

• Determining an approximate budget range both ATL and BTL for your project

• Building a finance plan. It’s the first thing a savvy investor will ask about, and it needs to pass the smell test. We’ll discuss how to start

• Your collateral stack. What is it, how do you build it. 

• Understanding financing types: Debt, Gap, Equity. 

• What Information do I need to be armed with prior to starting conversations with investors? (We’ll flesh this out more in class 2!)

• Production plans

• Package details

• Pitch Deck

• Know your audience

• Who are the financiers and how to approach them

• Banks

• Debt Lenders (and understanding collateral) 

• Gap Lenders

• Bridge Lenders

• Equity investors 

• Finders

• Sales Agents

• Distributors

• Understanding the financial waterfall

• Common financing structures in today’s market

• How to Approach Investors

• The order in which you should approach various lenders

• Outreach and followups

• Networking Tips

• The Art of Not Giving Up

• Why is THIS a worthwhile investment opportunity

• What sorts of recoupment positions can you offer? 

• How to Lead to The Close

• What is a financial closing?

• What do I need and how long will it take?

Q&A with Kristin 

Session #1 Homework: Use your handout to begin broad strokes outlines for a finance plan. Explore three (3) different finance plans for your project including one with international sales and production incentives, one with a domestic production plan including a tax credit of 30% and one with 100% equity requirements. 

Session Two: Getting into the Weeds – Building a Plan for an Indie Film Budget sub $10M

• Build fiscally responsible production plans compelling creative assets

• Talent and packaging

• Budgeting 

• Scheduling

• Decks and proof of concept

• Market diligence – Balancing the hard cost of your film with what the current marketplace can bear. 

• What buyers/distributors look for at this level

• Domestic Collateral

• International Sales agents

• Solicit and review various ask/take sheets for financial projections in tandem with locking in your sales partners

• International Co-production Partners and incentives

• Further refine and “Back into” a budget based on realistic revenue expectations and available capital

• Projecting revenues

• Begin refining timeline based on gathered diligence to determine: 

• Packaging window

• Market Launch (When is the right time?!)

• Securing additional capital, collateral and partners

• Financial closing window

• Prep and production window

• Post schedule

• Delivery

• Return of capital. 

Q&A with Kristin 

Session #2 Homework: Identify five (5) distribution companies and international sales companies that have worked on projects similar to the one you have in development and chart the outcome of those film comp releases. What did they do that worked or did not work?

Session Three: Navigating The Ultra Low Budget And DIY Filmmaking World (Micro-budgets and Self-Funded Projects)

• Embrace constraints as creative opportunities

• Explore innovative micro-budget financing models

• Crowdfunding

• Kickstarter

• Indiegogo

• Seed&Spark

• GoFundMe

• Grants

• Develop tailored sales plans

• Strategies for self-releasing:

• Grassroots marketing

• Digital distribution partners and platforms

• Building and monetizing a direct audience

• Identify aligned financial partners and sales agents

• Analyze successful low-budget case studies (e.g., Lifetime, Hallmark)

Q&A with Kristin 

Session #3 Homework: Build a basic self-distribution plan for your project, including a crowdfunded advertising campaign. Who is your target audience and how will you connect with them based on their behaviors and consumer habits?

Session Four: Alternative Filmmaker Paths (Shorts, Episodics, Animation, And Nonprofit Partnerships)

• Short film strategies:

• Online platforms

• Niche festivals

• Monetizing short films

• Feature Proof of concept

• Independent TV and episodic storytelling:

• Non-network financing and distribution options

• Proof of concept Pilot

• Grants (Sundance labs ITVS, Tribeca institute, regional commissions) and requirements

• Equity and Angel Investors (Beartooth capital)

• Brand Partnerships

• Streamer originals

• Markets: MIPCOM, Series Mania, etc

• Monetizing this content

• Animation projects:

• Unconventional funding paths

• Arts Councils and Cultural foundations (Cal Arts council)

• STEM funding

• Japan’s Committee Model (Mini co-pro of publishers, merchandisers, broadcasters, and advertisers)

• Faculty and Student collaborations

• Ad supported platforms

• Monetizing animation

• Fiscal sponsorship:

• Partnering with nonprofits

• Attracting grants and tax-deductible donations

• Empowerment through non-traditional models to produce and profit

• Case study: HAZBIN HOTEL

Q&A with Kristin 

WHAT TO EXPECT

• You will have access to Kristin via email to ask questions if needed.
• This class consists of 4 sessions roughly two hours in duration.

This class is designed for filmmakers at every level—whether you're just starting out or you're deep into development. If you’re working on a script, building a budget, preparing to pitch, or seeking financing, this class will help you understand how to tailor your project to real-world distribution opportunities. It’s perfect for:

• Writers, producers, or directors developing a feature film at any budget

• Creatives seeking to reverse-engineer a finance plan based on actual comps

• Anyone struggling to identify the right budget range to maximize visibility and success

• Filmmakers who want a deeper understanding of today’s acquisition marketplace across streamers, cable, theatrical, and VOD

• Storytellers who want their film to sell, get seen, and sustain a career doing what they love

No matter your genre, format, or budget level—this exclusive Stage 32 class will equip you with expert guidance and tools to move your project forward with clarity and confidence!