Feature Film Production Intensive Summary

 

A hands-on, learning-by-doing, 12-month intensive. Under the mentorship of acclaimed independent filmmaker Matthew A. Brown, participants will take on active producer roles in the creation of a feature-length narrative film, from concept development through to public release.

 

Unlike traditional film schools, this workshop provides the necessary tools to actually get a feature film off the ground, along with practical, real-world experience in every aspect of production.Participants will receive on-screen “Producer” credits and an equity stake in the final film.

 

Timeline:

 

The workshop follows the key phases of production:

• Development (Months 1–3)

• Financing (Months 2–8)

• Pre-production (Months 6–8)

• Production (Month 9)

• Post-production (Months 9–12)

• Marketing & Distribution (Ongoing after Month 12)

 

Participants will engage in the entire process, with the goal of completing the film by the end of the 12-month workshop. At that point, marketing and distribution efforts will continue, with participants having the option to stay involved as much as they wish.

 

*See “Workshop/Production Phases” below for insight into each phase and how they overlap

 

Time Commitment:

 

Workshops will be held weekly and require a commitment of several hours. This schedule will intensify as the team prepares for production during “hard prep” and actual filming.Participants can choose between two paths:

 

• Producer Path: This hands-on track requires a greater time commitment and additional responsibilities based on experience and skill set. Participants will receive “Producer” credit.

• Executive Producer Path: This option is ideal for those with full-time commitments outside of the film project. Participants contribute financially while attending workshops and receive“Executive Producer” credit.

 

Cost:

 

Each participant will invest $4,800 in the project, payable as $400/month over the 12-month workshop. This investment grants participants a share in the film’s equity in perpetuity. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have no further financial obligations and will have attained full “Producer” or “Executive Producer” status based on their chosen path.

 

Team Roles:

 

This workshop will function as a professional production company. Roles will be determined by the team, based on participants’ skills and experience. For instance, a participant with a strong interest in editing and the prerequisite skills could assume the role of Editor in addition to their Producer role, but if they have the passion and not the skills, they may assume the roles of Assistant Editor and Producer.

 

Positions will be filled through a voting process, ensuring that team members are well-suited to their roles. Participants with a passion for writing, for example, may not necessarily co-write the screenplay unless the team votes them in based on their qualifications.Mission In the Pines L.L.C., in collaboration with Subversive Films, aims to establish Wisconsin as a cinematic hub. By fostering a local filmmaking community. We will create commercially viable films that reflect Central Wisconsin’s unique identity, proving that even the biggest dreams can be realized right here at home.

 

The FilmTentatively titled “Consequence of War”, our film follows a combat veteran struggling to adapt to civilian life in Central Wisconsin after a three-tour deployment in Iraq/Afghanistan.Workshop/Production Phases

 

1. Development (Months 1 - 3)

 

All quality films begin with a strong story. The producers will challenge the concept, story and screenplay for the feature film. Asking questions such as:Is the story clear?Who is our target audience? Are we reaching them with this story?Is the screenplay in sync with our intentions for the story?Do our characters have depth? Are they complex enough to appeal to A-list/quality talent? Are there characters we can root for/fear?Is the film idiosyncratically Central Wisconsin? Are there more effective avenues to explore to achieve a distinctly Central Wisconsin sensibility? We will aim to produce this film on a SAG ultra-low budget (under $250K). To achieve a quality film at this budget, the mechanics of production must fuse with the mechanics of the story itself.

 

We will screen and discuss films where the filmmakers have successfully achieved this. We will operate under the ethos that parameters only serve to trigger greater creativity. We will work with what we have available (for example, equipment-wise) and with what we have access to (for example, locations), but we will not compromise on the creative vision of the film.We will document our entire process—Behind The Scenes(BTS) clips/images from discussions, early location scouts, early conversations with potential investors, etc.—and begin to build a following on various online platforms. This active documenting will play a hand later in a potential crowdfunding campaign—all part of our discussion as a production team making a feature film.

 

Key Deliverables:

 

• A clear story (one that we could pitch and hook potential investors) • A working draft of the screenplay

 

• A first draft of the business plan

 

• A clear vision of our target audience

 

• An armament of raw BTS materials, which we’ll make use of as the process unfolds.

