Freelance Line Producer/ Consulting Producer

This is a Freelance Job

Project Type: Independent Feature Film (Period Folk Horror)
Budget Tier: $5M - $8M (SAG-AFTRA LBA / Tier 1)
Project Length: 90 Pages
Setting: 1970s Period Piece, Central California
Location: Remote (California-based preferred for regional incentive familiarity)
Engagement: Short-term Freelance / Pre-Production Consulting Only
Compensation: Flat Project Fee (DOE, please state your rate in your submission)
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Line Producer or Film Incentive Consultant to deliver a comprehensive, investor-ready pre-production package for an upcoming $5M-$8M indie feature. The film is a 1970s period piece set in Central California written by an award-winning WGA writer.
This contract is strictly for initial pre-production paperwork (budgeting, scheduling, and incentive structuring). You will not be expected to stay on for physical production (though that could be part of the deal). Your deliverables will serve as the structural framework for our financing, bonding, and tax credit application.
Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
• Comprehensive Line-Item Budget: Build a detailed, audit-ready line-item budget using standard industry software (Movie Magic Budgeting only). Budget must accurately calculate SAG-AFTRA fringe benefits, payroll fees, union/non-union tier calculations, and strict period-piece line items (vintage wardrobe, picture cars, specialized art department).
• California Tax Credit Optimization (Program 4.0): Isolate and tag all ''Qualified Spend'' line items. Build scenarios mapping out the logistics of shooting Out-of-Zone in Central California to optimize potential regional bonus uplifts. Ensure the package satisfies the 75% principal photography guardrail.
• Shooting Schedule & Stripboard: Create a realistic 20- to 24-day shooting plan based on the 90-page script, factoring in day/night transitions, child labor laws, and Out-of-Zone crew travel logistics.
• Day-Out-Of-Days (DOOD): Deliver operational grids for cast, stunts, and picture cars.
• Assumptions Page: Provide a clear overview explaining the structural logic behind the schedule and budget numbers.
Qualifications
• Proven track record as a Line Producer, UPM, or Bidding Producer on independent features in the $3M-$10M range.
• Deep, verifiable expertise with the California Film & Television Tax Credit framework.
• Expert-level proficiency in Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling software.
• Experience budgeting for period pieces and handling location logistics outside the standard Los Angeles 30-mile studio zone is highly preferred.