Pivot: The Ultimate Guide to Indie Filmmaking

Independent filmmaking is built on clear vision and understanding the realities of the entertainment industry. This workshop walks you through each step of getting your indie film made: showing you how to be resourceful, balance ambition with practicality, and work effectively within your constraints.

Whether you're dreaming of your first short or planning your next feature, this comprehensive 3-hour session covers everything you need to know to make your film happen—from that initial spark of inspiration to getting your work in front of audiences.

Welcome: Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

Part 1: Foundation & Development

• Storytime: A case study using Luke and Sheetal's first feature film 'Goliath'
• Idea Development: Choosing a film idea worth pursuing.
• Funding: Creative and traditional ways to fund your film.
• Pre-Production: Building your plan and assembling your team with limited resources.
• Legal Considerations (Part 1): Protecting your work from the start.

Part 2: Execution & Beyond

• Production: Directing a set where everybody works well together.
• Post-Production: Finessing the story.
• Distribution & Film Festivals: Self-distribution vs. the traditional film festival strategies.
• Legal Considerations (Part 2): Top 10 tips from an entertainment lawyer
• Q&A / Group Discussion

• Beginner and intermediate filmmakers
• Writers and directors planning their project
• Producers and crew members
• Film & media students

Luke Villemaire, Indie Filmmaker

Luke Villemaire is a Toronto-based filmmaker and producer whose work spans film, television, and digital media. He released his debut feature, Goliath, in 2023, currently streaming on Tubi and other platforms. He also wrote and directed Summer, a found-footage horror feature currently in post-production. A graduate of TMU’s Film Studies program, Luke is passionate about creating opportunities for emerging artists and championing diverse, character-driven stories.

He has worked on political campaigns at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Most recently, he was part of the digital team for Prime Minister Carney during the 2025 election.

Sheetal Maya Nanda, Producer & Entertainment Lawyer

Sheetal Maya Nanda is the founder of Quantum Law Group, a boutique law firm in Toronto. Her areas of practice include entertainment, sports, and immigration law. By challenging convention, Sheetal successfully combined two diverse areas of law to build a unique legal practice. Sheetal is particularly passionate about supporting the legal needs of emerging entertainers, artists, authors, tech entrepreneurs and digital-content creators as they navigate their careers. Sheetal is an adjunct professor at TMU’s Lincoln Alexander School of Law where she currently teaches Sports and Entertainment Law. In February 2023 Sheetal made her debut as a producer with the Canadian feature film Goliath.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Toronto Thrive