Stage 32's October 2023 Education Schedule!

Hey, Stage 32 Community!

Happy Fall! 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 October, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, video game writers, award-winning filmmakers, NYT best-selling authors, acclaimed producers, financiers, screenwriters, distributors, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on such projects as BROOKLYN STORY, TRUE DETECTIVE, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, INVADER ZIM, ALL THAT WE DESTROY, SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, SHADOW AND BONE, JOY RIDE, HAPPY DEATH DAY, many others.

PLUS- It's not too late to redeem your free Stage 32 webinar as part of our 100K Education Giveaway! Here’s how to redeem your free webinar:

Go to: www.stage32.com/webinars

Enter code: NFCFPUR

This code is good for one webinar per person and this offer will be good until September 30, 2023.

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

Learn How To Write A Best-Selling Novel Based On Your Own Life’s Story From The NY Times Best-Selling Author Of BROOKLYN STORY

Starting: October 10, 2023

Instructor: Suzanne Corso

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn how to effectively write your real-life story as a compelling novel and how to navigate the world of literary agents and book publishing so your novel can reach a wide audience. From the why of your story, to developing your characters, to the outlining, editing, and revisions process, and how to work with agents and publishers. 

PLUS! Suzanne will provide you with a downloadable copy of the prologue to her best-selling novel BROOKLYN STORY, where she reveals how and why she wrote the book based on her life!

NYT bestselling author Suzanne Corso, whose critically acclaimed novels about her own life’s journey, BROOKLYN STORY, THE SUITE LIFE, and HELLO HOLLYWOOD, have all been published with Simon & Schuster. Suzanne has also produced for the New York and London stages, has executive produced two documentaries, and has written successful children’s books SAMMY AND SUE GO GREEN TOO. She was a contributing TV Film Correspondent to THE TODAY SHOW on NBC, as well as a columnist for Downtown Magazine and Hamptons Magazine, and is currently working on a three-picture deal for her best-selling novel trilogy.

How To Get A-List Talent In Your Short Film

Starting: October 12, 2023

Instructor: John Trefry

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn the process needed to effectively position and pitch your project to attract and secure A-list talent. You will learn how to position your project, pitch actor’s reps, write effective outreach, record personalized videos, and other insights to help you secure top talent for your short film. John will share the secrets that have helped him cast A-list talent in his short films without huge budgets so you can do the same.

PLUS! You'll receive John’s outreach email template to get past managers and agents along with an example video script to pitch actors and have a Q&A with John to ask him your own questions about your projects!

John Trefry has produced a dozen short films which have competed at prestigious festivals around the world including SXSW, Tribeca, Raindance, HollyShorts, Palm Springs, and over a hundred more. His shorts have starred known actors including Maika Monroe (THE GUEST), Tatiana Maslany (SHE-HULK), Jovan Adepo (WATCHMEN), Zachary Levi (SHAZAM!), Joe Keery (STRANGER THINGS), and many more. John developed the festival and distribution strategy for STUCCO starring Janina Gavankar (THE MORNING SHOW) which won at SXSW, secured an exclusive release with The Hollywood Reporter and went on to become the most watched short in the history of the festival with over 130 million views.

How to Write a "Stunt Spec" Script That Opens Doors And Furthers Your Career

Starting: October 18, 2023

Instructor: Jeff Portnoy

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn the fundamentals of a stunt spec script and how to best write one that will get you noticed by key players in the industry and get you meetings that you may otherwise have never gotten. Stunt spec scripts tend to be flashy, loud, and audacious in concept, theme, or action. 

PLUS! Jeff will provide you with two stunt spec scripts that have opened doors for his clients and that you can use as references while writing your own! Downloads include: BARRON: A TALE OF LOVE, LOSS & LEGACY by Nicolas Curcio (featured on The Black List) and HAPPY LITTLE TREES by Shawn Dwyer.

Jeff Portnoy, literary manager at Bellevue Productions. Jeff's clients have written such hit films and series as COBWEB (2023) produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, TRUE DETECTIVE, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2022, Netflix), SUMMER OF 84, ASH VS EVIL DEAD, and more! Jeff has successfully developed many stunt spec scripts with his clients that have landed on numerous industry “lists” such as The Black List and The Blood List and have placed in or won major screenwriting competitions.

Classes

4-Part Class: How To Start Your Career And Work As A Video Game Writer

Starting: October 14, 2023

Instructor: Andrew M. Henderson

In this exclusive and comprehensive 4-part class, you will learn how to write for video games, the difference between writing for games vs. Film/TV, how to navigate the video game industry, and most importantly, how to get your foot in the door to start your career in this lucrative and exciting field. As a writer, you must have your hands in as many creative mediums as you can, ensuring that you’re always working, getting paid, and honing your creative muscles.

