Hey, Stage 32 Community!

Happy November! Over the past month, our Stage 32 Education Team has been hard at work to bring in some incredible education opportunities and resources for this fantastic community.

This month, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, post-production professionals, story consultants, award-winning filmmakers, best-selling authors, acclaimed producers, financiers, screenwriters, distributors, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on such projects as THE BIG SHORT, JOJO RABBIT, SECRET IN THEIR EYES, THE CIRCLE, OUTSIDERS, NIGHT TRAIN, STRANGE ANGEL, BEING HUMAN, WAREHOUSE 13, DOOM PATROL, DEAD BOY DETECTIVES, JOHN WICK, 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

How To Sell Your Series To A Streamer Or Network In Today's Market

Starting: November 2, 2023

Instructor: Jeff Nemon

In this information-packed webinar, you'll learn about the specific criteria each network and streaming platform is seeking, the type of projects that can set you apart, and invaluable advice for selling your television show. Navigating the current television marketplace can be challenging. With so much content and the emergence of new streaming services, deciphering what buyers are presently interested in can be a daunting task. This challenge is particularly difficult for aspiring writers who have not yet been through the development process. Jeff will also guide you through the typical television development process, detailing the steps that precede your official network sale, so you can find more success in selling your television series to a streamer or major network.

PLUS! You'll receive pilot scripts from shows developed by brand-new television writers that were either sold or were produced. Downloads include the scripts for SEVERANCE, OUTER RANGE, EXTANT, FROM, TEENAGE BOUNTY HUNTERS, and HALT AND CATCH FIRE.

Jeff Nemon is a veteran film/tv executive with over fifteen years of experience, Jeff has been involved with some of the biggest shows on TV and has worked with almost every streamer, network, and studio. During his career Jeff has sold over 50 shows to streamers and networks and has worked with some of the top showrunners in the industry. Most recently, Jeff was the SVP of Development at showrunner/producer Michael Seitzman's company, Maniac Productions. He oversaw Michael's studio deal at Blumhouse TV and a slate of thirty projects.

Common Mistakes Screenwriters Make & How to Avoid Them

Starting: November 8, 2023

Instructor: Jon Hersh

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn how to avoid the most common pitfalls that screenwriters make. Not only can these mistakes turn readers off from reading your script, but in the long-run they can even derail careers. These mistakes run the gamut from formatting errors, conceptual problems, bland characters, plot holes, common dialogue issues, and so much more. If you want to have a fruitful career as a screenwriter, it’s critical you are aware of these mistakes so you avoid them in your writing. Let’s work toward eliminating these missteps so that readers won’t get distracted by the little things and can focus on what really matters – your story on the page.

PLUS! Jon will provide you with his list of Common Screenwriting Mistakes to help you avoid them when you dive into writing your own screenplay.

Prior to working as a literary manager, Jon Hersh was a development exec for 3 years, and a script reader at CAA for 4 years before that. Jon has read and evaluated thousands of screenplays. Some of those were memorable reads that garnered widespread success, like THE BIG SHORT, JOJO RABBIT, and JOHN WICK. But for every big hit, there are countless error-filled screenplays that never got made because the reader couldn’t look past the glaring - yet avoidable - mistakes the writer made.

How To Maximize Post-Production Before You Start Shooting

Starting: November 9, 2023

Instructor: Stephen van Vuuren

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn everything you need to know to nail the post-production of your feature film or short film, even on a tight budget. You will learn how to master the key decisions that are made early in pre-production about cameras, lenses, frame rate, aspect ratios, color formats, sound, VFX, and more to ensure your film is of the highest quality possible when it's finally finished. Avoid the mistakes of many low-budget independent directors and producers by learning to “think backward” as big studios do to plan your post-production before you even start pre-production!

PLUS! You’ll receive the “The Ten Technical Commandments of Independent Filmmaking” PDF that will help you check your productions for every possible distribution outlet at the very highest levels of quality.

Stephen van Vuuren. Stephen runs SV2 Post, a full-service post-production house that routinely takes films through the process from Edit to VFX/MIX to Final Mastering. As part of his turn-key post-production business, Stephen has made over 200 DCPs (the digital cinema packages that are what theaters use to screen films today). SV2 has worked with independent filmmakers on their projects with budgets from zero dollars to the low millions that have screened at Cannes, TIFF, Tribeca, Berlin, and many other major festivals as well as international commercial theatrical releases including on IMAX. Over 75% of the films submitted to Stephen have suffered from at least one major post-production problem and required costly, time-consuming fixes. And about 10% of the films have suffered from showstopper, unfixable problems that have resulted in distribution rejections and non-releases.

