Stage 32's January 2024 Education Schedule!

Happy New Year, Stage 32 Community!

January is always an exciting time. As we step away from the warm afterglow of the holiday season, there’s an entire new year stretching out ahead of us with endless possibilities. With that in mind, our Stage 32 Education Team has worked hard to bring incredible education opportunities and resources to this fantastic community.

This January, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, music supervisors, showrunner assistants, commercial directors, stunt professionals, actors, showrunners, directors, acclaimed producers, screenwriters, distributors, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on such projects as PLAYING FOR KEEPS, AMERICAN PASTIME, TOKYO POP, SILVERTON SIEGE, KINGS OF JOBURG, GHOSTS, TRUE DETECTIVE, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, ASH VS EVIL DEAD, THE MEG, AQUAMAN, MORTAL COMBAT, STREET FIGHTER, SAN ANDREAS, KONG SKULL ISLAND, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR’S REVENGE, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER, SHANG-CHI, BONES, MAD MEN, THE BIG BANG THEORY, SUNSHINE CLEANING, SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, BABY DADDY, 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

The Filmmaker’s Guide To Music In Movies

Starting: Friday, January 5th

Instructor: Alan Brewer

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn how to ensure that the music in your film satisfies the legal requirements to be included in your project. You will learn everything from the different types of rights you need for music and how to obtain them, to how to work with a composer and your music team, the differences between using existing songs or creating original music for your film, how and when you need to create music cue sheets, and more. Whether you are working on a feature project with a substantial budget or a micro-budget short film intended only for festivals. Not only will this course be highly informative and useful for individuals working in film & television (producers, directors, production managers, and post-production supervisors) but also for those songwriters, composers, and music artists with a focus on creating music for film & television or placing their existing music in current projects.

PLUS! You'll have a Q&A with Alan and receive exclusive handouts to help you best work with music for your project. Downloads include Music in Motion Pictures: Rights and Licensing.

Alan Brewer is President/Owner of New Brew Entertainment. Alan has worked as a Film Producer, Score Composer, Music Supervisor, and Soundtrack Producer on feature films and television productions for Universal, MGM, Fox, Warner Bros., Bold Films, CBS Television, Orion Pictures, Miramax, Summit Entertainment, Shochiku-Fuji Films, Anonymous Content, IFC Films, CMT, and VH-1, and others. He produced the Universal Pictures release PLAYING FOR KEEPS (starring Daniel Jordano, Matthew Penn, and Marisa Tomei). His feature credits include the Warner Bros release, AMERICAN PASTIME, COME EARLY MORNING (starring Ashley Judd, Laura Prepon, Jeffrey Donovan, Tim Blake Nelson), David Bowie’s ZIGGY STARDUST & THE SPIDERS FROM MARS, Paul McCartney’s ROCKSHOW, horror classic THE BURNING, TRAILER PARK OF TERROR, TOKYO POP, and SECRET POLICEMAN'S OTHER BALL (featuring the members of Monty Python, Peter Cook, Rowan Atkinson, Pete Townshend, Sting, and others).

How To Write A Successful Action Movie

Starting: Thursday, January 11th

Instructor: Sabelo Mgidi

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn what elements you need to highlight in your script to make an action film that becomes a global success no matter where you live. You will learn how to take your personal experiences, cultural knowledge, and story and turn all that into something every audience member in the world wants to pay attention to. Every story is important, it’s the structure and how we set up the story that gets the rest of the world engaged. You will also learn how to think globally in your writing and include internationally compelling characters and set pieces. As well as how to network effectively with international constituents to ensure your action film is a global phenomenon.

PLUS! You will receive a copy of the shooting script for SILVERTON SIEGE to help in your own writing.

Sabelo “King of TV” Mgidi is the screenwriter of Netflix’s original hit action movie SILVERTON SIEGE which debuted at no.2 in the world in April 2022. He is also the sole screenwriter of Netflix’s African hit series KINGS OF JOBURG (seasons 1 & 2) which went on to dominate the number one spot for several weeks on Netflix Africa, Jamaica, Australia, and a number of other countries.

