Thomas - Film & cinema tutor - Los Angeles

1^st lesson free

Thomas

5 (1 review)

Rate $167
Response 1h

5 (1 review)

$167/h

1^st lesson free

Film & Cinema
Production
Scriptwriting- Film
Scriptwriting-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!

Name: Thomas
Address: Los Angeles, CA
Telephone: undefined
Price range: $167

Film & Cinema
Production
Scriptwriting- Film
Scriptwriting-Television

Lesson location

- online

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.

About the lesson

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.

Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the tutor.

C

Catherine Ann

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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C
Catherine Ann
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!
View more recommendations

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Rate

$167

Pack rates

5 h: $837
10 h: $1673

online

$167/h

free lessons

This first lesson offered with Thomas will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

30min

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!

Lesson location

About Thomas

About the lesson

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

free lessons

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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!

Lesson location

About Thomas

About the lesson

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

free lessons

Other tutors in Film & Cinema

E

Franchesca

Julian

Martine

Ryan

Marjorie

Ruairí

Francesco

Matthew

Parva

Thomas

Sal

Antonio

Pankaj

Jonathan

Arjun

Jules

Tycen

Babak

Shahar

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