Stage 32 4-Part Class: The Filmmaker's Process To A Successful Indie Film

Learn how to make an independent feature film that stands out - from developing the right project for you to premiering your film in the most effective way - from award-winning filmmaker Clay Liford

PLUS! You'll receive 3 exclusive handouts from Clay to help you on your own independent filmmaking journey!

Most of us pursue filmmaking as a career due to our lifelong love of watching movies. It’s often said that before filmmakers develop their own personal styles, many subconsciously “borrow” tropes from the very filmmakers who shaped their early lives. The visionaries who put the fire in their bellies to begin with. This is totally natural and not a problem, except for when it comes down to a question of practical resources. Particularly when you’re producing your first feature film. The vast majority of us are influenced by studio films. Productions with incredibly deep pockets and A-list stars. There’s a strange tendency to assume the best tactic when tackling your own movies amounts to “beat them at their own game.” But there’s the problem. First time filmmakers rarely have studio-level resources at their disposal so their specific choices and approach to the process is what can make or break their film.

Essentially, you can’t make “Die Hard in your backyard”. You’re not playing on the same field. But, if you have the right approach, you can turn your limited resources in a powerful feature film that can not only get the attention of studios, but ironically beat them at their own game. 

In this exclusive and interactive Stage 32 4-part class, you will learn how to hone your craft and the process of independent filmmaking from start to finish so your independent feature film can rise above the rest. You will learn the types of creative choices to make when approaching an independent film to increase your odds of success, how to develop your own visual style and directorial point of view, and garner an understanding of your overall role as the director. You will cover everything from how to maximize your pre-production, how to communicate with your cast and crew, how to determine when you've got the footage you need, how to properly work with your editor and even how to best receive and manage notes from producers and investors.

Teaching you everything you need to know to succeed as an independent filmmaker is award-winning filmmaker Clay Liford, who has written and directed four feature films to date, including WUSS (SXSW, AFI Audience Award Winner), EARTHLING (SXSW), and SLASH (SXSW, Edinburgh, Munich). All are currently available to stream. As a director of photography, Clay has shot over twenty features, including the award-winning films ST. NICK (SXSW) and GAYBY (SxSW). He's worked with SyFy, Vice, and Troma Films. He was also a creator on the Paramount+ series STRANGE ANGEL. His latest feature, THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL REGIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL MURDERS is currently in pre-production.

There’s a strong balance between artistic and realistic, and thankfully they aren’t mutually exclusive. You just need to learn how to walk in both worlds at the same time. This class will help you put your best foot forward in choosing and developing your project and in executing it in a manner most likely to produce the greatest impact on your audience, your distributors and your career.

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you on your independent filmmaking journey. Downloads include:

• Combined Indie Film Design Charts & Efficient Shot List/Coverage Tables
• Story Structure for Smaller Films Charts & Data
• Indie Film Steps & Overview - Rudimentary Technical Knowhow

Praise for Clay's Stage 32 Teaching:

“As an up and coming director, I had some experience before taking the class but was able to really hone my craft with Clay's help. I highly recommend to anyone in the industry." -- Chris B.

"No matter your role in the filmmaking process, you should take this course. Clay teaches things that everyone on set should know, so we can all come together to make the best project." -- Lori M.

"As a writer, I took this course to get my feet wet with directing but actually learned so much more than just directing. This course has changed my writing for the better. I'm very grateful for Clay's time and energy with all his students!" -- Mark W.