Learn from the Honey Head team that has produced 16 films across various budgets!

Get key downloads including 3 Investor Acquisition Documents, your Pre-Production Gantt Chart, Stripboard, Sample 2nd Unit/Wrap Schedule and a Sample Delivery Schedule from a Distributor

Payment plans are available at checkout through Shop Pay

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand; it is no longer live and the instructor is not available for personal questions, but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

These days, making a feature film for under $500,000 is not only possible, but it can also be profitable and land you distribution. With the right approach, you can create something truly impactful without breaking the bank. But to do that, you need to understand the ins and outs of on-set production. Every decision counts when you're working with a limited budget, and knowing how to navigate development, pre-production, production, and post-production can save you time, money, and headaches. 

One of the biggest obstacles you will face when making a film under $500,000 is figuring out how to manage the entire filmmaking process—from pre-production all the way through post. It’s not just about writing a script that fits the budget; you also have to secure financing, build the right team, and make smart choices in pre-production that won’t balloon your costs during production. And once filming wraps, post-production can be just as challenging. How do you set realistic post timelines, choose the right editors, and create deliverables that distributors will accept?  You’ll learn how to navigate the entire journey with a sharp eye on your bottom line.

Kristi Ray and Erika Arlee are filmmakers who know how to get things done in this budget range, and they’re here to show you how. Together, they’ve produced 16 award-winning films. Their work through Honey Head Films has set them apart as experts in producing films with strong, compelling stories and high production value—on realistic budgets. They’ve been in the trenches, solving problems creatively on set, and they’ll share the strategies they use to consistently turn indie projects into films that get attention.

In this exclusive 4-part Stage 32 class you’ll dive deep into every part of the filmmaking process. From choosing the right script and securing financing, to building a team that can execute your vision and navigating the post-production process, this class covers it all. By the end, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to take your feature film from concept to completion on a budget, with the confidence to tackle any challenge along the way.

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand and no longer live, but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

PLUS! You'll receive these downloadable documents:

• 3 Critical Investor Acquisition Documents  
• The Holy Grail: Your Pre-Production Gantt Chart  
• Stripboard, Sample 2nd Unit/Wrap Schedule  
• Sample Delivery Schedule from a Distributor  

Testimonial from your Stage 32 Educators:

"Stage 32 is an amazing creative community that acts as a pivotal bridge to members of the film industry, especially those at early career stages. We are excited to share our years of award-winning production experience with all Stage 32 members."

-Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, Honey Head Films

Session #1: Deep Dive into Development

• Script - Write the right film (the one you can make today)  
• Pacing for the edit  
• Pitch your heart out (how to talk about your film like a business)  
• Tools of the trade: POC, Deck, Website, Name Talent, etc.  
• Financing: Crowdfunding, Private Equity, Grants, Incentives  
• How and when to utilize each  
• Q&A with Kristi Ray and Erika Arlee  

Handout: 3 Critical Investor Acquisition Documents  

Assignment: Find three comps, research their budgets, and record the net profit for each.  

Session #2: Fix It in Prep

• Building your team: how to attract and hire the right crew and cast  
• Rates, dates, and resumes  
• Understanding the power of emotional currency  
• Scout like a pro: built-in production value and why it’s key  
• Indie-proofing your budget: where to save and where to splurge  
• Preparing for sneaky line items that balloon your bottom line  
• SAG vs. non-union  
• Conversations to have before cameras roll  
• Workflow, office/set expectations & etiquette, taking care of talent  
• Q&A with Kristi Ray and Erika Arlee  

Handout: The Holy Grail: Your Pre-Production Gantt Chart  

Assignment: Build two versions of your crew list (positions and people).  

Session #3: The Production Playbook

• Schedule/Stripboard  
• Strategies around building your day with your budget in mind  
• Company moves, overnights vs. splits vs. day for night, second units  
• The right equipment list for your crew size  
• An Anecdotal Bowl of Indie Grits  
• Stories from set, big wins, and lessons learned  
• Q&A with Kristi Ray and Erika Arlee  

Handout: Stripboard, Sample 2nd Unit/Wrap Schedule  

Assignment: Put on your Producer hat and revise your screenplay (literally or make producer notes for the writers). 

Session #4: Post and Distribution

• Post timelines  
• Setting goals and deadlines  
• Market value of services: color, sound, score  
• Deliverables: what to ask for from your online editor  
• Film festivals: where to submit  
• The “Top 5” myth  
• Working with a festival consultant  
• Making the most of your run  
• Distribution playbook  
• The Back Pocket Pitch  
• Using your calling card film  
• Q&A with Kristi Ray and Erika Arlee  

Handout: Sample Delivery Schedule from a Distributor  

Assignment: Go make the movie with confidence!  

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• This class is designed for all creatives interested in the step by step for producing a Feature Film Under $500K.

• This class consists of 4 sessions roughly two hours in duration and offers significantly more in-depth content than a standard Stage 32 webinar.

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand; it is no longer live and the instructor is not available for personal questions, but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

-Independent filmmakers working on projects of any size who want to maximize production value while staying within budget

-Producers and directors seeking to improve their pre-production planning, on-set efficiency, and problem-solving skills

-Filmmakers at all stages of their career looking to enhance their knowledge of navigating complex on-set elements, such as animals, VFX, and action sequences

-Aspiring filmmakers eager to learn practical strategies to avoid costly production mistakes and improve their workflow

-Creative professionals interested in making the most of limited resources, no matter the size or scope of their project

Testimonial from your Stage 32 Educators:

"Stage 32 is an amazing creative community that acts as a pivotal bridge to members of the film industry, especially those at early career stages. We are excited to share our years of award-winning production experience with all Stage 32 members." -Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, Honey Head Films