Know where you are on your filmmaking journey
Every filmmaker walks the same path — from a raw idea to a funded, finished film. Answer a few questions and see exactly where you stand on that journey, and the next move that gets you closer.
Free · No login required · ~3 minutes
Every hero has a journey. So does every filmmaker.
From the blockbusters to your favorite indie, every great story follows the Hero's Journey — an ordinary world, a call to adventure, a mentor, an ordeal, and a triumphant return. Making your film is your Hero's Journey.
You're the hero. This is your map — and we're your mentor for the road. Most filmmakers stall because they can't see where they are on it. This shows you exactly where you stand, and the next step toward a funded, finished film.
Ideation
Your idea, your script, and proof it's worth making.
Phase 1 · Startup
Commit — form the business, build the deck and plan.
Phase 2 · Development
Budget, attachments, and the investors who back you.
Phase 3 · Production
Cross the chasm — finance it, and shoot.
Phase 4+ · Delivery
A finished, funded, profitable film. Journey complete.
How it works
- Answer 15 quick questions about your project.
- See your Score (0–100) and which phase of the journey you're in.
- Walk the full task & asset rubric — every step a filmmaker must do.
- Toggle on the services you want help with — get an instant estimate with bundle savings.
- Book a discovery call to move forward fast.
Get the weekly filmmaker playbook
Funding strategy, packaging tactics, and the moves that get indie films made — straight from 27+ years in the trenches. Free, every week.
Built by Ron Newcomb, The Indie Coach
Ron has spent 27+ years in independent filmmaking. He helps writers, directors, and producers turn ideas into investor-ready packages — with clear next steps for funding, packaging, production, and distribution. This tool encodes that same framework so you can see your risk, your phase, and your path in minutes.
More about Ron →What filmmakers say
"Ron's review of my feature film pitch deck went far beyond surface-level notes — detailed, actionable, and focused on strengthening both the creative and business sides. His personal follow-up call walked through every recommendation. Integrity, generosity, and real-world industry experience. If you're serious about elevating your film, I wholeheartedly recommend Ron Newcomb and The Indie Coach."
U.S. Army Major (Ret.) · Writer & Producer, Squeaky Reel Productions, LLC
Frequently asked questions
What is a film Risk Score?
A film Risk Score is a 0–100 measure of how risky your project looks to investors. It starts at 100 (highest risk) and falls as you earn leverage — a validated idea, secured IP, attachments like a director and lead actor, a business entity, funding raised, and distribution partners. Lower is better. As risk falls and leverage rises, more serious capital becomes available.
How do I know what phase my film is in?
The filmmaker life cycle has five phases: Ideation (idea, script, validation), Phase 1 Pre-Production / Startup ($5k–$20k), Phase 2 Development ($30k–$75k), Phase 3 Production (about 30% of budget), and Phase 4+ Post / Distribution / Marketing. The free assessment places your project automatically from your answers.
How much does it cost to get a film funded?
Costs vary by phase. Typical Indie Coach services range from a $250 Film Audit and $999 business setup, through $2,000–$2,500 for a pitch deck, budget, or lookbook, up to $15,000–$25,000 for casting and a producer-for-hire. The tool builds an instant estimate from the services you select, with bundle discounts.
Is the filmmaker assessment free?
Yes. The 15-question assessment, your Risk Score, the full task and asset rubric, and the cost estimate are all free with no login. You can optionally create a free account to save your results and track progress.
Who built this tool?
It was built by Ron Newcomb, The Indie Coach — a filmmaker with 27+ years in independent film who helps writers, directors, and producers turn ideas into investor-ready, fundable packages.
Sister tools that work hand-in-hand
The Filmmaker's Journey is part of The Concept Compass — a full suite that takes your film from idea to funded and sold.