The Online Producers Course
Teaching the next generation of producers
It doesn't get better than this! We have the perfect combination of professional filmmakers to turn you into the most well-equipped producers in the industry. Not only will they ensure you're ready for feature films of £1 million and above, but they are also available to hire as professionals still working on big-budget films. Being allowed to learn from their experience in the industry is the best opportunity to level up your projects and get direct insight into how they run productions. All the courses are part-time and start in the evening or early morning to accommodate international students worldwide.
The Program
OUR NEXT COURSE STARTS ON 8TH JUNE 2024
Week 1
THE ROLE OF THE PRODUCER - THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
In week one, we explore the world of film producers. You'll learn about the different types of producers and their roles, focusing on the Anglo-Saxon model (US and UK) and co-productions. Budgeting is a key theme, including various budget ranges and how they impact a film. The American concept of a "package" deal and how to measure a film's profitability will be explained. Then, it dives into the film production cycle, taking you from the initial concept to a finished film. You'll learn about the different stages of production, the contracts involved, potential risks, and the crew needed at each stage. The course concludes with students giving a 3-minute oral pitch for their film projects.
Week 2
WORKING WITH WRITERS - FROM IDEA TO SCRIPT
Week two of the course equips you with the knowledge to turn your film idea into a marketable script and pitch. Following peer project analysis, you'll delve into the development process, considering both creative and legal aspects. Learn how to analyze market trends and write a script that's not only compelling but also has solid financial potential. Budget limitations will be a key focus, with guidance on writing for different budget ranges. The course covers the unique considerations of writing a first feature film, including collaboration with writers or writers/directors and choosing between writing in your language or English. You'll gain practical screenwriting skills by exploring basic narrative structure, writing tips, and co-writing legalities. Finally, pitching will be tackled, with case studies comparing how films are pitched in the UK and the US. Based on the day's learnings, you'll be expected to refine your oral pitch using a PowerPoint presentation (3 minutes max).
Week 3
SCHEDULE, BUDGET
Week three bridges the gap between your script and making your film. You'll further develop your filmmaking skills by analyzing classmates' pitches through the lens of marketability and budget constraints. The essentials of creating a production schedule will be introduced, including script breakdowns, legal considerations, and critical assumptions about filming locations and timelines. Case studies will showcase how filming location (studio vs. on-location) and budget range affect scheduling decisions. Budgeting takes centre stage, with practical exercises using student projects as a reference. You'll learn about crew and cast rates, location costs, department budgets, and unexpected expenses. Software like MovieMagic for scheduling and budgeting will also be briefly covered.
Week 4
FINANCING PLAN, CASHFLOW - SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
Week four dives deep into film financing. After more student pitch analysis, you'll explore various funding sources in Europe, the UK, and the US, including their availability and financial implications. Learn the principles of financing and how to craft multiple financing plans (A, B, and C) to increase your chances of success. A key concept covered is pre-sales, a financing method prevalent in the US film industry. You'll then develop your financing plan based on your classmates' film projects. Cash flow management is another crucial aspect. Analyze case studies to understand how cash flow works in film production and how to handle potential financial strain during filming. Finally, create a cash flow plan for your film project, identifying areas where finances might be tight. The course concludes with a final oral pitch opportunity for students to showcase their projects (max 3 minutes each).
Week 5
CAREER DEVELOPMENT) + aftercare - HOW TO GET MORE WORK + 1 to 1 career development
Week five tackles how to get your film seen! After more student pitches, you'll delve into film distribution and sales. A key concept explored is pre-sales, where international distributors buy distribution rights before filming begins. This method is crucial for financing many US films. We'll also discuss the pros and cons of filming in English for broader marketability and the American approach to packaging a movie for sale. For European filmmakers, the role of sales agents in securing distribution deals will be explained. You'll learn how to estimate sales revenue and understand the "7 to 1 rule" for return on investment. The course will explore how film festivals can be used to showcase your work and attract sales. Case studies will analyze how different distribution strategies were used for the two films, highlighting the contrasting approaches in Italy and the UK.
This final session focuses on your career development as a freelance film producer. In the morning, you'll receive practical advice on navigating a freelance career path or finding traditional film jobs. You'll define your short-term, mid-term, and long-term career goals and learn how to leverage a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to build a successful strategy. The session will also cover developing a diverse production slate and exploring alternative revenue streams like television, documentaries, and production services. The legalities of working as a producer, including company structures, will be addressed. The afternoon features personalized one-on-one consultations. Your CV, online presence, and career goals will be reviewed, with case studies offered for guidance. You can pitch your film project and yourself and ask any remaining questions.
