4-Part Advanced Level Feature Film Budget Review & Profitability Optimization Lab

Work one-on-one with Viviana Zarragoitia, Senior VP of Three Point Capital, who’s financed over 100 independent films!

Exclusive, interactive live lab with mentorship, hands-on mock budgets, and more!

Feature films are making a HUGE comeback, and now is the perfect time to ensure your project stands out. To turn your vision into a reality and a financial success, you need a smart, strategic budget that balances both creativity and investor expectations. Understanding how to craft a budget that maximizes profits and attracts the right partners is more important than ever. This exclusive, interactive 4-part Stage 32 lab will take a deep dive into the creative and economic trends shaping the independent feature film landscape. You'll gain the essential tools and insights to confidently navigate the filmmaking process and elevate your project to new heights—both financially and creatively!

Too often, filmmakers face the challenge of aligning creative vision with the financial realities of filmmaking. Without a solid understanding of key factors like talent, distribution potential, and financing, your project can fall short of its financial goals. In this lab, you'll learn how to build a financially viable film package that not only excites investors but also appeals to distributors, setting your film up for success from the very beginning.

Your Stage 32 educator Viviana Zarragoitia is a powerhouse in the world of film finance. With nearly a decade of experience at Three Point Capital, she’s financed over 100 independent films, collaborating with industry legends like Cassian Elwes and Lionsgate. Her expertise spans everything from production accounting to multimillion-dollar distribution deals. With Viviana as your guide, you’ll gain invaluable insight into the real-world application of film budgeting, with strategies you can immediately apply to your own projects.

Before the lab begins, you’ll receive a personalized pre-course questionnaire and be introduced via email to Viviana, allowing you to start the conversation and share your specific goals and questions. Throughout the lab, you’ll have direct access to Viviana, where you can ask career questions or seek guidance on your project. Think of her as your mentor, providing ongoing, tailored support every step of the way!

Throughout this lab, you’ll learn how to build a compelling creative package that attracts both investors and distributors, and understand the role of talent, casting, and pre-sales in shaping your budget. We’ll tackle key budgeting challenges, including how to manage fees, financing, and sales agents. You’ll also learn how to develop a finance plan that ensures you raise the necessary funds to meet your budget, and gain insights into navigating distribution revenues and recoupment strategies to guarantee profitability. By the end of the lab, you’ll be equipped with the tools to turn your film into a financially sustainable reality, backed by a detailed budget and finance plan!

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

Praise for Viviana's Past Stage 32 Teachings:

"Viviana inspired me to learn more about the business side of filmmaking. I had an idea of how to finance a movie, but after our first class, I realized I had a lot to learn. I'm learning more to this day! I highly recommend her class to any film creative with little, to no understanding on how to finance an independent film. What she has to say is priceless!"

-Steven K.

"As an experienced film and television producer and writer, Viviana's class was just the refresher - and inspiration - that I needed! Having been a completion producer for a bond company, I have seen too many producers who were let down in the producing process by so-called-professionals who offered support at the on-set of a production, but then failed to deliver when needed. Viviana and her company Three Point Capital have an excellent reputation, and her counsel provided in the class solidified that. I highly recommend both Viviana and Stage 32 Education!"

-Patricia C.

"Viviana was personable, professional, interesting, interested, and a wealth of knowledge and useful information. I will take every opportunity to learn from her. She was patient and polite with every question and always clear with what she knew, what she thought, what she believed, and what she didn't know. She painted pictures and delivered facts, outlining the paths she has seen successful producers take while still encouraging all to pursue their art with a greater knowledge of the business and understanding of the challenges and potential pitfalls."

-Randy G.

"As someone who was totally new to the world of film financing, trying to learn about the process by myself was intimidating to put it lightly. Viviana clearly explains the film financing process step-by-step and demystifies the complex, bespoke nature of pre-sales, tax credits, sales agents, and so much more. I feel infinitely more confident in my ability to produce a film thanks to this class. I give it the highest possible recommendation for any independent filmmaker looking to finance their film and take their projects to the next level."

-Sean R.

"Viviana has a tremendous depth and range of knowledge about film financing and she was happy to share everything she knew. Thanks to her loose, attentive style for the class, it ranged far and wide, and she answered a lot of people’s questions whether they were general or specific to their own projects. And I feel like there was value for all of us in even the most project-specific questions."

-Randy V.