Happy Wednesday, 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 November, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning writers, producers, directors, consultants, authors, actors, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or represented such projects as BAD BOYS, TRANSPARENT, HALLOWEEN II, HALLOWEEN RESURRECTION, OPEN HEART, CARTEL LAND, THE 33, THE PROMISE, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING, THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER, THE LONG ROAD HOME, DANGEROUS RECALL, HUMANITY BUREAU, RUSSIAN DOLL, SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE, STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE, GHOSTS OF RED RIDGE, THE DOORMAN, THE VIRTUOSO, A SONG FOR IMOGENE, THE PERFECT MAN, A CINDERELLA STORY, A WISH COME TRUE, WILLIAM AND KATE, SEVEN SECONDS, VIDA, IN CONTEMPT, THE DEUCE, BIG LOVE, VINYL, THE CHI, THIS IS US, JANE THE VIRGIN, KINGDOM, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, MERCY STREET, 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

Tips to Reduce Your TV Script Page Count

Starting: TODAY at 1:00 pm PT

Instructor: Anna Henry

In this exclusive webinar, your Stage 32 Educator, Anna Henry, will guide you through proven techniques to reduce your page count and keep your script dynamic. Anna is a seasoned producer and development executive who has set up projects with top companies like AMC, Amazon Prime, Starz, HBO, and more. She’s worked at major networks including CBS, ABC, and Nickelodeon, and has helped countless writers while in management at Andrea Simon Entertainment. Anna also brings her experience as an instructor for Netflix & Stage 32’s Creating Content for a Global Marketplace Program, making her the ideal guide for refining your pilot.

In this information-packed webinar, you’ll dive into key strategies like building your act structure, pacing your scenes, making every word and shot count, and even thinking like a line producer to combine locations and trim excess scenes. By the end, you’ll have practical tools to ensure every moment in your script drives your story forward and leaves a lasting impact!

You’ll get a chance to ask Anna your questions during an exclusive Q&A session!

PLUS! You'll receive a reducing page count checklist take home!

Classes

4-Part Directing Class: How To Master Shot Coverage

Starting: Thursday, October 31st

Instructor: Mark Rosman

In this 4-Part virtual class, you’ll dive deep into advanced coverage techniques, starting with a quick review of the basics and then tackling complex setups like three-person scenes, walk 'n talks, oners, and more. You’ll also explore practical ways to handle scenes with moving cars, group dynamics, and VFX. By the end of this class, you'll walk away with a clear understanding of how to plan and shoot the most difficult scenes efficiently, along with valuable handouts that include floor plans, shot lists, and storyboards to guide you on your next project.

All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session, and Mark will be accessible via email throughout the class. Plus, you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your classmates!

To help you on your journey for this exclusive Stage 32 4-part virtual class is Mark Rosman, an award-winning film and television director with an impressive career that spans beloved films like A Cinderella Story and The Perfect Man. With his wealth of experience in directing everything from family classics to action-packed TV episodes, Mark is uniquely qualified to show you how professional directors approach the most challenging scenes in film and television.

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts:

• Floor Plans for Shooting Three People, Walk ‘n Talks, a Person Speaking in Front of a Group, People Around a Table, and Dialogue in Moving Cars
• Storyboard for a Bike, Car, and Visual Effect Chase Scene from Mark’s movie Time Toys
• Twenty Techniques to Shooting Faster

Your Production Guide for a Feature Film Under $500K

Starting: Monday, November 11th

Instructor: Erika Arlee & Kristi Ray

One of the biggest obstacles you will face when making a film under $500,000 is figuring out how to manage the entire filmmaking process—from pre-production all the way through post. It’s not just about writing a script that fits the budget; you also have to secure financing, build the right team, and make smart choices in pre-production that won’t balloon your costs during production. And once filming wraps, post-production can be just as challenging. How do you set realistic post timelines, choose the right editors, and create deliverables that distributors will accept? In this exclusive 4-part class you’ll dive deep into every part of the filmmaking process. From choosing the right script and securing financing to building a team that can execute your vision and navigating the post-production process, this class covers it all. By the end, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to take your feature film from concept to completion on a budget, with the confidence to tackle any challenge along the way. You’ll learn how to navigate the entire journey with a sharp eye on your bottom line.

Kristi Ray and Erika Arlee are filmmakers who know how to get things done in this budget range, and they’re here to show you how. Together, they’ve produced 16 award-winning films. Their work through Honey Head Films has set them apart as experts in producing films with strong, compelling stories and high production value—on realistic budgets. They’ve been in the trenches, solving problems creatively on set, and they’ll share the strategies they use to consistently turn indie projects into films that get attention.

