1st lesson free
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Thomas
- Rate 441AED
- Response 1h
441AED/hr
Contact
1st lesson free
- Cinema
- Production
- Script Writing for Film
- Script Writing for Television
Award-winning film producer, executive, and director, here to help you navigate every aspect of filmmaking—especially how to get your film financed and made!
- Cinema
- Production
- Script Writing for Film
- Script Writing for Television
Lesson location
About Thomas
With a career spanning both the creative and financial sides of filmmaking, I bring a rare, dual-perspective approach to teaching. As a financier behind critically acclaimed films like Palm Springs, The Starling, and The Desperate Hour, I understand what it takes to get a project funded and made. And as a director of three feature films, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs of bringing a vision to life. My lessons go beyond theory—I provide real-world, industry-tested strategies that have helped me and many others navigate the competitive world of filmmaking. Whether you're an aspiring director, producer, or screenwriter, I’ll teach you how to develop a fundable project, craft a compelling pitch, secure financing, and successfully transition into production. What sets me apart is my insider knowledge and hands-on approach. I offer practical, actionable steps, drawing from my own experience working with investors, production companies, and distributors. Students will not only learn the business of filmmaking but also gain access to invaluable industry insights, networking strategies, and personalized feedback on their projects. If you're serious about making movies—and getting them funded—I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
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About the lesson
- All Levels
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
8-PART LESSON PLAN ON: How to Get Your Film Financed and Made.
My approach is hands-on, interactive, and industry-focused. I combine real-world case studies, pitch exercises, budget breakdowns, and networking strategies.
Students will engage in practical assignments, receive direct feedback, and gain insider knowledge from industry professionals.
LESSON 1: The Business of Filmmaking
Understanding film as both art and business
Key players in the industry (producers, investors, studios, distributors)
Overview of different film financing models
LESSON 2: Types of Film Financing.
Equity financing: Attracting investors.
Debt financing: Loans, gap financing, and tax credits
Grants & government incentives.
Crowdfunding and alternative financing methods.
LESSON 3: Developing a Fundable Project.
Creating a strong concept with market potential.
How to write a compelling pitch deck and business plan.
Budgeting: How to present financials to investors.
LESSON 4: Pitching to Investors & Studios.
How to craft and deliver an effective pitch.
What investors look for in a project.
The role of talent, distribution, and risk mitigation.
LESSON 5: Building Industry Relationships.
Networking strategies for filmmakers.
Leveraging film festivals and markets (Cannes, Sundance, AFM)
Finding and approaching the right investors and collaborators.
LESSON 6: Contracts & Legal Aspects of Financing.
Understanding investor agreements and deal structures
Profit-sharing, recoupment, and risk management.
Copyright, option agreements, and distribution rights.
LESSON 7: Moving from Financing to Production.
Managing the transition from development to pre-production.
How to maximize your budget during production.
Securing a distributor early to ensure success.
LESSON 8: Marketing, Sales, and Distribution.
How to position your film for success in the marketplace.
Film festival strategies and distribution deals.
The role of streaming platforms, theatrical releases, and sales agents.
WHAT SETS ME APART AS A TUTOR.
As a financier, I’ve helped bring films like Palm Springs, The Starling, and The Desperate Hour to life, giving me firsthand insight into what makes a project fundable.
I’ve also directed three feature films, so I understand both the creative and business sides of filmmaking—what it takes to secure financing, and how to successfully execute a project once the funding is in place.
I offer real-world knowledge on navigating the film industry, securing funding, and getting projects made.
My approach is practical and results-driven, focused on actionable steps that will help students move their projects forward.
I provide direct feedback, networking guidance, and industry connections to help students break into the business.
WHO THESE LESSONS ARE FOR:
Aspiring filmmakers, producers, and directors.
Film students (undergraduate & graduate).
Independent filmmakers seeking funding.
Writers & creatives wanting to understand film financing.
Anyone ready to take their film from idea to reality.
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Recommendations
Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher
1
Thomas is a prolific filmmaker and producer, and he gives amazing guidance on filmmaking! He is incredibly kind and empathic, and yet, he balances this perfectly with keeping it real about what it takes to make a film—YOUR film! And that’s what we all need. Work with Thomas, you will be so happy you did!
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Rates
Rate
- 441AED
Pack prices
- 5h: 2,204AED
- 10h: 4,407AED
online
- 441AED/h
free lessons
The first free lesson with Thomas will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.
- 30mins
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