CHICAGO FILMMAKERS

PRODUCING COURSE

Session 1: Development

Basic Responsibilities of the Producer

● Acquiring source material (“option” a script)

● Raising money

● Hiring cast and crew

● Securing locations and equipment

● Finding an outlet for the finished film

Intro

Producer’s Responsibilities

● Option, purchase, right or adapt script

● Build core team (Department Heads)

● Preliminary budget

● Financial Plan

● Develop Prospectus

Development (Week 1)

Producer’s Responsibilities

● Secure preliminary funding

● Lock preliminary budget

● Breakdown script

● Develop schedule

Budgeting and Scheduling (Week 2)

Producer’s Responsibilities

● Begin cost reporting

● Location Scouting

● Crew Agreements/Deal Memos

● Casting (SAG/AFTRA)

Pre-production (Week 3)

Producer’s Responsibilities

● Equipment Rental

● Insurance

● Location Permits

● FOOD!

Production (Week 4)

Producer’s Responsibilities

● Test screenings

● Re-shoots/pick-ups

● Outreach plan

● Festival run

● VOD/broadcast

Post-production & Distribution (Week 5)

● Optioning/purchasing script

● Original vs. Adaptation

● What are your goals/audiences

Selecting a Script

● Setting up an LLC

● Starting a Non-Profit

● Hire a lawyer

● Develop a business plan

Financing/Corporate

● Fiscal Sponsorship

● Self or Family/Friend Funding

● Crowdfunding

● Pitching to your film to investors

● Know your distribution plan

● Tax Credit in Illinois

Raising Money

● Script○ Copyright○ WGA registration

● Music○ Sync and Master

Intellectual Property

● Cover Letter● Title Page● Logline● Director’s Statement● Synopsis of Story● History of Project● Research● Top Sheet of Budget● Production Schedule● Cast List● Brief Resumes of Creative Team

Production Packages (Prospectus)

● Description of Market for Project● Letter from Fiscal Sponsor (if

applicable)● Letters of Support● Financial Statement