How To Make Your Feature Film in 15 Days + Get An Example Shooting Schedule, Call Sheet, and Deal Memo Checklist!
Webinar hosted by: Stacia Crawford
Director (Netflix & Lifetime)
Stacia Crawford is a Director/Producer/Writer/Actress currently living in the Southeast. She began directing in 2018 and in that time has directed several feature films (premieres theatrically, on Netflix, Hulu, Lifetime, Tubi, UpTV); along with multiple episodes of true-crime television for ID Discovery. Prior to directing, she produced feature films with MarVista Entertainment (premieres on Hallmark, Lifetime, CMT and Netflix), as well as numerous independent feature films. She also produced multiple unscripted/reality television shows. As an actress, she can be seen in several feature films, including cameo roles in films that she has directed. As a writer, she has co-created four original dramatic television series, all currently in development; and has authored two books. Stacia is an active member of several guilds and filmmaker alliances, and often serves as a panelist and/or guest lecturer. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
How To Make Your Feature Film in 15 Days…Or Less!
Learn tricks and tips to make your low budget film on a tight schedule from a director, producer, and writer who has worked with Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Discovery, and Lifetime
PLUS! Get a mock shooting schedule, example call sheet, and deal memo checklist that you can use for your future projects!
Are you ready to make your quality feature film in just 15 days on a tight budget?
The rise and dominance of streaming platforms in the last ten years has resulted in a massive spike in the number of films made and distributed each year. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, and Apple, just to name a few, have made it much easier for filmmakers to get distribution for their films and share their work with mass audiences. These platforms need content, and filmmakers like yourself need to be ready to give it to them!
However, this increase in demand for films hasn’t come without its own set of challenges. In today’s world of streaming, there is an immense amount of pressure on filmmakers to make their films quickly on a shoestring budget and deliver a final product very shortly after production wraps. Making films quickly and efficiently has become commonplace for directors and producers. Making your film in a short amount of time is critical if you want your project distributed. However, this is no easy task.
The biggest hurdle in making your film on a short schedule (oftentimes just 15 days!) is keeping the production quality high and the price point low. In a perfect world, you’ll have many months to complete your film and even have some built in time for reshoots. However, this is rarely the case these days. Knowing how to shoot a high caliber film in a short amount of time (most likely on a small budget) is essential in today’s film marketplace.
In this exclusive Stage 32 Webinar, you will learn the crucial tools to make a top-notch film in just 15 days from veteran director, producer, and writer Stacia Crawford. Stacia has made over a dozen feature films and directed/produced multiple episodes of television, with her work premiering on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Amazon, Lifetime, Discovery, and Hallmark. She has spent countless hours deep in the filmmaking trenches and will provide you with the know-how to prep, shoot, and edit your film under both time and budget constraints. Stacia will share her filmmaking best practices with you to utilize in today’s rapid filmmaking landscape.
You will walk away from this webinar with the framework to make a quality film on a tight budget!
PLUS! Stacia will provide you with exclusive handouts to help on your next project. Downloads include:
- Mock shooting schedule
- Example call sheet
- Checklist of what to look out for in deal memos
Praise for Stacia's Work & Talent:
“Stacia is so down to earth as an instructor, I learned more in 90 minutes than I did in an entire semester!" - Joseph C.
"Clear, concise and to the point. Production is so difficult and Stacia helped me realize I can make a good movie." - Chris H.
What You'll Learn
- You Have A Good Script, Now What? How To Prep Your Film For A Short Shoot
- Breaking down the script to fit your shooting schedule
- Red flags in your script to look for that can sabotage a 15-day shoot
- Small script adjustments that can make a big difference in schedule
- What to consider when scheduling your shoot and how to schedule scenes
- How involved are your investors in prep?
- Pre-Production: Prepare Yourself And Your Crew Before The Cameras Start Rolling
- What are the necessary legal entities you need to set up before shooting?
- How far in advance from production should legal paperwork be submitted?
- How to find the best crew for the job
- What to look out for when casting a 15-day shoot
- When and how should you set up a deferred payment plan to cast and crew?
