"Stop Waiting, Start Creating" presented by Emerson Collins

Learn how to fund, build, and launch your own creative project! Led by L.A. based producer, Emerson Collins. Join Stamped Film Festival and Emerson Collins for this hands-on creative workshop! Nothing is harder for an actor, writer, filmmaker, or performer than waiting on someone else to give you the chance to do your work. So stop waiting! Every project that gets made has someone behind it who handles the money, the planning, and the promotion. That person is the producer, and it can be you. This workshop is for all levels, whether you’re almost ready to launch your first project or just curious about what it would take. What You’ll Learn • How to tell if your idea is doable, and how to make it doable • Making it work with little or no budget • Working with unions like SAG-AFTRA • Fundraising strategies that actually work • Marketing your project yourself • Common first-timer mistakes and how to avoid them About This Workshop As Emerson explains, “I’ve worn all of the ‘hats,’ and being a producer means changing hats all the time, and knowing when to put on the right one to ensure your project keeps moving forward.” There’s no single “right” way to make your first project happen, only the way that works for you. This workshop will help you find yours. About Your Instructor: Emerson Collins Emerson Collins is a producer with experience across film, television, theatre, and live events. His credits include Blues for Willadean starring Octavia Spencer, A Very Sordid Wedding (which opened #1 at the specialty box office), and Southern Baptist Sissies (winner of 15 film festival awards). He also produced the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Gertrude C. Ford Center, hosted by Christine Baranski, Debbie Allen, and Morgan Freeman. Emerson has raised over $700,000 through livestream benefits, produced national tours and award-winning theatre, and was named to the OUT 100. He serves as Program Director for the Del Shores Foundation and speaks regularly at festivals worldwide on LGBTQ representation in film. Learn more: www.emersoncollins.com