Classes, Seminars & Hands-On Training

Online Seminars - Hands-On Instructions
Advance registration required. All courses are guaranteed.

Classes Include Full PDF & Support Materials

Need classes tailored to fit your budget & schedule...?

Send an email to norman@reelgrok.com

BUDGETING & SCHEDULING – $100

Detailed three-hour overview of the twin pillars of production - scheduling & budgeting.  This intensive course analyzes the process, technique and complex relationship between a film's schedule & its budget.  

This complete class - including all support materials - is now available on DVD/CD from The GrokShop.
More Info

BUDGETING & SCHEDULING

Instructor: Norman Berns

The filmmakers first step is to understand the relationship between the script and the budget.  The two must "match" in order to have enough (but not too much) money for the production.

Scheduling

Three basic steps to understanding and implementing the relationship.

  • HOW TO CUT THE BUDGET
  • HOW TO CUT THE SCRIPT
  • HOW TO MATCH THE PAIR

Before there can be a production, before there's even a budget, there has to be a schedule.  Here's how and why. 

This course is information-dense, hands-on and packed with the details every filmmaker must know.

  • WHAT TO CONSIDER
  • WHAT TO AVOID
  • HOW TO GET STARTED
  • LINING A SCRIPT
  • THE LOGIC OF A SCRIPT
  • SETUPS PER SCENE
  • WHAT TAKES TIME ON SET
  • SEVEN SCHEDULING DANGER
  • SEVEN RULES FOR SCHEDULING
  • BALANCING COSTS & TIME

With the script trimmed to shape and the schedule exactly right, it's finally time to make a budget.  But how?

  • HOW IS IT DONE
  • WHAT DO THE PROS KNOW
  • STARTING WITH STUDIO-APPROVED TEMPLATES
  • WHERE TO SAVED
  • WHERE TO HIDE RAINY DAY MONEY

This is the heart of filmmaking. And the information is absolutely essential!

You can now order the complete class (with all support documents) for instant download or delivered to you on CD/DVD.
No Classes are currently scheduled.
BUDGETING - BASIC INTRODUCTION – $75

This is a course for beginners. It covers WHY budgets are essential, WHAT a budget does for filmmakers and how it HELPS your production. The class outlines the structure of a basic budget and shows how to get started. Basic Budgeting is the course to take before starting your first budget. This class is available only by request.
More Info

BUDGETING - BASIC INTRODUCTION

Instructor: Norman Berns

What is a Budget?
The Elements that Shape a Film
The Heart of the Budget
The Fine Art of Negotiation
A Budget's POV
Give & Take, Push & Pull
Setting Priorities
Find Script Elements
Shortcuts
The Wrong Way
Structure of a Budget
Getting the Information
Budgeting Programs

 
No Classes are currently scheduled.
BUDGETING with EP BUDGETING
Novice to Intermediate – $100

The standard Hollywood studio budgeting program. (Based on Movie Magic, but entirely new.) Learn to work with its basic structure; learn to take control of its most advanced features; learn how to deliver "smarter" budgets. Two hours. This class is available only by request.
More Info

BUDGETING with EP BUDGETING
Novice to Intermediate

Instructor: Norman Berns

Creating a Budget from Scratch
Using Templates & Forms
Opening Sample Budgets
Setting Program Preferences
Saving Files as EPB or MMB
The Chart of Accounts
How a Budget is Structured
Entering Data
Using Different Currencies
Calculating Fringes
Automating Overtime
Adding Union PH&W Payments
Using a Payroll Service
The Cost of Insurance
Including a Contingency
Adding the Completion Bond
No Classes are currently scheduled.
BUDGETING with EP BUDGETING
Intermediate to Advanced – $100

The standard Hollywood studio budgeting program. (Based on Movie Magic, but entirely new.) Learn to work with its basic structure; learn to take control of its most advanced features; learn how to deliver "smarter" budgets. Two hours.  This class is available only by request.
More Info

BUDGETING with EP BUDGETING
Intermediate to Advanced

Instructor: Norman Berns

Working with Globals
Automating Overtime Globally
Setting up Groups
Using Groups for "What If" Analysis
Storing in the Library
Using Shortcuts ("Magic Keys")
Changing Currencies
Tracking by Location or Set
Making Global Formulas
4th Level
Multi-Purpose Budgets
Units
No Classes are currently scheduled.
BUDGETING with SHOWBIZ BUDGETING – $100

Getting the most out of the film industry's most adaptable budgeting program. Change the look and feel instantly, from budgeting commercials to features to TV episodics. All with full implementation of actualization, vendor lists and petty cash tracking. Two hours. This class is available only by request.
More Info

BUDGETING with SHOWBIZ BUDGETING

Instructor: Norman Berns

 
No Classes are currently scheduled.
BUDGETING
Picking Programs & Making Budgets – $125

Hands-on and How-to, from picking the right program for the job to breaking down the script to the creation of a budget.  Where do the costs come from?  What's the Chart of Accounts?  What are Fringes and Globals and Groups?  This seminar provides extensive details about the major budgeting programs and every line in a budget.  Plus techniques to make smarter budgets for better productions.  Three Hours. This class is available only by request.
More Info

BUDGETING
Picking Programs & Making Budgets

Instructor: Norman Berns

The INS & OUTS
The CRAFT & CUNNING
The TIPS & TRICKS
The DETAILS & SHORTCUTS

All the information that's essential
for making a REALISTIC film budget.


How is it done? 
What do the pros know
that lets them delivers detailed, accurate budgets,
show after show, job after job?  

