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ULTIMATE FILM WORKSHOP - Course Programs
Full yearly Workshop, Bundles and Individual Categories Purchases Below
To add on segments and/or get credits towards the Full Workshop or Bundles please contact. serge.rodnunsky@gmail.com
The Ultimate Film Workshop All – 40 hours.
ALL Video Modules. Full Pro Workshop.
*30min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included
$4495 value, Launch one time price of only $12.50/mo billed annually
Bundle 1 – Producing, Directing, Writing, Casting – 12 hours.
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included
$1095 value, introductory price of only $299.00
Bundle 2 – Financing, Distribution, Budgeting and Scheduling, and Marketing – 10.5 hours.
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included
$1095 value, introductory price of only $299.00
Bundle 3 – Cinematography, Editing, Sound –
9 hours.
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included
$850 value, introductory price of only $299.00
Bundle 4 – Acting, Writing, Casting –
6.5 hours.
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included
$650 value, introductory price of only $199.00
Individual Categories for Purchase
DIRECTING for Indies and 3 film Analysis.
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$795 value, introductory price of only $189.00
PRODUCING, plus added Name Casting.
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$795 value, introductory price of only $189.00
FINANCING and Investor Relations
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$795 value, introductory price of only $189.00
DISTRIBUTION and Marketing
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$795 value, introductory price of only $189.00
SCREENPLAY WRITING for Indies
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$595 value, introductory price of only $159.00
ACTING, plus added Casting for Indies
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$595 value, introductory price of only $159.00
BUDGETING and SCHEDULING
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$595 value, introductory price of only $159.00
CINEMATOGRAPHY, plus added Sound.
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$695 value, introductory price of only $189.00
EDITING, plus added Sound.
*20min Consulting time,
1yr paid monthly subscription content included.
$595 value, introductory price of only $159.00
PAID SUBSCRIPTION CONTENT ONLY.
Monthly subscription billing
Introductory price of only $8.95/month
Consulting and Coverage
Payment Page.
*Consulting Time Subject to availability, must be used within the course purchase time.
Description of All Videos – What you get!
Paid Subscription
content.
Monthly Paid Subscription Content:
1. 1-3 new monthly Vodcasts and access to older Vodcasts.
2. Detailed Analysis of 1 indie or studio feature film a month.
3. Market News Updates. Including Finance and Distribution.
4. New Gear updates and information. Cameras, Editing, Etc.
5. Film Set Funnies. Hysterically funny true stories from film shoots.
6. Interviews with Industry professionals. (As available.)
Choosing a Project
This video is an overview of how to decide on a project and then how to proceed to getting it made.
Chapters in Video:
Be Passionate, Action,Comedy, and Drama, Start With Shorts, Get Covered Multiple times by Readers, Are you a good story teller? Keep the Suspense, Script is KING!
11:30min (included in all levels)
Filmmaking Career
This video is an overview of your overall approach to the industry and initial expectations.
Chapters Include:
Get material covered cheapest thing to do,
Most filmmakers 1 time only, Millions of dollars of Know-How
08:07 (included in all levels)
Consulting and Coverage
This video is an overview expressing the deep need for coverage and guidance for filmmakers, especially first-time filmmakers. As hard as any criticism is to accept it is a necessary part of growth.
Chapters Include:
You need Consulting and Coverage!, Serge can save you $10’s of Thousands, It’s a disservice to yourself not to get help, Your material becomes a Religion, Not good, Films are like Restaurants, Films are Complex, Acting is Art and Craft.
31:38 (included in all levels)
Producing
Part 1
This video is an overview expressing the deep need for coverage and guidance for filmmakers, especially first-time filmmakers. As hard as any criticism is to accept it is a necessary part of growth.
Chapters Include:
A producer facilitates getting a film made, Film is a Team Sport, The JUGGLE, THREAD THE NEEDLE. Plan Perfectly
Producing
Part 2
This video explores the 7 reasons your film is not getting financed. In addition further information on threading the needle.
Chapters Include:
Math has to work
7 reasons you’re not getting a film made
Shredded and taking critique
Positive Poll and Negative Poll
You can do well but have to adapt and be open. Not selfish.
A small film may be Stepping Stone. THREAD THE NEEDLE!
Writing Into
Part 1
This video is an intro overview to writing that outlines the first steps in getting a script written and the additional education you will need. Also tempering your experience and ego in the notoriously difficult process of getting out a first draft.
