Happy Tuesday, Stage 32 Community!

I hope that the last month has been joyful 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 March, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, showrunners, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or represented such projects as TOY STORY, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, EVAN ALMIGHTY, GARFIELD, THE WITCHER, SUPERNATURAL, ARROW, EMPIRE, BABY DADDY, SYDNEY TO THE MAX, ARRIVAL, LIGHTS OUT, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, SNOW WHITE, JURASSIC WORD, PARKS & REC, COVENANT, GENIUS, THE KING’S SPEECH, ZAYTOUN, SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, 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

Breaking Down the Fundamentals of Producing: Development, Production & Post Production + Case Studies

Starting: Tuesday, March 5th

Instructor: Sam Sokolow

Over 90 information-packed minutes, you will learn the art and business of producing, and invaluable skills, critical for those who want to create or be a part of making movies, TV shows, and digital content. You will walk away from this webinar with a comprehensive understanding of producing, which will empower you to navigate the challenges and contribute effectively to the creation of compelling content in the entertainment industry. Whether you’re a veteran producer or looking to make your first project, this webinar is a must!

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you become a better Producer. Downloads include- the pilot script to Sam’s Emmy-winning series GENIUS: EINSTEIN, a shopping agreement template, and an option/purchase agreement template.

Sam Sokolow is a 2-time Emmy nominated executive producer and Stage 32’s Director of Education. Sam has put almost 20 original shows on television, including the 20-time Emmy-nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+. The fourth season of GENIUS – GENIUS: MLK/X – will premiere on February 1, 2024. Sam is currently in development on several films and television series based on real people or true events from history.

Screenwriting 101

Starting: Thursday, March 7th

Instructor: Alec Sokolow

In a jam-packed 90 minutes, you’ll learn how to approach your own screenwriting like a professional and how to get the most out of your time and talent. You will learn how, and why, you must create dynamic characters, a solid structure, and a story that can captivate audiences around the world. 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 Navigate the Cannes Film Festival Marche du Film

Starting: Wednesday, March 13th

Instructor: Guillaume Esmiol

In this webinar, we’re bringing in the Executive Director at Marché du Film of the Festival de Cannes, Guillaume Esmiol to talk about the festival and how to navigate it. The Cannes Film Festival can be overwhelming when you plan to attend for the first time. Over 12,000 film industry professionals head to Cannes each year to present and discover almost 4,000 films and projects in development at 33 screening venues. Fuelled by this success, the Marché has expanded with the opening of the Riviera and Lérins exhibition halls, forming a hub around the world-famous Palais des Festivals and the Village International, the number one venue for promoting films from all over the world. As a leading global film industry organization, the Marché du Film takes a rigorous approach to adapting to the expectations of industry professionals worldwide and to emerging economic, technological, and creative film trends.

Even if you’re a veteran attendee, things are always changing at Cannes so it’s important you stay in the know. Now, you’ll get to hear straight from the source on how to make your Cannes experience work for you. You’ll walk away from this webinar able to arrive on the Croisette ready to make things happen!

Stage 32 is proud to be the industry education workshop partner of the Cannes Film Festival Marché du Film for over eight years and we are excited to offer all badge holders the opportunity to experience Stage 32 education. Together with the Marché we are excited to offer this exclusive webinar to our Stage 32 community!

Breakdown of a 3 Country Feature Film Co-Production - UK, French, Israeli Case Study

Starting: Thursday, March 14th

Instructor: Gareth Ellis-Unwin

In this 90-minute webinar, Academy & BAFTA Award-winning Producer Gareth Ellis-Unwin will use his background as an experienced producer to showcase his approach to creating a successful international co-production.

Using his third feature film, the French-Israeli-UK co-production ZAYTOUN, as a case study, Gareth will break down each step of the process by which the co-production came to be, from conception through to its release strategy. Beginning with the genesis of the project and the initial development period, Gareth will then talk about the decision to co-produce, the opportunities and challenges this posed, and the process of selecting co-production partners. Moving on to cover the fundamentals of the project’s financing, Gareth will walk you through the finance plan, before providing a step-by-step look at how the pre-production, production, and post-production workflow on ZAYTOUN was managed as an international co-production. Finally, Gareth will reveal all that was involved after the film’s completion, explaining the project’s festival and release strategy and ending with his final reflections on the film as a whole.

At the end of this webinar you'll be able to see the inner workings of a French-Israeli-UK co-production and what it takes for a 3-country feature film project.

Gareth Ellis-Unwin is the CEO of the London-based Bedlam Film Productions. After 13 years as a 1st AD and Line Producer, racking up dozens of film and TV credits, Gareth decided to move into Producing and formed Bedlam Productions in 2006 with partner Simon Egan. In 2009, Gareth produced the British thriller EXAM, which was nominated for a BAFTA and won Spirit and Dinard awards. International recognition followed soon after with the record-breaking, critically acclaimed 2010 film THE KING’S SPEECH. It went on to become the highest-grossing British independent film of all time. It debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival where it took home the celebrated Audience Award before winning seven BAFTAs (including Best Film and Outstanding British Film) and four Academy awards, including Best Picture, presented to Gareth by Steven Spielberg. The film would eventually win more than 80 internationally recognized film awards and gross over $450m worldwide in theatrical receipts alone. He would go on to produce a further 6 feature films. Gareth has recently stepped down as Head of Film & Animation at Screenskills, the national charity in the UK for workforce development and those wishing to join the screen industries. Gareth led the delivery of the BFI Future Film Skills 10-point action plan and set the overall strategic direction for the Film Skills Fund. He was closely involved in the development of the COVID-19 Safe Return To Production guidance and has won PGGB awards for his career film, FIRST DAY; ON SET.

