About the course
Are you unsure of the next steps to take in your career as a filmmaker? Then now is the time to sit down, reflect, and plan ahead. Join the Career Surgery for Emerging Filmmakers with Raindance founder Elliot Grove to discuss your setbacks, milestones, and aspirations, and we will do our best to help you make a plan to get you where you want to go.
Who should take this course?
This course is for filmmakers in search of guidance and inspiration for the next steps to take in their careers. Any filmmaker with some experience and big aspirations is welcome to join the Career Surgery. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your next steps and join us for a brainstorming session.
What you’ll learn
- How to go beyond craft and navigate a career in the filmmaking industry
- How to think strategically for your projects, yourself, and your brand
- How to turn your broad aspirations into precise plans
About Elliot Grove
Elliot Grove is the founder of Raindance Film Festival and the British Independent Film Awards. He has produced over 700 hundred short films and five feature films, including the multi-award-winning The Living and the Dead in 2006 an d the SXSW 2019 Grand Jury Prize Winner, Alice.
He teaches screenwriting and producing in the UK, Europe, Asia and America. Elliot has written three books which have become industry standards: Raindance Writers’ Lab: Write + Sell the Hot Screenplay, now in its second edition (Focal Press 2008), Raindance Producers’ Lab: Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking (Focal Press 2013) and 130 Projects to Get You Into Filmmaking (Barrons 2009).
In 2009 he was awarded a PhD for services to film education. Elliot also teaches the Screenwriters’ Foundation Certificate, Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking and Write and Sell the HOT Script classes at Raindance.
BEATRICE COLBRANT (verified owner) –
These lockdown sessions are so interesting and contrary to Champagne it is not unreasonable to go for them without moderation. This time I found myself a bit cheeky to attend a “film career surgery” considering that I do not have the least experience of any sort in the filmmaking industry apart from what has been enthusiastically reported to me by a few gay friends and which consequently I know by hearsay only. By contrast most of the participants could show promising debuts of some sort, whether in writing, acting, directing or producing, and to each and everyone of them precise advice and encouragements were kindly offered by Elliot Grove, the founder of Raindance, in charge of the seminar. No one was laughed at or discouraged not even those who, like me, dream of finding enough francophile debutantes of both sexes in London to make some sort of Nouvelle Vague Post Covid masterpiece in French. Not necessarily “Je t’aime moi non plus London” or “Vive le Quebec libre” though. It was so interesting to exchange with other participants as some of them were able to leave a day job for filmmaking whilst some others managed to lead a sort of double professional life at least for some time just like this American whom I met in Paris who was a dentist during the day and at night played a cowboy in “Oklahoma” in a Parisian theatre. I always wondered whether he drilled his clients’ teeth at the sound of Rodgers and Hammersteins’ song as a sort of dental ambiance and rehearsal for the evening performance. Others would be members of the Paris Bar during the day and Marlene Dietrich at night. What is fantastic about Raindance is that it makes you feel that everything is possible like shooting a remake of Antonioni’s “L’avventura” on the moon. Or in Normandie. A great feeling.
Femme Regard (verified owner) –
It was like receiving one-on-one coaching in a group setting. You got to hear other people’s stories, what challenges they’re facing and what they’ve done so far to succeed, matched with Elliot’s advice and resources. Great networking tool as well, I’ve already connected with some other members!
Marcelo Bendotti (verified owner) –
It was my first time attending an event organized by Raindance, and I thought it was not only informative, but also very inspiring. To hear everyone else’s stories, and to share my own, made me realize more and more that collaborations are always key in this industry, and I hope to connect with filmmakers that attended the event as well. I highly recommend attending their events, and I am certainly going to attend more. Elliot was down to earth and took his time to comment and guide us in the right path– if there’s such a thing. Wonderful time with wonderful people! Keep ’em coming!
Elliot Grove –
Im blushing Marcello – thanks for your kind words. What drives me to organise and present these things are the hugely talented and creative people such as yourself that I meet. Thanks for attending. And thanks for sharing. I hope to see you again soon at a Raindance event.
Balraj Kang (verified owner) –
As always Elliot is a master of his craft and a true inspiration and joy to listen to. Raindance is the best and taking these courses have really benefited all facets of my film making capabilities. Of course (as Elliot and the team know) I will be coming back for more!
