Produce Iowa offers interactive training workshops and educational webinars to help Iowans improve their professional development in the film and television industry. Workforce development continues to be an important component of our creative economy and we're proud to offer these popular classes on a variety of production topics led by industry experts.
Greenlight Grant Boot Camp
In these three interactive virtual workshops, you'll learn step by step how to develop your story, develop your business plan and submit a top-notch application for a Greenlight Grant next spring. It's the perfect way to kick-start your project and, ultimately, increase its chances for success. To get the full benefit of the bootcamp, filmmakers should plan to attend all three parts.
Part One: Story Development
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 AM - Noon CST
Presented by Kevin Christoffersen
Free to members of the Produce Iowa Media Production Directory ($50 for non-members)
What's your story?
Everything starts with an idea. In this workshop, you'll learn how to develop your idea by writing an effective treatment and logline that gets attention, draft scripts and shooting schedules to determine your production needs, add talent such as known directors and key cast to add value, consider art direction and lookbooks to help others see your vision, and produce websites and marketing reels to effectively promote your project. Even if you don't plan to submit for a Greenlight Grant, this course will teach you the basics for taking your project from script to screen.
Part Two: Business Development
Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 AM - Noon CST
Presented by Kevin Christoffersen
Free to members of the Produce Iowa Media Production Directory ($50 fee for non-members)
What's your plan?
In this second class, it's time to take your creative ideas and get down to business. You'll learn how to develop your financing and operations to tell your story. You'll learn how to estimate a budget based on your script, option rights and hire casting directors to lock in bankable talent, find comparative projects in the industry to align your projections, and get creative with crowdfunding, exclusive experiences and fiscal sponsorships to raise funds. We'll also discuss how to create an LLC operating agreement, hire accounting professionals, shop around for insurance policies, and further develop your sales and distribution plans. The tips you'll learn in this course are valuable to all levels of filmmaking experience.
Part Three: Applying for a Greenlight Grant
Spring 2023
Presented by the Iowa Arts Council
Free to members of the Produce Iowa Media Production Directory ($50 fee for non-members)
Are you ready to push "submit"?
In this final session, you'll learn how to organize all the content you've workshopped so far and translate those elements to the Greenlight Grant application form. We'll discuss what the judges look for in a project and how it rates with the scoring rubric. You'll have a chance to ask questions of the grants manager, gather feedback and pick up tips from past grant recipients who understand the process. We want you to submit a successful Greenlight Grant, and this class should give you the tools to do it.