Chapters Include:
Writing is Rewriting, Watch Film Read Script and visa versa
NOT on the PAGE not on THE STAGE, Where do you get story ideas. WHAT IF?, Sleep a lot, You will you have to REWRITE – GET IT OUT!, Fight your own EGO, Dialogue from Improv actors.16:30
Writing Into
Part 2
In this Video we begin the analysis of the script “Neutralizer”. It discusses how to best title, tagline, synopsis and write the outline to begin the script.
Chapters Include:
The Neutralizer – the script workshop, How do you start, How to find the concept
Work on your ear for dialogue. 21:47
Writing Into
Part 3
In this Video we cover 1st act analysis of the script “Neutralizer”. It discusses how to best open, establish themes and characters and get the audience hooked into your script.
Chapters Include:
Writing and Pain of 1st Draft, 65million film, Research – Quanna Parker Last Comanche Chief.Page 1 – “The Neutralizer”, David and Goliath. 41:21
Writing
Part 4
Writing Part 4:
In this video it continues through Act 1 into Act 2 discussing, story development, action set pieces, plot, characterization.
Chapters Include:
Page 23 gun shop, Page 25 flashbacks, Introduce corrupt cop Lift with fight, Page 31 Hero Showing Off his skills,Bacht in US, Dinner and a Movie…
Writing
Part 5
Writing Part 5:
In this video it continues through Act 2 and 3 discussing, story development, plot, and characterization.
Pacing, Weaving 2nd Act, Love Scenes. Also all action elements in 3rd act.
Pacing in a Script similar to Editing, Babylon didn’t work. Why? Inside Hollywood,Page 45
Weaving through 2nd Act Chevy Truck, Quiet 2nd act time. Ok to pause,Page 56 – Love scenes in 2nd act, Dessert.
Acting
Part 1
In this video we learn about the history of acting. Modern forms of acting and the needs of actors on the production.
Chapters include:
We are all actors from the beginning, Primal Hunt and Primal Fertility, Two schools Diggy Down and English Mask
Stanislavsky – The System, The Method, Strasburg, Adler, Meisner…
MEMORIZE
People are looking for Truth and Authentici
Acting
Part 2
In this video we learn about Diggy Down techniques, The 4th Wall, The Wild Squirrel theory, and much more.
Chapters Include:
Meisner, Improv work, diggy down Actors are often Filmmakers, Directing is not Glamorous, Directing yourself as an Actor, Acting in a Childlike Environment.
Acting
Part 3
In this video we learn about Selling yourself, Corkscrew tension in your acting, the need for skills and much more.
Chapters Include:
Little films not seen much, Exploitation – Acting is Selling, We are Liars, Take your time, especially in Auditions, THE WALL, So you get booked!
Directing
Part 1
In this video we learn many detailed aspects of directing. From controlling the set to getting great performances and more.
Chapters Include:
Benevolent God, good manager, Page Count Nemesis,
Editors make good Directors often, Know a lot about acting, Have to Direct to Direct start small, Camera Knowledge is Critical, Fastest way to shoot, Always have a mediator, Changing Dialogue,
Continuity, Shooting Inside-Out
Directing
Part 2
In this video we learn many more aspects of directing, from working with difficult actors to planning stunts and CGI.
Chapters Include:
Logic, Logic, Logic – plausible
Working with difficult actors
Action Sequences,
BE SERIOUS AND SOBER around guns.
Cold and Hot Climates. Cameras and Gear Test it.
People holding Film Hostage
Directing
Part 3
In this video we dig into Analysis of Bourne Identity from a directors perspective.
Chapters Include:
Bourne Identity – 2002 – Doug Liman Director
Develop from a Novel.
Low Budget Mostly Practical locations
2nd Act hard to connect the dots
Cops at hotel room.
Directing
Part 4
In this video we continue through Act 3 analyzing Bourne Identity. Including action scenes and revised ending.
Chapters Include:
Moving to the Farm House
Propane Tank Gag
Lets Marie go for 3rd Act
3rd Act
Needed a new punch Ending
Descender Rig
Final Helicopter shot to moped shop
Directing
Part 5
Something about Mary – part 1
In this video we Analyze the comedy – There’s Something About Mary. All the various aspects of the themes and 1st act.
Chapters Include:
Directing Part 5 – Something about Mary
Find humor in all films
Sully cut back quite a bit
He’s got to find her
1st act very well set up
Directing
Part 6
Something about Mary – part2
In this video we continue to Analyze the comedy – There’s Something About Mary. The various lighting techniques used in comedies. Also foreshadowing scenes. And the classic Hair on end “mousse” scene.