The Screenwriter's Guide To Captivating Your Audience

Starting: November 15, 2023

Instructor: Karina Wilson

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn proven techniques you can use to engage, challenge, and entertain whoever reads your scripts and watches your films. You’ll learn how to think of your audience as an active participant in your story and how you can measure and predict audience behavior so you can best engage with them. Karina will teach you everything from story paradigms and world-building to endings and the power of catharsis and how you can utilize all of these tools to make a strong impact on your audience. If you want to wow your readers and audience, this webinar is a must!

PLUS! You’ll receive an exclusive "Guide To Engaging With Your Audience" handout to help with your writing on all of your screenplays.

Karina Wilson has worked on many films including SECRET IN THEIR EYES with Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts, 13 SINS with Ron Perlman, and THE CIRCLE with Tom Hanks and Emma Watson. Previously the in-house story consultant at IM Global, Karina is considered a story expert across all genres and her analysis of film trends through the decades has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on NPR, in medical textbooks and in documentaries alongside luminaries such as Jason Blum, Joe Dante, and Andy Muschietti. Karina is also the lead screenplay judge for the indie festival Shriekfest.

How To Develop & Produce Your True Crime Series

Starting: November 16, 2023

Instructor: Zig Gauthier

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn how to develop, pitch, and produce your true crime series that will resonate with mass audiences. You will learn everything from how to secure the IP rights to the story, how to identify the most jaw-dropping drama within your story, how to pitch your series to buyers, and how to maximize your time during production between filming content and utilizing archival footage to tell your story, and so much more. You will walk away from this webinar with the knowledge and skills to effectively develop and produce your own hit true crime series.

Zig Gauthier is a veteran television producer and development executive responsible for producing such true crime series hits as KILLER SIBLING, THE REAL MURDERS OF ATLANTA, SIN CITY MURDERS, ACCIDENT, SUICIDE OR MURDER, EXECUTED WITH DEBORAH NORVILLE, EXPOSED WITH DEBORAH NORVILLE and PINK COLLAR CRIMES. He oversaw the development of Oxygen's SIN CITY MURDERS. Prior to focusing on true crime, Zig was a producer on such shows as DANCING WITH THE STARS, BIG BROTHER, TOP SHOT, AUCTION HUNTERS, GHOST HUNTERS, HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM WITH TYLER HENRY, MARRIAGE BOOT CAMP, CATCH A CONTRACTOR, TATTOO RESCUE, R&B DIVAS and more.

Script Coverage Secrets: Master the Art of Story Analysis

Starting: November 17, 2023

Instructor: Marla White

Over an information-packed 90-minute webinar, You’ll learn the art and science of script coverage and unlock the keys to becoming a script analysis virtuoso. From the fundamentals of script coverage and its purpose to the key components that make up a comprehensive report. You’ll go over the intricate structure of both a screenplay and a pilot, including the essential plot points and character arcs needed for a strong story. Just as important as describing what the script is about, you’ll also learn how to craft constructive recommendations that can make or break a script's chances. You’ll gain a behind-the-scenes look into how script coverage is used by agents, managers, producers, and development executives in decision-making processes. A bonus for any writers out there - this webinar will help you enhance your own writing skills by dissecting successful scripts, identifying what works, and incorporating those techniques into your own work. Whether you're an aspiring writer eager to refine your skills or a film industry professional looking to make informed decisions, this webinar is your gateway to becoming a story analysis maestro.

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you with coverage. Downloads include Sample Coverage Document, What To Look For In A Pilot vs. Feature, and Rules of Writing Coverage.

You’ll learn the secrets of script coverage from Marla White, who transitioned her long career in development into becoming a freelance story analyst for companies like CAA, Gemstone, Sony Television International, TriStar, and Oxygen. Marla has worked with writers who have sold pitches to Fox, TNT, CBS, NBC, and ABC, and have been staffed on premium cable dramas, and was previously the head of development for Emmy award-winning writer/director/producer Peter Tolan (WGN’s “Outsiders”, Fox's "Rake", and TV Land’s “Gaffigan").

Classes

4-Part Class: The Filmmaker's Process To A Successful Indie Film

Starting: November 4, 2023

Instructor: Clay Liford

In this exclusive and interactive 4-part class, you will learn how to hone your craft and the process of independent filmmaking from start to finish so your independent feature film can rise above the rest. You will learn the types of creative choices to make when approaching an independent film to increase your odds of success, how to develop your own visual style and directorial point of view, and garner an understanding of your overall role as the director. You will cover everything from how to maximize your pre-production, how to communicate with your cast and crew, how to determine when you've got the footage you need, how to properly work with your editor, and even how to best receive and manage notes from producers and investors. There’s a strong balance between artistic and realistic, and thankfully they aren’t mutually exclusive. You just need to learn how to walk in both worlds at the same time. This class will help you put your best foot forward in choosing and developing your project and in executing it in a manner most likely to produce the greatest impact on your audience, your distributors, and your career.

