Stage 32's April 2024 Education Schedule!

Happy Thursday, 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 April, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, showrunners, animators, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or represented such projects as BUCKY F*CKING DENT, ALL YOU NEED IS BLOOD, SCREAM, HALLOWEEN, HELLRAISER, DR. STRANGE, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, HIGHLANDER, THE CROW, SEVEN SECONDS, VIDA, BIG LOVE, JANE THE VIRGIN, THE SIMPSONS, THE WOMAN KING, TRON: LEGACY, DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, SMALLVILLE, STRANGER THINGS, SOUND OF FREEDOM, LA LA LAND, PEPPERMINT, THE BOY, TWILIGHT, IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, A.P. BIO, GREAT MINDS WITH DAN HARMON, MYTHIC QUEST, 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

Deconstructing the Script: Oppenheimer (2024 Best Picture Oscar winner)

Starting: Wednesday, April 3rd

Instructor: Nick Phillips

In this exclusive FREE Script Breakdown Webcast our Stage 32 Executive Liaison, Nick Phillips will guide you through the main story engine introduction, character arc intros, and the nuanced pacing of an ensemble cast. He’ll explore the tonal elements that set "Oppenheimer" apart and demonstrate why it won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2024. From the meticulous attention to historical accuracy to the breathtaking visuals that transport you to the heart of the Manhattan Project, our webcast will leave no stone unturned in unraveling the genius of "Oppenheimer."

Plus, everyone who registers for the webinar will receive a copy of the OPPENHEIMER script to study!

Nick Phillips is Stage 32's Executive Liaison and has worked as a studio executive, an award-winning producer & filmmaker. His career in the entertainment industry spans nearly three decades, working on some of the most iconic films of our time across all genres and formats. Most recently, Nick was Head of Production for prolific producer Yale Entertainment. While there, he produced four films – BUCKY F*CKING DENT, written and directed by and starring David Duchovny; ALL YOU NEED IS BLOOD, with Mena Suvari; THE FOG OF WAR with John Cusack and Mira Sorvino; and BARRON'S COVE, starring Garrett Hedlund, Stephen Lang, Brittany Snow, and Hamish Linklater. Before that, Nick served as the Head of Production for the feature startup studio/streaming platform CreatorPlus. Nick co-founded and served as Executive Vice President of Revolver Picture Company, a fully financed independent production label in conjunction with Kelly Wagner Osborne. Nick started his career in New York City at Miramax/Dimension Films as the Vice President of Development & Production where he was involved in such franchises as SCREAM, HALLOWEEN, HELLRAISER, DR. STRANGE, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, HIGHLANDER and THE CROW. Nick went on to work for Sony Pictures Entertainment as Senior Vice President of Development & Production where he worked on successful sequels to 30 DAYS OF NIGHT and VACANCY and transitioned over to a role at Sony Screen Gems, where he oversaw a slate of films including STRAW DOGS, THE CHRISTMAS, and COUNTRY SONG.

Deconstructing the TV Pilot Script: Emmy-Winning BEEF

Starting: Thursday, April 4th

Instructor: Eric Zimmerman

In this 90-minute online webinar, Eric will guide you through the pilot script of Beef, examining why everyone loves this cautionary tale about two horrible people. He will explore the ingenious character development, break down the story’s unique and compelling structure, and highlight several of the script’s thematic moments and how they elicit emotional responses from the audience. He will also discuss one of his favorite tones to work in – dark comedy - and point out specific examples in Beef as guidelines for how to write it effectively. Stage 32's "Deconstructing the Script" series has emerged as one of the most helpful ways to learn and improve your screenwriting skills. By breaking down some of the top scripts in the marketplace, this exclusive series shows you choices screenwriters make in character development, story structure, tone, and exploration of themes that will help inform your own writing.

All attendees will get a copy of the BEEF pilot script!

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!