Chapters Include:
Something About Mary P2 –
Zanier the better. Moving to
Hair wad shock jock shot. The whole set up hard to do
Pizza Delivery boy wants Mary
Tearing effects on camera close up
Directing
Part 7
Something about Mary – part3
In this video we continue to Analyze the comedy – There’s Something About Mary. Act 3, tieing up loose ends. Final Credits and outtakes. Other shock jock potty humor films.
Chapters Include:
Something about Mary ACT 3
Tieing up Loose Ends
Final Credits – Outtakes in Comedy – Fun
Shock Jock Films – Edgy Potty Humor
Directing
Part 8
The Shining – part1
In this video we Analyze the horror film The Shining . Act 1.
Chapters Include:
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining
1st Cut Very Long
Child Actors are very difficult
Bathroom Critical Scene
Danny refuses to talk about his imaginary friend
Go mad over isolation
End of 1st Act
Directing
Part 9
The Shining – part2
In this video we continue to Analyze the horror film The Shining. Act 2.
Chapters Include:
Act 2 – one month later
Do normal coverage first
Ad creepy overpowering creative things
Front on CU full nuance
Directing
Part 10
The Shining – part3
In this video we continue to Analyze the horror film The Shining. Act 3.
Chapters Include:
Pull aways and slow pushes
Can’t break the logic
Building Physicality of Jack
End of 2nd Act. Jack nuts!
Out the Window. Here’s Johnny!
Pushing in on Digital.
Casting
Part 1
In this video we learn methods of casting Name Talent. What is required to make your project attractive. Also properly casting non-name talent.
Chapters Include:
The budget and type of film, Better scripts easier to cast, Men have higher value, Younger name actors harder to get, Package Strong – Catch22, Method, Deal Memo Offers, Name actors need to like the team, No Divas, On eggshells – not good, Nice to have people you’ve worked with before, Accents and casting
Financing
Part 1
In this video we learn the main ways of financing and what is needed. What is required to make your project attractive to investors.
Chapters Include:
4 Methods of financing,
First time Filmmaker, People who can get back up… and persevere.
Financing
Part 2
In this video we go into further depth of getting financing. Also reviewing why your project and team may not be working.
Chapters Include:
Casting, If it takes more than a year – package is too weak Ask questions!, Don’t over promise!, Who do you pitch to? Need to get a team together. Institutional Financing – Distributors Distributors for each genre, Managers, Agents, Producer Reps, Get up and back in the game! Thick Skin!
Marketing
Part 1
In this video we go into great detail on all aspects of Marketing your film, prior, during, and on completion.
Chapters Include:
Marketing- Before, During, After
Copyright on Photos
Festivals only 4-8 feature blocks
1000 pics a year, extremely unlikely Oscar considered
Cinematography
Part 1
In this video we begin discussing all aspects of Cinematorgraphy, techincal and creative.
Chapters Include:
Reds, Pana, Sony, Arri etc.
Backup Cameras
Big Packages
Dolly, Jibs, Booms, Remotes
Drones
Focus Marks boxing yourself in
Creative aspects of Cinematography
Cinematography
Part 2
In this video we discuss many more aspects of Cinematorgraphy, techincal and creative. Interiors, color temp, planning your shoot. etc.
Chapters Include:
Day Interiors
Color Temps
Setups 10min huge… Tinting and Gels
Props and Dressing
Plan on the day, eats time
Green Screen, keep lenses clean
Cloudy and Not Cloudy color and stops
Cinematography
Part 3
In this video we discuss many more aspects of Cinematorgraphy, techincal and creative.Shadows, Night lighting etc.
Chapters Include:
Shadows, Facial and Backgrounds
Night Lighting Exteriors
Steadicam and Lights conflict
3 loyal people
Dirty walls top and bottom, texture
Stunts and Camera safety – distance
2nd and 3rd cameras. Framing with operators
Fight sequences by numbers not long masters
Cinematography
Part 4
In this video we discuss many more aspects of Cinematorgraphy, hair lights, Lab work, Boats
Chapters Include:
Hair Lights
Lab work and sync back in the day
More the AC’s have seen the better
Location and budget calls
Boat Shooting tougher
Scifi looks, apocalyptic
Turnarounds
Cinematography
Part 5
In this video we discuss many more aspects of Cinematorgraphy: Color Balance, Exposures, Color Charts.