- Location, Location, Location
- How the right location can make your low budget film look like a studio project
- Tips to get the best deals on your must-have locations
- How locations can affect your productivity and timing
- What To Look Out For While Filming
- Day one - how to tell early on if your film will be on time & budget
- Day two - why this day is often the hardest
- The basic pitfalls of moving fast – mistakes that get most filmmakers stuck and how to avoid them
- Tools to focus on midday so you can ‘make your day’
- How to utilize blocking in scenes to get the most out of your coverage
- How to wrap up your day effectively and efficiently to avoid overtime fees
- How To Win Post-Production To Save Time and Money
- What is the timeframe for the elements of post? (i.e. picture lock, ADR, sound mix, color, etc.)
- Common errors most filmmakers make in post and how to avoid them
- What to show the investor and when to show it
- How does the investor’s input come into play?
- What to focus on when making your trailer
- When to start promoting and marketing your film
- Q&A With Stacia
About Your Instructor
Stacia Crawford
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
“Unicorns and Christmas, the best kid-friendly holiday combo since milk and cookies.” --Entertainment Weekly. A Unicorn For Christmas
“There’s a new movie in town and it’s filled with suspense, drama, and mystery! Directed by Stacia Crawford”- CelebSecrets, Girls Getaway Gone Wrong.
Relevant Tags
Share with friends:
Questions?
Other education that may be of interest to you:
Introduction to Film Directing: Pre-Production, Physical Production and Post-Production
So you want to direct. You've been bitten by the filmmaking bug and now all you can think about is making a film. You've got a script (or the concept for one) and have envisioned exactly how you want to see it on the screen. And, now more than ever, with equipment more accessible, the costs of shooting affordable, the barrier of entry lower than it's every been, and the options for distribution growing seemingly by the minute, you know the path from script to screen has never been more viable. We get it. As a director you are the lynchpin of a production and the commander of a creative army in service of your vision. But, in order to truly realize that vision, you have to know everything there is about development, pre-production, physical production, and post production. Even though you can clearly see the film in your mind that's only a small part of the process of being a director. It takes hard work, discipline, and wearing many hats to be able to execute every aspect of developing and filming a movie - and to do it in a way that holds the entire production together. What you do (or don't do) in pre-production will set the tone for the entire shoot, good or bad. How you command the set on the first day will determine whether your cast and crew put forth their best effort or zone out. You have to be cognizant of shooting time/days, your budget, and assuring that your are delivering on every promise. But you're not done when you shout "That's a wrap!" There's still more to do when you get to post-production, working hand in hand with your editor, colorist, sound designer and more. It sounds overwhelming, but we're here to tell you it's not only a manageable environment, but one you can thrive in. Stacia Crawford started as an actress, but had the overwhelming desire to manage and film projects. So, she moved into producing and directing. Last year alone, she had two feature films that premiered on Netflix and Lifetime. With the success of those films, she has been hired to direct two more features this year. Stacia has worked with NBC, The History Channel, A&E, AMC, Spike and more, and has used her experience to make sure she runs a tight and efficient set. She's a pro at managing a project from the script phase through seeing her work on screen and beyond. Stacia will guide you through the entire directing process so you can understand what your responsibilities will be through pre-production, physical production and post-production. She will help you understand what to look for in your contract before you even get hired. She will teach you best casting strategies, how to find and enlist the help of your creative departments, and how to choose the right DP and AD (beyond important!) You'll also learn how to prepare your shot list and how to confidently run your set by learning how to work with actors, producers and your crew and keep them all happy. She'll teach you about your dailies and picking up scenes if the schedule shifts. Finally, she'll take you through post-production and how to work seamlessly and diplomatically with your editor, composer and your color and audio team. You'll be well-armed with all the pertinent and vital information you need to manage every aspect of being a film director. Stacia will remove your anxiety and fears by giving you the tools to succeed, thrive and have your cast and crew looking to work with you again and again. "If you are thinking of going into the industry it was amazing, hit all the points, and she went above and beyond when she expanded on a lot of her points...like making sure you get your insert shots (which I've been a victim of.). Overall she was great, clear and to the point." - Ryan H. I'm a screenwriter and always wanted to direct, but found the idea of it daunting. Stacia not only lifted my fears, but gave me so many "I can do that!" moments that I'm already kicking myself for not doing it sooner. She's a marvel. - Monica R.
A Director’s Guide to Post-Production: Your Film is Wrapped, Now What?
