In a world where IP is becoming increasingly valuable by the day, having a proficiency in optioning is a must. Taught by filmmaker Stu Pollard (Rust Creek, Plus One, Freeland), Weighing Your Options is ideal for indie filmmakers who want to learn how to make films based on preexisting creative material.

This seminar will take you through every step of the optioning process: finding material, contacting rights holders, pitching yourself, crafting an option agreement, and making the final decision when the option period nears its end – do you exercise, extend, or let it expire? The terms of an option agreement will be a primary focus of the class, including financial and legal aspects that need to be agreed upon by both parties. Additional topics covered include Acquiring Life Rights, Chain of Title and Notable Exceptions, including creative works protected by Fair Use and Public Domain.

Participants will leave with a firm grasp of the optioning process, including a better understanding of the elements of an option agreement, the various paths one can take upon an option’s expiration, the time and money that are involved with various types of agreements, the types of material to pursue, and more.

About the Presenter

Stu Pollard’s popular Business Plan/Private Equity class is a consistent sell out each time we hold it at Film Independent. With over a decade of filmmaking experience, Stu has plenty of production knowledge to share. His producing credits include Rust Creek, And Then I Go, Men Go to Battle, True Adolescents, Dirty Country and Ira & Abby.

Pollard’s Lunacy Productions has numerous projects in development, including the riveting two-hander The Man Who Knew Belle Starr (based on the award-winning Richard Bausch short story and adapted by Rust Creek writer Julie Lipson); the uproarious southern political satire Wonderdog (based on the novel by Inman Majors); and Alas, Babylon, a post-apocalyptic survival parable based on Pat Frank’s classic Cold War era novel.

Pollard has directed two features: the rom-com Nice Guys Sleep Alone and the suspense drama Keep Your Distance. In addition to teaching at Film Independent and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Stu recently founded LunacyU, an online educational platform dedicated to teaching the next generation of independent filmmakers. He holds a BS in business from Georgetown, an MFA in film from USC, is a member of both the PGA and DGA, and serves on the boards of the Louisville Film Society, the Horse Farm Workers’ Educational Assistance Fund and Georgetown University’s Alumni Board of Regents.
 
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Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.