Budgeting for Feature Documentaries
Webinar hosted by: Ilan Arboleda
Co-Founder and Co-President of CreativeChaos at CreativeChaos
Ilan Arboleda is the Co-Founder and Co-President of CreativeChaos vmg. Founded in 2010, CreativeChaos is a full-service finance and production company for feature films, documentaries, and television. The company is rooted in social action and the idea that media can move the dial on systemic issues. In addition to his duties as the day-to-day managing partner, he is also the primary producer on all company projects. Currently, he is in production with Viacom on a four-part series about the murder of the infamous “God’s Banker” Roberto Calvi and its relationship to the Vatican, Italian culture and politics, and global money laundering. He’s in post-production on THE GREAT DIVIDE and THIS IS PLANET Z. KING OF COOL, about the legendary entertainer Dean Martin, premiered on TCM in November 2021. Recent films include THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (Starz, Netflix), BLEED OUT (HBO), LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE AT FOLSOM PRISON (Netflix), THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE (Hulu), KEDI, and CASTING BY (HBO). Since its inception, Ilan’s films have been responsible for two honorary Oscars and an honorary Emmy. In addition, his films have been nominated for an Emmy and have won the Latin Grammy, the National Board of Review, two Critics Choice Awards, three LA Press Club awards, and two Gracie Awards. Most importantly, his films have inspired industry change, policy overhaul, and legislation at the state and national levels. In 2019, he co-wrote legislation with Congressman Seth Moulton that became part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
Documentaries are more popular than ever. No longer are these films the world of small grants and shoestring budgets. Instead, demands are rising, so are the production quality and budgets. Filmmakers need to lay a solid groundwork in their finances to ensure they have everything they need for the long haul.
Documentary filmmakers have a vital role in entertainment and social causes. The passion you have to tell an important story or bring awareness might be all that matters to you, but have you thought about what it’s going to cost to make it?
As demand for documentaries grows, so do the quality and budgets. To stay competitive, you’ll need to create a budget that’s accessible without forsaking quality.
In this Stage 32 webinar, you’ll walk away knowing every element you need to be accounted for in your budget and why it’s there.
You’ll learn:
- How to construct a schedule
- Your essential story elements
- Your variable and fixed costs
- How to build a budget from the ground up
- How to budget against the schedule
- How to maintain your records and cost reporting
- And more
You’ll also have foresight into the potential pitfalls to avoid in budgeting feature documentaries.
From not paying yourself, to not planning for enough shoot days, to not understanding what you’ll need to get through post-production and marketing.
Guiding you exclusively through Stage 32 is the acclaimed co-founder and co-president of CreativeChaos vmg, Ilan Arboleda. CreativeChaos and Ilan produce feature films, documentaries, and television rooted in social action.
He is currently in production with Viacom on a documentary series, and he’s in post-production on THE GREAT DIVIDE and THIS IS PLANET Z. His most recent projects include KING OF COOL (TCM), THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (Starz, Netflix), BLEED OUT (HBO), LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE AT FOLSOM PRISON (Netflix), THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE (Hulu), KEDI, and CASTING BY (HBO).
Ilan’s films have been nominated for an Emmy award and have won the Latin Grammy, the National Board of Review, two Critics Choice Awards, three LA Press Club awards, and two Gracie awards.
Most importantly, his films have inspired industry change, policy overhaul, and legislation at the state and national levels, with Ilan co-writing legislation with Congressman Seth Moulton that became part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Ilan’s ability to treat documentaries as both a business and art allows him to continuously produce fantastic projects that audiences love and lead to a larger impact.
With Ilan’s guidance in this webinar, you’ll have everything you need to create an expertly made budget so that you can focus on telling the story you want the world to see.
What You'll Learn
Visualizing Your Movie with Numbers
The Schedule
- How to construct a schedule
The Assumptions
- What is the assumption set?
- What are the essential story elements?
Costs
- What are our variable and fixed costs?
- What are our assets?
Building the Budget
- From the ground up
Cash Flow
- Understand your budget against the schedule
- Understanding how to stay cash positive
The Business of:
- Incorporation and compliance
- Maintaining records
- Cost reporting
Crucial Often Overlooked Elements
- An accountant
- Delivery
- Marketing
Q&A with Ilan
About Your Instructor
Ilan Arboleda
FAQs
Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
A: If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Go to Webinar, you will receive an email from Go to Webinar with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. You can also access your webinar link in your purchase history located under settings in the top right-hand corner of your Stage 32 profile.
If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.
Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.
YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN
If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:
- Log into your Stage 32 profile
- Click "Settings" in the top right-hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
- Go to www.stage32.com
- Create a profile using the SAME email address you used to sign up for this webinar. The email addresses must match in order to watch the webinar.
- Once you have your profile set up, you can view the webinar by clicking "Settings" in the top right hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.
Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.9 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live webinar. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer.
Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar or purchase an on demand webinar, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.
Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.
Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.
Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.
Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.
If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.
Testimonials
"I enjoyed the webinar and look forward to revisiting the recording." -Timmia H.
"Good guy, very proficient, clearly experienced." -Rob C.
"He answered lots of questions and appreciate the detail in the presentation" -Shannon B.
Relevant Tags
Share with friends:
Questions?
Other education that may be of interest to you:
Finding Your Story: Documentary Filmmaking
Every filmmaker wants to tell a story that matters. But, how do you do that when you don’t have the full story? This is the root of every documentary filmmaker’s mission and it’s not a skill that comes easily. Learn how to find your story, adapt to its needs, and tell it in a way that touches viewers. Do you have a real-life world or story that you’re dying to tell? Do you know how to get the sources you need to tell that story? Do you have the skills to adapt when the truth changes before your eyes? Have you ever shaped a story without a script, knowing that a misstep could cost you your message and audience? Every documentary filmmaker faces these challenges while shaping a story with a script. In this Stage 32 exclusive webinar, you’ll learn from an expert documentary producer who made a career of bringing to light stories that few people know. Your host, Ilan Arboleda, is the Co-Founder and Co-President of CreativeChaos vmg, a full-service finance and production company where he serves as a producer on all company projects. Ilan and CreativeChaos are currently producing the four-part series surrounding the murder of “God’s Banker” Robert Calvi and its relationship to the Vatican, Italian culture and politics, and global money laundering. Their other credits include THE GREAT DIVIDE, THIS IS PLANET Z, KING OF COOL (TCM), THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (Starz, Netflix), BLEED OUT (HBO), LOS TIGRES DEL BORTE AT FOLSOM PRISON (Netflix), THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE (Hulu), and CASTING BY (HBO). Ilan’s films have nabbed two honorary Oscars, an honorary Emmy, an Emmy nomination, a Latin Grammy win, National Board of Review awards, two Critics Choice Awards, three LA Press Club awards, and two Gracie Awards. Most importantly, his films have inspired industry change, policy overhaul, and legislation at the state and national levels. In 2019, he co-wrote legislation with Congressman Seth Moulton that became part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Using his years of experience as your guide, Ilan shows you how to: Establish your story before you start filming Build your network Define your style and what you need to achieve it Identify the main players in your story Create a framework while you’re shooting Manage production Create a post-production workflow And more Ilan and his proven experience are just what you need if you’re looking to produce a story that makes a lasting impact on viewers.
How to Move to LA and Work in Entertainment
Learn directly from Jessica Sitomer, a Producer, Writer and Entertertainmant Industry Coach! Millions of people dream of moving to Los Angeles (or a new production city), and every year thousands do... and every year thousands go home. Why? Because, they had a dream but they didn't have a plan. Moving to Los Angeles (or a new production city) is challenging when you are in the entertainment industry, for many reasons. Learn why in this webinar, so you don't make the BIG mistakes that so many others do. There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to move to Los Angeles, and after coaching people who followed my system and coaching people who didn't, the results and timeframes are staggeringly different. In this webinar, I will discuss the challenges of getting work, growing your contacts, and making money and how to overcome them. Having helped many people make the move from small cities or other countries, I've developed a very specific pre-move strategy and arrival plan. Whether you’re planning a move or recently moved to LA (or another production city) this is the webinar for you.
