Micro-Budget Filmmaking Course — Made By Other People

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Films and Television

Films and Television

Films and Television

How to make your first micro-budget Feature Film

Micro-Budget Filmmaking

Are you an aspiring or emerging filmmaker who is looking to make their low budget film?

Are you overwhelmed by the filmmaking process and not sure where to start?

Do you have a burning story inside of you that you need to tell?

Do you love independent cinema or frequent your local rep cinema hoping to see your own film of the big screen?

Then you’re in the right place.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

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. I’m offering a special virtual summer course for people looking to make their first low budget

feature film. In this course, you will learn how to put together a micro-budget film (under $250k)

from start to finish. By learning the fundamentals of film producing, through a micro-budget lens,

you will be taken through the various steps and stages of producing a film including writing, budgeting, funding, scheduling, principal photography, and post-production to build the skills needed to transform

an original concept into a finished product.

Dates and Time:

Course runs live 6-9pm EST every Wednesday evening in August (August 6, 13, 20, 27).

Approximately 12 hours in total. Classes will also be recorded and provided to all students.

Cost:

$400 CAD

Course Breakdown:

Modules 1 & 2 (August 6, 2025)

Module 1: will be used to introduce the fundamentals of micro-budget filmmaking. Comparing traditional producing to micro-budget producing, you will learn how the filmmaking landscaped has changed over the last ten years and understand the context of the industry today.

Module 2: 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 or not the project receives funding at all. You 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, 2025)

Module 3: 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. You will learn how to properly break down a script. Using a short script as an example, you 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: 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. You will learn how to budget for a micro-budget film. Focusing on the essential line items and bare minimums needed to start production.

Modules 5 & 6 (August 20, 2025)

Module 5: Without funding your film won’t get far. In this module you will learn the various ways to fund your film. This includes private investment, deferrals, donated services, grants, and crowdfunding.

Module 6: Once you’ve learned the various types of funding available, you can create a financial structure that fits your project. Examining the financial structure of Canadian micro-budget films, you will get a real glimpse into how other emerging filmmakers are funding their projects.

Modules 7 & 8 (August 27, 2025)

Module 7: 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. In this module you will learn how to properly schedule a film shoot. Using the guidelines of the various unions and guilds, you will be taught how to maximize their shoot days and how to deal with any unforeseen issues that might arise.

Module 8: 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. In this module you will learn how to tackle production on a micro-budget film and 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. You 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.

If you have any questions about course please email me at kpaputts@gmail.com

Let’s get your film made. Hope to see you in class!

Made By Other People