Happy Wednesday, Stage 32 Community!

I hope the start of 2024 has been exhilarating and productive for you all! Our Stage 32 Education Team has certainly been hard at work to bring incredible education opportunities and resources to this fantastic community.

This February, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, actors, award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on such projects as TOP GUN: MAVERICK, TOY STORY, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, EVAN ALMIGHTY, THE FAMILY PLAN, HEART OF STONE, ODESSA OR BUST, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING, TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS, BONES, MAD MEN, THE BIG BANG THEORY, TESLA, THE LAST THING MARY SAW, THE BOYS, PREACHER, SWAT, THE WITCHER, SUPERNATURAL, ARROW, EMPIRE, ARRIVAL, JURASSIC WORD, PARKS & REC, ALL THAT WE DESTROY, WOMAN KING, and many others.

Don’t wait for all of the spots to fill up! Below is an exciting list of upcoming Stage 32 Education that is already available for you to register for!

Webinars

Screenwriting 101

Starting: Wednesday, February 21st

Instructor: Alec Sokolow

In this jam-packed 90-minute exclusive webinar, you will learn all the essential fundamentals of screenwriting. You will learn how to approach your screenwriting like a professional and how to get the most out of your time and talent, how, and why, you must create dynamic characters, a solid structure, and a story that can captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you’re brand new to screenwriting and looking to learn the fundamentals or you’re a veteran screenwriter looking to further hone your craft from one of the most accomplished screenwriters in the industry, this webinar is a must.

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you hone your screenwriting craft.

Alec Sokolow is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter. In addition to Alec’s work on Pixar’s TOY STORY (which garnered him an Oscar nomination), Alec penned the hit films MONEY TALKS, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, EVAN ALMIGHTY, GARFIELD, and many other projects. His work has grabbed audiences globally and has netted over $2 billion in worldwide receipts.

How to Nail the Second Draft of Your Film or Television Script

Starting: Thursday, February 22nd

Instructor: Brian Herskowitz

In this exclusive 90-minute webinar, you will learn how to identify problems with your script, how to fix those problems, and how to implement third-party notes all to elevate the second draft of your script. You’ll learn to identify what to cut (and when you should cut it), what to add, and whether the script's issues are structural, character, or logic-driven. This webinar gives an overview of the rewrite process and offers tools to correct errors and make your second draft SOAR.

Brian Herskowitz is an award-winning writer/director/producer, who has written and produced for both TV and film and has worked on sitcoms, hour series, and feature films. He is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America and the Producer’s Guild of America and has directed award-winning short films, including MURRAY GHOST with Helen Slater, JOANNE with Gina Hecht, and ODESSA OR BUST starring Jason Schwartzman, Jason Alexandr, and the late academy-award winner Red Buttons**.**

How To Create Compelling Characters In Your Blockbuster Film

Starting: Thursday, February 29th

Instructor: Aimee Rivera

In this 90-minute, information-packed webinar, you will gain unprecedented access to the insights of a top executive shaping the films that the world adores and you uncover the methodologies behind the development of creating compelling characters in your blockbuster film. You will even have a Q&A with Aimee to ask her questions about your own projects, your craft, and your career.

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to scripts to help you in your own writing. Downloads include the scripts for LEGALLY BLONDE, TERMINATOR, and TITANIC.

Aimee Rivera is the Vice President of Motion Picture Production at Skydance Entertainment! Aimee was instrumental in the success of Skydance's Oscar-nominated and billion-dollar box office hit, TOP GUN: MAVERICK, and oversees Skydance's robust slate of major motion pictures. Skydance is known for its big stories in film and television having recently released THE FAMILY PLAN on Apple+ (breaking their all time record as the most viewed movie in Apple TV+ history!), HEART OF STONE on Netflix, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING, and TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS.

Classes

Actors Workshop: How to Prepare for and Nail Your Audition to Get a Callback

Starting: Saturday, February 10th

Instructor: Ryan Cartwright

In this exclusive 4-hour workshop, you will develop your acting process so you feel confident that you are delivering to the best of your abilities every time. You will also be exploring intensive scene-study work to help you create captivating performances. This interactive workshop will cover everything you need to know to deliver your best performance in the audition room and on set. The class will explore the varying types of acting steps that you must master to consistently land dream roles and to create stunning exhibitions of your craft that will secure your future acting roles. You will learn how to approach the text - no matter the genre or character - and avoid common pitfalls in scenes**.** Ryan will teach you how you can and should inject your personal voice and flare into every audition while remaining true to the character. You will learn how to bring depth to your characters, even when you only have a few hours to prepare.

PLUS! Ryan will provide you with exclusive handouts to help you hone your acting process. Downloads include The Audition Process Beat Sheet and Filming Day Checklist.