How To Map Out Your TV Seasons in Your Pitch Deck

Starting: Tuesday, April 9th

Instructor: Anna Henry

If you are not an established showrunner or writer with a track record in the industry, having a pitch bible or deck for your series is the main way to open doors to producers, managers, and executives. Your first conversation with these collaborators and buyers is likely to involve you pitching your show in the room or via Zoom. Perhaps the most important thing they are looking for is the sense that your series has sustainability, that it can stay engaging and carry an audience for several episodes or seasons. So how do you map out your upcoming seasons in a pitch bible or deck? How do you condense the seasons into summary form so it’s easy to understand on the page? What plot points and character points do you have to hit? How much detail should you put down for season one – and how many seasons should you map out at all? What about “case-of-the-week” episodic series, mini-series, and limited series? And what if anything should you say in a verbal pitch? In this webinar, Anna will address all these questions and more. She will talk about mapping out your series in broad strokes with key specifics. She will address what to reveal or what to leave out, and how to organize your story arcs. She will go deeper into how to show the sustainability of an episodic series through episode loglines. And she will discuss the differences in how to present limited series and mini-series.

You will see a checklist (Anna’s trademark writing aid!) of what your season plan must contain in terms of storylines, characters, and episodes.

Anna Henry is a Producer and Development Executive. Anna has set up projects at Sony, 20th Television, EOne, Starz, Amazon, Netflix, Corus, ITV America, and more. Anna began her career as a development executive at Nickelodeon, then crossed over to prime-time television working at CBS and ABC in drama development and programming before working in management and establishing herself as an Independent Producer. She was Head of Development at Andrea Simon Entertainment, a boutique literary management and production company representing writers and directors. She has more than 15 years of experience working with writers on developing their passion projects and building their careers with client credits including Netflix's SEVEN SECONDS; Starz VIDA; BET’s IN CONTEMPT; HBO's THE DEUCE, BIG LOVE, and VINYL; Showtime's THE CHI; NBC's THIS IS US; The CW's JANE THE VIRGIN; Direct TV's KINGDOM; AMC’s FEAR THE WALKING DEAD; PBS' MERCY STREET; and more. Anna has projects currently in development around the world. She is currently developing procedurals, crime thrillers, dark comedies, YA and Millennial-focused projects, character-driven sci-fi, and recent period.

Animation Today: Navigating Today’s Film & TV Animation Business

Starting: Thursday, April 11th

Instructor: Mike Disa

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar dive into the animation industry with us, where we're peeling back the layers to reveal how everything you thought you knew about the animation industry has shifted. This isn't just any webinar; it's your blueprint through the maze of film and TV animation today. From the good old days to the wild ride of the current landscape, we're talking about everything that's changed - thanks, streaming! - and what it means for you, whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot your career. Get the scoop on how major studios, indie creators, and the streaming giants are mixing up the game, and what the "new normal" looks like now. Plus, we'll tackle the big questions: Who's hiring? What skills are in demand? And how is AI changing the creative process? This is about cutting through the noise to focus on what matters for your career.

Mike Disa is an accomplished director, producer, writer, and artist who directed shows like the hit Netflix series PARADISE PD and is currently the Scene Planner for THE SIMPSONS and has been in the animation industry for over twenty-five years. Mike found success working with studios such as Dreamworks, Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, and many others. A favorite and fixture among the Stage 32 community, Mike is deeply entrenched in the world of animation and knows better than most what it takes to build a career in this industry.

Understanding Pod Deals (Production Overall Deals): Leveraging Partnerships for Your Project

Starting: Tuesday, April 16th

Instructor: Liliana Granados

Many established production companies have POD Deals (Production Overall Deals) which means they already have output deals, first look deals or are producing content for a specific studio, network, or streamer. These are trusted production companies that they are looking to first for content and so can often be a great place to look when you have an idea of the ideal home for your project. Large studios and streamers want to work with companies they trust and have a proven track record and while that might not be you right now, one avenue is to get the attention of a production company with a POD. But how do you approach these companies? What are they looking for? How does it all work? What do you need to know?

PLUS! You'll get a downloadable list of companies that have Production Overall Deals (PODs).

Liliana Granados is a Film Producer at Alchemist Productions. For nearly a decade, Liliana has worked in producing and development with some of the industry's top companies including JuVee Productions (Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis' company), NBC Casting, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Sofia Vergara's Latin World Entertainment. Most recently she served as the Director of Development for Eugenio Derbez's 3Pas Studios focusing on feature film drama projects. Liliana helped develop TriStar’s THE WOMAN KING directed by Gina Prince-Blythewood, starring Oscar-winner Viola Davis and scored by Stage 32 Educator, Oscar-nominated Terence Blanchard, as well as helped shepherd Amazon and MRC’s upcoming G20 film directed by Patricia Riggin and written by Noah and Logan Miller.

