THE PRODUCER'S INCUBATOR: Financing, Packaging & Pitching Virtual Intensive

The Producer's Incubator is a FOUR MONTH GROUP COACHING PROGRAM created for producers who are looking to decisively move their projects from development to funding and finally into production...but don't know how to get there.

BONUS: Participants receive a 6 month complimentary membership to Film Specific ($149 value).

WHAT IS THE PRODUCER'S INCUBATOR?

Producers all too often find themselves in the precarious catch-22 of being unable to secure financing without talent attached to their projects, yet unable attract talent to their projects without financing. It's a vicious, seemingly endless cycle. The marketplace is extremely challenging, no doubt about it, especially as more and more financing opportunities dry up. But there are ways to get out of the cycle and move your projects forward, even in today's tough marketplace. The opportunities are there, but it takes a very proactive producer to see them and to make things happen. Unfortunately, with so many obstacles, many producers simply can't see the way forward. And so they remain stuck, their projects stalled.

These are the issues that led me to create The Producer's Incubator Virtual Intensive....

I have been involved in independent film for over 15 years - as a sales agent, a producer and a consultant. As a consultant I work with independent filmmakers on a daily basis helping them to see the opportunities for their projects and to package to attract financing. My clients range from newbie producers embarking on their first films to highly established award-winning producers looking for insights into the current marketplace. It was my one-on-one work with my clients which was the impetus for creating a group program - an incubator for like-minded producers - to grow their projects from script stage to film, while making it easily accessible to motivated producers everywhere.

The Producer's Incubator is a FOUR MONTH program (November 2011 - February 2012) -- part virtual immersion, part group consultancy. The first phase is a five-week immersion program laser focused on strategizing the finance and packaging plans for your project. The second phase is focused entirely on outreach and turning your financing and packaging plans into realities.

This program is geared toward getting your film made -- it's centered on developing strategies for financing and packaging and then executing those strategies. This is not a program for writers who are looking to get an agent or manager and be passive about getting their films made. This program is about aggressive outreach for filmmakers who are serious about making their films. It is not for the faint of heart or the shy! You have to feel comfortable with 'selling' and being proactive instead of reactive.

SCHEDULE OF LIVE VIRTUAL PRODUCER'S INCUBATOR SESSIONS
The Producer's Incubator will take place VIRTUALLY via an immersive series of live, in-depth lectures and group strategizing sessions over the span of 4 months. Producer's anywhere can attend. All you need is a phone line or an internet connection. If for any reason you can't make the live sessions, they will be recorded in their entirety and made available to all participants for download after the live session, so you'll never miss a thing.

PHASE ONE: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF FIVE 60-90 MINUTE INTERACTIVE GROUP COACHING SESSIONS in November and December (accessible to all via telephone) to kick-start your efforts. These sessions cover every aspect of creating your project's packaging and financing plan via in-depth lectures, and open discussion for q&a, brainstorming, and strategizing your individual projects.

SESSION 1 (November 15): SEEING THE BIG PICTURE
(virtual session: 60 - 90 minutes - accessible via telephone or online via Skype: 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT)

understanding what you want to get out of your film and creating a plan to get you there • why understanding marketplace realities is crucial from day one • defining the opportunities for your film • getting your film noticed in a saturated marketplace • the distribution conundrum and why you need to consider it before doing anything else • marketplace myths vs how it really works • why knowing your audience for your film is crucial • defining your audience and making them one of your most effective tools • the importance of the killer concept • seed money and why you need it • justifying your film's budget • PLUS open Q&A and individual project strategizing

SESSION 2 (November 21): CREATING YOUR FILM'S FINANCING STRATEGY
(virtual session: 60 - 90 minutes - accessible via telephone or online via Skype: 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT)

in-depth examination of the three models of independent film financing • creating a financing strategy that makes the most sense for your film • the hidden costs of financing • the changing tax incentive landscape • when to use tax incentives vs. when to skip them • the essential elements of a business plan • getting your budget in check with the realities of the marketplace • PLUS open Q&A and individual project strategizing

