Learn by Making

Participate in practical, production‑focused workshops to help develop your creative voice

Introduction to Producing for Independent Film

October 24th and 25th

11:00AM to 6:00PM PST

Introduction to Producing is a fast‑paced, hands-on workshop designed to give emerging filmmakers a clear, practical foundation in what producers actually do — from shaping a project’s vision to managing the real‑world logistics that bring it to life. Over two focused days, participants learn how to navigate a request for proposal, break down a script, build a production plan, assemble a small crew, and navigate the creative and organizational decisions that drive a successful independent project.

Grounded in Cascadia Media Lab’s community‑centered, Pacific Northwest ethos, this workshop emphasizes resourceful filmmaking, collaborative leadership, and the producer’s role as both problem‑solver and creative partner. Through guided exercises, case studies, and small‑group work, students leave with the confidence and tools to begin producing their own short projects.

What Participants Will Learn

• The producer’s core responsibilities across development, pre‑production, production, and post

• How to break down a script for scheduling, budgeting, and logistics

• Building a production plan that fits real constraints: time, crew, gear, and money

• Essential documents: call sheets, shot lists, schedules, and checklists

• Working with directors, department heads, and small crews

• On‑set problem‑solving and communication strategies

• Navigating permits, releases, and basic legal considerations for indie projects

Who This Workshop Is For

Emerging filmmakers, first‑time producers, directors who want to understand producing, and anyone preparing to make their first short film or community‑based project.

What You’ll Leave With

• A starter production toolkit

• A practical understanding of how to plan and run a small film shoot

• Templates and workflows you can use immediately

• Increased confidence in leading and organizing creative teams

Produce with purpose

Gain tools, templates, and real‑world workflows from established, local producers.

Cascadia Media Lab uses a sliding‑scale registration model to keep high‑quality film education accessible to emerging creators across the Pacific Northwest. Participants choose the fee that best matches their financial situation, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to learning or participating in our programs.

• $250 - Full Price. Supporting us at this level allows us to continue to offer our amazing programs and allows us to provide scholarships to other community members who need it.

• $200 - Your support is essential to our success. Supporting us at this level allows us to compensate our instructors at industry levels.

• $100 - Your support keeps us going. Your support helps us maintain our office space and provide industry level equipment for all of our programs and participants.

• $50 - Your support allows us to maintain our programming. Supporting us in this way allows us to continue to offer amazing programs!

• $25 - We are grateful for your participation. We are excited to have you participate in the program!

Cascadia Media Lab offers a limited amount of scholarship seats for all programs. If you are interested in applying for scholarship, please reach out to derek.edamura@gmail.com.

Cascadia Media Labs also offers various payment plans for participants that are in need of financial assistance.

Proudly Supported by 4Culture Grant Programs