FROM SCRIPT
TO SCREEN
You have a script you love. You even have some money. But is it enough?
How can you turn your dream of making a movie into reality?
How do you go from the script to the screen?
For 16 years, Betsy Pollock has been teaching young filmmakers at the American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles how to do exactly that. An Academy Award®-winning co-producer and AFI Associate Dean, Pollock
created and taught AFI’s signature first year film production program, a widely respected, rigorous and detail-oriented course, where the students learned step-by-step how to analyze a script, evaluate what’s needed, create a budget and maximize their resources without giving up their creative vision.
Now, filmmakers everywhere can learn from Betsy through her Production Planning Workshops and Individual Consultations.
PRODUCTION PLANNING WORKSHOPS
This workshop is for all filmmakers who want to learn the steps necessary to get their film made starting with an analysis of the script thru maximizing their resources in order to see their vision realized.
Possible topics include:
-
Script analysis
-
Creating beat sheets so that every beat counts
-
Maximizing available resources
-
Creative problem solving or how to make the most of what you have
-
How to figure out a reasonable schedule and budget
-
Your vision vs. your expectations
The workshops can be structured to be very general all the way to very specific. They can be done in a weekend or over the course of a semester. They can be used by film festivals as programming enhancements, by educators exploring the practical aspects of making filmed content and by film schools and universities globally.
Email me if you have an idea for a workshop and let’s see what we can create.
INDIVIDUAL
CONSULTATIONS
Open to filmmakers and production teams with a script for a one-to-one, personalized consultation for production planning guidance. The goal is to help you get closer to achieving your vision.
Topics discussed and work includes:
Identifying your vision and priorities
-
Script analysis
-
Creating a production budget from a script
-
How to make the most of your resources
-
Comparing costs
-
Review of your current production schedules
-
Creative Problem Solving
The cost is determined by the length of the consultation and the objectives. Let me know what you want to accomplish, and we can make it happen.
BETSY POLLOCK
Betsy Pollock is one of the film industry’s most experienced hands-on film producers and educators. In her 25-year career she has produced, executive produced and co-produced over 1500 films and original content. As an Associate Dean at the American Film Institute, Pollock helped launch the careers of hundreds of ambitious young filmmakers from around the world. Her enthusiastic nature, love of film and her hands-on experience as a line producer, UPM and First Assist Director make her a favorite among students and crews. Pollock’s wide array of experience and accomplishments include:
-
16 years as Associate Dean of Film Production, First Year at AFI (American Film Institute Conservatory) in Los Angeles; created and taught AFI’s landmark first-year program
-
Head of the Producing Discipline at the North Carolina School of the Arts
-
Head of Production at Filmlink International in Santa Monica
-
Co-producer of the 2004 Academy Award® winning short film Two Soldiers
-
Co-producer of the adventure feature film Wind, starring Mathew Modine
-
Founder and chair of the Women In Film PSA program for 5 years, producing over 500 PSAs
-
Co-chair of the WIF Film Finishing Fund for five years, supporting Academy Award® winning filmmakers as Maya Lin and Cynthia Wade
A public service advocate, Betsy Pollock was a board member for Women In Film for 10 years and presently sits on the board for GreenLight Women. In January of 2020, Pollock launched Betsy Pollock Production Planning/Consultation, providing production planning workshops and consulting services to filmmakers globally.
TESTIMONIALS
From former AFI students, now alums with careers of their own.
“On behalf of all my fellow Fellows over the years, a big THANK YOU for the impact you have had on your students during your time at AFI.”
“There are people I've met in my 25 years who will stay with me - not only as facilitators in my career, but also who've shaped me into the person I am and aspire to be. I count you among these folks.”
“I can’t thank you enough for helming such an incredible cycle experience. Your guidance and feedback and care for our work was so essential - your support created the confident atmosphere necessary to exploring freely and creatively.”
“Your dedication and unwavering commitment to us is astounding and inspiring. I hope you know how valuable you are to young filmmakers. AFI is lucky to have you.”
“The big lesson I learned here is that the best way to amass experience and a resume is to simply start small, with what's available, and really invest your all into it.”
“Thanks for all your guidance and training so that we storytellers can turn our ideas into movies.”
“I am a better producer for all you taught me.”