Online FREE Festival
(all sessions streamed)
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March 2026

003 Advanced Mentoring Script Lab: Produce Yourself II: The Sequel with Pat Higgins and Marcus Markou

Drawing from their remarkable successes in independent film production, Pat Higgins (dubbed “The  Essex Auteur” by EMPIRE Magazine) and Marcus Markou (writer/director/producer of indie hit “Papadopoulos & Sons”) return to show you how to take control of your creative destiny. With multiple feature films between them – produced on modest budgets with impressive returns – these veteran filmmakers know exactly how to navigate from script to screen without waiting for permission.

ONLY SIX SPACES AVAILABLE

If you’re tired of waiting for someone else to greenlight your dreams, this intensive lab will give you the strategic blueprint to produce your own work. Learn how Markou turned down traditional distribution deals to self-distribute “Papadopoulos & Sons” to remarkable box office success, and how Higgins has consistently produced successful genre films on micro-budgets.

This hands-on lab combines practical production strategies with innovative financing and distribution approaches, including:

  • Creating a realistic budget that serves your story
  • Building a reliable production team on limited resources
  • Innovative financing strategies beyond traditional channels
  • Marketing and distribution tactics that get your film seen
  • Legal and business considerations you need to know

Submit a one-page synopsis of the project you want to produce, including:

  • Estimated budget range
  • Current stage of development
  • Any attached elements or resources
  • Your specific production challenges
  • Previous filmmaking experience (if any)

APPLICATIONS OPEN:

DEADLINE:

Don’t miss your chance to join this year’s success stories.

Good luck!

Speakers In This Session