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you on your video game writing journey! Downloads include CALL OF DUTY Script, Video Game Character Bio, Video Game Cut-Scene, and Video Game Systemic Dialogue.

Andrew Henderson is a working Video Game writer who is one of the writers on the new AAA-game studio game THAT'S NO MOON based on popular existing intellectual property. Andrew also works as a writer and producer for film and television. He has sold film and TV projects to various companies, including Runaway Planet Content, Go Media, Paradox Productions, Cinelou Productions, Bee Holder Productions, Storyboard Entertainment, and Rebellion Studios, among others. His 2014 Sci-Fi/Thriller film, FLASHES, featuring Tom Sizemore and Christopher Judge, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

4-Part Class: How To Develop, Pitch, Finance, Produce and Distribute Your TV Series

Starting: October 18, 2023

Instructor: Anna Henry and Jeanette Milio

In this exclusive 4-part class, you will learn the different paths you can take to get a television series produced and distributed in today’s market and which path you should take for your project. This course goes over the entire life cycle of your series - from picking the right concept that can sell in today’s marketplace, developing the idea in a way that can be appealing to buyers, such as streamers and TV networks, establishing potential distribution paths and finance options, to getting it green-lit.

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help when making your series. Downloads include Financial Planning Tools, Sample Story Rights Agreement, Pitch Bible Template, One-Pager Worksheet, and Sample Pitch Bibles.

Teaching you everything you need to know to find success with your television series are TWO of Stage 32’s most respected and esteemed educators - Anna Henry and Jeanette Milio.

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.

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.

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

Starting: October 21, 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. 

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, 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.

Labs

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

Starting: October 7, 2023

Instructor: Sean Keller

In this intensive 8-week screenwriting lab, you will work directly with a top horror screenwriter to craft the first draft of your horror feature film screenplay. You will work in a virtual classroom setting and one-on-one Zooms with Sean as he guides you through developing, structuring, and writing your horror feature film screenplay. From drafting the right concept, building engaging character descriptions and ultimately writing the first draft of your full feature 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'll walk away from this 8-week lab with your completed horror feature film screenplay in hand that has been developed by an industry professional.

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), and 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: Rewrite Your TV Series Pilot Script In 6 Weeks

Starting: October 8, 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 story grid worksheet, character description elements, scene elements worksheet, sample scenes analysis, and polish “to-do” checklist.

*Anna’s bio is included with her class above.

8-Part Pitching Lab: Build Your TV Series Pitch With A Top Showrunner & Learn How To Sell Your Show

Starting: October 14, 2023

Instructor: Todd Slavkin

In this interactive 8-week pitching lab, you will work directly with veteran television/film writer and top showrunner Todd Slavkin to develop every aspect of your pitch and, ultimately, pitch your project to Todd to receive professional-level feedback on your work. You will work together on your pitch and you will craft the verbal and visual sales tools to successfully sell your project. You will delve into pitch structure, voice control, emotional intonation, effective pauses, and even how to use sound effects. You will also build and learn how to best use a visual deck/lookbook. Some sessions will also include guests, mainly writers who have had success selling their pitches to major companies and outlets, as well as agents and managers, all sharing their own stories and tips for success.

Todd Slavkin's experiences showrunning series for Disney, The CW, ABC, and more have provided him with an arsenal of showrunning tools that he will share with you to prepare you and your pitch for the marketplace. Todd has worked in all different kinds of genres and has been involved with many popular television shows, including SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS and most recently THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, for which he was nominated for two Emmys. He has written pilots for ABC, NBC, FOX, FREEFORM, and The CW, where he developed and was the showrunner of MELROSE PLACE 2.0. Other television credits include NO ORDINARY FAMILY, ALPHAS, DEFIANCE, DOMINION and GUILT. He began his career in features, penning DARK REFLECTION and CONTROL, starring Ray Liotta, Willem Dafoe, and Michelle Rodriguez.

Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Fantasy TV Series Pilot in 8 Weeks

Starting: October 15, 2023

Instructor: Erin Conley

In this exclusive 8-week screenwriting lab, you will take your fantasy pilot script from concept all the way to the completed first draft. You will work in a virtual classroom setting as well as in one-on-one sessions with Erin as she guides you through the process of writing your fantasy series pilot script. This is a rare opportunity to work closely with an experienced fantasy writer from a hit streaming series. 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.

