MASTERCLASS
Curriculum: Essential 8 "Business of Filmmaking" Classes.
The Ford Studios® Masterclass helps further the careers of its Student Filmmakers by advancing their understanding of the “business of filmmaking”, from script to screen. In addition to attending all eight (8) classes in the program, each Student Filmmaker will be paired with an experienced Hollywood Advisor with whom they’ll work to develop their project over the course of the program. Taking place during the 2-hour a day course over two weeks (Monday – Thursday), the Masterclass commences with a development pitch session with an established Hollywood executive, offering participants valuable practical experience and the chance to introduce their projects to a larger cross-section of the industry.
CLASS SIZE
Not to exceed three (3) Student Filmmakers per MasterClass Session.
LOCATIONS
IN-PERSON
Ford Studios® is now offering an IN-PERSON, award-winning Masterclass in Lisbon, Portugal. The sessions meet on a daily basis for 2 hours, Monday – Thursday, for eight (8) consecutive days excluding holidays. Student Filmmakers will interact with the same teacher and classmates for the duration of the MasterClass program, thus forming a strong bond and networking opportunity with peers in the industry.
ONLINE
Ford Studios® ONLINE, award-winning Masterclass offers the same quality of instruction as our Lisbon In-Person classes, and replicates the experience of being together in a classroom setting. These classes take place in “real time”, and advance day-by-day, and should be accomplished within eight (8) consecutive 2-hour per day sessions, Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. Classes are conducted over Zoom.
PRIVATE MASTERCLASS
Would you like to work ONE-ON-ONE, privately, with MARC FORD?
There is a time-honored tradition of Filmmakers giving each other advice on their work. It’s tough to catch a break in Hollywood. Studio executives, agents, and distributors seldom grant you more than a first look, so you want your work to be in the best possible shape before sending it out into the world. Marc Ford can help strengthen your work and maximize your chances of success.
CLASSES
1. DEVELOPMENT
2. LEGAL
3. FINANCE
4. INVESTMENT
5. DISTRIBUTION
6. MARKETING
7. SALES
8. BLUEPRINT
“An intensive, two week-long program designed to help creative, independent filmmakers develop and advance their knowledge of the “business of filmmaking.” – Marc Ford
Filmmakers may apply with feature length narrative or documentary projects that are in active development. Through the MasterClass, Students develop strategies and action plans to bring their projects to fruition.
For more information on the application deadline please visit our applications page.
WHO CAN APPLY
The Ford Studios® Workshops are open to any Filmmaker formally attached to a full-length fiction or documentary feature film with a completed script in place. Applicants must control the rights to the project with which they apply. Projects do not need financing in place at the time of application. However, each application must demonstrate serious attention to the film’s budget and articulate the reasoning behind the budget level. Short films, television projects, and new media projects are not eligible to apply for the Workshops program.
Note: Filmmaking partners are only welcome to apply as part of a team for Private Coaching sessions, and will need only to submit a single application.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:
- Execute and Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the Producing Lab (500 words max)
- An artist statement detailing why you are attached to produce (500 words max)
- One complete, feature-length screenplay
- A logline and synopsis
- Project status and history (500 words max)
- Budget top sheet and finance plan
Applicants must be the original author and owner of the Project they submit. Applications submitted via email will not be considered.
MASTERCLASS FEE
Group: Online, Zoom
Real-time video-conference
Tuition: €400
Group: In-Person, Lisbon, Portugal
In-person
Tuition: €400
Private: One-On-One
Online or In-person, Lisbon, Portugal
Tuition: €700
THE FINE PRINT
Tipstor® Network Membership is free when enrolling in the MasterClass program.
Applicants who are accepted to participate in the MasterClass program should plan to be in Lisbon or accessible on Zoom. Ford Studios® is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of Lisbon. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.
This program will help you understand the process of the film business, from script to screen, so that your next film is a raging success for the audience and your bank account.