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you on your independent filmmaking journey. Downloads include Combined Indie Film Design Charts & Efficient Shot List/Coverage Tables, Story Structure for Smaller Films Charts & Data, and Indie Film Steps & Overview - Rudimentary Technical Knowhow.

Award-winning filmmaker Clay Liford has written and directed four feature films to date, including WUSS (SXSW, AFI Audience Award Winner), EARTHLING (SXSW), and SLASH (SXSW, Edinburgh, Munich). All are currently available to stream. As a director of photography, Clay has shot over twenty features, including the award-winning films ST. NICK (SXSW) and GAYBY (SxSW). He's worked with SyFy, Vice, and Troma Films. He was also a creator of the Paramount+ series STRANGE ANGEL. His latest feature, THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL REGIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL MURDERS is currently in pre-production.

4-Part Producing Class: How To Produce A Feature Film That You Intend To Direct

Starting: November 11, 2023

Instructor: Shane Stanley

In this exclusive 4-part class, you will learn how to take the bull by the horns and produce your own project that you intend to direct. You will learn everything from how to assemble the right team for production and post-production, how and when to effectively and efficiently disperse funds, and how to determine the monetary value of above and below-the-line talent to pay your cast and crew fair market value to how to get the best deal with different vendors and, ultimately, how to deliver a polished product with your production and post-production team to maintain your creative vision. You’ll walk away from this information-packed and interactive 4-part class with the skills you need to bring your project to life so you can move your career forward in the way you want to. Particularly in independent films, not enough people know the costs, nuts and bolts, or general run of a project, but after this course, you’ll be able to produce your project to guarantee it gets made with you directing.

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you produce your own project successfully. Downloads include Tax rebates/locations/incentives, Deal Memo Templates (cast & crew), Location Agreements, and more!

Multi–Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and best-selling author Shane Stanley is the founder of Visual Arts Entertainment, a film and television production company based in Los Angeles, and is best known for producing the #1 Box Office hit, GRIDIRON GANG starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for Sony Pictures and directing several Music Videos that landed in the Top 20 on VH1. Shane’s recent projects include MISTRUST starring Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress Jane Seymour, the surprise smash-hit action film DOUBLE THREAT starring Dawn Olivieri and Matthew Lawrence, and NIGHT TRAIN starring Danielle C. Ryan and Diora Baird, among many others**.**

2-Part Class: How You Can Give & Receive Notes For Maximum Effect

Starting: November 12, 2023

Instructor: Shannan E. Johnson

You will walk away from this information-packed 2-part class with the skillset to give, receive, and utilize notes on your projects so you can get your film or series in the best position to get made! Over two intensive and interactive sessions, you will take a look at both sides of the table - the rep, executive & buyer side, and the screenwriter’s side - and you will be provided tools to nurture the relationship between the two sides of the equation to produce a safe and creative development process that gets scripts advanced, approved and shows or movies into pre-production. Whether you’re a writer looking to sell your work or a development exec or producer looking to work with talented writers, it is essential you know how to engage in the notes process to make meaningful progress on your projects. It's also important to know how the other side of this equation thinks and feels about script notes.

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you give and receive notes. Downloads include Story Structure - The Fast Track Infographic, How TF do I give constructive notes? Infographic, Why TF is my script not working? Infographic, How TF do I tackle my rewrite? Infographic.

Shannan E. Johnson is a former development and current production executive at the Syfy Channel. Shannan is now the CEO of the Professional Pen, a script consultancy developing screenwriters from idea to pitch and consulting scripted teams in streamlining their development process. Shannan has extensive experience working with notes and managing series like HAVEN, BEING HUMAN, and WAREHOUSE 13. Shannan has consulted with Hallmark Media and A Few Good Women Productions, developing emerging to established writers now writing and show running at ALLBLK, Hulu, and Nickelodeon. As a writer, Shannan has staffed on Craig Ross, Jr's Monogamy and A La Carte, placed finalist in the Warner Bros. TV Workshop, AT&T Hello Lab, WeScreenplay, and Film Pipeline screenplay competitions, and wrote the proof of concept for ALL SCREWED UP now being developed at Sony.

Labs

8-Part Lab: Create All The Tools You Need To Sell Your Holiday Romantic Comedy

Starting: November 4, 2023

Instructor: Matt Bierman

In this exclusive interactive 8-session lab, you’ll get hands-on guidance to bring your fantastic idea to life from concept to treatment, one-sheet, and pitch that you can sell, all while being mentored by an industry veteran and holiday romantic comedy producer. You’ll learn who the TV and streaming buyers are for holiday rom-com films, why you need a one-sheet and a treatment to meet with them to pitch your idea, what story elements they’re looking for, and how you can approach them with confidence. You’ll walk away from this lab with all the materials you will need to successfully pitch your holiday romantic comedy feature film - including your logline, one-sheet, and pitch - which have been developed with the mentorship of an industry vet and you'll know who to pitch and how to approach them.

