A Filmmaker’s Guide To Making Your Independent Movie A Success

Hosted by Kayvan Mashayekh

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Kayvan Mashayekh

Webinar hosted by: Kayvan Mashayekh

Producer and Founder of Producers Without Borders

Attorney-turned-filmmaker, Kayvan Mashayekh, began his career by writing, producing, and directing an epic, independent feature film called THE KEEPER: THE LEGEND OF OMAR KHAYYAM, which premiered at the Moscow Film Festival in 2005 and had a successful theatrical run in the US for 53 weeks in 14 separate cities. Mashayekh was the winner of the Relativity Media Special Prize of $25,000 at the 2007 Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi for writing. One of the judges, Branko Lustig (legendary Oscar-winning producer of GLADIATOR and SCHINDLER'S LIST), noticed him and subsequently took him in under his wing as an apprentice producer developing his slate of international, studio-grade projects. In June 2018, Mashayekh was elected as Co-Chairman of the International Committee for the PGA. In that capacity, he has been proactive in globally branding the World’s largest trade organization of Film, TV, and Multi-Media producers with a membership of over 8100. He has increased the membership of the specific committee of 175 members he Chairs by over 100% since taking over from his predecessors, proving that when people feel empowered and motivated by action and results, they will be engaged to participate and add value to the group. He is the Founder of “Producers Without Borders” which began as a curated series of film entertainment seminars and webinars at World Class Film Festivals and markets (such as BFI London, Cannes, Berlinale, FilmBazaar in India, State Film Agency of Ukraine, Amman International Film Festival, Cairo International Film Festival, Focus London and AFM) since 2016. It has now blossomed into a more purposeful private network of international producers determined to be bound by a common denominator of trust and reliability in delivering results.  Full Bio »

Webinar Summary

A New Exclusive Webinar

Learn the keys to making a successful independent film that launches your career in this exclusive Stage 32 webinar with the Co-Chairman of the Producer's Guild of America's International Committee and Founder of Producers Without Borders

We know that you are serious about your filmmaking career so we've brought in a successful filmmaker to teach you the most important things that you need to know to make your independent film a success and something that can take your career to the next level. No matter what your skill set or experience, there are key lessons that you need to know before stepping on set for the first time to make your movie. 

Having the guidance of a professional filmmaker will help you sidestep common obstacles and be best prepared for your creative journey and Stage 32 has you covered.

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll be guided by Kayvan Mashayekh, a professional filmmaker, Co-Chair of the PGA's International Committee and the Founder of Producers Without Borders. Kayvan launched his career by writing, producing, and directing the epic independent feature THE KEEPER: THE LEGEND OF OMAR KHAYYAM.

After winning the Relativity Media Special Prize for his writing, Kayvan was mentored by GLADIATOR and SCHINDLER’S LIST Oscar-winning producer Branko Lustig as they developed a slate of international, studio-level projects. Kayvan understands the importance of mentoring up-and-coming storytellers.

Now, Kayvan is sharing his well earned knowledge directly with you. Through this webinar, Kayvan will show you the crucial steps you need to prep before your film, the importance of your budget, and where to invest your time and money to have the most successful independent film production. He’ll also show you how to use test audiences to your advantage so you can ultimately produce and release the best version of your film.

From prep to physical production through post-production and marketing, Kayvan has the guidance, tips and tricks you need to successfully make your own film. You walk away from this webinar with tons of knowledge that you can immediately apply to your project.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from a world-renowned producer and independent filmmaker.


What You'll Learn

The Importance of Prep

  • How a lack of prep costs you time, money, and quality

Q&A with Kayvan

The Importance of Post and Sound

  • The importance of engaging an editor for post-production early
  • Tips for working with sound and getting the right score

Q&A with Kayvan

Removing Toxicity and Negativity

  • How to focus on the solution vs. conflict
  • Tips on removing toxicity without disrupting the crew and process

Q&A with Kayvan

Investing in Talent to Save You Time And Money

  • How investing in talent can save you time and money
  • How my film was drastically better because I invested in talent

Q&A with Kayvan

Knowing Your Real Budget

  • Your budget’s reflection on your professionalism
  • How I lost money because my budget wasn’t real
  • The effects of contingency

Q&A with Kayvan

Hiring a Trailer Editor

  • Understanding the very different editing goals and skills of editors
  • Storytelling vs. Marketing
  • The key role your trailer plays

Q&A with Kayvan

The Vital Role of Test Market Feedback

  • How a test audience proved me very wrong
  • How to filter feedback to improve vs. derail your film
  • The ways my film was much better after test screenings

Q&A with Kayvan

How Connections Will Make Your Career

  • Are you building a film or a career?
  • Tips on utilizing your connections to build your career

Q&A with Kayvan

 

About Your Instructor

Attorney-turned-filmmaker, Kayvan Mashayekh, began his career by writing, producing, and directing an epic, independent feature film called THE KEEPER: THE LEGEND OF OMAR KHAYYAM, which premiered at the Moscow Film Festival in 2005 and had a successful theatrical run in the US for 53 weeks in 14 separate cities.

Mashayekh was the winner of the Relativity Media Special Prize of $25,000 at the 2007 Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi for writing. One of the judges, Branko Lustig (legendary Oscar-winning producer of GLADIATOR and SCHINDLER'S LIST), noticed him and subsequently took him in under his wing as an apprentice producer developing his slate of international, studio-grade projects.

In June 2018, Mashayekh was elected as Co-Chairman of the International Committee for the PGA. In that capacity, he has been proactive in globally branding the World’s largest trade organization of Film, TV, and Multi-Media producers with a membership of over 8100. He has increased the membership of the specific committee of 175 members he Chairs by over 100% since taking over from his predecessors, proving that when people feel empowered and motivated by action and results, they will be engaged to participate and add value to the group.

He is the Founder of “Producers Without Borders” which began as a curated series of film entertainment seminars and webinars at World Class Film Festivals and markets (such as BFI London, Cannes, Berlinale, FilmBazaar in India, State Film Agency of Ukraine, Amman International Film Festival, Cairo International Film Festival, Focus London and AFM) since 2016. It has now blossomed into a more purposeful private network of international producers determined to be bound by a common denominator of trust and reliability in delivering results. 

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