Elliot Grove –
Thanks for the kind words Bal. Your projects sound intriguing and look forward to seeing you soon.
Katrina Grey (verified owner) –
Informative and veryhelpful.
Steve Johnson (verified owner) –
Was great to get the time to listen to the other participants and get some comments directly from Elliot. High recommend this session.
Temi (verified owner) –
Great opportunity to get 1-1 advice and also listen to others stories and experience. Also great to connect with others as well.
David Lawson (verified owner) –
With a mixed group of people looking to achieve different goals this is a great opportunity to hear their stories, where they are now, hear the advice and get advice on your own aspirations. Elliot Grove chaired the meeting and was calm and entertaining to listen to, always encouraging and helped with possibble co-ops. It doesn’t matter where you are on your career path there is something here for all. Highly reccomended.
Mathilde Diaz (verified owner) –
Elliot projects a caring attitude in a tough business to crack
Mathilde Diaz (verified owner) –
Eliot is eager to share with and guide us newcomers
willene botha –
The webinar was more than I could imagine .The talented film makers or aspiring film makers and a total novicen , like me , were questioned by the power of film makeing through Mr/ Eliot Grove.
Maia Buljeta (verified owner) –
This was great! I learned a lot, and it was great to hear the next steps everyone else were taking with their projects. I got insightful tips on distribution and a book recommendation to study distribution in greater depth. I also learned new ways to get a film funded, as well as several new ways to look at the purpose of a movie poster. It was also so cool to meet up with filmmakers from around the world – I definitely felt a sense of community and camaraderie. Left with a page full of valuable notes, with more tools on my filmmaking tool belt.
Julia Felici (verified owner) –
It was a really amazing session, Elliot was very generous in sharing his vast knowledge about the UK film industry and in offering tailored advice for all the attendees. With that, I understood my strategy approach was flawed, considering the local reality and how business normally happens in the UK, and Elliot helped me in elaborating a plan which led me to insights about the main strength in my current project. For a newcomer screenwriter, it was a blessing to stumble upon this class so soon. Strongly recommended.
Fady Zaky (verified owner) –
First of all I want to thank Elliot and his team, the session was so professional but so personal in the same time, as a full career artist and because of the pandemic, here there is nothing going on offline or online, Raindance became my only film industry hub.
Elliot just pointed to the solution as a reply on my question right away, not only that but Elliot offered practical solutions as much as he can to many of the participants, though I am an MA student for two years I would definitely apply to their school here where I reside.
Elliot Grove –
Thanks for your kind words Fady. Your journey and challenges, both personal and political, present a fascinating creative opportunity. we will be tracking your progress with great interest. Please keep in touch.
Esther Zanon (verified owner) –
Very useful! If you have a project in mind and are looking for tips on how to realise it or if you have questions about next steps in your career, Elliot Grove is there to help. He gave a lot of practical advices to figure out how to overcome the obstacles in front of each project or career path.
Amar Aggoun (verified owner) –
Very easy going, great atmosphere and clear advice, really glad I attended this, I have lots to think about and also feel heartened by it. Great to hear some salient advice, tailored to each person in the chat. Great stuff! Thank you!
Chyrise Thomas (verified owner) –
Thank you Elliot for this course. I left feeling a greater sense of potential of where my filmmaking career can go from here. I appreciate you taking the time to give everyone individual attention and you gave a lot of very good advice. I feel much more enthusiastic and empowered with very helpful tips that I will be using to move forward.
Maia Buljeta (verified owner) –
As always, I learned a lot this last time! Always inspiring!
Sarah Collins (verified owner) –
Recommended only to those new to the industry. An encouraging discussion, but not for anyone with any experience or wanting advice to upgrade.
Kaliste Rodi (verified owner) –
This is a good course if you need a steer, and a pointer in your emerging career. Thanks to Elliot, everyone got to hear what could/should be their next step. Very practical, down to earth and logical advice. Also got to connect with great folks. Nena (on behalf of Kaliste)
Toby Reynolds (verified owner) –
Good stuff all round; lots of interesting tips and stories from other would-be filmmakers. Please do check out Forget-Me-Knot by Polly Coombes: a fabulous effort from a seriously talented young filmmaker….
