Short film consulting

by Pinar Binay

| Oscar-Longlisted Producer & Film Independent Fellow |

As a seasoned creative producer with over 25 short films under my belt—including an Oscar-longlisted project and films featured at top-tier festivals such as SXSW, Hollyshorts, and Urbanworld—I am launching a consulting business tailored specifically to short filmmakers.

My goal is to guide emerging and independent creators through the nuanced and often daunting process of short film development, production, and festival circuit.

This consulting service offers three levels of engagement based on a filmmaker’s needs and budget. Each tier is designed to provide personalized, strategic, and actionable support to help clients elevate their work to its highest potential—whether they’re producing their first short or positioning their film for the festival circuit and awards recognition.

TIER I: Light Touch

  • One-on-one support on select topics (e.g., festival strategy, budgeting, etc.)

  • Weekly or bi-weekly sessions

  • No formal credit or attachment

  • Ideal for filmmakers seeking focused guidance on a specific topic without full-scale collaboration

TIER II: DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

  • In-depth involvement across multiple areas (development + festival + marketing strategy)

  • Filmmaker delivers all relevant materials and goals for project assessment

  • Weekly sessions for at least 1 month

  • No credit required; flat session-based consulting

TIER III: EXECUTIVE PACKAGE

  • Full creative producing consultation from start to finish

  • Hands-on, ongoing support in all major areas of pre-production, production and release

  • Includes pitch deck evaluation, talent sourcing strategy, and marketing campaign planning

  • Flat fee for full project (negotiable based on scope)

  • Executive Producer credit provided on final film

how does it work?

Weekly or bi-weekly consulting sessions are available at $50/hour, conducted via virtual meeting.

All preparation for each session is included and handled on my end.

This rate is intentionally affordable. The session fee is less about profit and more a symbolic, transparent number—a gesture of commitment and mutual investment. It's designed to make professional-level guidance accessible to serious filmmakers, without the gatekeeping or inflated consulting fees often seen in the industry.

Filmmakers must complete an Initial Interest Form (please see below) to initiate the process, followed by a full Consulting Agreement and Material Submission if we proceed.

Services Overview

Topics we can cover include (but are not limited to):

  • Budgeting and Financing Strategy

  • Crowdfunding & Fiscal Sponsorship

  • Talent Attachments (Casting, Outreach Strategy)

  • Packaging and Pitch Decks

  • Development Feedback (Story, Structure, Script Notes)

  • Festival Strategy and Calendaring

  • Awards Campaign Planning

  • Career Navigation and Long-Term Goal Mapping

  • Press Strategy and Social Media Support

  • Distribution Opportunities and Strategic Partnerships

initial interest form