Led by Artist in Residence Jonathan Burkhart, from crafting a robust budget and shooting schedule to assembling a top-tier crew, this panel dives deep into the nuts and bolts of pre-production. Discover essential strategies for transforming a script into a reality, and gain invaluable insights on the crucial steps to take your film from concept to first day of shooting. Topics will include:

• When a movie is ready to formally get set up, how do you create a shoot schedule and production budget?  What are the essential elements needed to make these critical documents come to life?
• When a new feature film is inches away from starting prep, how and where do you go to hire your crew?
• How do you start prep and get to the first day of filming?

Speakers

Jonathan Burkhart, Film & Television Producer, LPFF Artist in Residence

Jonathan Burkhart is an acclaimed independent film, television and theater producer. He produced the award-winning film Baby Steps as well as Higher Ground, Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding, The Last Keepers, and many more. Television projects include the scripted episodic series Almost There, Ivy Dreams, a feature documentary for AZN, Must Do Disney for Disney, The Super Bowl Half Time Show Show for the NFL, and more.

Jonathan is also the co-founder and president of the Nantucket Film Festival, dedicated to honoring screenwriters and their craft. The Festival launched in 1996 and has honored writers including Walter Bernstein, Charlie Kaufman, Alexander Payne, Paul Schrader, Steve Martin, Judd Apatow, Harold Ramis, Barry Levinson, and more.

Sirad Balducci, Independent Film Producer

Sirad Balducci is a seasoned independent feature film producer based in New York. With extensive experience overseeing every facet of the production process, from script development to production management, post-production, and final delivery, Balducci consistently forges partnerships with top-tier directors and producers to bring their dream projects to life. Credits include GUN HILL ROAD, THE LENNON REPORT, ROADIE, HIDE & SEEK, YOUTH IN OREGON, THE LONGEST WEEK, MONSTER, and the upcoming Netflix feature film entitled GIRL HAUNTS BOY.

Balducci’s multifaceted involvement in the industry includes founding Give Film Foundation, serving as a Board Member of NYWIFT, and being a proud member of the DGA. Balducci continues to have a deep commitment to harnessing the social impact of film and amplifying unique and underrepresented voices in cinematic storytelling.