Learn a step-by-step process from a PGA producer who has made over 25 feature films!

Get a development funds breakdown sheet, pre-pitch deck sheet, distribution agreement, talent agreement and a film slate template

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.

The feature film landscape is more accessible and dynamic than ever before, and making a SAG ultra-low budget film is an exciting way to break in. With the rise of distribution options, even films made on modest budgets can reach global audiences and make a significant impact. The ultra-low budget model applies to films made in the United States for under $300,000USD. It allows for more creative freedom, letting you experiment with unique stories and styles that might not fit into traditional studio frameworks. With SAG's ultra low budget agreements, you can work with professional talent without breaking the bank, giving your film a polished edge while still maintaining creative control.

With all this opportunity there also comes challenges when working with a small budget. When you have limited resources sometimes key things on your film can be accidentally overlooked. From misunderstanding union agreements to underestimating budget constraints, these errors can cost your film time and money. Luckily, with the right guidance, you can avoid these issues and set your film up for success.

Michelle Alexandria is a P.G.A. producer and distribution executive, who has worked on over 25 feature films with budgets of $6MM and under. Many of the projects she has worked on have been SAG ultra-low budget and she has an experience in getting these projects to the finish line and in front of audiences. She is here to help guide you on your own SAG ultra-low budget project to give you all the tools you need. 

In this exclusive Stage 32 class, Michelle will teach you everything you need to know from understanding talent contracts and navigating union decisions to budgeting, crew contracts, and financing options. Michelle will also dive into distribution and marketing strategies tailored for ultra-low budget films and share case studies to help you with your own project! 

PLUS! Receive these exclusive handouts:

• Development funds breakdown sheet
• Film slate sheet template
• One-sheet example (pre-pitch deck sheet)
• Distribution Agreement
• Talent Agreement 

**Even though this class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email we still encourage you to participate in the exercises or assignments

Praise for Michelle’s Past Teaching with Stage 32

"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K

“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.

"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.

Session 1: Understanding Talent Contracts and Union Decisions

• Industry Overview: Union vs. Non-Union Productions

• Understanding the SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreements

• Key differences between union and non-union productions

• Pros and Cons of Union Participation

• Cost implications and budget considerations

• Impact on talent recruitment and production quality

• Navigating Talent Contracts for Low-Budget Films

• Essential clauses and terms in talent agreements

• Strategies for negotiating with actors and agents

• Case Studies: Success Stories and Lessons Learned

• Examples of films that thrived with and without union participation

• Analyzing the factors that led to their success

• Q&A with Michelle 

Session 2: Budgeting and Crew Contracts at the Ultra Low Budget Level

• Understanding Budget Constraints at the Ultra Low Budget Level

• What does "Ultra Low Budget" mean in practical terms?

• Resource allocation: development, production, and post-production

• Crew Contracts and Essential Agreements

• Key crew roles and contract essentials

• Handling locations, extras, and other essential agreements

• Maximizing Production Efficiency

• Tips for managing shorter schedules and limited resources

• Balancing production quality with budget limitations

• Tools and Resources for Effective Budgeting

• Software, templates, and real-world budgeting examples

• Q&A with Michelle 

Session 3: Financing Options for Ultra Low Budget Films

• Exploring Financing Options for Ultra Low Budget Films

• Crowdfunding, private investors, and grants

• Understanding what works best for your project

• Contracts and Terms for Securing Financing

• Key components of financing agreements

• Investor expectations and how to meet them

• Key Components of Financing Agreements

• Essential clauses in investor agreements

• Protecting your rights while ensuring investor confidence

• Investor Expectations and How to Meet Them

• Setting realistic expectations and deliverables for investors

• Communication and transparency throughout the production process

• Q&A with Michelle 

Session 4: Distribution and Marketing Strategies for Ultra Low Budget Films

• Understanding Distribution Options for Ultra Low Budget Films

• Digital platforms, traditional distribution, and grassroots strategies

• The role of sales agents and distributors

• Marketing Your Film on a Limited Budget

• Building a marketing plan with minimal resources

• Leveraging social media and digital marketing

• Navigating Distribution Contracts

• Key clauses and terms to watch out for

• Ensuring fair revenue participation

• Case Studies: Successful Distribution of Ultra Low Budget Films

• Examples of films that achieved success with minimal budgets

• Lessons learned and actionable insights

• Q&A with Michelle 

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.

Producers of all levels who want a better understanding of how to produce an ultra-low-budget film.

Filmmakers of all levels who want to better direct an ultra-low-budget film by understanding how they are produced.

Screenwriters of all levels who want to have a better understanding of how an ultra-low-budget film is made to inform their writing.

"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K

“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.

"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.