PLUS! You'll receive these downloadable documents:

• 3 Critical Investor Acquisition Documents
• The Holy Grail: Your Pre-Production Gantt Chart
• Stripboard, Sample 2nd Unit/Wrap Schedule
• Sample Delivery Schedule from a Distributor

4-Part Class: How to Sell Your Completed Film: Inside the World of Film Acquisitions

Starting: Wednesday, November 13th

Instructor: Mark Padilla

As a creative, you may face various obstacles when it comes to selling your film. You might be asking yourself, "What type of movie will capture the interest of distributors?" or "How can I leverage my film festival experience to maximize visibility?" Perhaps you’ve shot your first feature and are now uncertain about the next steps after a festival screening. The way independent films are shared and sold has changed a lot, so it's really important for you to learn how to talk to distributors and make your film stand out from the crowd! In this four-part virtual class, you will dive deep into key topics, including new distribution opportunities for filmmakers, effective marketing strategies for film festivals, and the critical terms related to theatrical and digital releases. You will leave equipped with practical knowledge on how to attract distributors, identify the right festivals for your film, and the steps necessary to secure a successful distribution deal. You will walk away with feeling confident in how to sell your completed film!

Your Stage 32 educator, Mark Padilla, is a seasoned expert in global film distribution with over 20 years of experience. As the President of Worldwide Sales and Acquisitions at Jackrabbit Media, Mark has overseen the successful release of more than 100 films across international markets. His extensive knowledge of the industry, combined with his proven track record of guiding independent filmmakers, makes him the ideal instructor for this exclusive class. You will gain invaluable insights from Mark’s expertise, empowering you to navigate the ever-changing world of film acquisitions.

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts:

• Sample deal terms for acquisition
• Film delivery checklist

Labs

5-Part Pitching Lab: Create Your Female-Driven Television Pilot Pitch Deck and 8-Minute Pitch

Starting: Saturday, November 2nd

Instructor: Colleen Labella

What makes a TV pitch stand out? How much should you include? And how do you leave buyers wanting more when you're done? In a time when networks and streamers are inundated with pitches and have never been so hungry for complex and nuanced female-driven content, what is it that only you have to offer to the world of television? In this interactive 5-week lab, you will develop your pitch deck and workshop your dynamic and engaging 8-minute verbal pitch for your female-driven pilot that shows off not just your story but also your unique voice.

Your pitch will often determine whether or not anyone even reads the pilot script you’ve worked so hard to complete, so you’ll need to communicate your vision in the most marketable way possible while remaining succinct, articulate, and engaging. The challenge is to first know what execs, producers, and talent are looking for in a pitch and then to deliver that material in the best way possible. The good news is this: pitching is a skill, and it can be learned and honed with practice. And you will do all of that for your project in this lab. You will walk away from this exclusive pitching lab with your completed pitch deck AND 8-minute verbal pitch for your female-driven pilot series vetted by an industry professional. You will have TWO one-on-one consultations with Colleen during this five-week course where you will get personal feedback on your pitch deck and 8-minute verbal pitch and gain the confidence to pitch your project!

Teaching you how to create your compelling pitch is Colleen Labella. Colleen is a producer and the Director of Development for Leslye Headland’s company, Shoot to Midnight, the company behind the Emmy-nominated series RUSSIAN DOLL on Netflix. She has read hundreds of pilots and met with countless writers. She has sold numerous television series to various networks, and she is currently in development with projects at FX, Hulu, Freeform, and Lucasfilm. Her television credits include SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE, ALMOST FAMILY, and the Star Wars series, THE ACOLYTE.

If you are looking to pitch your female-driven pilot, then this lab is a must!

Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Feature Screenplay in 12 Weeks with Expert Guidance from a Global Executive

Starting: Sunday, November 10th

Instructor: Thomas Pemberton

Writing a screenplay is a HUGE undertaking that can often be overwhelming and isolating. But it doesn’t have to be. Finding your community to offer support, expert guidance, and, perhaps most important of all, accountability to actually finish your script can make all the difference. Completing your screenplay is the first and often most daunting hurdle you need to face to get your work out there and create a name and career for yourself, but now is the time to do it. Let’s make sure you have the resources and expertise you need to face this challenge head-on and finally get your passion project on paper.