How To Work With A Network Once You Sell Your Show

Starting: Friday, January 12th

Instructor: Peter McDonough

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn how your television script turns into a hit TV show on air. Starting from the day a network orders a pilot script into production through a successful first season and to the premiere of a second season. You will learn the different stages of development, production, and distribution that a network series goes through so you can confidently prepare yourself and navigate the intricate process of network television once you sell your show to a network.

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you navigate the world of network television.

Peter McDonough is the Showrunner's Assistant on the CBS hit show GHOSTS. Peter was the first employee hired on the show and has first-hand experience in advancing the show from a pilot order to a multi-season series order on CBS’ Thursday Night Primetime lineup.

How to Avoid A Pass on Your Pitch or Screenplay

Starting: Thursday, January 18th

Instructor: Jeff Portnoy

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn why you may be reaching a "pass" or a "no" and how you can best fix those issues before you submit your work to any execs, producer, or representatives. During this information-packed and essential webinar, Jeff will help you troubleshoot your screenplay or pitch by anticipating issues that potential producing partners and financiers might bump up against, thus causing them to pass. He will dive into what execs are looking for, how to ensure you're tailoring your screenplay or pitch to who you're pitching, and how to navigate the "Culture of No" (by giving them a reason to say "Yes".) Jeff will walk you through the most common issues (and some less common) that are cited by producers and studio/streamer executives when they pass on scripts and pitches.

PLUS! You'll receive an exclusive download of "The Reasons They Passed" handout to help you avoid the pitfalls that lead to a pass on your script!

Jeff Portnoy is a 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 spec scripts with his clients that have moved forward and helped his clients find agency representation, build a fanbase of producers and studio/streamer executives, and led to sales and paid writing gigs.

How To Break Into Commercial Directing

Starting: Tuesday, January 23rd

Instructor: RJ Collins

In this exclusive webinar, you will learn how to create and build your career as a commercial director from an industry leader who built his directing career from the ground up. As a commercial director, there is a constant balance between honing your pitching skills to book work and developing your directorial style so you perpetuate a lasting career in the marketplace. In a jam-packed 90 minutes, RJ will teach you not only how to develop your style, brand, and relationships to ensure you have a successful commercial career, but also how you can leverage your work as a commercial director to move into film and television work. This course is a golden opportunity for you to learn how to become a go-to director for clients across the commercial industry and use that to propel your directing career. If you’re a director in any medium with a passion for visual storytelling, this webinar is a must!

PLUS! You’ll receive an exclusive Director Treatment Template to create winning pitches to help hone your commercial directing work.

RJ Collins is the pioneering mind behind Everdream and the viral Tesla spec commercial that redefined branded content. RJ has built a career at the nexus of deep narrative and commercial sensibility, becoming the director of choice for top brands through his innovative approach. His foray into film and TV includes the Streamy-nominated SIMI VALLEY and the ScreenCraft-winning script VAPOR, earning accolades from Oscar-winning screenwriter Diana Ossana. His latest endeavor, the buzzworthy horror-adventure feature film DROPPING, is on track to roll cameras in the summer of 2024.

Learn How to Shoot Your Action Sequences Like a Professional

Starting: Monday, January 29th

Instructor: Philippe Deseck

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, stunt performer and coordinator Philippe Deseck will take you through the fundamentals of how to shoot an action sequence like a pro. He will demonstrate the basic fundamentals which can be applied to any action sequence and he will show you how to bridge the gap between a stunt coordinator and a director so they get the most out of every opportunity together. Building productive, effective, and trusting relationships is an important part of any filmmaking process and it is critical when it comes to filmmakers and stunt coordinators. In this information-packed webinar, you will learn how to design an action sequence from script to final print on film and how you can collaborate with all relevant departments to get the shots required and piece them together to take your audience on a ride they will never forget. You will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the different filming styles that are used in Hollywood and around the world, and you will get a true sense of how to create the illusion of action safely.

Philippe Deseck has been involved in the film industry for over twenty years as a Stunt Performer and now Assistant Stunt Coordinator. Some of his films include THE MEG, AQUAMAN, MORTAL COMBAT, STREET FIGHTER, KILLER ELITE, SPARTACUS, SAN ANDREAS, KONG SKULL ISLAND, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR’S REVENGE, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER, SHANG-CHI, and many more… In addition to his credits as a Stunt Performer, Philippe gets involved in directing and editing, giving him expert perspectives on how to create masterful action sequences from all sides. His skill has also taken him to performing safety on set and writing safety reports for action sequences. Philippe has also taught action workshops for actors and has taught stage combat at the New York Film Academy in Australia.