The Actor's Toolkit with Alysia Reiner: Acting Techniques + Monologue Workshop
Exclusive to Stage 32! Workshop a monologue from an Emmy-winning show (BARRY) with an award-winning actor from the Emmy-winning ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK! It takes a lot to find success as an actor. It is, after all, one of the emotionally hardest jobs out there and involves facing constant rejection, putting yourself out there, being vulnerable for strangers. And with overwhelming competition, roles can be scarce, which makes it even harder to sustain a career. Yet being an actor can also be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences, especially for those with the passion. Experienced actors know that finding success involves looking past the obstacles and built-in challenges and instead looking inward. Even with difficulties standing in your way, there are always ways to improve yourself and your craft to not only find more work, but to enjoy it more as well. It’s easy for actors to get so wrapped up in the industry and the system, in who they know and the projects they’re being turned down for that they forget to instead work on themselves and their craft. Yet it’s never too late to start. Investing this type of energy in self-improvement over more negative or cynical practices will unquestionably help you and your career. There are a number of techniques and strategies you can apply to your own life and your own craft to improve as an actor and lead to opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise found. Practices like line memorization, calming your nerves, and moving forward with the right mindset can truly make all the difference. There’s no time like the present to explore these techniques. Alysia Reiner is an award-winning actress best known as the villainous warden Natalie "Fig" Figueroa on Netflix’s ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK for all 7 seasons, and won a SAG Award as part of the cast. She also stars as Sunny on the critically acclaimed, Peabody Award-winning BETTER THINGS on FX and Hulu and Kiki Rains on HBO’s THE DEUCE. She both starred in and produced the Sundance Film Festival hit EQUITY and Tribeca Film Festival favorite EGG. A few other recent adventures include getting naked in an Emmy Award winning episode of Comedy Central’s BROAD CITY and going head to head against Viola Davis’ Annalise on the ABC/Shonda Rhimes series HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Alysia has been invited to speak at The White House, The United Nations, Google, Cannes Lion, Women's Media Summit, Collision, and countless film festivals and other events about breaking barriers for women in all fields, specifically the entertainment industry. Alysia has led a long, successful career as an in-demand actress largely by working on her craft, her mindset, and other strategies for success, and she's excited to share her lessons learned with the Stage 32 community. Alysia will share her secrets tips and tools that she has learned from booking her first commercial to being on 7 seasons of award-winning must watch television. She will cover everything from acting techniques (learning lines, calming nerves, follow up) to mindset tips to business tools. Plus, Alysia will run an exclusive monologue workshop, something she usually only offers in private coaching environments. She will choose volunteers to workshop a monologue from the Emmy-winning show BARRY! Once you sign up you will be sent the monologue we'll be workshopping in class so you can practice. Let Alysia help you reset as an actor and leave eager and ready to get to the next level in your career!
How to Use Gap Financing to Finish Your Film
A New Exclusive Webinar Hosted by the Vice President of Three Point Capital, one of the entertainment industry's top financiers specializing in senior lending on film and television projects. Receive exclusive handouts, including information on sales agent commissions, samples of sales sheets, and more. You’ve raised money to produce your project, but you’re still coming up short. Did you know that there is money available to you at the bank to help you fill in the “gap”? You just need to know how to get it. Gap financing is a bank instrument for filmmakers that fills the “gap” in funding between the money you’ve already raised and your estimated film production budget to completion. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll cover the essentials of gap financing and what to look out for in deals. No one knows the ins and outs of gap financing better than your instructor, Viviana Zarragoitia. In her role as Vice President of Three Point Capital, one of the entertainment industry's top financiers that specializes in senior lending on film and television projects. Viviana has helped set up funding for over 100 independent films and will guide you through the crucial elements of gap financing, what your financial sheet and package must include to secure it, an explanation of presales, how to work with sales agents, and more. She's previously worked with Lionsgate, Millennium Films, and Bold Films and worked with top-tier producers, including Cassian Elwes (MUDBOUND), Anthony Bregman (DO REVENGE), Aaron Gilbert (LICORICE PIZZA), Kevin Frakes (HEREDITARY), Nicholas Chartier (THE HURT LOCKER), Rob Barnum (ALL IS LOST), and more. You’ll learn about sales estimates, sales sheets, and how to work with sales agents and find out what makes a production look like a worthy investment to a bank vs. one that’s too risky a bet. Plus, you’ll get handouts on sales agent commissions, samples of sales sheets, and more, so you can secure the funding you need to finally get your film made. Viviana is giving you what she’s learned working with productions, just like yours. You'll walk away from this webinar with the knowledge you need to get that last bit of funding to make your project a reality. PRAISE FOR VIVIANA'S PREVIOUS STAGE 32 EDUCATION: "As someone who was totally new to the world of film financing, trying to learn about the process by myself was intimidating to put it lightly. Viviana clearly explains the film financing process step-by-step and demystifies the complex, bespoke nature of pre-sales, tax credits, sales agents, and so much more. I feel infinitely more confident in my ability to produce a film thanks to this class. I give it the highest possible recommendation for any independent filmmaker looking to finance their film and take their projects to the next level." - Sean R. "Viviana has a tremendous depth and range of knowledge about film financing and she was happy to share everything she knew. Thanks to her loose, attentive style for the class, it ranged far and wide, and she answered a lot of people’s questions whether they were general or specific to their own projects. And I feel like there was value for all of us in even the most project-specific questions." - Randy V. "As an experienced film and television producer and writer, Viviana's class was just the refresher - and inspiration - that I needed! Having been a completion producer for a bond company, I have seen too many producers who were let down in the producing process by so-called-professionals who offered support at the on-set of a production, but then failed to deliver when needed. Viviana and her company Three Point Capital have an excellent reputation, and her counsel provided in the class solidified that. I highly recommend both Viviana and Stage 32 Education!" - Patricia C.
