Session 1 – Script Breakdown: Translating Story into Production

Understanding how a script becomes a plan

• What a script breakdown really is (beyond tagging)
• Approach: AI tools vs Final Draft
• What to look for- Surface elements and Hidden drivers
• Identifying cost drivers early:
• Continuity considerations
• How breakdown directly informs scheduling
• What you should already be thinking as a producer:

Key Takeaway:

Script breakdown is where producing begins — not just organization, but early decision-making.

Assignment:

• Complete a script breakdown
• Identify top 5 budget/schedule risks

Session 2 – Scheduling: Building a Shootable Plan

Turning the breakdown into a realistic schedule

• Starting with reality: how many shoot days you actually have
• Grouping by location to minimize company moves
• Layering in cast availability
• Day vs night strategy and turnaround considerations
• Page count vs difficulty (not all pages are equal)
• Handling special scenarios:
  • action sequences
  • driving days
  • stage/set builds
  • weather-dependent scenes
• Combining and optimizing days
• A template process method everyone can use

Key Takeaway:

Scheduling is where you decide what version of the movie you can actually make.

Assignment:

• Build a schedule
• Explain your strategy:
  • where you saved days
  • where risks remain

Session 3 – Budgeting: Finding the Real Number (Then Hitting It)

Building and refining a film budget based on real constraints

Creating a “Truth Budget”

• Build honestly from the schedule
• Use realistic assumptions (days, crew, rates)
• Identify true cost of the film

Creating “Target Budget”

• Work toward a defined number
• The key places to adjust 

Understanding budgeting Core Concepts:

• Setting up globals for flexibility:
• How schedule drives budget
• Identifying cost drivers and pressure points

How to balance Creative vs Budget Fixes:

Key Takeaway:

Budgeting isn’t about getting a number — it’s about controlling what drives that number.

Assignment:

• Build a “Truth Budget”
• Adjust to hit a “Target Budget”
• Explain:
  • what changed
  • what was protected
  • what was sacrificed

Session 4 – Cost Reporting: Staying in Control During Production

Managing real-time production finances

• Understanding Budget vs Actual vs EFC (Estimated Final Cost)
• Using EFC as an early warning system
• Identifying problems before going over budget
• Recognizing patterns vs one-time issues

Managing Overages:

• Finding recoveries:-where to save without hurting the screen
• Learning to adjust-where and how 

The keys to effective Communication:

• Proactive reporting
• Presenting solutions (not just problems)
• Managing expectations with producers

Cash Flow Awareness:

• Difference between budget issues vs cash flow issues
• Why cash flow can shut down a production faster than budget overruns

Key Takeaway:

The goal isn’t to report problems — it’s to solve them before they escalate.

Assignment:

• Analyze a sample cost report
• Identify issues and propose solutions

• Emerging producers who want to stop guessing and start budgeting with real-world confidence
• Screenwriters who want to understand how their creative choices translate to production costs before they ever get to set
• Film students and recent graduates looking to bridge the gap between what they learned in school and how productions actually run
• Independent filmmakers who are tired of blowing their budget mid-shoot and want a repeatable system that actually works
• Associate and line producers ready to level up their producing skills and take on more financial responsibility on set
• Directors who want to collaborate more effectively with their producers and understand the real impact of their creative decisions
• Anyone who has ever stared at a budget spreadsheet and had no idea where to start — this class was built for you

Praise For Michael's Teaching on Stage 32:

"I really needed something to level up my filmmaking and producing game and learning from Michael was just the right thing. he's super knowledgeable, cares about his students, and wants everyone to succeed in their endeavors!" - Logan F.

"I'm so glad I got to work with Michael. I thought I knew everything there was before making my first film but boy was I wrong. He really helped me get my production in shape before we started shooting. Thank you!" - Caroline R.

"No matter how experienced you are, getting your passion project made is within your reach. Whether you’re a brand new producer or someone with more experience looking for a refresher or new perspective, Michael will give you the tools you need." - Josh P