Classes

Acting Workshop: Build Your Successful Preparation Process

Starting: Saturday, January 20th

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.

2-Part Class: Your Definitive Legal Guide to Distribution Deals

Starting: Saturday, January 27th

Instructor: Kristin Harris

In this exclusive 2-part class, you will learn everything you need to know about distribution deals, from working with sales agents to closing deals with global streamers. This is your definitive legal guide to distribution deals for today's marketplace. By the end of these two information-packed sessions, you will have a deep understanding of all the ways that you can distribute your projects and how the legal aspects of the distribution deals work.

With this insider look at the business of distribution, you’ll be able to start the new year by developing a strong plan while ensuring you make great deals for yourself and your team.

Kristin Harris is the SVP of Development & Production at Vertical Entertainment and a popular Stage 32 educator. Kristin has spent nearly two decades working across development, production, acquisitions, and distribution. She has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Good Deed Entertainment, Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Notable films that she's worked on include SHORT TERM 12, MEADOWLAND, THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS, SUNSHINE CLEANING, LAST CHANCE HARVEY, LOVING VINCENT, THE VISITOR, and MASTERS OF HORROR.

Labs

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

Starting: Saturday, January 13th

Instructor: Thomas Pemberton

Over 12 intensive weeks, Thomas will work closely with you to outline, write, and actually complete your feature film screenplay. Thomas will lead intimate group sessions where he will offer notes and guidance on specific portions of each writer’s screenplay or vision documents, incrementally and methodically working towards a completed and polished product. You will also work one-on-one over Zoom with Thomas and will have direct access to Thomas over email for the duration of the lab. 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. You will walk away from this 12-week lab with a completed feature film screenplay in-hand that has been vetted by a top executive that you can share with studios, financiers, agents, and managers!

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.

Thomas has a keen eye for great material and is quick to champion material he believes in. He's discovered three writers through Stage 32 who now have their projects under option with Mind’s Eye Entertainment!

Screenwriting Lab: Rewrite Your TV Series Pilot Script In 8 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, January 20th

Instructor: Anna Henry

In this exclusive 8-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 8 interactive sessions inlacing one-on-one sessions with Anna, 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, feedback, and checklists that help you keep track of the steps you need to take 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.

Get Your Feature Film Project Ready To Go To Market in 2024

Starting: Tuesday, January 23rd

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! Aimee will provide helpful and 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.

Screenwriting Lab: Develop And Write Your TV Pilot Script With An Emmy Nominated Showrunner

Starting: Saturday, January 27th

Instructor: Todd Slavkin

Over the course of this 10-week writing lab, you will develop your series idea into a professional pilot episode outline and then you will actually write your pilot episode. Todd will teach you about about story structure, scene structure, scene description, dialogue, and everything in between and you will walk away from his lab with the first draft of your completed teleplay for your pilot episode. You will work with Todd and your fellow writers in a virtual class setting, with ample time for Q&A’s, and you will also have one-on-one sessions with Todd where he will give you constructive notes and share his thoughts on your story, outline, and script pages. These sessions will mirror the experience you would have working with a showrunner on your pilot and allow you the opportunity to be mentored by a top professional to get your script written.

Todd Slavkin is a showrunner/writer/director with over 35 years of experience in both film and television. Working with his writing/producing partner Darren Swimmer, Todd has worked in all different kinds of genres and has been involved with many popular television shows, including SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS (winner of 2017 GLAAD media award for outstanding drama series, 2018 People’s Choice Award for Best Show & Most Bingeworthy Show, 2019 People’s Choice Award Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Show) and most recently THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, for which he has been nominated for four Emmys (2022 & 2023 Outstanding Young Teen Series and Outstanding Writing for a Young Teen Program). He has written pilots for ABC, NBC, FOX, SYFY, FREEFORM and The CW, where he developed and was co-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 Multi-Cam Comedy Pilot Script In 8 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, January 27th

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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