Life-long learning through Film Independent's education programs

Film Independent produces over 150 educational events per year, ranging from hands-on workshops on lighting and Final Cut Pro to a six-week series on directing and the filmmaking business. Tapping into the best industry professionals, our objective is to provide a well-rounded approach to the filmmaking process that will enable our members to become better filmmakers and to achieve their career goals.

For more information on Film Independent's educational programs contact us at education@filmindependent.org.

Film Independent Signature Events

Director Series (Winter)

In our annual Director Series, today`s most exciting indie directors and their collaborators take us through the different stages of the creative process, revealing the secrets of their craft. Recent speakers have included: Guillermo del Toro, David Fincher, Mark Forster, Scott Frank, Paul Haggis, Tamara Jenkins, Spike Jonze, Kasi Lemmons, Jason Reitman, and Julian Schnabel. Learn more.

Financing Conference (Summer)

Held during the Los Angeles Film Festival, the Financing Conference is a full-day event designed to discuss different aspects of independent film production, financing, and distribution. Aimed at both established producers and up-and-coming fi lmmakers, the conference focuses on a wide range of topics that include: independent film financing, current financing trends, domestic and international tax incentives, working the markets, selling your movie, theatrical distribution, and online content distribution. Learn more.

Filmmaker Forum (Fall)

In frank, honest discussions, the most successful indie filmmakers and execs share insider advice on how films get made, bought, and sold. Some of the topics covered include: how to spend and save money in your production, production mistakes to avoid, picking the right representation for your film, how to create a buzz for your movie, understanding the fine print of a deal, and new models of distribution. The event includes networking lunches and receptions with prominent professionals in the independent film community; and meet and greets with fi lm commissions, festival representatives, publicists, and distributors. Attendees receive an invaluable book containing case studies of the latest independent films. This book is produced annually by Film Independent exclusively for Filmmaker Forum attendees. Learn more.