You’ll also have TWO one-on-one consultations with Matt during the lab to go through the revisions you’ve made and receive feedback on your work, with notes on how to make it even better and where you should consider pitching it.

Matt Bierman is a studio executive and producer with over 25 years of experience. Matt has previously worked as an executive at Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more. He also developed and produced movies for Hallmark and Nickelodeon. Matt has vast experience making holiday films and romantic comedies for television, including A LOUD HOUSE CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS WITH THE DARLINGS, LOVE AT FIRST BARK, LOVE UNDER THE STARS, and more. And he will be using his work as case studies throughout the lab.

6 Part Producing Lab: Create A Business Plan For Your Feature Film Under $5 Million

Starting: November 5, 2023

Instructor: Jeanette B. Milio

In this exclusive and interactive 6-part lab, you will work directly with an industry leader to create your business plan for your feature film that you can use to pitch to your investors. Your business plan will include everything your investors need to properly understand to decide to invest in your film, including the creative aspects of your project to the ideal distribution strategy, detailed financials, as well as risk mitigation and profit optimization strategies**.** Your business plan will also include various options for your investor to choose from, and it will offer different phases to invest in including the development phase, the physical production, and the finishing costs. Over 6 sessions, including 2 one-on-one sessions with Jeanette and a practice pitch session, you will learn what should (and shouldn’t) be in your business plan and actually create your own business plan for your project. You will learn about the different investment options you can present to your investors, including investments as a loan, and an equity investment.

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you create your business plan. Downloads include Financial Planning Tools, Business Plan Example, Adjustable Worldwide Distribution Revenue Projection Template.

Producer and financier Jeanette Milio has worked on over 45 films and television programs for companies like Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, HBO, Showtime, and many more. Her projects have also starred Academy Award-winning performers, including Halle Berry, Adrien Brody, Forest Whitaker, and Mickey Rourke. Jeanette is a member of the Producers Guild of America, Women in Film, and the Cannes Film Festival Producer's Network and structured her own media fund in 2009 that financed theatrical features with a production volume of $60 million.

Screenwriting Lab: Write Your 1 Hour Pilot for A Major Streamer in 10 Weeks

Starting: November 12, 2023

Instructor: Charlie Osowik

In this exclusive 10-part screenwriting lab, you’ll work one-on-one with top Hollywood manager Charlie Osowik to craft your pilot script over 10 interactive sessions. Professional screenwriters work with managers like Charlie to develop their ideas, pitch concepts, and get feedback on drafts. This relationship ultimately leads to a stronger script that executives are more likely to get excited about, and that is the exact process you’ll be going through in this lab. At the end of 10 intensive weeks, you’ll have a completed script, vetted and developed by an industry professional.

In addition to your five one-on-one meetings with Charlie, you will also have access to him via email for the entire duration of the class, and you'll be connected with the other writers in the lab through a private Stage 32 Lounge.

Charlie Osowikis a literary manager who built a successful international sales career at FilmNation, Sierra/Affinity, Voltage, and MGM, so he knows what buyers are looking for. Since establishing his own company, he’s had numerous writers staffed (like on the HBOMax series DOOM PATROL and DEAD BOY DETECTIVES) and helped them develop and sell original material (DUST).

Screenwriting Lab: Rewrite Your TV Series Pilot Script In 6 Weeks

Starting: November 19, 2023

Instructor: Anna Henry

In this exclusive 6-part screenwriting lab, you will rewrite your existing TV pilot script under the guidance of an industry leader to guarantee your next draft is not only an improvement of your work but ready to go to market. Over 6 interactive sessions, you will find out the most effective strategies to rewrite on a large scale, revise scene-by-scene, and polish the details of your script till it shines. You will receive valuable worksheets and checklists that help you keep track of the steps you need to take to improve your script. Through virtual classroom sessions and one-on-one sessions with Anna, you will receive personalized feedback to improve your script.

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help in your rewriting process. Downloads include a Story grid worksheet, Character description elements, Scene elements worksheet, Sample scenes analysis, and Polish “to-do” checklist.

Anna Henry is a producer and development executive who has set up projects at AMC, Amazon Prime, Starz, HBO, Sony, Fox, EOne, ITV America, and OddLot Entertainment, among others. She’s worked at CBS, ABC, Nickelodeon, and multiple production companies, as well as in management at Andrea Simon Entertainment where she worked with writers. Anna is also an instructor for Netflix & Stage 32 Creating Content for a Global Marketplace Program.

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