Your Legal Guide to Film Location Management

Starting: Thursday, April 18th

Instructor: Thomas A. Crowell, Esq.

Navigating the intricacies of location agreements and shooting permits can be daunting for filmmakers. In this one-hour legal lecture, entertainment attorney Thomas A. Crowell, Esq. demystifies these essential components of film production. Attendees will learn the critical differences between a location agreement—a contract granting rights to film on a property—and a shooting permit, which is often a regulatory requirement for filming in public spaces or certain jurisdictions. As well as practical tips and tricks to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring filmmakers can secure their desired locations without legal entanglements. This webinar is designed to empower producers and filmmakers with the legal know-how to protect their projects and investments. By understanding and effectively managing location agreements, creatives can focus on bringing their artistic visions to life, confident in the knowledge that their legal bases are covered. Whether you’re dealing with private property or navigating municipal regulations for shooting permits, this lecture will equip you with the tools to handle these legal matters with ease.

Thomas A. Crowell, Esq. is an entertainment and intellectual property attorney and partner with the New York law firm of LaneCrowell, LLP. A former television producer and director of development for STN, Thomas counsels clients on a wide range of entertainment law and intellectual property rights issues. He has worked with clients who have had deals with Sony, Starz, TLC, Elsevier Publishing, Discovery Communications, Focal Press, Smithsonian Network, WE: The Women's Entertainment Network, The Science Technology Network, and IDW Publishing. His clients' work is seen in the pages of Marvel and DC Comics and on movie, TV, computer, and mobile screens worldwide. A frequent columnist for film industry publications, Mr. Crowell is also the author of a best-selling legal guide for independent producers, THE POCKET LAWYER FOR FILMMAKERS, adopted as a core textbook in many film and law schools across the US. His latest book, THE POCKET LAWYER FOR COMIC BOOK CREATORS, is the first dedicated legal guide for the comic book industry. He currently serves as a series editor for Focal Press and its new line of legal guides for artists.

Pre-Production: The Assistant Director’s Process

Starting: Thursday, April 25th

Instructor: Michael Bishop

When tackling the prep process as a 1st Assistant Director, it’s important to go in with a firm understanding of the fundamentals of what production is asking of you. One of the first jobs is diving into the script and inputting it into a software program which will allow you to organize all the information into a realistic shooting schedule. This then becomes something that hopefully not only your producer will stand behind, but that your Director, Production Manager, Production Designer, and any other head of department will use as a beacon to do their jobs and prepare for a successful shoot. The job of the AD is one of constant collaboration, having a strong knack for pivoting and weighing everyone’s concerns. In this webinar, you will get a peek into how all these parts work in the creation of the schedule and prepping all the elements needed leading up to the first day of production.

Michael Bishop is a seasoned professional in the film industry, with a career that spans over two decades. His journey began in 2001 when he graduated from Vancouver Film School, equipped with the skills and passion necessary to thrive in the world of filmmaking. Shortly after completing his education, Michael found himself working alongside Triton Films, where he gained valuable experience as an assistant director for music videos. With a taste of the industry under his belt, Michael set his sights on becoming a first assistant director in the Directors Guild of Canada. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that would see him working on a wide range of productions across various genres and formats. From independent films to big-budget blockbusters, Michael's expertise and dedication have left a lasting impact on every project he has been a part of. Throughout his career, Michael has built a reputation for being a reliable and resourceful professional, capable of tackling any challenge that comes his way. His commitment to his craft and his collaborative spirit have made him a sought-after collaborator among directors, producers, and fellow crew members alike. Michael's dedication to his work is matched only by his passion for storytelling, making him a valuable asset to any production lucky enough to have him on board. Michael has over 100 film and TV credits including TRON: LEGACY, DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, SMALLVILLE, and many more.