Thomas Pemberton is the Development Executive at the global production company Mind's Eye Entertainment, which has produced over 60 feature film and television projects. They have produced over $400 million in film and TV projects and have garnered over 50 national and international awards. Thomas has a keen eye for great material and is quick to champion material he believes in. He discovered four writers through Stage 32 who now have their projects under option with Mind’s Eye Entertainment! You can read more here.

Over 12 intensive weeks, Thomas will work closely with you and a small group of writers in outlining, writing, and actually completing your feature film screenplay. Each week, Thomas will lead an intimate group session where he will offer notes and guidance on specific portions of each writer’s screenplay or planning documents, incrementally and methodically working towards a complete and polished product. You will additionally have the benefit of getting support, feedback, and perspective from the other members of the lab, as well as the opportunity to offer your own for their projects.

8-Part Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Period Drama Film Outline in 8 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, November 16th

Instructor: Michael Peterson

One of the biggest challenges writers face is becoming too focused on aligning facts with the plot, which can leave their story emotionally flat. Without fully developed characters, themes, and dramatic points of view, the screenplay can miss the opportunity to resonate deeply with viewers. In this exclusive Stage 32 8-part lab, you’ll tackle these common obstacles head-on, working step by step to develop an engaging outline. Each session will focus on refining your premise, clarifying your theme, creating rich characters, and laying the groundwork for your story’s acts. You will work step by step with a top development executive in the entertainment industry! In this exclusive lab, you’ll refine your concept, establish clear themes, and develop compelling, fully realized characters under Michael's expert guidance. Each week, you’ll craft detailed outlines for your period drama’s acts, receiving personalized feedback from Michael to enhance every aspect of your film. You’ll also have direct access via email to Michael, where you can ask specific questions about your project or seek advice on your career trajectory. By the end of the lab, you’ll walk away with a completed, polished outline and the knowledge to confidently pitch your screenplay to producers and studios!

Your Stage 32 educator, Michael Peterson, is a dynamic force in the industry, bringing years of expertise to the table. Michael runs Development for Phoenix Pictures with Mike Medavoy, where he worked on THE 33 with Antonio Banderas, THE PROMISE with Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac, and the Monty Python comedy ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING with Kate Beckinsale and Simon Pegg. With a keen eye for storytelling and an extensive background in development, his contributions have helped shape narratives that resonate with audiences around the world. Michael’s passion for fostering creativity shines through as he works closely with writers, guiding them to refine their craft and unlock their full potential.

Stage 32 Directing Lab: Introduction to Shooting & Editing

Starting: Monday, November 18th

Instructor: Rick Rosenthal

Many directors can find it difficult to translate their vision from concept to screen, often feeling overwhelmed by the technical skills necessary to bring their ideas to life. That’s where this lab comes in: each week, you’ll delve into a new facet of shooting and editing, from mastering the essentials of camera movement to grasping emotional space, scene blocking, and crafting an editing rhythm with tools like DaVinci Resolve. Through Rick's mentorship, you will walk away confident to take these skills and apply them to your own directing project, whether that's a short film, feature film, or web series! The lab will be conducted as a workshop with each filmmaker expected to actively participate in the directing experience through the process of prepping, shooting, and editing two assignments with the additional editing of a third. Through a combination of structured assignments, practical shooting exercises, and real-time feedback, this 9-part lab will take you from the foundational elements of POV to the intricate dynamics of multi-character perspectives. By the end of this lab, you’ll become equipped with the confidence to prep, shoot, and edit your scenes, fully understanding the vital role that each shot, angle, and cut plays in crafting a powerful narrative from your unique point of view. Through Rick's mentorship, you will gain the confidence to take these skills and apply them to your own directing project, whether that's a short film, feature film, or web series!

Your Stage 32 educator, Rick Rosenthal is an Oscar and Emmy-nominated director/producer and the CEO of Whitewater Films, which is known for many feature film hits that have premiered at Sundance, Cannes, SXSW, and more. Through his film directing background, Rick has directed the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Sean Penn, John Lithgow, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Along with his credits directing films, Rick has also worked as a producer on Amazon’s Emmy-winning series TRANSPARENT for the first three seasons, along with directing and producing credits on countless other shows. When Rick launched Whitewater Films as a production company, he committed to helping up-and-coming filmmakers and offering them the advice and assistance he never had. Furthering his drive to give back and educate burgeoning filmmakers, Rick also served as the chair of the Directing Program at the American Film Institute. Through his decades-long career, Rick has become well-versed in diverse genres of filmmaking and has specialized in educating and empowering new voices, which he is bringing directly to the Stage 32 community!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32 , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .