WIFTV and Creative BC present:

Canadian Low-Budget Independent Film Producing: The pitfalls and payoffs of making independent movies in Canada.

with Avi Federgreen of Federgreen Entertainment/ IndieCan Entertainment 

In this intense and interactive one-day workshop, Avi Federgreen, Producer and Distributor of low-budget Canadian films, walks you through what you need - and what it takes - to produce low-budget, independent films in Canada today. This is producing experience from the trenches – not the stuff they teach in film school.

Who Should Take this Course
Canadian independent producers, writers, directors, actors, technicians making movies today - or wanting to make movies - in the Canadian independent film landscape; New and emerging Canadian filmmakers who need a broad but practical intro and understanding of the Canadian independent film landscape.

Date:  Thursday March 6th
Time: 9:30 - 5:30
Location:  VIFF's Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St. Vancouver

This workshop provides:
1. Tools and information to produce your movie
2. Experience and practical advice from an industry veteran with nearly 20 years’ experience making movies in Canada and promoting Canadian films and filmmakers
3. A reality check and tips from the trenches on what is achievable as an independent filmmaker in Canada

Workshop Outline:
SEGMENT 1: THE PRODUCT Part #1
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Avi shares his 20 years’ experience in the A-Z of producing low-budget independent films in Canada, from the various roles he’s had in film production. An overview of producing is provided, from sourcing material to pre-and-post production, with Q & A throughout. Learn the tricks and traps of low-budget film producing – this is the stuff they DON’T teach you in film school!

Producing Seminar: Navigating the Pitfalls of Canadian Independent Film
• The Material - Finding a script; Getting book rights
• Development - Developing an existing script; Finding a writer
• Pitching
• Director - What to look for in a Director – and where; The Producer /
Director relationship
• Casting - Hiring a Casting Director; Star Casting
• Crewing- Hiring Key Crew (DOP, PM, Production Designer, 1st AD, Editor,
etc); Unsung Heroes on Crew; Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemistry
• Union Versus Non-Union

10:45 am – 11:00 am BREAK

SEGMENT 2: THE PRODUCT Part #2
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Producing Seminar: Navigating the Pitfalls of Canadian Independent Film
• Business and Marketing Plans
• Budgeting - How to determine what the budget will be of your film;
Budgeting Tips
• Tools of the Trade
• Pre-Production
• Production - How long is the shoot; Cost of shooting
• Music
• Post Production - Editing Process; Various cuts; Locking picture; Music;
Picture Post; Sound Post; VFX; Deliverables

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm LUNCH (Bring your own or purchase nearby.)

SEGMENT 3: THE MONEY
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
This is the hard part: Avi shares his considerable experience in financing films to
help you understand where, how and how much money you can get to make
your film. Be prepared for a reality check!

• Various ways to finance your film
• (Private Investors, Gov’t Funding, Crowd Sourcing )
• Tax Credits
• Bank Financing
3:15 pm 3:30 pm BREAK
SEGMENT 4: THE PROMOTION
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Promoting your Canadian Independent Film
• Festivals and Markets
- Why & what type of Film Festivals; Festival Goal
- Which markets should you go to and why
• Distribution
- Plan from day 1
- Self Distribute or not?
- Typical Deal
- Theatrcial, DVD, Netflix, VOD etc etc
• Monetization
• Promoting Your Film
• Wrap

NOW GO OUT THERE AND PRODUCE A CANADIAN FILM!
Avi will be available to set up individual consultations and trouble-shoot on your project.

Cost:  $75 WIFTV members/ $125 non-members