SLAMDANCE POLYTECHNIC
Slamdance’s Polytechnic program originated from a very simple goal. We wanted to teach others what we wish we knew before picking up a camera.
For instance, how do you finance a movie? How can you get your work distributed? How much does your success depend on industry trends? And, most importantly, how can you make a living from being a filmmaker?
Firmly rooted in reality, each seminar focuses on empowering emerging artists who work with limited budgets. The panels consist of alumni and industry partners fluent in technology, development in craft, and DIY solutions.
Our forum is open to everyone and we encourage an inclusive environment in which participants and panelists can learn from each other.
To keep up to date with any of our upcoming Polytechnic events, sign up for our News From Nowhere.
View the entirety of our Polytechnic programming on Youtube.
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Indie Incision: Slamdance and Jon Reiss Cut Through Conventional Film Distribution
Good Bad Things: A Distribution Case Study for Micro Budget Filmmakers
Jon Reiss, a trailblazer in the indie film sector, will share his extensive knowledge and experiences, shedding light on how unconventional strategies can lead to successful film distribution. Drawing from his pioneering journey with his feature doc “Bomb It”, working with hundreds of filmmakers since and his adeptness in devising innovative distribution models, Jon will navigate through the intricacies of the indie film distribution terrain.
Join filmmakers Danny Kurtzman, Shane Stanger and Annalisa Shoemaker and distribution consultant Peter Broderick as they breakdown the real distribution business of Good Bad Things, a micro budget feature film that’s broken out into over 50 AMC theaters and gaining a nation wide following.
SCREENPLAY WORKSHOPS AT OUR 2024 DTLA SUMMER SHOWCASE AT AGBO
A day of screenplay workshops dedicated to emerging screenwriters.
“Our 2nd annual AGBO x Slamdance DTLA – Script Shop was one for the books! We had a packed house for our Polytechnic panel and workshops that proved to be even more informative than the first. The excitement of our Final Draft giveaways was electrifying and the endless supply of Unity coffee was a delicious treat. Thanks to all that attended and we hope to see you at our next Polytechnic event!”
– Anna Lee Lawson, Film Festival & Screenplay Competition Manager
What It Takes to Write a Winning Script
Dissecting a Pilot
Mentor Mindset
Join USC School of Cinematic Arts professor Beverly Neufeld for a workshop on crafting a standout script. Discover what script readers look for, what they love, what they loathe and why they reject. Learn the key elements of a successful screenplay and gain the tools to impress industry professionals.
Slamdance reader Jamie King breaks down his pilot CASTLE ROCK and its journey from live musical comedy at UCB to winner of Best Teleplay at Slamdance. Attendees will see clips and excerpts that highlight what makes it work, receive a link to the full script, AND may get feedback on their own loglines.
Join Anjini Azhar and Irene Jiang, the dynamic duo behind the Slamdance Mentorship Award program, as they share their experiences and insights about the ever changing industry landscape and mentoring our screenplay award winners.
POLYTECHNIC AT THE 2026 FILM FESTIVAL
Keep an eye out for any and all upcoming workshops scheduled to be at our 2026 Film Festival in Los Angeles. Any inquiries for possible workshops or educational collaborations should reach out to [email protected]