The more production savvy we are, the better filmmakers we become. As directors, it is our job to know every heartbeat of our story; the preparation needed for executing our vision; and the intricacies of bringing it to its final conclusion, in a way that will illicit an emotional response from our audience. That means that we must not take our foot off the pedal once we wrap. Being present, aware, in control, and maintaining our focus during post-production is vital. Sometimes our film is made (or lost) in the edit. The technical steps of post production can seem overwhelming, especially coming off the heights (or lows) of wrapping a picture. But if we don’t have a good understanding of the post production steps, it could be challenging to bring our vision to a strong finish, and ultimately to a wider audience. Stacia Crawford is a Director/Producer/Writer/Actress who, last year alone, directed two feature films which premiered on Netflix and Lifetime. As a producer she has helmed five feature films with Mar Vista Entertainment (premieres on Hallmark, Lifetime, CMT), in addition to several independent feature films. In television, Stacia co-directed/produced various unscripted series for NBC/Esquire, The History Channel, A&E, AMC, Spike, Logo, Pivot, Blaze TV, MTV. She also produced several web content shows, most notably for My Space. Prior to directing/producing, Stacia started her career as an actress/writer and can be seen in several feature films, including cameo roles in films that she’s directed. As a writer, she has written two novels (KIT TEN, THE SPACE BETWEEN) and co-created four original dramatic television series, (DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, WILDCATTERS, AMERICAN CAESAR, and SENESCENT) all currently in development. In a clear, expansive, yet easy to digest presentation, Stacia will help all filmmakers understand exactly how to handle and navigate the post-production process. She will begin by teaching you what to look for when hiring your entire post-production team. From there, she'll discuss the difference between all the post production positions - some sound quite similar, but do completely different jobs - and...do you need them all? Stacia will then dive into scheduling including the level of cuts for the film, and how long each part of the process (sound, coloring, etc) should take. She will discuss pick up shoots, fixing lighting and audio mistakes, and how to protect for footage errors. She'll even get into key art and what to include in your trailer! This is a comprehensive webinar designed to keep you deeply immersed in the post-production process carrying with you the knowledge that will keep your team on board with finalizing your vision. Praise for Stacia from her previous Stage 32 Next Level Webinar: She explained what is the Director's job was very very well and broke it down step by step! -Sharlene R. Stacia did a great job. She was great! -Tracey A If you are thinking of going into the industry it was amazing, hit all the points, and she went above and beyond when she expanded on a lot of her points...like making sure you get your insert shots (which I've been a victim of.). Overall she was great, clear and to the point. -Ryan H. Stacia was great. A lot of good information in a clear and concise manner. -Angel N. Great information! -Liz H. It was interesting to hear from other filmmakers' perspective. I learned a lot about the Director's position, as it relates to Film & TV. I came into this webinar because of my interest in knowing more about the producing/directing side of the industry, and man Stacia really did go in and cover a lot. My mind was soaking up information left and right. Another great webinar! -Shayne W.
Think Like an Entrepreneur - How to Be Profitable on a Sub EUR 1 Million Film in the European Market - With a Film Case Study
As an independent filmmaker or producer, you likely start working on a new endeavor for creative reasons—the chance to tell an amazing story, build worlds, create something of cultural value. Yet this is, of course, not the only element of filmmaking. Like it or not, your independent film is not just a creative endeavor; it’s also a business. You’re sourcing financing and bringing in investors, building a team, and creating a property that will (hopefully) ultimately make money not only in the present, but for years to come. In short, you’re not just a making a piece of art; you’re also running a business. To operate successfully in the world of independent film and continue to make films that you’re proud of, you need to be able to think like an entrepreneur and understand the dynamics and the relation between financing, distribution and recoupment of film investments. Further, you need to open up your creative mindset to the myriad opportunities available all over the world including hot markets found throughout Europe. The business side of films is often especially difficult for filmmakers and creative producers, but the more you understand, the better your chances of finding a production partner or investor to take your vision forward. Working in the European market, especially with films in the €1MM and sub€1MM range can offer you opportunities you haven't thought of before. But to take advantage of this surging market, you need to understand the variety of production and financing options available and how to tap into them. Whether it's hard money, soft money or other methods toward financing and securing the necessary pieces to greenlight your project, getting a handle on the in's and out's of how to proceed will put you in a powerful and advantageous position. Understanding and executing this business model will open new doors to other productions around the world and serve to create a portfolio of proof that will serve as a calling card moving forward. David Zannoni is an international business specialist for Fintage House, the world's most respected company for revenue and rights protection for industry professionals and companies. David negotiates agreements for films and television series and is involved in business development and relationship management specifically in the US, Latin America and Europe. As an international film business specialist David is continuously present to make deals and speak at international film markets, festivals and conferences, including: the Cannes Film Festival, the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, the American Film Market (AFM), Ventana Sur, the Bogota Audiovisual Market (BAM), and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and travels regularly to the United States, the