FEATURE BLUEPRINT LABS
Enrollment for September is now closed, and applications are open for the remaining 2026-27 cohorts:
September 24, 2026 - ENROLLMENT CLOSED
November 5, 2026 (Other dates for this session: November 12th, 19th, December 3rd, 10th)
January 7, 2027 (Other dates for this session: January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, February 4th)
Each five-week session is limited to only 10 filmmakers. Choose the start date that works best for you.
Note: All Lab sessions are transcribed and recorded so that participants can review or refer back to them anytime.
September 24, 2026 - ENROLLMENT CLOSED
November 5, 2026 (Other dates for this session: November 12th, 19th, December 3rd, 10th)
January 7, 2027 (Other dates for this session: January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, February 4th)
Each five-week session is limited to only 10 filmmakers. Choose the start date that works best for you.
Note: All Lab sessions are transcribed and recorded so that participants can review or refer back to them anytime.
Every feature needs more than a great idea. It needs a plan.
The Feature Blueprint helps independent filmmakers connect the creative and business sides of their project—audience, strategy, structure, finance, production and exhibition—before costly decisions are made. The goal is simple:
Start with the end game and build a practical roadmap for the entire life of your feature.
The Feature Blueprint helps independent filmmakers connect the creative and business sides of their project—audience, strategy, structure, finance, production and exhibition—before costly decisions are made. The goal is simple:
Start with the end game and build a practical roadmap for the entire life of your feature.
AUDIENCE → STRATEGY → FINANCE → PRODUCTION → EXHIBITION
Why
Most filmmakers develop the screenplay first and figure out everything else later. But decisions about audience, scale, financing, production, festivals, and distribution are all connected. The Feature Blueprint brings those pieces together early in the process, helping filmmakers identify opportunities, avoid costly missteps, and create a practical roadmap for moving forward efficiently.
Most filmmakers develop the screenplay first and figure out everything else later. But decisions about audience, scale, financing, production, festivals, and distribution are all connected. The Feature Blueprint brings those pieces together early in the process, helping filmmakers identify opportunities, avoid costly missteps, and create a practical roadmap for moving forward efficiently.
What
The Feature Blueprint examines every aspect of the full life of the feature—not just how to make it, but how to position, finance, produce, and release it.
The Feature Blueprint examines every aspect of the full life of the feature—not just how to make it, but how to position, finance, produce, and release it.
Each filmmaker will gain clearer priorities, stronger strategic alignment, and a practical plan for the next stage of their project.
Filmmaker Feedback
"Jon's been making feature and documentary films for decades. He ran the AFI Festival and was one of the original founders of the Slamdance Festival. If you're producing a feature film and looking for success in distribution, Jon is the Grand Master. He breaks it down step by step and gives you a map that can carry you directly to the finish line. The Feature Blueprint Lab is that map, and it's brilliant."
— Sean O'Connor
“Working with Jon has been superb and completely enlightening. His guidance prevented me from making some serious distribution errors. I took the Feature Blueprint Lab to get a jumpstart on preparing for my feature release, and was it ever excellent—and fun! The guest speakers were right on the cutting edge of exciting new technologies, I learned a ton from Jon himself, and came away with great money-saving tips. Jon has such a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is simply not to be missed.”
— Kerilie McDowall, TV Director/Filmmaker, In the Zone: Rick Kilburn
"Jon's been making feature and documentary films for decades. He ran the AFI Festival and was one of the original founders of the Slamdance Festival. If you're producing a feature film and looking for success in distribution, Jon is the Grand Master. He breaks it down step by step and gives you a map that can carry you directly to the finish line. The Feature Blueprint Lab is that map, and it's brilliant."
— Sean O'Connor
“Working with Jon has been superb and completely enlightening. His guidance prevented me from making some serious distribution errors. I took the Feature Blueprint Lab to get a jumpstart on preparing for my feature release, and was it ever excellent—and fun! The guest speakers were right on the cutting edge of exciting new technologies, I learned a ton from Jon himself, and came away with great money-saving tips. Jon has such a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is simply not to be missed.”
— Kerilie McDowall, TV Director/Filmmaker, In the Zone: Rick Kilburn
Feature Blueprint Lab |
Feature Blueprint Intensive |
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A collaborative five-week working experience for independent filmmakers developing their first—or next—feature.
(Payment plans and limited reduced-tuition opportunities available.) |
A private engagement for filmmakers who want personalized one on one attention, and a roadmap built around their specific project.
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Built for independent filmmakers. We know filmmakers are already investing heavily in their work. Flexible payment plans are available for the Lab, along with a limited number of reduced-tuition opportunities. If the program is a strong fit and cost is an obstacle, let us know—we'll do our best to find a creative solution.