Stefan Ruiz –
Fantastic session, Elliot was very helpful in regards to advising me on the next steps to take in my career and I personally loved his energy, his humor, and his informed responses to everyone’s individual questions. I’m definitely going to be looking into do some more courses and workshops with Raindance.
Thanks,
Stefan
Emilio Boutros (verified owner) –
Thank you to Elliot and Denise for putting together such a wonderful opportunity to talk about your career, projects and obstacles. Once you’re out of film school, it’s not something you can do very often – if hardly ever. Elliot is full of great advices, anecdotes and tips. His story and experience are very inspiring. It was amazingly helpful to talk with him and also hear about other people’s projects. Just being in that conversation for one hour gave me tones to think about and an energy to do more. Thank you again!
William Booth (verified owner) –
Elliot is always super helpful and you’ll leave feeling positive and ready to get back on the wheel!
Swati Chugh (verified owner) –
This surgery was definitely needed to take my filmmaking career to the next level ! Elliot is such an inspiration, he listened to all the concerns and queries very patiently and gave workable tips and solutions as per the situation one is in. I am amazed at the sheer will and genuine intentions of Elliot to help emerging filmmakers with their career. So grateful to Elliot for all the kind words for me and the introductions he facilitated amongst all the participants. I have already connected with all of them offline and having one of one meetings as well !
Yasmine Alice (verified owner) –
This was a great evening with Elliot, who is an extraordinary storyteller. I have genuinely learnt so much and met some cool filmmakers that I hope to collaborate with in the future.
Roxanne Wright (verified owner) –
The Career Surgery for Emerging Filmmakers workshop with Elliot was great. I like the fact that Elliot included everyone on a one on one bases. He was attentive and everyone participated. I learned new approaches and different techniques to use in regards to making films.
David de la Harpe (verified owner) –
An invaluable session! Elliot did a great job in (1) getting all of us to share where we are now and our plans, (2) offering specific / tailored advice and (3) pointing out possible synergies between the attendees on the zoom call and encouraging us to follow up accordingly. Highly recommended, and I intend to attend more of these sessions!
Cleopatra (verified owner) –
Amazing session with Elliot and meeting fellow creatives. I learnt so much and really grateful for your invaluable advice Elliot. Thank you so much and looking forward to the next session
Edward Terry (verified owner) –
It was an excellent session where we all got to ask Qs we might have. Elliot’s knowledge and advice are extensive and I’d recommend it to any filmmaker on their journey.
Tim Ingall (verified owner) –
Compared to a lot of various other training courses, individual webinars and such like this, I can honestly say this is hands down the best I’ve had to date. You participate and get to network a little, along with listening others (live) talk about their goals and set backs.
Strange as this may sound, talking with Elliot Grove makes me feel I’m talking to someone who really knows the business all the way to Hollywood. Lots to learn and so much to be inspired by!
Doulla Panaretou (verified owner) –
A fantastic session, it was helpful to learn about the experiences of other filmmakers and to be able to ask for Elliot’s advice too!
Rebecca Colby (verified owner) –
I can’t get over how generous Elliot is with his time. It was a useful session that allowed me to meet other film creatives and get advice on my own career, as well as hear how the others might advance themselves also. Super session!
Igor Ismail (verified owner) –
absolutely amazing and informative session! thank you very much Elliot and Raindance!
Larissa Terranova (verified owner) –
It was my first time attending the event, and I loved every minute! Listening to people ready to participate in festivals with their movies and experienced filmmakers sharing their stories and offering suggestions was inspiring. I am delighted to be a member of Raindance! Thank you!
Theoline Maphutha (verified owner) –
Insightful. Thank you, Elliot for your patience, practical advice, and making us all feel like special guests.
Rebecca Colby (verified owner) –
This was my second career surgery and, if possible, it was even better than the first time. Elliott gave such useful advice for everyone and tailored his responses to our individual questions. None of it felt generic. Specific names were mentioned and the information was practical, achievable and certainly steps to advance our careers.
nromain1 (verified owner) –
Enjoyable as every Raindance course I’ve ever done – thanks Elliot and the whole RD team!