6:00 p.m. – BEFORE THE CAMERA ROLLS: A Production Scheduling and Budgeting Primer

The definitive primer on key elements in the pre-production process for a feature film or TV pilot/series.  The workshop will include an overview of three of the most popular budgeting programs – EP, Gorilla, and Showbiz Software – and their fit for projects with small and large budgets. One of the largest budget categories – paying crew and talent  – will be reviewed including state and federal guidelines for properly hiring and paying employees, loan outs, and independent contractors, calculating fringes and securing workers compensation insurance. Finally, the session will include a review of several of the top tax incentive programs in the US and the requirements for filing for tax credits.

The workshop, which includes interactive participation with Showbiz Budgeting and Showbiz Scheduling, will take you step by step through scheduling, budgeting, and actualization. It is filled with experience-packed insight into:

• Pre-production activities
• Common approaches to scheduling projects
• Breaking down a script
• Budgeting a film
• Tracking expenses and more
• How to use software tools and reports for filing for tax credits

Finally, the session will include a review of several of the top tax incentive programs in the US and the requirements for filing for tax credits.

9:00 p.m. – Program Complete

Participants enrolling in the Before The Camera Rolls workshop are encouraged to download the software to their laptops prior to arriving at the workshop. Click on the appropriate links to download and install free, fully functional trial versions of Showbiz Budgeting (Windows/MAC) and Showbiz Scheduling (Windows/MAC)

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
	STEVE BIZENOV has more than 20 years experience in the software industry with a strong background in entertainment production and operations management, payroll and accounting. He is vice president of sales and software development at Media Services. He worked in production and operations management at EUE Screen Gems and served in executive positions at various entertainment accounting, payroll, and software companies including FilmPro & Bon Bon Entertainment.
	JOE MAIELLA is a visual communications professional with more than 30 years experience in leadership, management, production, operations, and sales for a variety of companies including CrewStar, Convergent Media, The New England, and Bethlehem Steel Corporation. He is vice president of sales at Media Services and is widely recognized for his expertise in corporate and interactive visual communications and training. He currently heads the Massachusetts Production Coalition, which represents 100+ companies doing business with moviemakers in the state.