First-time feature film producers

Are you:

• producing shorts or sub £500k scripted films?
• a TV/streaming drama producer looking to transition to produce feature films?
• credited as producer on completed production(s)?

If so, this course could be for you!

The First-time feature film producers training course prepares you to step-up into the funded scripted feature film industry.

By the end of the course, you will:

• understand an industry standard funded feature film producer’s role and responsibilities
• have a complete overview of creative and practical filmmaking processes
• lead and communicate with confidence, fostering a positive atmosphere
• manage departments, motivate teams allowing room for creativity, ensure legal compliance
• organise projects, draft schedules, manage production budgets, negotiate salaries
• develop financial skills to set up funding structures, secure and negotiate deals with financial backers to create a successful film
• confidently market to distributors and the public

This training is supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions.

The training is delivered as a partnership between Mission Accomplished and The Fold.

Who it's for

This training is aimed at those with scripted producer experience in completed narrative shorts, micro-feature films and/or HETV drama, aiming to produce feature films in excess of £500k. 

To be eligible, you must want to develop your career within scripted feature films and have producer experience in (a minimum of) one of these genres: 

Short film producing:

• raised independent funds.
• gained recognition at prestigious festivals.
• worked with a writer and/or director.

Micro feature film producing:

• raised independent funds.
• secured formal distribution.
• gained recognition at prestigious festivals and/or had a theatrical release.

HETV / drama producing:

• have producer credit(s). 

We would also consider applications from those lacking a producer credit who have 5+years’ scripted experience (e.g. production manager, 1st AD or equivalent) and have evidence that they are embarking upon producing their first £500k+ feature film. 

We also welcome applications from producers looking to return to work following a career break with equivalent experience.

We welcome applications from all individuals. If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email training@mission.guru.

What it covers

This training aims to cover the key areas that first-time producers struggle with and/or have no experience of due to the big step up from shorts / micro-features to first feature.

• development: creative processes, finance, bridging the development-to-greenlight gap.
• pitching: successful techniques and strategies.
• packaging and raising finance: assembling funders, requirements and strategies and finding funding opportunities (e.g. regional funds).
• sales and distribution: market positioning and selling.
• leading and managing: building, leading and developing larger teams.
• budgeting and scheduling: planning, tracking costs and decision-making.
• complications: production issues, dealing with/planning for and communicating changes.
• post-production: workflow, schedules and deliverables. 

The course will be delivered through online and in-person sessions.

The lead trainers will be Michelle Stein and Jennifer Monks (founders, The Fold).

Webinar: Wednesday 16th October 2024.

How to apply

Click 'apply now' to submit your application. You will need to be logged into your ScreenSkills account to apply.

A webinar will take place on Wednesday 16 October 2024 to allow potential applicants an opportunity to hear more about the programme and ask questions of the training team.

Deadline for applications: Monday 28 October 2024.

Interviews: w/c Monday 4 November 2024.

Notifications: Friday 8 November 2024.

This course will run from Tuesday 26 November 2024 to Tuesday 4 February 2025. You will need to be able to commit to all sessions in order to participate:

• Tuesday 26 November 2024: session 1 – 3-hour online. 
• Tuesday 10 December 2024: session 2 – 3-hour online. 
• Wednesday 8 January 2025: session 3 – in-person, Birmingham. 
• Thursday 9 January 2025: session 4 – in-person, Birmingham.
• Tuesday 21 January 2025: session 5 – 3-hour online. 
• Tuesday 4 February 2025: session 6 – 3-hour online.

Contact information

Email: training@mission.guru