Slamdance's 99K
Feature Project

All-Day: April 22 & April 23
At the Village
1125 N. McCadden Place
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Price: $199
Student Rate: $150*
Two participants: $250
Special Day Pass: $99**
Group Rates: e-mail 99K@slamdance.com
Hours: 9am-5pm (break 12pm-1pm)
*Student ID's will be required upon check-in at event
**Does not include Special Screenings

Download Registration Form

Overview

Slamdance's 99K Feature Project is open to all aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters that want insight into the world of independent filmmaking from practicing filmmakers, producers, screenwriters, writer/directors and industry professionals. Over the course of the weekend we will cover the journey of an independent project from concept to creation and wrap up with a comprehensive look at new technology, the world of distribution and alternatives if your film doesn't get bought by the Weinsteins.

The event also includes screenings of recent films from the Slamdance Film Festival and a staged reading of the winner of the 2005 Slamdance Screenplay Competition. Just a stone's throw from the Slamdance Los Angeles headquarters at the Village's intimate Renberg Theater, we'll answer the question, "how do films get made outside the studio system?"

Special Screenings

Slamdance's 99K Feature Project includes two special screenings of films from the Slamdance Film Festival:
- April 22nd (7-9pm) "THE OTHER SIDE" Directed & Written by Gregg Bishop
- April 23rd (7-9pm) "NEO NED" Directed by Van Fischer, Written by Tim Boughn

Each session will feature panel discussion with leading industry experts

    Topics for Saturday April 22th

    • How to make a 99K feature film

      A strategic overview starting with the basics: how to approach making a film on an independent budget; a breakdown of the process for aspiring filmmakers; how to conceptualize a project; where to find a like-minded production team; and the best way to think about budgeting.
    • The right material & where to find it

      Where to find material and how to find the best screenwriters; evaluating screenwriting competitions; writing groups; script registry; and how to navigate the world of web-based screenwriting resources.
    • How to write on a micro budget

      An inside look at the successes and pitfalls from independent screenwriters, writer/directors and tools they used including writing programs and screenwriting software; how to write a script with an eye on the budget.
    • Financing a low budget feature film

      You've got the project, the team, the passion, but you need money. How to budget an independent project; what's the best equipment for the least amount of money; where to find creative financing and if that doesn't work how to finance it yourself.
    • How to get a million dollar cast for a 99K feature

      How to get an A-list cast to sign on for a 99K feature; what they're looking for and when and how to use agents; when don't you want a star, even if they'll work for scale.

    Topics for Sunday April 23th

    • Filmmaking from the trenches: war stories and production strategies

      Worst case scenarios and the light at the end of the tunnel; what filmmaking on an independent budget is really like; the horrors of a mismanaged team vs. a smooth running, well-oiled production machine.
    • Post-production on a 99K feature film

      Whether it's in the can or on the tape, now the real work begins; various strategies for post-production on a budget, managing digital workflow; managing costs and making sure the end product is watch-able.
    • Festivals and how to utilize their value

      For better or worse your project is done; how to get on the festival circuit and what it can do for the future of your film; what are the best festivals and how to make the most of them while you are there.
    • Making a deal: how to sell your film to a distributor

      Who are the best distributors and what are they looking for; how to get their attention; should you hire a producer's rep; how to create a buzz and keep the dream alive over the long-haul until your film sees the light of day.
    • Alternative distribution strategies

      So that didn't work, but all is not lost! The world of independent distribution is changing every day. From pod-casting to other web-based options, how to find a market for your film and squeeze out every penny's worth and maybe, just maybe, make a profit.

    Confirmed Panelists:

    Nicole Arbusto (Casting Director)

    Christophe Baaden (Principal, Filmbild - Post Effects)

    Pete Ballard (Lab 601)

    Philip Bartell (Editor, Boy Culture)

    Peter Baxter (Slamdance, Cofounder/President)

    Eric Besner (Netflix, VP of Original Programming)

    Richard Bever (Andrew Lauren Productions, VP of Development & Production)

    Gregg Bishop (Director, The Other Side)

    Mark Borman (Producer, Neo Ned)

    Allan Brocka (Director, Boy Culture)

    Jim Corbett (Mix Magic)

    Jeremy Coon (Producer, Napoleon Dynamite, The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang)

    Ben Cote (DivX, Inc)

    Mickey Cottrell (Inclusive PR)

    Eric D'Arbellof (Roadside Attractions)

    Sarah Diamond (Slamdance, Director of Programming)

    Kevin Di Novis (Writer/Director, Surrender Dorothy, Death & Texas)

    Samuel Engelbart (Executive Vice President, 7ate9 Entertainment & Artfire Films)

    Paul Federbush (Warner Independent, Sr. VP Production & Acquisitions)

    Christian Gaines (AFI, Director of Programming)

    Scott Garner (SAG Indie)

    Richard Glatzer (Co-Director, Quinceanera)

    Micah Green (CAA)

    Stephen Gutwillig (Outfest, Executive Director)

    Jenny Hinkey (Line Producer, Neo Ned, Death & Texas)

    Stephen Israel (Producer, Swimming with Sharks, Death & Texas, Boy Culture)

    Hal "Corky" Kessler (Funkhouser Vegosen Liebman & Dunn Ltd.)

    Julian Krainin (Producer, Quiz Show, Something the Lord Made, 3-time Peabody award winner)

    Bill MacOmber (President, Fancy Film - Post House)

    John Manulis (Visionbox Media Group)

    Dan Mirvish (Slamdance Cofounder, Director, Open House)

    Joe Neulight (Withoutabox, Cofounder)

    Linda Phillips Palo (Casting Director, The Rainmaker, The Virgin Suicides, Death & Texas)

    Howard A. Rodman (Professor and Chair Division of Writing, USC School of Cinema-Television)

    Anthony Russo (Director, Arrested Development, Welcome to Collinwood)

    Morris Ruskin (Produce, GlennGary Glen Ross, The Man From Elysian Field)

    David Shultz (Vitagraph Films, President)

    Alain Silver (co-story/producer, Crashing, writer/director, White Nights)

    Mark Stolaroff (Founder, No Budget Film School)

    John Stoddard (Slamdance, Screenplay Competition Director)

    Heidi Van Lier (Writer/Director, Chi Girl, Monday)

    Jacques Thelemaque (President and Founder, Filmmakers Alliance)

    Linda Voorhees (writer/co-director, Raising Genius, writer/director, Out of Omaha)

    Wash Westmoreland (Director, Quinceanera, The Fluffer)

    Steven J. Wolfe (Producer, Twin Falls Idaho, Beautiful Loser)

    To register, download our 99K Registration Form.