Unlock New Career Opportunities & Achieve Your Filmmaking Goals
TAILORED COACHING TO HELP YOU STAND OUT AND THRIVE AS A FILMMAKER
THE BENEFITS OF COACHING
Ready to Level Up?
John offers personalized guidance to boost your filmmaking career. From fundraising and festival strategies to securing distribution and attracting top talent, his coaching covers all the essentials. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, John shares proven strategies from his own experience, helping you adapt to what works best for your unique journey.
Why Work with John Trefry?
John Trefry is a seasoned writer, director, and producer with extensive industry knowledge. His storytelling skills, successful production track record and passion for teaching make him an ideal mentor for filmmakers of all levels.
Award Winning Filmmaker
and Short Film Expert
John has produced over a dozen shorts and features becoming recognized as an expert in short films—
Alum of +100 film festivals
2x SXSW, 3x Tribeca, 8x HollyShorts
Repped by Bellevue Productions
Raindance - Best Short of the Festival
3x Top Winner at Oscar-qualifying Festivals
Join John Trefry’s coaching to excel in storytelling, scriptwriting, and directing. Leverage his industry experience and practical insights to enhance your skills and achieve filmmaking success. Whether you're a film student or a professional, John's focused and enthusiastic approach will ignite your creativity and help you reach your goals. With John, you gain a dedicated partner in your filmmaking journey.
Effective guidance can simplify the hurdles
Benefits of Coaching
Get a Personalized Career Roadmap
Receive a tailored plan that aligns with your filmmaking goals—whether it’s breaking into top festivals, securing representation, or transitioning from shorts to features.
Receive Expert Project Feedback
Elevate your work with actionable insights on your scripts, pitch decks, and films. John’s feedback is designed to help your projects stand out in a crowded market.
Learn Insider Knowledge
and Tactics
Unlock proven strategies used by filmmakers who’ve succeeded at Sundance, SXSW, and Tribeca, giving your project a real competitive edge.
Expand Your Network
Build connections with industry professionals, from agents and producers to festival programmers, and open doors to new opportunities.
MEET YOUR COACH
Hey, I'm John!
"I've learned a huge amount through the process of making short films and those lessons were the result of years of failing before finally getting traction. The amazing thing about shorts is that we don't need anyone to green-light us, we can do it on our own which leaves the learning curve completely in our hands.
The projects I've been part of have been successful as the result of an incredible team, every single time. I am a big believer in sharing what I've learned to help other filmmakers because that's exactly how I've grown in my own career."
How Does Coaching Work?
Getting Started with Coaching
Initial free 15-minute consultation
Define goals and objectives
Develop a coaching plan & schedule
No long-term commitment and adjustable schedule
What to Expect with Coaching
1-on-1 Coaching
John prepares for the session so you get the most out of it
1 Hour Session
Private video meeting that can be joined from anywhere
Flexible and Customized
John provides discounted coaching rates for
Coaching provides filmmakers with the support and resources they need to succeed in a competitive industry
TESTIMONIALS
From Real Filmmakers
Kent Lamm
Writer/Director
"John is a total expert when it comes to narrative short films. He was a huge asset to my film Will 'The Machine'
and not only elevated my work as a director but also helped secure screenings at prestigious festivals like
HollyShorts and Palm Springs to name a few.''
Imole J. O. Ladipo
Writer/Director
"John is not just a filmmaker but a passionate coach. John teaches you from experience and wants more filmmakers to have a stressless approach to shooting their films. Thank you John for such an informative course and thanks for your
personal coaching sessions!''
Christian Chapman
Writer/Director
"John Trefry was an incredible coach on our last short film! Making an indie film is a real maze of tough decisions, from honing a vision to budget crunching to crew building — and John was an incredible consultant through all of this. He truly cares about your voice and your perspective, and is invested in helping you share your best stuff with the world"
Jamin Mears
Writer/Director
LEARN MORE ABOUT COACHING
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our coaching.
Why is John offering this coaching?
This coaching is driven by John's passion for mentoring filmmakers. He’s committed to guiding aspiring filmmakers, film students, and anyone eager to learn, helping them master the art of short filmmaking so they can elevate their careers and bring their creative ideas to life.
How can I access coaching?
First, submit your coaching inquiry by click the button below to share a bit of info about what you're looking for. Then John will review and we'll be in touch to send the link for you to book your coaching sessions.
How does the free consultation work?
After you submit your inquiry, you'll receive a link to schedule an initial 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs, and assistance in defining your goals and objectives.
Will I receive any materials or resources during the coaching?
Absolutely! During the coaching, John will provide you with valuable materials and resources, including guides, templates, and examples that you can use to enhance your filmmaking skills and apply what you learn directly to your projects. His goal is to equip you with everything you need to succeed.
Do I need any specific equipment or software to participate in the coaching sessions?
You’ll need a laptop or any device that lets you connect from anywhere, along with apps like Zoom or Google Meet to join the sessions.
Is there a cost to access the coaching?
Your initial consultation is free and there is a fee associated with ongoing coaching that will be determined by your specific needs.
Can I ask questions during the coaching sessions?
Yes, you can definitely ask questions during the coaching sessions. If you have any queries, just reach out via email, and John will be happy to help you out.
Challenges in our career are inevitable and overcoming them takes more than skills—it calls for strategic insight and creativity.
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