Netherlands, Europe, and all over Latin America. David is intimately familiar with how independent films are financed and made profitable all over the world and will share what he knows exclusively about the European market with the Stage 32 community. David will focus on the European market and walk you through what you need to know to finance your independent film, EUR1MM or less, and leave profitable. He will begin by explaining what a EUR1MM or under budget looks like, whether it’s considered a small film or microbudget, and how it compares in the larger worldwide film market. He’ll delve into how film financing works specifically in Europe, including a breakdown of soft money sources versus hard money sources, debt financing versus equity financing, tax and location incentives, and film funds and government support. He will also discuss working with a co-production as a financing tool. He will highlight how European film financing is different compared to other regions and the different levels of film financing to consider: European, national, and regional. David will next demonstrate the importance of language, culture, and collaboration and will then teach you what specifically Europe can offer for both European and non-European productions, including incentives, co-productions, diversity, talent, and shooting locations. He will explain how to approach your film as an asset, how to see yourself as an entrepreneur, and how to see filmmaking as a business. David will then go over the continental circle of financing, distribution, and investment recoupment and will explain how risk mitigation works for European film projects. Next he will discuss managing revenue and rights, as well as managing recoupment as a whole. He will spend time delving into European film contracts, including distribution agreements, CAM agreements, and sales agency agreements. David will ultimately illustrate whether European films can be profitable and how, and analyze with you when a European film can be considered successful, whether it breaks even or finds profitability. Plus, David will show a case study of a real EUR1MM European film to illustrate how a film of this level can be profitable and exactly how the money flows through from beginning to end. He’ll show financing documents and spreadsheets to illustrate the financing structure and demonstrate how money flows in and out. Through this detailed and practical demonstration, you will leave with strategies and a deep understanding of how to approach your own EUR1MM film as an entrepreneur and build a finance structure that will leave you and your investors profitable. This Stage 32 Webinar is Part 2 in David’s "Think Like an Entrepreneur" series. Click here to check out David’s webinar on being profitable in US marketplace with a sub-$1MM film. Praise for David's Previous Stage 32 Webinars "David is incredible and lovely and clearly knows his stuff." - Cynthia P. "Eye-opening information. A no-brainer approach that wouldn't be so obvious to the uninitiated." - Gary O. "By far, the best class I've seen on the subject." Kirk K. "David is a fantastic teacher. And what a voice! I could listen to him all day. More importantly, I learned so very much!" - Isabella T.
Actors: How to Snag that TV Guest Star Role and Be Successful on Set
As a working actor, some of the best roles you can land are guest star roles for TV series. The money is good and it's an opportunity to become much more visible and have a lot more people see what you can do. Plus guest star roles give you invaluable experience working on a large and professional set. And landing guest star roles aren't just a fantasy; it's something you can actually achieve with the right preparation and understanding. You have to prepare quality reels, rehearse auditions and continuously study and improve your craft. Yet this is only half the battle. The second part of the actor’s journey is knowing how to maintain that trajectory of success after you’ve gotten the job. You need to know how to navigate the industry after you've gotten your foot in the door - so that door of opportunity does not close on you. There is a lot of information out there on the audition process for actors, but very little on how to actually do a good job once you're on set. If you're on your first guest star role, there's a lot you need to know to be successful. You want to make sure you perform well and that the cast and crew enjoy working with you so you can build your reputation and discover more roles. You want to make sure that your presence is a present to those around you. It isn't always easy making a good first impression on set but actors who accomplish this are able to secure more longevity in their careers. We’ll show you how to attain this same success. Maddie Corman is an award winning actor and writer who has guest starred on over 35 television series including all three LAW & ORDERs, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, and THE GOOD WIFE and has had recurring roles in recent shows like YOUNGER and MADAME SECRETARY. Maddie has also been featured as a series regular on MR. PRESIDENT, starring George C. Scott, ALL AMERICAN GIRL, and ALMOST THERE. Maddie is also a writer and director. Her short film HOW WAS YOUR DAY was selected by Tribeca Film Festival and her first full length play ACCIDENTLY BRAVE was produced by the Tony Award winning Daryl Roth (KINKY BOOTS, INDECENT), which had a critically acclaimed run and also won the Off Broadway Alliance award for best solo performance. Maddie has decades of experience finding work as a guest star on countless acclaimed series and knows better than most what it takes to find success in this way. Maddie will provide invaluable guidance and tools on how to land guest star roles on TV series and how to make a good impression on set so you can keep on finding more work. Maddie will show you her own reel to use as inspiration and how to properly prepare for a great audition from wardrobe to improvisation to cues. She will also teach you key specifics around auditioning such as what they are looking for, how to continue prepping while you are waiting, and tips on small talk when you first walk into the room. Maddie will also prepare you for all types of auditions whether in-person, over zoom, or self-tapped, provide you with unique advice on how what to do after booking the role, and how to act on set like how to read your call sheet, nail your blocking, and what to do when you’re not needed on set. Maddie is tremendously excited to share her infinite wealth of knowledge and expertise with the Stage 32 community.
