Red Carpet Roll-Out: May 2024's New Educators & Execs at Stage 32!

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community!

Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in as many new resources and opportunities as possible to enrich your experience here in our community!

At Stage 32 you have direct access to award-winning industry executives and professionals who’ve written, directed, produced, filmed, developed, performed, and represented acclaimed projects such as ARRIVAL, TRANSFORMERS, FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS, FOOTLOOSE, THE BOYS, ELEMENTAL, SPIDER-VERSE, MEG 2, CLICKBAIT, A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES, THE LAZARUS PROJECT, PARANORMAL STATE, MIRACLE AT TRAPPER CREEK, GLORIA GAYNOR: I WILL SURVIVE, ALL THE SINGLE LADIES, PRIDE, VOX LUX, THE GREAT, PARISH, THE ESTATE, MAY DECEMBER, PRIDE, ALL THE SINGLE LADIES, VOX LUX, and many others.

So without much further ado, let's roll out the red carpet and welcome some of the fantastic new people joining our Stage 32 Community this May!

New Stage 32 Educators-

Betsy Schechter, Emmy-Nominated Producer & Filmmaker

Betsy Schechter is an Emmy-nominated producer who has worn many hats including building and overseeing successful production companies including Storyville Entertainment which she launched in 2013. Schechter has created and produced both scripted and non-scripted programming for major networks and digital outlets including CBS, NBC, ABC, A&E, ANIMAL PLANET, DISCOVERY ID, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, HISTORY, OWN, VH1, and MTV. Betsy created and produced the hit series PARANORMAL STATE, which aired on A&E for five seasons. Betsy has created and sold documentary series in many genres including cooking, true crime, music, and paranormal. Betsy’s scripted endeavors include movies-of-the-week WHAT HAPPENED TO BOBBY EARL (CBS), RUNAWAY HOME (NBC), and the comedy series WARREN THE APE (MTV.) She also created and produced the syndicated reality dating show, SHIPMATES with Carnival Cruise Line. Betsy was nominated for an Emmy for the documentary MIRACLE AT TRAPPER CREEK, which aired on ABC. Betsy’s branded efforts include the successful Match.com national commercial campaign, as well as online branded content for JEEP, KLONDIKE, THE GAP, DON JULIO, and GLAMOUR MAGAZINE. Other series under the Storyville Banner include BROTHERS GREEN EATS, THE RIDE for MTV International, and THE ABUSE OF POWER for Oxygen. Betsy recently directed, wrote, self-funded, and produced the critically acclaimed documentary GLORIA GAYNOR: I WILL SURVIVE which premiered at The Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023 and received 100 percent positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. With a proven track record of creating, selling, and producing over 200 hours of successful content for film, television, and multimedia outlets worldwide Betsy has also consulted for networks, streamers, and brand companies including Netflix, Fox Entertainment, AETN Productions, Tubi, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Just Ask A Woman.

You can still register for Betsy’s webinar- 10 Crucial Steps to Making a Successful Documentary Feature Film

New Stage 32 Executives-

Yolanda Lee, Development Executive at Pure Fiction

Yolanda Lee is a seasoned television executive based in the United Kingdom, renowned for her dynamic contributions to the industry. With a career spanning various prestigious roles, including Development Executive at Pure Fiction Television, UK-based production company that is driven by passion, inclusivity, collaboration, and a desire to leave a positive impact, creating the next generation of creative producers.

Pure Fiction was founded by veteran producer Tom Winchester who was the president of Heyday Television at NBCUniversal. The company has a proven track record of producing hit television series for a global audience. Winchester oversaw a drama slate that included such titles as Netflix’s CLICKBAIT and the BBC’s THE CAPTURE, as well as the recently commissioned Apples Never Fall, an adaptation of the new novel by Big Little Lies author Lianne Moriarty, which NBCUniversal’s Peacock picked up in a straight-to-series order.

Yoland also worked at Urban Myth Films Ltd, set up by International Emmy award-winning producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy and BAFTA award-winning writer Howard Overman with the intention of creating television drama and film for the international market. Yolanda has demonstrated an exceptional talent for nurturing creative projects from conception to fruition. Prior to her executive roles, she honed her skills as a Script Editor at Sky, solidifying her expertise in identifying and cultivating compelling storytelling. There she worked on shows such as A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES, THE LAZARUS PROJECT, and THE BABY whilst helping to cultivate the wider slate and running the BAME Table Read scheme to champion new voices. 

You can receive premium notes from Yolanda about your Pilot here, your First 10 Pages, or your Feature here.

Jessica Zou, Motion Picture Literary Agent at Verve

Jessica Zou is a Motion Picture Literary agent at Verve which was announced in Deadline, bringing almost a decade of industry experience to her role. At Verve, Jessica specializes in Motion Picture Literary, leveraging her expertise to scout promising intellectual properties and nurture burgeoning talent. Her multifaceted background in entertainment, encompassing everything from event coordination to branded entertainment, uniquely positions her to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood while also representing a number of literary clients. Her clients have worked on hit films and television shows including Amazon's THE BOYS, ELEMENTAL, SPIDER-VERSE, MEG 2, and more.

Her journey includes pivotal roles at United Talent Agency and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, where she delved into script development and feature film. Prior to that she was on the team at Legendary and started in the mailroom at UTA, moving on to assist agents in the Motion Picture Literary department who represent writers, directors, and producers. She also focuses on finding diverse voices and bridging different cultures within Hollywood.