Domestic and Foreign Production Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Starting: Thursday, March 28th

Instructor: Daniel R'bibo

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn how production insurance works and how it is procured for Domestic and International Film Productions. You’ll begin with a general overview of production insurance. He’ll explain the various insurances relating to production including production package, general and auto liability, workers compensation, errors and omissions (E&O). Next Daniel will delve into the world of Foreign Production Insurance and the coverages needed to specifically cover international risk and production activity. He’ll walk you through what you need to know before you get a quote. He will also show you how much to budget for your own production insurance. Finally, Daniel will provide case studies of real films’ insurance breakdowns for both International and Domestic Productions. He will spend time discussing both films made for under and over $5 million. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the essential elements of production insurance from an industry expert!

Daniel R'bibo is a Senior Vice President at Gallagher Entertainment Insurance Services. For over two decades, Daniel has provided insurance services for independent and studio projects that have premiered at Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca, TIFF, and more. He has worked on all lines of insurance ranging from Production Insurance policies to Financial and Cyber policies such as E&O, D&O, and Network/ Security & Privacy coverages. Daniel has been awarded the Power Broker Award in the Media & Entertainment Category four separate times by Risk & Insurance Magazine. Few people in the world know entertainment insurance better than Daniel.

Classes

4-Part Directing Class: Scripted Drama TV Directing Process

Starting: Sunday, March 31st

Instructor: Todd Slavkin

In this exclusive Stage 32 class, embark on a transformative four-week journey into the heart of television drama directing. Throughout this course, you will delve deep into the essence of directing for scripted drama TV, covering every critical phase of the process. From securing your first directing assignment to the intricate analysis of the script, and navigating the challenges of pre-production, filming, and post-production, Todd will guide you through each step with precision and care. His nuanced approach ensures that you grasp not only the creative dimensions of directing but also the practicalities that are essential for success in this competitive field. Each session is designed to be interactive and engaging, featuring guest directors who have made significant marks in the industry. These seasoned professionals will share their personal journeys, enriching the course with their unique stories and invaluable tips for aspiring directors. Whether you're aiming to direct your first episode or looking to deepen your understanding of the craft, this course will open doors to new possibilities and elevate your creative potential.

Todd Slavkin is a multi-Emmy-nominated television writer, showrunner, and director. His collaboration with Darren Swimmer, his oldest friend and writing/producing partner, spans a diverse range of genres and includes contributions to several iconic television shows such as SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS, and the Emmy-nominated THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY. Known primarily for his role as a showrunner, Todd's directorial prowess is evident in landmark episodes of SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS, and DEFIANCE, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences and tell compelling stories.

Labs

Screenwriting Lab: Write a Sci-Fi TV Pilot in 8 Weeks from Concept to Script

Starting: Saturday, March 2nd

Instructor: David Chien

Over 8 intensive and interactive sessions, you will work in a virtual classroom setting as well as in one-on-one sessions with David Chien as he guides you through the process of writing your sci-fi 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 that has been vetted by an industry expert and that's ready to share with the marketplace. If you're looking to finally write that science-fiction pilot script for your TV series, this screenwriting lab is for you!

David Chien is a literary manager of almost 10 years who has set up multiple TV projects at different studios and worked with clients who 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 series but is also acutely tuned into the current television market with a pulse on what is selling right now.

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

Starting: Saturday, March 2nd

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!

Pitching Lab: Develop Your Pitch Deck + Verbal Pitch

Starting: Saturday, March 9th

Instructor: Spencer Robinson

In just 5 sessions (which include 2 class settings on Zoom and 3 one-on-one Zooms with Spencer Robinson) you’ll learn how to create a captivating pitch deck and verbal presentation that stands out to buyers. This lab covers everything from designing a persuasive pitch deck to mastering your verbal pitch, avoiding common mistakes, and effectively using visuals. You’ll also gain insight into what producers look for and explore various avenues for selling your series.

In one-on-one virtual Zoom sessions, Spencer will provide you with feedback and coaching to refine your pitch, ensuring you're ready to impress industry buyers. This is a private lab and a safe space with like-minded creatives for you to be around. If you can't make a live Zoom class, don't worry! It will be recorded and you can watch it at your convenience, PLUS! You will have access to Spencer for the entire duration of the lab and you'll have a dedicated lounge to stay in touch with your classmates to ask questions.

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.

Master Screenwriting Basics Certification: Learn All The Fundamentals Of Screenwriting In 16 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, March 30th

Instructor: AZ Yeamen

In 16 weeks over this 14-session course with 2 creative weeks for your own writing, you will be using a proven technique designed for emerging writers to rise above the pack. You will learn functional skills to develop your craft with pacing, authentic storytelling, building your writing muscle, and the basics of screenwriting. You will learn not only the techniques to step ahead of the pack with your writing, but you will also be working on perfecting your own writing technique.

AZ Yeamen has sold nearly every script she's ever written. She has become the go-to for revisions, doctoring, whipping stories into shape, and pitch packages for Netflix, TVOne, Aspire TV, UMC Streaming, Bounce TV, and independent production companies. Most recently, she served as a Story Editor on COVENANT on AMC's ALLBLK.

AZ is passionate and focused, with a granite-hard work ethic. She focuses not only on pursuing and developing her career in script/story development but also on fostering exciting, new talent. Every day is an opportunity to do more, and learn more. She's an admitted lifelong student, an absorber of sights, sounds, and sensations that make her a natural-born writer. AZ brings heart, energy, and clarity of vision to story development and screenwriting projects. Her students have created concepts in class, outlined, drafted, written, rewritten, and sold projects to networks.

PLEASE NOTE: This course is limited to 10 people and will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an expert in the field is incredibly unique and valuable. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

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