Chapters Include:
Color Balance and Exposures
Compression Schemes
Peaking and Focus
Color Temp multiple, base light
Color charts on slate
Cinematography
Part 6
In this video we discuss many more aspects of Cinematorgraphy: Set Mistakes, Sharpness etc.
Chapters Include:
Mistakes on Sets
Sharpness and Stops
Final Delivery may be online
Zooms vs Primes. Measure
Meet the specs of delivery LEARN THEM!
Paying for top Specs – be Streaming wants top specs
Cinematography
Part 7
In this video we discuss many more aspects of Cinematorgraphy: Image Stabilization, Focus etc.
Chapters Include:
Image Stabilization
Shutter Speed vs Focal length
Leave Auto focus off. Unless great eye auto
Artifacting, jelly etc. Final Delivery Goals
Find out mistakes before moving on to new setups
Editing
Part 1
In this video we discuss many aspects of editing: History, Editor blindness.
Chapters Include:
History on Editing
I like to edit alone
Editor blind
Machine or Guide – emotionally invested – rigid
Accodian and shrink
Shrink for time and expand.
Editing
Part 2
In this video we discuss many aspects of editing: Styles, Politics, etc.
Chapters Include:
Editing Styles and musicality
Time changing vs Straight Narative
Politics in Editing
Matching Sync and transfers
Final Delivery, colors and audio
Reshoots and planning
Sound
Part 1
In this video we discuss most aspects of production and post sound: Production and Post Mixing Sound, Music Themes, etc.
Chapters Include:
Production Sound
Packs on girls… me too… be cautious
Noise Cancellation
Sound libraries and scoring
Music Playback and live
Little music is Purist, practical music
Music Themes for characters
Getting Ear Blind
Music pumps in action
Busting into mix
Budgeting and Scheduling
Part 1
In this video we discuss all considerations of budgeting and scheduling: Actors costs, Flexibility
Chapters Include:
Line Producer and Production Managers
Actors out quickly, turnarounds
Flexible with locations Go Go Go
Money as you go… bad idea.
Hiring Firing cast and crew
Preplanning tests before the Show
Scheduling Accordian… days off. Budgeting
Outside LA easier for location usually.
Budgeting and Scheduling
Part 2
In this video we discuss all considerations of budgeting and scheduling: Crew Loyalty, Safety, etc.
Chapters Include:
Crewing and Loyalties
Locations and restrictions
Amount on names
Safety and Fire
90% A camera, but B is great, C, D great
Stunts guys to handle a lot
It’s always YOU… always your fault
Facial makeup FX might slow you down
AD keeps you on time
Budgeting and Scheduling
Part 3
In this video we discuss all considerations of budgeting and scheduling: Coming in on budget, Company moves, etc.
Chapters Include:
Every Aspects effects Every Aspect
Come in on Budget and Time
Shoot 10min edit 3-4 min
Distributors run over you with a Truck
Who are you working with?
Stuff can happen…too exposed.
Company moves… try not
Made Cheaply made huge gross
Budgeting and Scheduling
Part 4
In this video we discuss all considerations of budgeting and scheduling: Consulting, Name Actor Value, etc.
Chapters Include:
Why bring on a consult
Buy and return… not recommended
Stunts on A unit, not efficient usually
Replica Guns, CGI gunshots
Names value hard to read
Post Mix costs
Making a film is a miracle
Rights on Known people
Distribution
Part 101a
In this video we discuss many aspects of Distribution: Getting a Sales Agent, Distribution Agreements,etc.
Chapters Include:
All kinds of Distribution
Sales Agent like different films Size and Genres
Modifying Agreement based on your clout
Locomotives
Lower Commission on Foreign
Distribution
Part 1
In this video we discuss many aspects of Distribution: The turn in TV, Bulk Sales,etc.
Chapters Include:
Getting Distribution for your film
The Turn in TV
Use your film as a resume
Bulk Sales
Locomotives
Sales Agent Contracts
Sales Agent Agreement1
Collection Accounts
Delivery Items… yikes!
Distribution
Part 2
In this video we discuss many aspects of Distribution: Agreements Cont, Copyright, etc.
Chapters Include:
Sales Agency Agreement continued
Italian Fixes to the film
Due Diligence Copyright etc.
Front load Advances
Publicity Stills for Art Delivery
Investors paid direct or through your company
Sequel, prequel, Series etc.
Investor Relations
Part 1
In this video we discuss aspects of investor relations: How to integrate investors in pay-out schedules.
Chapters Include:
Keeping Investors Happy
Try not to Puff too much be Transparent
Artsy more risk