Producing Independent Film (VIRTUAL)
This course offers a holistic approach to the filmmaking process, encompassing both project development and film distribution –the Producer’s Journey. Students will embark on a journey from initial ideation to audience engagement, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to bring their cinematic visions to life and successfully navigate the complex industry landscape.
In the project development segment, participants will immerse themselves in the transformative process of turning creative concepts into compelling pitches ready for presentation to industry professionals. Through hands-on workshops and practical exercises, students will explore every stage of development, honing their pitching skills and crafting polished pitch materials.
Transitioning to film distribution, students will delve into the various distribution channels available to filmmakers alongside essential marketing strategies crucial for maximizing audience reach and commercial success. From understanding distribution deals to targeting specific audiences and executing promotional campaigns, participants will gain insights into the intricacies of navigating the distribution process in today’s competitive film market.
Please note: students do have graded assignments, assessments, and projects and will receive a final grade in this course. Grades demonstrate a student’s ability to apply their understanding and mastery of concepts taught in this course. Trilith Institute instructors have a wealth of knowledge as they come with expertise in the film and entertainment industry.
Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.
WHAT YOU WILL WALK AWAY WITH
- Essential skills and insider knowledge to successfully develop, produce, and market an independent feature-length film outside of the major studio system.
- Qualification to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant.*
- 15% off Trilith Institute workshops for 6 months after course enrollment.
- A tour of Trilith Studios!
*Those receiving a grade of 80 (B) or above in the course will receive a “Certificate of Completion”. Complete 3 of the Trilith Institute’s Professional Education Courses, and you will receive “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts.” In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing workshop, you will be eligible to submit an original project for consideration for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.
Questions? Check out our FAQ page.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR: THOMAS HORTON
Thomas Horton is an experienced film professional with over a decade of diverse expertise spanningdevelopment, casting, producing and physical production. With a passion for filmmaking in his home in the Southeast, Thomas hopes to help foster a new era for Southern independent film through education.
After obtaining his MFA in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California, Thomas worked in development, casting and producing for studios including Heyday Pictures, CBS Network and Paramount. A life-long desire to join the film community in the Southeast brought Thomas to Atlanta, where he began working in production on major motion pictures, many of which were filmed at Trilith. From 2019 to 2024, Thomas worked as an Assistant Production Coordinator on projects including Blue Beetle, The Conjuring 3, The Suicide Squad, Captain America: Brave New World.
Thomas is committed to creating opportunities for local writers, directors, and producers. He believes that fostering talent within Atlanta will lead not only to more work opportunities but also to more informed and innovative filmmaking that fully leverages the region’s unique resources and storytelling opportunities.