Erin Conley is an experienced fantasy writer on Netflix's SHADOW AND BONE and SIX OF CROWS. Erin has worked in the entertainment industry for 12 years and has been involved in the creation of over 100 episodes of television. A genre fan whose passion for TV writing began in the 90s with BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, Erin has experience guiding writers of all levels to hone in on a fantasy series concept and develop it into a top-notch pilot screenplay.

Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Female-Driven Feature Film Script In 8 Weeks

Starting: October 15, 2023

Instructor: Audrey Knox

In this exclusive 8-part screenwriting lab, you will work one-on-one with a top literary manager to take your female-driven feature film from concept to completed first draft. You will receive direct and personalized feedback on your work throughout the eight weeks, so you walk away from this course with a solid first draft of your screenplay in hand. This hands-on experience goes much further than other classes and webinars. You will study successful movies and their scripts alongside a small group of passionate writers in an interactive setting. You’ll also workshop your script and your classmates’ work as a group in sessions and have take-home assignments, so your movie is always progressing and getting stronger.

PLUS! Audrey will provide you with a series of successful female-driven feature scripts to learn from. Downloads include THE MENU, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, LEGALLY BLONDE, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, ARRIVAL, etc.

Audrey Knox is a literary manager at Cartel Entertainment, a company with hundreds of writer and director clients with films like JOY RIDE, HAPPY DEATH DAY, 1982, CHRISTMAS WITH THE CAMPBELLS, and more. Audrey represents writers and directors in film and TV, across all genres. She has found recent success bringing female-driven scripts to production companies and studios.

2-Part Pitching Lab: Perfect Your 5-Minute Pitch for AFM

Starting: October 21, 2023

Instructor: Alexia Melocchi

In this exclusive two-part pitching lab, a select group of only 10 attendees will work one-on-one with international producer/distributor Alexia Melocchi to craft your perfect five-minute pitch just in time for this year's AFM. In the first session, Alexia will go over critical components of what makes a good 5-minute pitch and provide a roadmap to structure your 5-minute pitch. You will pitch your project to Alexia and then she will work with you directly and discuss what works and what doesn’t. Alexia will offer direct feedback to strengthen your 5-minute pitch TO BE NOTICED BY A GLOBAL BUYER. In the second session, a few days BEFORE AFM, you will pitch Alexia again, having finessed and made your 5-minute pitch stronger and more effective based on her guidance. Alexia will provide more feedback on your new 5-minute pitch and further guidance on how to strengthen it even more AND EVEN WORK ON YOUR MINDSET TO BE READY FOR ANYTHING.

Alexia Melocchi has had recent projects distributed with clients such as Lionsgate, STX, Lakeshore, TF1, The Asylum, and Mister Smith. She's worked on films such as ANNA, PEPPERMINT, THE BOY 2, and SHAUN THE SHEEP. She has placed over 100 titles in the last 5 years. Alexia's extensive experience both pitching - and getting pitched by creatives - has equipped her with an arsenal of critically useful tools and tips to get your project noticed by the right people.

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

Starting: October 21, 2023

Instructor: Jonny Grant

In this exclusive 8-part screenwriting lab, you will work one-on-one with an experienced and multi-time produced screenwriter to write your very own drama feature film screenplay to completion. You will not only write your script but you will learn the fundamentals of writing dramas and how to create a successful and memorable protagonist that your readers cannot stop rooting for. Over eight interactive sessions, including TWO one-on-one sessions with Jonny, you will write your screenplay to completion and, along the way, learn the key elements that make drama films successful and break down the creative process of developing your drama feature film script. Jonny will walk you through the entire story process that will get you from your original concept to delivering a draft of your script. You will build your outline, develop your characters, and write your drama feature film script with his expert guidance.

Jonny Grant is a British screenwriter represented by Zero Gravity Management. Jonny's 2020 feature THE DARE (Millennium, Lionsgate) was released theatrically across Europe, India and Hong Kong, as well as on VOD in the United States. Jonny’s second feature, ARTHUR AND MERLIN: KNIGHTS OF CAMELOT (Film Mode, Signature Entertainment) was released in the UK and the US. Both films are available on streaming platforms, and on DVD. Jonny's horror spec feature IN DEATH SHE WAITS was recently optioned by Entertainment Squad (TALES OF HALLOWEEN, SLAXX, SEA FEVER). Bonnie Aarons (THE NUN, THE CONJURING 2) and Richard Brake (GAME OF THRONES, THE MANDALORIAN) are provisionally attached. Lynn Davison (Shudder’s MANDRAKE) is attached to direct. Jonny is also working with Jen Sheridan (Disney’s EXTRAORDINARY) on her next feature, titled 4AM.

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