SESSION 3 (December 1): CREATING YOUR FILM'S PACKAGING STRATEGY
(virtual session: 60 - 90 minutes - accessible via telephone or online via Skype: 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT)

why packaging is the key factor in getting your film made • understanding how to package your film and the elements of a compelling package • how to research cast and potential producing partners for your film's budget level • reaching out to talent representatives and getting them to pay attention to you • finding producing partners and the critical role they can play for the newbie producer • plowing through the rejections • getting and keeping talent attached • understanding timelines when dealing with talent and their representatives • getting talent attached without a formal offer • PLUS open Q&A and individual project strategizing

SESSION 4 (December 8): CREATING YOUR PITCH & PRESENTATION
(virtual session: 60 - 90 minutes - accessible via telephone or online via Skype: 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT)

why an effective pitch is one of your best sales tools • getting your pitch down • where and how to pitch your projects • presentation materials: when to use them and when to stay away from them • artwork as a great asset • getting your logline down • dealing with objections and rejections • PLUS open Q&A and individual project strategizing

SESSION 5 (December 15): GETTING INTO SALES MODE
(virtual session: 60 - 90 minutes - accessible via telephone or online via Skype: 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT)

getting in front of financiers • where to find pre-sale opportunities • using the film markets • the importance of pre-sales in financing your film • getting meetings with buyers for pre-sales • dealing with objections & rejections • how to approach buyers for pre-sales • what the process is for making a deal with a buyer at the script stage • the timeline you're looking at when making a deal at the script stage • how to conduct yourself in meetings with potential buyers and what you'll need to bring with you • PLUS open Q&A and individual project strategizing

PHASE TWO: OUTREACH
THREE 60-90 MINUTE VIRTUAL GROUP 'CHECK IN' SESSIONS IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY as support in your outreach efforts, to advise on any obstacles you're facing and to provide ongoing guidance and feedback on your strategy and execution of putting your project together.

SESSION 6 (January 17): FIRST CHECK-IN ON OUTREACH PROGRESS & OPEN Q+A
(virtual session: 60 - 90 minutes - accessible via telephone: 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT)

At the start of the year, all your research and planning should be set and it's time to jump in and start your outreach to get your projects moving! In the first of our series of check-in sessions, we'll evaluate your progress so far in spurring interest in your projects and roadblocks you're encountering.

SESSION 7 (January 31): SECOND CHECK-IN ON PROGRESS & OPEN Q+A
(virtual session: 60 - 90 minutes - accessible via telephone: 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT)

In our second check-in session, we'll discuss how your projects are being received in the marketplace and what you can do to enhance your strategy in light of real-world feedback. We'll also discuss preparation for those planning on attending the upcoming 2012 film markets (EFM, Cannes, MIPTV).

SESSION 8 (February 21): THIRD CHECK-IN ON PROGRESS & OPEN Q+A
(virtual session: 60 - 90 minutes - accessible via telephone: 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT)

Our final check-in session to evaluate your progress where we'll discuss the feedback you're getting from talent, managers, agents and potential producing partners, as well as from buyers for those pursuing that route. We'll also discuss the next steps for your film to keep you on track.

THROUGHOUT THIS ENTIRE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO HAVE 24/7 ACCESS TO PRIVATE, DEDICATED ONLINE FORUMS FOR 'ANYTIME' GUIDANCE
Here you can post progress reports, get guidance on any obstacles you're facing in your efforts, get your questions answered and find some good old fashioned moral support whenever you need it...so you're never left out in the cold.

WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED IN THE PRODUCER'S INCUBATOR?

• 6 Months Complimentary Membership to Film Specific (value $149) for ongoing support and complimentary resources

• Access To A Private Online Hub where all program materials are accessible, including private forums for 'anytime' guidance on your efforts and concerns.

• Inquiry Templates (and follow up letter templates) for approaching talent representatives, potential producing partners, financiers and buyers

• Spreadsheets to keep track of all your correspondences and script submissions

• Resource Guide to help you along each step of the way

• Strategizing Worksheets to accompany each lecture lesson and help you strategize each step of the way

• Downloadable MP3 Recordings of ALL live sessions (no worries if you can't make a live session, the recordings will be available to all attendees within several hours of each session's end)

THE VALUE OF GROUP COACHING:

A little about me...I've spent over 15 years immersed in the international independent film marketplace - as a producer, a sales agent and a consultant. I have presented lectures across the globe for film boards, at major film festivals and for some of the most respected filmmaking organizations. As a consultant, I work with filmmakers at all levels on a daily basis to help them move their projects forward, at every stage. I have cultivated relationships with sales agents and buyers, seen the mistakes filmmakers make when trying to get a sales agent or distributor on board or pitch their projects in development, and have also seen so many things filmmakers have done right to fully exploit their films in the international marketplace.

For a fraction of the price of one hour of individual consulting with me at my hourly rate of $500, you become a part of this FOUR MONTH program designed to guide you through aggressively and responsibly moving your project from script to movie. For a tiny fraction of your project's budget, the Producer's Incubator is a true investment in your project and your career...

"Even though I have produced films for years, I never fully grasped the whole scene at film markets and avoided them as much as I could. Of course I attended film festivals, but every other producer on my films went to film markets for me and but I wouldn't go. Yet, if I wanted to keep making films, I would have to start attending film markets. When I took Stacey's course, she empowered me with the necessary tools to make the film markets tangible. Film markets went from daunting and overwhelming to something I love attending. At my first film market, I met so many producers and sales agents that I even walked out with 2 offers for my film. Stacey helps break down the walls and the myths of the film market and makes it tangible, accessible and practical. I highly recommend her film market class because, if you're serious about making films, it can empower you."
- Johnny Sánchez, writer/producer

"The Film Market Lab was really outstanding, I highly recommend it. I was hesitant at first because I had no experience with distribution and it seemed like a huge undertaking. But as I followed Stacey's advice and schedule step by step I gained confidence and began to really understand the structure and process - and our film is now represented by an experienced Sales Agent!"
-xuxE, Hella Fresh Films

"Stacey personally walked us through the AFM and introduced us to distribution companies. It can be a daunting event and Stacey was on hand to answer our questions. If you have never been to the AFM before definitely consider Stacey's Film Market Lab as you'll want to make the most of the market and leave no stone unturned. There is an extensive prep phase that Stacey also guides you through leading up to the market and this is as crucial as the market itself. So be prepared and if you need help or guidance check out Stacey's Film Market Lab!"
- Jeff Orgill, Brooklyn Reptyle Films

"I enrolled in Film Specific's Business Plan Boot Camp to help package my feature film project, The Lilliput. Stacey is a consummate professional, whose astute film business acumen is exactly what every independent filmmaker needs to be prepared to approach investors realistically, and get their movies made. i'm still in the process of attracting investors to this project, but now feel armed with the tools necessary to achieve results."

-Minna Zielonka - Packer, The Lilliput

"My first film had no plan other than to make it. Which is no small feat, but once completed I had no idea what to do with it. I have never felt more alone. I ended up releasing it over the web in a 17 part series. It's done well, but hasn't generated a single $. As for my second film, I attended Stacey's Business Plan Boot Camp and it's changed my approach to the entire project. I immediately saw the importance in having a target audience and it forced a necessary rewrite of my script. It's helped me define realistic goals and expectations which impacted my budget. I devised a Plan A and B distribution strategy and are working in post to help realize it. Bottom line, your artistic vision has to be seen as a business venture to ensure you are in the best possible position for a return on your dreams. Business Boot Camp is the very backbone that allows your project to stand up and reach for the big screen."

- Louis Palma, 40AWeek Productions

"I know very few people who like to write business plans. For me, it's right up there with dental work. But, you have to do it!!! Well, this is like having someone go to the dentist for you. Stacey helped me take my pages and pages of failed business plans and put it in a form that I'm very proud of. If you want to have the confidence that your film could return money to your investors I would highly recommend it. Although, she hasn't helped me at all with my chipped tooth."

- Tim Testa

"Film Specific's Business Plan Boot Camp is an absolute must if you're serious about raising money for your film. Desert Runners is well on its way to being fully funded because of what I learned in this class."

- Diana Iles Parker, Co-Producer of Desert Runners

"The Business Plan Boot Camp will give you the tools to realistically assess your project's budgetary parameters and develop a set of rational, realizable steps towards meeting your financial goals.

Stacey Parks has a reality-based understanding of the calculus that buyers and financiers must use to accurately evaluate a film project's viability - and she offers this knowledge in the most supportive and positive of terms."

- Nathan Buck

"The timing of your Boot Camp was concurrent with my realization that I needed to have a business plan. Recently unemployed but having a good story in my hands your Boot Camp presented a clear step by step guide. Your combination of live sessions, Q & A, homework handouts, Film Specific templates & resources was well worth the cost. Actually I consider your offerings a self sustaining investment that I can mine over and over, especially in the insanely revolutionary universe of independent film finance.

Whether or not your program proves successful is up to my abilities to create a solid business plan as good as my story. I guess that prompts the cliche "shoot the deal" not the movie.

I wholeheartedly recommend your Business Plan 2.0 Boot Camp."

- Don Cato

"I did find the boot camp helpful and insightful. Having the sample and your advice guiding the process and pointing out the pitfalls and strengths was very motivating and clear, concise information. It's always those two or three tips that make such lessons or events valuable and this one had many. I especially appreciated your take on comparisons. I laugh when I even see other professionals touting Blair Witch or Bruckheimer films, but often wondered if there should be more realistic comps."

- Jack Binder

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Stacey Parks has over 16 years experience in independent film as a sales agent, producer, and consultant for independent filmmakers. She is the author of "The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution" (2007 Focal Press), considered to be an essential handbook for independent filmmakers seeking production and distribution insight for their films. Stacey has recently completed work on the 2nd edition to "The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution," to be published by Focal Press in late winter/early spring of 2012.

Stacey is also the founder of FilmSpecific.com, a training and consultancy organization for independent filmmakers focused on exploring financing and distribution models to maximize opportunities for their films in the international marketplace. Additionally, she founded IndependentFilmBlog.com where she writes extensively on how to make movies that sell. Since it's launch in 2007, FilmSpecific.com has become a trusted resource amongst independent filmmakers with an active community of over 10,000, from all corners of the globe. FilmSpecific.com has been named by Moviemaker Magazine as "one of the 50 best websites for moviemakers", and, more recently, "one of the top 25 websites that filmmakers need to know about".

As a consultant, Stacey advises on all aspects of finance, distribution, and marketing for her clients' films including providing strategic guidance on finance and distribution plans, packaging for pre-sales, audience-engagement campaigns, and facilitating distribution for finished films. Her clients include Sundance, Cannes, Berlin, and Toronto award-winning filmmakers and producers who have successfully secured studio and mini-major distribution for their films.

Prior to founding Film Specific, Stacey was a foreign sales agent securing distribution for hundreds of independent features and programs worldwide. Before becoming a sales agent, she served as associate producer of the feature film "Shadow Magic" (1999), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically by Sony Pictures Classics. She was a pioneer in online video content in its earliest days, producing a London-based internet TV series called SEED TV about socially conscious entrepreneurs in 2001, which was executive produced by renowned British PR 'guru' Lynne Franks. Stacey began her career in 1995 at the William Morris Agency, working in the soundtrack and independent film packaging departments.

More recently in 2010 Stacey went back to her Producing roots and launched Media Sparks Entertainment which specializes in producing film and television projects with international appeal for all media platforms. Stacey also works on putting together international co-production and co-financing ventures for film and TV projects with international partners.

Stacey has conducted extensive lectures and workshops on film distribution, finance and marketing for the British Film Institute, the South Australia Film Corporation, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), FilmArc for FilmPool Nord, UCLA, Women In Film, Berlin Film Festival and the Raindance Film Festival. Stacey has also spoken on panels at the Cannes Film Festival, the American Film Market, and Slamdance, and for organizations including the Producers Guild of America, NALIP, Women in Film, and the Alliance of Women DIrectors, among others.

Stacey has been profiled or interviewed in MovieMaker Magazine, Student Filmmakers Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor and the Los Angeles Business Journal. She is a regular contributor to MovieMaker Magazine and has served as an instructor in UCLA Extension's Entertainment Studies Department.

Stacey is a graduate of the University of Florida and holds an International MBA from Pepperdine University. She travels extensively and, at last count, has visited over 40 countries. When not traveling, Stacey currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. She has previously lived in London, Paris, Florence, and the Netherlands.