WORKSHOP: BUDGETING FOR CREATIVES

After producing award-winning projects on tight budgets for almost two decades, I know a thing or two about going from script to screen. Creating an accurate, workable budget is one of the first steps of the filmmaking process, so why not share my process with all of you?

This workshop will teach you how to read your scripts like a producer and create budgets that set you and your projects up for success. Practical budgeting framework specifically designed for creatives—writers, directors, actors, and of course, producers….anyone who thinks in shots, not spreadsheets.

Session 1 (4/7, 6-9pm): Unlike other Zoom workshops, you will not sit passively and watch me do a budget. Boring. We learn by doing and I want to empower you to understand the basics of script to screen execution. Once we break down the script together, you’ll learn how to build a budget on Saturation.io, a collaborative budgeting platform designed for production teams. Saturation.io helps production teams create, manage, and track budgets in real-time, making complex financial management simple and accessible for creatives. All workshop participants will receive a special 3-month free access to Saturation.io to continue building their budgeting skills!

Then, everyone has a riveting 48 hours to create their budget. You, some jazz, perhaps a nice Malbec or steamin' cup of tea, plugging numbers into a spreadsheet.

I can’t think of anything sexier.

Script: What script will we work from, you ask? Yours! Participants have the option to submit shorts no longer than 15 pages via Wscripted, a platform that helps producers source great scripts, for the chance to be workshopped by me and read by your peers. Submissions will be reviewed by team AOP, and one lucky participant will walk away with a completed budget.

Workshop attendees will be offered a 1 month coupon to upload their project on Wscripted+, the attendee of the selected screenplay will be offered a 6 months subscription.

Wscripted is transforming content discovery with a groundbreaking platform Wscripted+, recently announced in Deadline. Wscripted+ was made to help producers, creative executives, literary agents, sales agents, book editors, writers, and screenwriters, with the review, recommendation and curation of scripts & books, while limiting industry bias and protecting writer's IP. Wscripted works with top industry leaders including Universal, AWS, the Mila Institute (founded by ethical AI leader Yoshua Bengio), MUBI, the Cannes Film Festival, and Forbes. Learn more at wscripted.co

Session 2 (4/10, 6-9pm). We come back together, you’ll tell me how hard but empowering this was and “wow the newfound respect you have for line producers” and I’ll reply with “Say it louder for the people in the back.” Then, we will compare your budget against mine, line by line, and you’ll be privy to how my brain makes certain decisions. You’ll have access to over a decade of budgeting knowledge. Can your AI do that? Ok don’t answer that.

Truly, my aim is to show you that every part of the process is sexy and can be fun. Knowledge is power, so regardless of whether or not you want to pursue a career as a line producer/producer, you’ll be a much better creative and collaborator a result.

Early Bird Pricing (Until 3/17): $75 + additional $25 fee if submitting a script for consideration

Regular Pricing: $100 + additional $25 fee if submitting a script for consideration

Slots are limited to 100 people.

Last day for script submission: 3/31