Producing Globally: Learn How To Find International Partners To Make Your Projects Happen
The entertainment business has gone global. If you don't have a working knowledge of how international co-productions come together and work then you aren't competing at the high level you want to be. There has never been more opportunities for writers, producers, animators and filmmakers in the global TV and film marketplace. So how do you find these opportunities? Walking you through how to access this global landscape is international executive Alexia Melocchi of Little Studio Films, who has made a career out of successfully acting as a bridge between Hollywood and the global marketplace. She previously worked as a distributor and a sales agent, where she sold over 50 films to profit for clients and acquired more than 150 major studio and independent films, including LA LA LAND, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, and more. Alexia will give you her expert perspective on how to build your career internationally by showing you how buyers operate, explaining the process of international financing, and sharing the best places for you to build your global network and partnerships. In this webinar, you’ll cover what projects light up the international marketplace, how to pitch your project, how to find your ideal international partners, etiquette for working overseas, the pros and cons of shooting internationally, and more. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to gain exclusive insider knowledge from one of the most accomplished international executives and take your projects global. Plus! Get an overview of the most production-friendly countries: Italy Greece Canada Australia And! You'll Receive This Handout: The Power of Momentum - 7 Steps To Prepare For The International Market Praise for Alexia's Previous Stage 32 Education "Really great. Actually useful, practical advice. Wasn't full of bullshit platitudes, Alexia shot straight with us." -Max W. "Alexia did a fantastic job of making it all relatable and cutting through the noise." -Clint G. "Alexia is clearly very experienced & she is so gracious in sharing her wisdom with all of us. I'm truly grateful that you all put on this class!" -Becca G.
Film Financing Today: How to Produce a Film Between $15MM-$30MM
As streamers like Netflix and Amazon continue to put a tremendous focus on acquiring quality, star-driven independent films, the opportunities for financing and producing a film between $15-$30MM have never been better, so long as you know exactly where to look and what the path for it is. You'll need to know how to pick the right script, break down every aspect of your budget through distribution, understand distribution options, and how to structure your finance sources to optimize your returns. The best way to get all the information you need is to get support from someone who's done it before, and who better than someone who's worked on over 45 film and television projects with every major studio in town? In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, Jeanette Milio shows you the financing and producing side of putting together a film for $15 to $30 million. Jeanette has worked with Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros., Sony, Paramount, HBO, Showtime, and more. She's also produced films starring Academy Award-winning performers, including Halle Berry, Adrien Brody, Forest Whitaker, and Mickey Rourke, and knows how to package a film to attract investors. As a member of the Producer's Guild of America, Women in Film, and the Cannes Film Festival Producer's Network, Jeanette has deep industry knowledge for domestic and international markets at every budget level. Jeanette brings over 25 years of experience in domestic and international productions to this webinar for your benefit. If you have a higher-priced concept and don't want to wait for someone else to give you the green light, then this webinar is what you need to know how to make your production happen. Jeanette will show you how to produce and finance your project using her unique experience with $15 to $30 million budgets and how to get the best return on investment. You'll walk away with handouts from Jeanette to benefit your production, including: Excel Finance Plan Template Sample CAMA (revenue/profit) agreement Sample story rights agreement (option) Sample talent offers for director and cast (pay-or-play) "Jeanette has invaluable knowledge and made me feel like seeing my movie on the big screen was possible." - Phillip F.
Register / Log In