Introduction to TV Accounting - How to Analyze Budgets and Make Movie Magic Budgeting Easier
It's an undeniable fact that we're in a gold rush of television content. Last year, over 500 television shows were produced and a thousand more were shot either as pilots or proof of concept. This means the need for accountants and those who can work with television budgets, incentives, payroll and other facets associated with the accounting of a television project is higher than ever. This also means that many backroom people who have worked for years on feature films are making the jump to the television side. But, between the two mediums, the work is varied and seemingly changing by the day. Being an accountant for television requires a knowhow of the entire landscape. Between networks, premium cable and the streaming platforms, every deal has its own parameters and variables that need to be fully absorbed and understood. Whether it's working with a variety of different unions and dealing with fringes or simply deciphering and interpreting the every growing and wide ranging array of incentives available globally, you must be on top of everything happening at the moment to assure that the back end of the project runs smoothly, efficiently, and with no fiscal catastrophes. Jonathan Siebel is the Director of Budgeting & Estimation for Paramount Network. Prior to joining Paramount Network and working on their slate of television projects, he also worked in budgeting and accounting on Berlin Station, produced by Anonymous Content on Epix, and on The Unknown starring Dominic Monaghan for Crackle. He began his career working in accounting on major studio films such as Bridesmaids, Django Unchained, Thor and more. In addition to working on the studio level, Jonathan also works in the independent space, having written, directed and crowdfunded his own independent film BREAK THE WILL. He's worked on all types of projects small and large and is bringing his extensive knowledge to the Stage 32 community. With his vast and varied experience, we're thrilled to have Jonathan teaching this extremely important subject exclusively for Stage 32. While inside Movie Magic Budgeting software Jonathan will detail all the differences between a P&A and an AIO budget and show you which would be best for your project. He will teach you everything you need to know about globals, including setting up the schedule, rates, and pay hours to be used on all globals. He will define and explain fringes including state, federal and union fringes including IATSE, WGA, SAG and DGA. He will simplify and take away the anxiety of dealing with the wide world of incentives to make sure your paperwork is in line and that you're getting the best bang for your buck. Jonathan will make the complex easy and get you on the path to working consistently in television accounting and budgeting setup.
Stage 32 4-Session Class: How You Can Develop Memorable Characters and World-Class Dialogue
Learn How To Craft Characters That Pop Off The Screen And Write Dialogue That Resonates With Your Audience From A Writer And Producer Who Has Worked With HBO, FOX, CBS, NBC and More! There is a critical beat in this year's runaway hit film EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE when the lead character Alpha-Waymond declares "Every rejection, every disappointment, has led you here, to this moment. Don't let anything distract you from it." This is a great example of perfectly developed character saying a transcendent and memorable line at just the right time. It isn't an accident. Moments like these are earned on the page through well crafted writing and Stage 32 is here to teach you how you can develop memorable characters and world-class dialogue in your scripts. Brian Herskowitz is a veteran film and television writer and producer who has worked on over 2 dozen films and television shows (with HBO, FOX, CBS, NBC, UNIVERSAL and more) and he's bringing his experience across all formats to the Stage 32 community! In this interactive four-session class, Brian will delve into what makes a character memorable and then how that special character can lead you to unforgettable dialogue. Brian is going to teach you how creating memorable characters and world-class dialogue can be the difference between a movie or show that’s “fine” and one that’s exceptional. You'll have direct access to Brian on email for the duration of the class so you can ask him questions about the class and the projects that you're working on. Don't miss this chance to take your writing to the next level and your scripts from good to great! Plus! Brian will provide you with exclusive handouts to help develop your characters and dialogue! Downloads include: Selected scenes from the script of THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN Selected scenes from the script of PAN'S LABYRINTH Selected scenes from the script of THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 Praise for Brian's Teaching & Knowledge: “As a collaborator with Brian and a guest in his class, I am hugely impressed with his screenwriting knowledge. I heartily recommend him and his course.” - Jason Alexander (Seinfeld, Pretty Woman, Listen Up) "I have a master's degree and a doctorate, Brian is by far the most caring and best teacher I have ever had." - Alan J. "The course was everything I needed and then some. An excellent course." - Katie R. "Mr. Herskowitz is very knowledgeable, patient, and superb at discerning problems and helping us solve them." - Sandra O. "A solid course in which I felt I had learned a LOT by the time it was over." - Peter L.
Register / Log In
