In film, a dressed set is not an idea. It's not a plan. It's the moment when everything is in place - and the work is finally ready to begin.
The Dressed Set is a small, invitation-only cohort of serious artists who will come together to build one shared feature-length film from ideation through distribution under professional standards and real-world constraints.
This is not a class. This is a production.
What This Cohort Is
- One feature film
- One creative direction
- One production process
- One small group working in shared responsibility
You will see:
- How decisions are made
- How creative vision meets budget and logistics
- How conflict is handled professionally
- How a film moves from idea to a finished, distributable project
The Film
- Designed to be lean, intentional, and international distribution-aware
- Produced and directed under the leadership of Dréa Lewis
- Feature length project developed collaboratively
- Built with professional deliverables in mind
What You Will Experience As A Member
- Participate in story ideation and development
- Learn how scripts are shaped for feasibility
- Understand budgeting, scheduling, and production realities
- Observe and contribute to casting and department decisions
- Work within real production roles and constraints
- Learn legal, insurance, and deliverables essentials
- See distribution conversations as they actually happen
- Receive appropriate credit on a completed feature film
- Build portfolio-level documentation of your role
This is experiential, rigorous, and collaborative.
The Public Documentation
The process will be documented through a podcast series that follows the journey of building this film in public - with care and discretion. Some moments will be shared. Some conversations remain inside the room. Participants gain visibility without being commodified.
The Dressed Set is For Artists Who:
- Understand collaboration requires discipline
- Are willing to be accountable to a group
- Want real experience, not symbolic participation
- Are ready to work at a professional level
- Can take direction without losing their voice
- Are not for hobbyists
- Are not seeking shortcuts
- Are not ready to commit time and energy
About the Lead Producer and Director
Dréa Lewis is a producer, director, and theatre artist whose work has screened at AMC theaters and received international distribution following her accreditation at Festival de Cannes. She has a background in award-winning theatre direction, artist mentorship, and partners with the Educational Theatre Association.
She leads this cohort the way she leads productions:
- With clarity
- With high standards
- With respect for artists and process
Program Details
- Duration: 12 months, weekly meetings
- Daily connections through The Artist Alchemy group
- Cohort size: Approximately 10
- Start 2026
- Format: Hybrid (virtual development, in-person production periods
Investment of $10,000 USD supports:
- The film's development and production
- Legal, insurance, and deliverables
- Professional oversight and mentorship
- Your education and your participation in a real film
The Selection Process
The Dressed Set is application based. Not everyone who applies will be invited. Selection is based on:
- Readiness
- Alignment
- Commitment
- Capacity to collaborate