Introduction to Cinematography

Starting: Tuesday, April 30th

Instructor: Gareth Taylor

Cinematography is at the heart of filmmaking. Some would argue that it is the most important part of motion pictures. Either way, without it there is no cinema. Creating images to tell a story dates back to the days of cavemen. Yet it’s only been 130 years since the invention of cinema. Using moving images to tell stories offers human beings a powerful way to tell stories, communicate ideas, and connect with audiences across the globe. However glamorized, cinema is a very difficult industry where making a movie sometimes hinges on miracles. Obstacles stand at every turn. The creation of moving images is dependent on a web of factors that the cinematographer must navigate in order to successfully accomplish the job at hand. A blend of knowledge, experience, leadership, collaboration, and technical expertise (amongst other things) is necessary to develop a thriving career as a cinematographer.

Gareth Taylor is an award-winning Filmmaker and Director of Photography best known for his work on feature films, television, commercials, music videos, and documentaries. His credits include STRANGER THINGS, SOUND OF FREEDOM, and SOUTH PARK. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Gareth moved to California at the age of 20 to pursue his dreams of making movies. Following cinema studies at University, he merged a passion for photography with his love for writing and directing. Gareth's work is characterized by an organic yet expressive approach to storytelling.

Classes

Fundamentals of Directing: From Visualization to Post-Production – 4 Part Class

Starting: Monday, April 29th

Instructor: Heath Cullens

Over four interactive sessions in this exclusive directing lab, accomplished director Heath Cullens will show you how to develop your own visual style and point of view, have an understanding of your overall role as the director, go through everything involved in pre-production, how to communicate with your cast and crew, determine when you've "got the shot," and have the knowledge needed to work with your editor and receive notes from producers and investors. You will leave this class with the confidence, skills, and techniques needed to be a great director. The information doesn't stop with each session, either. You will continue to have exclusive access to Heath via email for the duration of the class.

Plus! Heath will provide you with a series of exclusive and helpful handouts to take with you and use when directing your next project.

Downloads include:

• Camera style guide
• Shot lists
• Shot plan
• Pre-production guide
• Mood boards
• Script

Heath Cullens is best known for directing IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, A.P. BIO, GREAT MINDS WITH DAN HARMON, MYTHIC QUEST, and YOU’RE THE WORST. Heath’s other notable credits include IDIOTSITTER for Comedy Central, DEADBEAT for Hulu, and BLACK JESUS for Adult Swim. He produced the Lionsgate feature ARMED RESPONSE, starring Cary Elwes, Ethan Embry, and Alan Arkin. Before transitioning to TV and film, he spent several years in the New York theater scene where he worked with New York Theatre Workshop, Playwrights Horizons, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Urban Stages. Cullens is a recipient of a Drama League Directing Fellowship and a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.

Labs

Finance Lab: Crafting a Financial Investor Prospectus for Your $2-$5MM Feature Film

Starting: Sunday, April 7th

Instructor: Emma Louise Smith

This exclusive interactive virtual lab offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop a comprehensive financial investor prospectus under the guidance of industry expert, Emma Louise Smith. From the very first week, you'll dive into your project assessment, learning how to accurately define your project's budget and timeline, and evaluating your project's potential through a detailed checklist aimed at capturing investor interest. As you progress, each week unfolds new layers of financial wisdom, from crafting a robust finance plan and exploring funding sources to mastering the art of pitching to investors. Personalized one-on-one sessions with Emma will address your unique challenges, ensuring your investment proposal is not just heard but remembered. By participating in collaborative pitching practices and engaging in insightful Q&A sessions, you'll refine your approach, gaining confidence and clarity. The final week focuses on connecting with potential investors, teaching you strategies to secure meetings, and effectively present your pitch materials. This lab isn't just about learning; it's about doing. You'll be actively working on your project, applying lessons in real time, and walking away with a vetted financial investor prospectus.

Emma Louise Smith is a Producer, Executive Producer, and an ACCA chartered accountant, trained in international finance and audit legislation with Saffery Champness. She spent several years advising UNHWI’s (Ultra Net High Worth Individuals), based between Monaco and Switzerland, advising on the structuring of investments and assets and managing projects and teams. Emma is an International Advisory Board Member for the International Emerging Film Talent Association where she is the Head of Finance and mentors emerging producers in international finance and co-production. For IEFTA she has drafted and implemented the policies and procedures required to become a UN partner which began a transition focused on film/TV.