 

2. Financing (Months 2 - 8)

 

Financing will overlap with the final month of development. A finished screenplay isn’t necessary to begin raising money; a strong story, the ability to appeal to investors, persistence, and a marketing plan are essential.Raising funds is often the hardest part of making a feature film. We will study successful business plans and develop one of our own. Beyond the plan, creative thinking and taking action are key. It is possible to secure financing without a script or a business plan, but with the right pitch. We will aim for a “maxi” (ideal) and a “mini” (bare minimum) budget, ensuring we can achieve the film’s quality goals. The team will discuss investor strategies and explore crowdfunding options, potentially launching a 30-day campaign in month 5.To support financing efforts, we’ll select a few scenes to shoot as a teaser, with roles beginning to be assigned based on participants’ skills.

 

Key Deliverables:

 

• Raised “maxi” budget or determination to move forward regardless• Completed business plan

 

• Teaser scenes shot for crowdfunding/investor outreach

• Crowdfunding campaign (if applicable)

 

3. Preproduction (Months 6 - 8)

 

3a. “Soft Prep”Soft prep will begin during the financing phase, approximately 3 months before principal photography.We will scout locations, collaborate with local businesses, and engage with the community. Our goal is to secure locations that raise production value while keeping costs low. Early casting will also begin, focusing on local talent through auditions and workshops, which will refine both characters and the screenplay. We will discuss named talent for leading roles and possibly explore casting veterans, with acting workshops uncovering new story insights. Roles among participants will start to solidify, with some taking on specific producer roles such as line producer or assistant casting director.

 

Key Deliverables:

 

• Established financing

 

• Identified supporting cast

 

• Offers sent to named talent• Backup talent identified• 50% of locations secured

 

• Line producer hired to budget and schedule the film3b. “Hard Prep”Hard prep begins 30 days before principal photography.

 

During this phase, financing will close, and all logistics will be finalized: locations, cast, crew, equipment, and scheduling. Participants will shadow key crew members in their areas of interest. For out-of-town cast and crew, travel arrangements and accommodations will be secured, fostering team cohesion before the production begins.

 

Key Deliverables:

 

• Locked budget and finalized financing

 

• All locations secured

 

• Finalized cast and crew

 

• Secured equipment deals• Finalized shooting schedule

 

• Booked travel and lodging for out-of-town crew

 

 

4. The Shoot (Month 9)

 

The shoot will span a maximum of four 6-day weeks. Producer/participants will assist in all facets of production, from PA work to handling logistics, catering, or transportation.Though we aim to have all financing secured by this point, fundraising for postproduction or marketing may continue. Ongoing BTS clips and social media campaigns will assist in raising any final funds. Team collaboration will be crucial as we overcome obstacles and keep production moving.

 

Key Deliverables:

 

• Full-scale feature film shoot completed• Ongoing documentation for social media and potential investors

 

5. Picture Edit (Months 10 - 11)

 

All participants will have access to the editing process, providing feedback on cuts and shaping the film’s final version. Test screenings will be organized, offering opportunities to assess the clarity of key story elements. We will also discuss the possibility of pickup shots if needed.Marketing efforts will ramp up, and we’ll begin exploring distribution strategies. This includes submitting the film to festivals and studying marketing strategies for low-budget films that achieved commercial success. Participants will handle outreach for music and design the movie poster, while others will research festival strategies and direct-to-audience distribution options.Key Deliverables:• Rough cut of the film• Test screenings completed• Initial festival submissions made• Teasers and BTS content for social media.

 

6. Sound Edit, Final Mix, Color Correction, VFX (Months 11-12)

 

Participants interested in sound, music, or VFX will work closely with professionals during this phase. The sound edit, final mix, color correction, and VFX will be completed before the final mix. The marketing and social media campaign will continue to build momentum.By the end of this phase, the feature film will be fully completed, ready for release or festival premieres.Key Deliverables:• Finalized sound mix and color correction• VFX completed• Completed feature film ready for release.

 

7. Marketing & Distribution (Ongoing)With a finished film, the focus shifts to marketing and distribution. All participants will receive a producer credit, along with any specific credits related to their roles in production. The workshop will officially conclude, but the team will continue to collaborate on the film’s release strategy.

 

The goal is to arm participants with the tools, confidence, and experience to produce films on their own or as part of a team.

 

Key Deliverables:

 

• Film prepared for release

 

• Distribution strategy determined

 

• Festival participation and screenings managed

 

• Ongoing marketing and social media presence

 

This structure ensures that participants will complete the workshop with not just theoretical knowledge, but practical experience, ready to embark on their own film projects with a feature film credit to their name.

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Please email us at Winter@InThePinesStudio.com for questions and/or to register for the program! 

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