Finally, here is the class that explains budgeting. Hands-on and how-to. 

Using real numbers and real situations, everything is explained.  From loading a Chart of Accounts to using templates, from good shortcuts (and bad) to the role (and cost) of every production job.

This is the heart of filmmaking
And it's absolutely essential information
No Classes are currently scheduled.
BUSINESS PLANS – $125

The substance of a business plan and how to use it. A step-by-step guide to planning and writing effective business & marketing plans, then coupling them with a Private Placement Memorandum for fund raising. 

This complete class - including all support materials - is now available on DVD/CD from The GrokShop.
More Info

BUSINESS PLANS

Instructor: Norman Berns

Course includes a complete PDF of the class, business plan Table of Contents and 35MB of support materials.

Creating the PlanROI

  • What IS a Business Plan 
  • The Key to an Executive Summary
  • The Single Worst Mistake
  • Business Plan vs. Financial Offering
  • ROI: The Investors’ Goal
  • Defining “Profit” in a Non-Profit World
  • Seven Dangers That Sink Plans
  • Eight Steps to the Structure of a Plan
  • Identifying Your Company

Defining your Film

  • Types of Films
  • One Hundred & Thirty Film Genres & Counting
  • Describing the Picture
  • Describing the Production
  • Twenty Key Sources for Box Office Comparables
  • Acknowledge our Business

Finding the funding

  • A Dozen Income Sources
  • Four Funding Organization for Non-Profits
  • Marketing Introduction
  • Two Legal Approaches to Fund Raising
  • Importance of Full Disclosure
  • SEC Rulings and Regulation D
  • Illegal Advertising
  • How to Use the Internet Legally
  • Structuring the Investment Vehicle
  • Twenty Essential Details for your Offering
  • Methods of Film Distribution
  • Steps for Distributing Income
  • Traditional Distribution Outlets
  • New Outlets for New Media
  • Preparing a Production & Distribution Schedule
  • Financial Projections and Income Sources
  • The Film Budget

Backup & Support Resources

  • Complete Table of Contents
  • Standard Business Plan Outline
  • Exhibits and Support Information
  • Complete course PDF

 You can now order this complete class (with all support documents) on CD/DVD
No Classes are currently scheduled.
CASH FLOW ANALYSIS FOR PRODUCTION – $50
The basic information to support the numbers in a business plan. How much money do you REALLY need?  And when do you need it?  The process is extremely simple, but requires a solid understanding of both production scheduling and budgeting. The course will be fast-paced. One hour.
More Info

CASH FLOW ANALYSIS FOR PRODUCTION

Instructor: Norman Berns

What do you need and when will you need it...?

Money Matters
A Day Without it Can Kill Your Show

How Do You Find Out How Much You Really Need
How Do You Know When You Have to Have it?

How to Structure the Cash Flow Analysis

Simple Formulas for Quick Calculations
No Classes are currently scheduled.
PITCH TO WIN – $99

You have FIVE MINUTES to present your idea, your needs, your plan.  Here's how to condense your script, your business plan, your marketing plan and your profit goals down to the most important five minutes of your life.  And have enough time left over for small talk.  Yes, you can do it - if you know how.  Two Hours.

This complete class - including all support materials - is now available on DVD/CD from The GrokShop.
More Info

PITCH TO WIN

Instructor: Norman Berns

Investment Sources - Profit & Non

  • Investments
  • Fellowships
  • Grants
  • Donations
  • State Incentives
  • Partnerships
  • Competitions
  • Product Placement

Nine Essential that Hone Your Pitch

Stopwatch

  • Time is Short. Every Second Matters
  • Learn to SEE your Film, NOT Explain It
  • Prove You're Worth the Money
  • Six more Guidelines to Success

Nine Steps to Deliver Your Pitch

  • Prepare for a Marathon, NOT a Sprint
  • Money Matters. Explain your Budget
  • The Ideal Production Team
  • Six more Strategies for Success

The Five Minute Pitch.  Second by Second....

  • Where Your Time is Most Valuable
  • Topics to avoid
  • Prove you Know Enough to Make this Film
  • All the Seconds, Tick by Tock

Deliver YOUR Pitch in the Seminar (optional)

  • Your Chance to be Heard.  Live. 
  • Pitch Comments and Review
  • Update & Repeat if you like

You can now order this complete class (with all support documents) on CD/DVD.
No Classes are currently scheduled.
RIGHTING ROTTEN RÉSUMÉS – $50

Resumes can help you get work. Or make sure you lose every job. The way resumes are written, even the way they're delivered can make all the difference. Learn what producers look for. And what they hate to find.  One hour.  This class is available only by request.
More Info

RIGHTING ROTTEN RÉSUMÉS

Instructor: Norman Berns

Class includes FREE consultation and detailed review of your resume.
No Classes are currently scheduled.
WRITING EFFECTIVE EMAILS – $50

Emails - good, bad, ugly, brilliant. Learn which kind you're sending. And how they make you look. Take control of your communications with steps that make you look better, sound smarter and get the results you want. One hour. This class is available only by request.
More Info

WRITING EFFECTIVE EMAILS

Instructor: Norman Berns

 
No Classes are currently scheduled.
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THE FILM INDUSTRY'S
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Data Solutions for
Film & Television

PITCH YOUR SHOW

300 Words or Less
plus one graphic

We'll promo the top entries each month

Winners get free budgeting support, scheduling help,
software, consultaion & promotion unitl funded.

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