Perfecting Your 5 Minute Pitch For The Cannes Film Festival

Starting: Saturday, April 13th

Instructor: Alexia Melocchi

In this exclusive 2-part Stage 32 pitch 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 the renowned Cannes Film Festival. In the first session, Alexia will go over critical components of what makes a good pitch and provide a roadmap to structure your 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 pitch.

In the second session, a few days before The Cannes Film Festival, you will pitch Alexia again, having finessed and made your pitch stronger and more effective based on her guidance. Alexia will provide more feedback on your new pitch and further guidance on how to strengthen it even more for the Festival. If you've spent the time and expenses to attend The Cannes Film Festival, you do not want to miss this rare opportunity to make sure your 5-minute pitch sells you and your project effectively!

Alexia Melocchi is a partner in Little Studio Films and for over two decades has produced and sold award-winning movies, documentaries, and shorts, often partnering with emerging filmmakers she has personally discovered and mentored. Her latest films by Little Film Studios are THE PANTANI AFFAIR which is with Amazon Studios Europe, A SOUL JOURNEY (Palm Springs International Film Festival and winner of URBANWORLD), and the upcoming mini-series THE MONKEY CLUB with Oscar-winner writer/producer Ron Bass. Little Film Studios also partially financed RIDE ABOVE directed by Christian Duguay, THE DESPERATE HOUR starring Naomi Watts, and WRONG TURN. Alexia has acquired film and television shows from all over the world for release in the Middle East, Italy, Greece, Spain, Canada, South America, and Australia. Her clients have bought and partially financed films such as LA LA LAND, PEPPERMINT, THE BOY, TWILIGHT, TEEN SPIRIT, and THE BANKER. She is the host of THE HEART OF SHOW BUSINESS podcast. Alexia is fluent in five languages (Italian, Greek, French, Spanish and English), a personal asset that has allowed her to be involved in the financing and distribution of movies that have earned nearly $1 Billion dollars in box office returns worldwide. Always in the know of trends in film and television, she attends all major film festivals in the United States and internationally (CANNES, NATPE, BERLIN, VENICE, TORONTO, AFM, MIPTV) and has been frequently invited as an expert panelist on the Film Business at high profile film and television conventions.

Screenwriting Lab: Write a Historical Fiction TV Pilot Script in 8 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, April 20th

Instructor: Anna Henry

Historical shows are more popular than ever. From THE CROWN to BRIDGERTON, OUTLANDER to BABYLON BERLIN and WORLD OF FIRE, these stories from yesterday are winning raves today from fans and critics alike. It’s never been a better time to write your own historical television pilot, and this exclusive Stage 32 lab will help you do just that. Over eight interactive virtual Zoom sessions, you’ll study how to write a historical television pilot under the guidance of accomplished producer and Netflix educator, Anna Henry. Throughout the class, you’ll study successful period shows depicting both real and fictional characters in historical settings, and cover crucial writing topics, such as:

• How to find the right story engine for your show
• Different approaches to historical subjects
• How to use source materials
• How to generate current appeal with yesterday’s stories
• Adding, altering, and conflating real people
• World-building
• Budget and production considerations
• Striving for authenticity over accuracy
• Challenges of writing exposition
• Avoiding anachronisms
• Common pilot problems
• And so much more

*You can find Anna’s full bio listed with her Webinar in the section above.

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

Starting: Sunday, April 21st

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 Osowik is an independent literary manager and native to Toledo, Ohio. He began his career interning at top international sales companies such as FilmNation, Sierra/Affinity, and Voltage, amongst others. His first full-time entertainment job was working as an assistant to the CEO of MGM. After two years there, he went on to work for a partner in the feature literary department at Gersh, where he stayed for another two years. It was there that he realized his passion for guiding writers and directors could be turned into a career. In June 2018 he established his own company, Charles Osowik Management. He quickly secured deals for his clients with Warner Bros, DC, HBOMax, Comedy Central, Gunpowder & Sky, and many others. Charlie loves all genres and is thankful to have clients working in all formats and tones. He is a firm believer in quality over quantity and surrounds himself with people who deeply connect with what they do. He most recently secured a Co-Executive Producer level staffing position for his client writing a new series for Netflix and landed a tentpole franchise feature writing assignment with Macro.

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