You can receive premium notes from Jessica about your Horror/Thriller Feature here or your Horror/Thriller First 10 Pages.

Rodrigo Moscoso, Creative Executive & Literary Manager at Zero Gravity

Rodrigo Moscoso is a Creative Executive and Literary Manager based in Los Angeles at Zero Gravity Management, a progressive entertainment company whose strength lies in the development and representation of screenwriters, directors, and actors. In the literary world, Zero Gravity’s reputation has been built upon its hands-on development process, working intimately with their clients to generate the most elevated and unique material possible. As creative executive at Zero Gravity Management, Rodrigo develops projects and talent from the ground up, with feet in both the production and management worlds.

With over five years of experience in the industry, Rodrigo has held roles in production, development, and literary management. Prior to joining Zero Gravity, he worked as a Creative Executive at The Radmin Company, a boutique literary management/production company that represents screenwriters and directors, where he developed scripts alongside the co-producer of MARVEL’S MOON KNIGHT and THE FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER, among other showrunners. and as a Development Coordinator at Luminate and VMI Worldwide. With his keen eye for talent and storytelling, Rodrigo plays a vital role in shaping the projects that come to life under Zero Gravity's banner.

You can receive premium notes from Rodrigo about your Horror/Thriller or Action/Sci-Fi/Fantasy Pilot here, Feature here, or your First 10 Pages.

Eben Davidson, Producer & Executive at Empress Films & 308C Productions

Eben Davidson is a producer and studio executive with a career spanning over two decades in the entertainment industry. Eben serves as Executive Producer at Empress Films and 308C Productions, Davidson has played pivotal roles in shaping numerous successful projects such as the Oscar-nominated film ARRIVAL and the TRANSFORMERS franchise. Paramount Pictures recently optioned OK BOOMER a screenplay written by Davidson.

With previous positions including Head of Scripted Entertainment at Invisible Narratives and Executive Vice President of Scripted Programming at Blumhouse Television, Davidson's expertise encompasses both creative development and strategic oversight. With a strong foundation built during fourteen years at Paramount Pictures, where Davidson held various senior roles, including Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Production, his track record speaks volumes about his commitment to quality storytelling and effective production management. As a feature film executive, Davidson supervised projects grossing over $1B and earning 18 Academy Award nominations. Some notable films that Eben oversaw and brought into the company are ARRIVAL, FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS, TOP FIVE, ANOMALISA, EVERYBODY WANTS SOME, JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA, JACKASS 3D, JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER, KATY PERRY: PART OF ME, and FOOTLOOSE.

You can receive notes from Eben about your First 10 Pages.

Josh Kesselman, Producer & Manager at Sugar23

Josh Kesselman is a Producer and Manager at Sugar23, a talent management & production company, who brings a dynamic blend of creativity and business acumen to the entertainment industry. Sugar23 is a multimedia production and talent management organization with a mission to impact culture through entertainment.

With a knack for nurturing talent and a keen eye for captivating storytelling, Josh navigates the ever-evolving landscape of media with finesse and innovation. His credits include acclaimed TV shows like Hulu's THE GREAT starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult and created by Oscar-nominated writer Tony McNamara (POOR THINGS, THE FAVOURITE) and AMC's PARISH starring Giancarlo Esposito as well as films like THE ESTATE starring Toni Collette, Anna Faris, and David Duchovny. Whether he's crafting compelling narratives or forging strategic partnerships, Josh's passion for the craft shines through in every project he touches.

Keep an eye out for Josh’s upcoming pitch session, which should be available for registration soon!

Sydney Foos, Creative Executive & Producer

Sydney Foos develops and produces projects for film, TV, and podcasts. Sydney served as the Vice President of Development at Jay Ellis and Aaron Bergman’s Black Bar Mitzvah, where she oversaw a slate of various projects including ALL THE SINGLE LADIES (OWN) an original unscripted series that takes a provocative view of intimacy and dating in the modern world from the perspective of Black women across the nation, SUE BIRD: IN THE CLUTCH, about the basketball legend’s final WNBA season and her impact on sports, which was acquired by Wolfe Releasing, the largest exclusive distributor of LGBTQ+ films, following its buzzy Sundance debut. She also brought in multiple projects, both original ideas and IP. Set up and sold half-hour and one-hour television pitches, features, and podcasts, acquired financing for various projects, widened Black Bar Mitzvah’s presence in the marketplaces, and managed the development slate of 40+ projects across film, TV, and podcasts, including packaging, filling open assignments, preparing pitch materials and script drafts.

Sydney also developed projects with Amazon, AMC, Peacock, Hartbeat, and many more notable production companies. She previously worked as a Creative Executive at Killer Films (MAY DECEMBER), where she Executive Produced the Gotham Award-nominated limited docu-series PRIDE for FX. She also contributed to projects with a wide range of independent filmmakers across all genres and budgets, such as Paul Schrader’s FIRST REFORMED, Brady Corbet’s VOX LUX, Wash Westmoreland’s COLETTE, Todd Haynes’ DARK WATERS, and Josephine Decker’s SHIRLEY.

You can meet with Sydney about your Pilot here or Feature here.

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 Emily 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 .