Every great producer has a team behind them.
The Moonshot Collective is yours.
a year long collective for producers and filmmakers redefining what's possible
Are you a filmmaker or producer who leads with your heart?
The Moonshot Collective was created for people like you—creatives who see producing as both art and calling.
It’s a space for creative people who see producing as more than logistics and deadlines. Here, we explore the spiritual, strategic, and tactical sides of the work—the inner clarity, the big-picture thinking, and the practical moves that turn ideas into reality.
You’ll find a community that reminds you why you started, gives you the courage to keep going, and helps you build what’s next—with less burnout and more purpose.
Keep reading for all the details and how to join us.
If you’re already feeling that “this is my people” vibe? Let’s chat and make sure it’s a match.
Hi, I’m Laverne McKinnon.
I’m a career strategist, Master Certified Coach (MCC), and grief recovery specialist with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry.
As an executive producer on the Netflix series GIRLBOSS and former SVP at CBS and EVP at EPIX, I've tasted sweet sweet success — and face-planted hard enough to taste the dirt. Those experiences shaped how I lead and coach today—with a mix of strategy, humor, and deep respect for what it really takes to build a meaningful career.
Beyond coaching, I’m a speaker and mentor. As a faculty member at Northwestern University, I teach Persuasion & Pitching, a course that helps students frame their ideas in ways that inspire action. Feedback on my approach has been described as “life-changing,” “deeply intuitive,” and “a powerful catalyst for change.” I promise I didn’t write those myself, nor paid anyone.
Me as a Baby Producer 😂
We all started somewhere.
This photo is circa 1987. One of my first gigs as a producer. And boy, did I wish I had someone to ask all the “stupid questions.” Trust me, I had plenty.
Since then, I’ve learned it’s impossible to know everything. And yet, we’re expected to which is really annoying and unrealistic. What we really need is a space to be vulnerable, swap wisdom, ask tricky questions, and celebrate the hard-fought wins.
That’s what The Moonshot Collective is. A small, generous community for filmmakers and producers who want to grow their craft, lead with purpose and keep their sanity and humanity intact while doing it.
What’s Possible Inside the Collective
In just the past year, members of The Moonshot Collective have:
Premiered films at Tribeca, Rotterdam, Santa Barbara, and Cascadia
Been selected for WIF Film Lab, Film Independent Producing Lab, Stowe Pilot Lab, and Whistler Film Lab
Earned recognition as an Athena Festival semi-finalist and received grants—including one for $85K
Earned an Emmy nomination and celebrated an Off-Broadway premiere
Shot proofs of concept and secured life rights for new projects
Built full slates from scratch, attaching directors, talent, and producers
Developed budgets, financing plans, and distribution strategies that opened new doors
Found distribution, expanded networks, and started meeting with dream producers
Learned how to build decks that sell—and why they matter
Represented their work at AFM, Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, Edinburgh, and TIFF
Big things happen when producers come together with shared purpose and accountability.
Dream big, build smarter, laugh often.
The Moonshot Collective is for you if:
You want to develop a clear, actionable strategy to get your film or TV project into production with the accountability of a supportive group.
You’re looking to broaden your network and connect with like-minded producers who offer collaborative problem-solving and fresh perspectives.
You’re ready to commit to regular, structured sessions that keep you on track and motivated as you work through challenges.
You need help understanding independent financing models and want access to insider resources that can accelerate your learning.
You’re seeking confidential, constructive feedback to sharpen your packaging, sales tools, and strategic plan.
You’re navigating the complexities of budgeting and financing and would benefit from the wisdom and experience of peers who’ve been there.
You want to build a festival submission strategy that aligns with your project’s goals while benefiting from expert and peer insights.
You crave a supportive, emotionally safe space where you can openly share professional challenges and receive encouragement and empathy.
You value the power of shared resources—like festival lists, budgets, and tools—and want access to a community willing to help.
You’re eager to learn from industry guest speakers and gain actionable insights that move your projects forward.
If you’re craving clarity, courage, and a crew who gets it, this is where you’ll find it.
Here’s what you can expect inside The Moonshot Collective
What You’ll Gain:
A Strategic Plan
You won’t just learn the steps needed to get your movie or tv show made—you’ll create a written, actionable plan that you can execute.