Week 6
ACCOUNTING
Week 6 is the accounting week, where you will learn the importance of having an accountant within your productions. You will also learn why setting up a production company is essential, when to start a company, and the process behind that. How does working internationally work, and can you save more money under a company than working without one? You will learn more about contracts and doing your taxes to keep in line with the law and what benefits creatives have within the industry to survive as producers and creatives.
OUR NEXT COURSE STARTS IN SEPTEMBER 2024
Miguel Minoletti
Enrico’s production course gave me everything I need to know about being a producer. It contained really valuable insights condensed into a short course which was fantastic for my learning style.
After doing the course I’ve gained confidence in pitching to film investors. Best thing about Enrico is that he is down to earth, active in film and still producing.
Ronan Colfer
I found this course to be extremely beneficial to me. Firstly, it gave me a really solid foundation when approaching a project from a producer point of view; looking at both new and proven ways to secure funding for a project and how to use that funding in the most efficient way possible. It also broke down into more detail the steps along the way; from the development phase, to the being on set and post production phases, all the way to the marketing and distribution phases. Each area was covered by Enrico using his many years of experience in the business. And lastly, and one of the most vital take-aways for me from this course, was the emphasis on pitch decks and pitching, and the importance of having a strong visual and vocal pitch for your project. We presented and practiced these in class and by the end of the course they were in a very strong place.
Andy MCreedie
The producing course with Enrico is a must if you’re looking for balance between a crash course and in-depth learning.
You’re pushed outside of your comfort zone with regular opportunities to practice your pitch.
If you’re quite new to filmmaking, it’s perfect to get an overview of what it takes to ACTUALLY make a film, rather than just talk about it.
If you’re more experienced, it seems like a great opportunity to build confidence for setting up your first feature.
I enjoyed it, and I’d certainly do it again!
Enrico Tessarin
Producer and founder of shorts 2 features
Enrico Tessarin, an award-winning writer-producer with 20 years of experience working in Film, TV, documentary and branding work. A graduate of London Film School and EAVE, after starting his career in music videos and advertising, Enrico has worked as a Producer/Line-producer/Co-producer through his own company Pinch Media on film and tv projects for Amazon, Universal, BBC, Al Jazeera and many others. His work gathered an Emmy nomination, a United Nations award and many more recognitions from festivals all over the world. He is a visiting lecturer in Production at the Master in Producing run by Royal Holloway university since 2018. He has previously taught at London Film Academy, Metropolitan Film School and many others. He is also the founder of online Film Community ‘Shorts2features’. ENT37 is his new solo company.
James Skinner
Director / Producer
James Skinner Is a London-based director, producer and writer, who first developed a passion for filmmaking whilst studying Youth and Community Development (BA) at university. This led to an MA in Media Practice for Development and Social Change, through which he specialised in documentary production.
In recent years, James has produced and directed a variety of narrative short films. Highlights include:
• The Letter (2024): a WW2 period drama shot on location in The Gambia. Nominated for 'Best Foreign Language Short' at the BAFTA-Qualifying Carmathen Bay Film Festival.
• Newbie (2022): an uplifting drama starring BAFTA-winning actor Jack Carroll, that has completed its international festival run, including BAFTA-qualifying film festivals (Aesthetica and
Carmarthen Bay). This short film and its casting director (Shakyra Dowling) have been nominated for a Casting Society (CSA) Artios Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Casting’.
• Fabulous (2020): a micro-short comedy-drama that won the DepicT! Main Award at Encounters Film Festival and the One Minute Wonder award at Cardiff Mini Film Festival.
• The Impact (2018): James produced and directed two segments of this apocalyptic anthology feature film.
Alongside his independent filmmaking, James teaches film production in a South London secondary school and has been a guest lecturer at Royal Holloway University (teaching production).
MATTEW O'HARA
Accountant
Master of Finance & Accounting, PGCHE certificate in Teaching Owner & Director and Head of Financial Desk Division. Speciality in providing accounting solutions to assist in the running and growing of any SME or sole trader, including providing business and tax guidance and company formation and administration. Also lectures in Finance, Accounting & Tax
