The Business Behind Filmmaking: Pitching and Packaging Your Film

Too many great film ideas stall because the business plan isn’t clear.

In this workshop, we remove the guesswork and show you how to build a strong pitch deck, position your film, and highlight the signals funders use to say yes.

In this 90 minute free workshop, we’ll explore the core elements of pitching and packaging your film - from defining your project’s unique identity to preparing the materials that bring it to life on the page. The class begins with brief introductions before diving into the anatomy of a strong pitch deck, common pitfalls to avoid, how development materials like budgets and treatments support your pitch, and what funders look for when deciding whether to invest.

The session focuses on the strategic tools and storytelling clarity needed to position your project for success in today’s competitive landscape. You’ll leave with a sharper understanding of what makes a project investable and how to begin assembling the elements that matter most. We’ll wrap with a discussion of early stage funding pathways and how to think strategically about your next steps.

Perfect for filmmakers looking to make their projects pitch-ready, fundable, and positioned for real opportunities.

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the role of development in the film life cycle across formats
• Identify key development materials (deck, treatment, budget, schedule)
• Learn what makes a pitch deck effective and how to avoid common pitfalls
• Explore funding options such as grants, fiscal sponsors, and crowdfunding
• Begin outlining a development strategy tailored to their own film project

This workshop is designed for:

• First-time directors
• Emerging filmmakers
• Producers and writers
• Film students and creatives at any stage

Perfect for anyone who wants to understand the business side of filmmaking and make their projects pitch-ready, fundable, and positioned for real opportunities.

Consulting Producer @ Gotoma

Post Production Chair at Producer's Guild of America (P.G.A.)

Gautam Singhani is a NYC-based Producer with 10+ years of experience across development, production, post production, and distribution. He has consulted on and delivered projects for Apple, Netflix, HBO, and Universal Pictures, including Oscar®-nominated THE BARBER OF LITTLE ROCK, Emmy-nominated ALLEN V. FARROW, BAFTA-nominated BECOMING COUSTEAU, and GLAAD-nominated LIL NAS X: LONG LIVE MONTERO.

Info: We’ll begin with introductions and an overview of the filmmaking workshop. You’ll learn what to expect from the session, the goals we’ll focus on, and how this training will help make your film project positioned for success with investors, grants, and festivals.

Info: We’ll define what film development means compared to production and why it is the foundation of a successful filmmaking process. You’ll explore the essential development materials every filmmaker needs — including a creative deck, treatment, script breakdown, budget, schedule, sizzle reel, and investor pitch deck — and see how these tools help position your project for investors, grants, and festival opportunities. We’ll also highlight the strategic role of development: how it sets the foundation for fundraising, provides

Info: We’ll take a closer look at what makes a strong film pitch deck and why it’s one of the most important tools in the business side of filmmaking. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling logline, frame your story, use visuals effectively, present your team, and position your film in the marketplace. We’ll also cover common mistakes that weaken a pitch and walk through the structure of a sample investor-ready deck to show how all the elements come together.

Info: This session explores the key strategies for film funding at the development stage. We’ll discuss grants, fiscal sponsorship, crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, and how to begin preparing for investors. You’ll learn what funders look for in a competitive proposal, how to frame your materials strategically, and how early-stage funding fits into a long-term roadmap that moves your project from idea to investor-ready.

Info: We’ll close the workshop with a Q&A session where you can ask questions about pitching, packaging, and film funding strategies. The session will wrap with a recap of key takeaways and suggested resources you can use to continue building your project. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of next steps, recommended filmmaking tools, and a roadmap for positioning your story as festival-ready, fundable, and investor-friendly.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Queens Public Library at Central, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Queens, United States