Packaging & Attaching Key Elements
Understand how to package your project and attach the critical elements—talent, directors, producers—that will attract financing and distribution.
Budgeting for Financing
Learn how to determine the right budget for your movie, setting you up for successful financing conversations.
Festival Submission Strategy
Develop a festival submission strategy that aligns with your project’s goals and maximizes exposure.
Collective Challenge
We’re turning research into relationship-building: each member will connect with assigned financiers and distributors, learn what they’re looking for, and report back.
Leadership Development
Enhance you'r leadership skills by learning how to inspire your team, make confident decisions, and navigate the complexities of producing with clarity and vision.
Indie Financing Models
Gain a clear understanding of the fundamental models for independent film financing, so you know where to start.
Types of Financiers
Learn the different kinds of financiers and investors, and how to approach them to support your project.
Visual Presentations & Sales Tools
Master the creation of visual presentations and key sales tools that will help you pitch your film effectively.
Career Strategy Substack
Every Collective member receives a paid subscription to my Substack, which includes monthly workshops and live coaching on navigating career grief and growth. Along with a dedicated Chat Channel to continue our conversations.
Why It’s Worth It:
3 Private Coaching Sessions
Nothing like a deep dive into personalized support to hit your moonshot! You'll have the opp for 1:1 support in January, June and December.
2 In-Person Gatherings
These will be experiential workshops to get us out of our heads and into our bodies. We'll meet in downtown Los Angeles in January and June.
Resource Sharing
Gain access to valuable tools and resources like festival lists, department head insights, apps, budgets, schedules, and more.
Guest Speakers
We host a regular speaker series with industry professionals. These sessions, scheduled based on speaker availability, complement our regular group meetings.
Feedback Hub
Receive constructive feedback on your strategic plan to help you move into being in production.
Keepin’ it Fresh
You’ll have your moment in every meeting through individual spotlights—short check-ins to share progress or questions. And when you’re ready for a deeper dive, you can claim a Focused Spotlight—a 30-minute session where the group helps you tackle a challenge or celebrate a milestone.
Ongoing Support
Get advice, compassion, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on when needed—this group is your network of peers who’ve got your back.
Industry Insights
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news, insightful articles, podcasts, reading recommendations, and expert perspectives.
Pro-Tips
Get expert advice to sharpen your producing skills and keep your project moving forward.
Shared Kajabi Drive
Leverage practical tools for collaboration, organization, and accountability—keeping everything on track and within reach. All recordings, guest sessions, and materials are available on demand, as well.
We all know the hard truth that talent, grit, and stoicism alone don’t get a film made. You also need a few good humans who share their playbook instead of guarding it. In The Moonshot Collective we have been fortunate to host a lot of folks who are openly shared their best practices, wisdom and experience.
Previous Guest Speakers Include:
Peter Dekom / President of Peter J Dekon, a Law Corporation
Elizabeth Grave / Senior Vice President Production and Development, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions
Ted Hope / Producer, Head of Production, Amazon Studios
Shane Kelly / Senior Vice President, International Sales & Acquisitions, Mister Smith
Charlotte Koh / Executive Vice-President, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
Yoni Liebling / Vice President of Development at Red Crown
Olivia Mascheroni / Agent at Verve Ventures
Sarah Shepard / Senior Vice President, 20th Century Studio
Eddie Rubin / Producer, Optimistic Producers (The Farewell, Guilty)
Lisa Trifone / Publicist, CEO of Bright Iris Film Co
Ready to transform your producing career?
Let’s talk commitment (the fun kind)
Joining The Moonshot Collective is a yearlong commitment to your craft, your community, and your next big leap. The annual membership is $4,800, paid in 12 monthly installments of $400.
I also offer two scholarships each year for creatives who’d benefit from a little financial breathing room. Apply here by Friday, December 12, 2025.
Before anything’s official, let’s hop on a call to talk through your goals and see if the Collective is the right fit for your time, energy, and resources.
If we both feel it’s aligned, you’ll complete a short agreement and onboarding form to get set up. Your first 1:1 coaching session kicks off in January, and our group meetings begin in February. From there, you’ll receive your dedicated Zoom link, shared tracker, and access to our Substack community—your new creative home base.