Ryan Cartwright is an esteemed actor with over 30 years of professional acting experience and training and he has developed a robust acting process that he will share with you to incorporate into your process to consistently elevate your work. Ryan has starred in numerous TV series and movies including BONES, MAD MEN, THE BIG BANG THEORY, KEVIN CAN WAIT, and ALPHAS. He has an extensive understanding of what helps book roles in the casting office and what directors delight in seeing on set, and is passionate about teaching other actors the secrets to success.

Strategies for Success: How To Master Meetings With Creative Executives

Starting: Sunday, February 25th

Instructor: Liliana Granados

In this exclusive 2-part class, you will learn directly from a top Creative Executive how to approach specific production companies, land meetings with Creative Executives, and foster meaningful and productive working relationships with a Creative Executive so your project succeeds. You will learn the art of crafting a compelling email, understanding the crucial elements that captivate Creative Executives, and how to maximize the impact of your meetings. How to delve into the strategic importance of researching a Creative Executive's businesses, identifying causes they are passionate about, and uncovering studio deals and partnerships that align with your projects. You will learn how to navigate your meetings with a Creative Executive with confidence and how to follow up strategically to keep your relationship moving forward.

PLUS! You’ll receive an exclusive "Informational Meeting Questions” handout to help prepare you for your meetings with Creative Executives!

Liliana Granados, whose illustrious career has woven through the corridors of entertainment alongside luminaries like Viola Davis, Sofia Vergara, and Eugenio Derbez. Liliana worked as a Creative Executive at Viola Davis' JuVee Productions where she executed her passion for developing projects that celebrate culture and diversity. Most notably, Liliana participated in the development of TriStar’s WOMAN KING as well as helping shepherd Amazon and MRC’s upcoming G20 film. Recently, Granados served as the Director of Development at Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios, where she helped build the company's feature film drama department.

Labs

Producing Lab: Get Your Feature Film Project Ready to Go to Market in 2024

Starting: Tuesday, February 6th

Instructor: Aimee Schoof

In this exclusive 5-part lab, you’ll work in an intimate virtual class setting and in one-on-one Zoom meetings with an accomplished film producer to learn how the pros get a project market-ready and attractive to co-producers, financiers, talent, distributors, and more. You will learn exactly what steps you need to take next to get your project ready to go into production! This lab will culminate in you pitching your project to Aimee and receiving valuable feedback on your pitch to make sure it’s ready for the market. You’ll complete this lab knowing how to make your script marketable with a plan of attack to find the right team to produce it.

PLUS! You’ll receive confidential resources exclusively for you and other attendees that you can download and use for your projects, including an up-to-date list of in-demand writers and directors to reach out to, pitch deck examples, outreach email templates, and more.

Returning to host one of Stage 32’s most sought-after labs is Aimee Schoof, the co-founder of Intrinsic Value Films. Aimee Schoof has an illustrious production portfolio, featuring over 35 films and 10 premieres at the Sundance Film Festival. Renowned titles such as TESLA, THE LAST THING MARY SAW, BLUE CAPRICE, and EXPERIMENTER have earned her nominations for six Gotham and six Independent Spirit Awards. Her company's commitment to impactful independent cinema has garnered global recognition, including a Sloan Sundance Award and a Sundance Special Grand Jury Prize. As a Sundance and Film Independent Fellow, Schoof has shared her expertise at major markets and through lectures on film finance and production.

NOTE: No more than 10 students will be admitted!

5-Part Private Pitching Lab: How to Master Your 5 Minute Pitch

Starting: Thursday, February 8th

Instructor: Will McCance

In this exclusive 5-week lab you will be guided through the fundamentals of pitching, including a deep dive of the five-minute pitch, how to distill your script into your pitch, and how to ultimately deliver it with confidence. You’ll work one-on-one with Will to understand the intricacies and art of pitching. While building your own five-minute pitch for your specific project under Will’s guidance.

PLUS! To stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your classmates throughout the length of the lab.

Will McCance is the Vice President of Production for Ian Bryce, producer of blockbusters like SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, ALMOST FAMOUS, the TRANSFORMERS franchise, and most recently Michael Bay's SIX UNDERGROUND and FINDING 'OHANA for Netflix. At Ian Bryce Productions, Will oversees the company's entire development slate. Before working with Ian Bryce, Will worked in development at Original Film's TV department, working on hit shows such as THE BOYS (Amazon) and PREACHER (AMC), as well as on SWAT (CBS) and HAPPY! (Syfy).

Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Drama Pilot Script in 8 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, February 17th

Instructor: David Chien

In this exclusive 8-week screenwriting lab, you will take your drama pilot script from concept to completed first draft. You will work in a virtual classroom setting as well as in one-on-one sessions with David as he guides you through the process of writing your drama series pilot script. This lab will provide the structure you need to stay on track and make sure you have a completed draft of your pilot script at the end of the lab that has been vetted by an industry expert and that's ready to share with reps, showrunners, producers, and distributors.

David Chien is a literary manager at Art/Work Entertainment, a company that has set up multiple TV projects at different studios and worked with clients that have written on popular series like THE WITCHER, SUPERNATURAL, ARROW, and EMPIRE. David is not only a story expert who has helped his clients develop their drama series but is also acutely tuned into the current television marketplace with his finger on the pulse of what is selling right now.

TV Pitching Lab: Develop Your Pitch Deck And Verbal Pitch For Your TV Series

Starting: Saturday, February 24th

Instructor: Spencer Robinson

In this exclusive 5-part pitching lab, you will create your professional pitch deck and verbal pitch with expert guidance from a top literary manager. Over five interactive sessions, including three one-on-one sessions, you will receive personal feedback so that you have a powerful sales tool ready when you hit the market. You’ll dive into your verbal pitch with the elements you need to include, the common mistakes you'll want to leave out, and how to best use visuals to keep executives engaged but not distracted. Spencer will also cover the kinds of questions producers ask so that you'll be prepared with the important answers in advance. Additionally, you will learn the different avenues available to you for selling a television series.

PLUS! You’ll get THREE one-on-one virtual meetings with Spencer allowing you to practice your verbal pitch and receive notes to make the adjustments that give you the edge you need.

Spencer Robinson is a manager at Art/Work Entertainment (whose clients include Eric Heisserer (ARRIVAL, LIGHTS OUT), Erin Cressida Wilson (THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, SNOW WHITE), and Kelly Washington (JURASSIC WORD, PARKS & REC), among others). Spencer has nearly a decade of industry experience. Spencer's writing clients work in both features and television on broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. He currently has a client writing on two Netflix series, and another client who just sold a show to Amazon. He also reps a writer who currently has a project at Jason Bateman's Aggregate Films, which has a deal at Netflix. His on-camera clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS, to name a few.

Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Horror Feature Film Screenplay In 8 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, February 24th

Instructor: Sean Keller

During this intensive 8-week lab, you will work in a virtual classroom setting and in one-on-one Zooms through developing, structuring, and writing your own horror feature film screenplay. This is a rare opportunity to work closely with a screenwriter who knows how to develop compelling scripts that streamers and studios are looking for. You will work closely with Sean on drafting the right concept, building engaging character descriptions, and ultimately writing the first draft of your feature screenplay.

Sean Keller is a screenwriter who has written for directors Dario Argento, John Carpenter, Chelsea Stardust, Antoine Fuqua, Nicolas Winding Refn and more. Sean has written scripts for Blumhouse (ALL THAT WE DESTROY), Lionsgate (BROKEN VOWS), SYFY (MAMMOTH) and sold television series pitches to ABC and Village Roadshow. Sean is an expert in the horror genre and has helped countless writers learn the craft and improve their scripts.

Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Multi-Cam Comedy Pilot Script In 8 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, February 24th

Instructor: Eric Zimmerman

In this exclusive 8-part screenwriting lab, you will work one-on-one with a top multi-cam comedy writer to write your very own pilot episode for your multi-cam series. You will not only write your pilot episode but you will learn the fundamentals of writing a multi-cam series and how to create a successful series that can go on for multiple seasons. Over 8 interactive sessions, you will work in a virtual classroom setting and work one-on-one with Eric. He will break down the creative process of developing your multi-cam comedy series, covering all the crucial topics that will get you from your original concept to delivering a draft of your own multi-cam pilot. By the end of the screenwriting lab, you will have a completed draft of your multi-cam pilot script in hand that has been vetted by an industry professional and that will serve as an effective writing sample to help you find that rep, get staffed on a TV show or successfully sell your own comedy series!

Plus! You will have direct access to Eric by email to ask him for the duration of the lab any questions about your project, your craft, or your career.

Eric Zimmerman is a top television comedy writer who has written on all 100 episodes of Freeform’s multi-cam hit BABY DADDY. Eric most recently served as a Co-Executive Producer on Disney’s multi-cam SYDNEY TO THE MAX. He has also sold several multi-cam projects to Disney and Netflix, as well as worked on multi-cam network pilots. But most importantly, Eric wasn’t always a multi-cam writer. He got his start writing on single camera and animated series, including the Emmy-nominated DAN VS. But once he started writing multi-cams, he quickly fell in love with the genre. Eric's latest script just made the prestigious 2023 Black List which features the best unproduced screenplays of the year!

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