Introduction:

Micro-budget filmmaking is essential for aspiring producers and filmmakers who are just starting out and may not have the experience and track record to obtain or be eligible for larger amounts of funding.

In this course, students will learn how to put together a micro-budget film from start to finish. By learning the fundamentals of film producing, through a micro-budget lens, students will be taken through the various steps and stages of producing a film including writing, budgeting, funding to build the skills needed to transform an original concept into a finished product.

Why I created this course:

As a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Film Program, I was shocked by how ill-prepared I was for the film industry once I finished the 4-year program. I’ve spent the last 15 years learning how to produce films by doing it on my own. Not everybody has the time or finances to commit to post-secondary program. This course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of micro-budget filmmaking without breaking the bank.

Save your money. You’ll need it for your film.

Who is this course for:

Whether you’ve never picked up a camera or made several short films, this course be suitable for students who have a story to tell without breaking the bank.

This course is available to filmmakers and producers worldwide. Everything in this course can be universally applied to your film.

Schedule:

This course runs virtually on Zoom every Wednesday evening (6-9pm EST) in August (August 6, 13, 20, 27)

Approximately 12 hours in total.

All classes will be recorded and available to download for future reference.

Cost:

$400 CAD

Course Breakdown:

Module 1 & 2 (August 6)

Module 1: Introduction

An introduction to the fundamentals of micro-budget filmmaking. Comparing traditional producing to micro-budget producing, students will learn how the filmmaking landscaped has changed over the last ten years and understand the context of the industry today.

Module 2: Writing For Micro-Budget

A great script is the foundation of any successful film. The writing stage is a make-or-break process for any film and can be a determining factor as to whether the project receives funding at all.

Students will learn how to write for a micro-budget film, and how the process differs from a larger budget film. We will focus on character-driven storytelling, writing for specific locations, and learning how to work around budget limitations.

Modules 3 & 4 (August 13)

Module 3: Script Breakdown

A script breakdown is one of the most useful tools a producer has. Without it, it is next to impossible to create a realistic budget and schedule for a film.

 Students will learn how to properly break down a script. Using a short script as an example, students will be taken step by step through the breakdown process and learn to identify what is needed for each scene. This includes cast, background performers, locations, wardrobe, props, and special effects.

Module 4: Budget

A film budget is the most important document for a film, especially at the micro-budget level where every dollar counts. A detailed budget not only determines how much capital you need to make your film but is also required by all funding agencies. Knowing how to properly prepare a film budget, line by line, is essential for every filmmaker.  

Students will learn how to budget for a micro-budget film, using their script breakdowns. Focusing on the essentials, students will learn what line items and bare minimums are needed to start production.

Module 5 & 6 (August 20)

Module 5: Funding

Without funding your film won’t get far.

Students will learn the various types of funding and resources available to them. This includes grants, private investment, deferrals, donated services, and crowdfunding.

Module 6: Financial Structure

Once you realize the funding available to you, you’ll need to create a financial structure that fits their project. Examining the financial structure of previous micro-budget films, students will be taught how to achieve realistic goals to get their film produced.

Module 7 & 8 (August 27)

Module 7: Schedule

Working at the micro-budget level, the proper scheduling of a film’s principal photography can make the difference in whether the film stays on budget. Micro-budget films typically have fewer shoot days than larger budget films. Having a well-thought-out schedule helps ensure you will make your days with minimal overtime.

Students will learn how to properly schedule a film shoot. Working within the guidelines of the various unions and guilds, they will be taught how to maximize their shoot days and how to deal with any unforeseen issues that might arise.

Module 8: Principal Photography and Post-Production

The most important and stressful stage of filmmaking is production (principal photography). A smooth production can make the world of a difference in the edit suite once a film is shot. A micro-budget film requires detailed planning to maximize the production process.

“Fix it in post” is a common phrase thrown around in the film industry, but it is a phrase that can be a curse to a micro-budget film. The more planning you put into preproduction and production the smoother your post-production will be.

Students will learn how to tackle production on a micro-budget film. They will be taught best practices to stay on budget. This includes how to run a shoot day, working with actors, working with a skeleton crew, and how to tackle unforeseen issues that may arise. Students will also learn how to tackle the post-production of a micro-budget film. From simple editing tricks to working with a larger post-production company, they will be taken through the necessary steps to put those last polishing touches on their film.

Who Am I:

My name’s Kire Paputts and I’m an award-winning Canadian producer/director whose films center around outsider culture. People and characters on the fringes whose voices are often silenced or overlooked. Working in the narrative and documentary worlds, he has produced content for both film and television. His latest narrative feature film The Last Porno Show (2019), had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019. My debut feature The Rainbow Kid (2015) premiered at TIFF 2015 and was released by A71 Entertainment. I have made five micro-budget feature films and documentaries. My films have screened at festivals worldwide including SXSW, Sitges, Torino, Beijing, Vancouver International Film Festival, and The Edinburgh International Film Festival. My television credits include Gerrard St East and Chillin’ with Dylan, two documentary series for Bell Media. I co-produced Michael Pierro’s debut feature film Self Driver (2024), which took home Best Feature at the Fantaspoa Film Festival and Best First Feature at Fantasia Film Festival. I’m currently in post-production with my latest feature, Junkie Run, slated to be released in 2025.

My company Made By Other People was started in 2014 and is a boutique film production company that strives to create high-quality and bold entertainment no matter the scope of project or size of budget.

In 2023, I developed and launched a film course at the University of Toronto. This micro-budget filmmaking course was created for emerging producers and filmmakers who are looking to make their first feature film, but who may not be eligible for the traditional funding sources in Canada.

If you have any questions about the course, please feel free to email me at kpaputts@gmail.com

Now let’s get your film made!