Stage 32's October 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 October, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning writers, producers, consultants, authors, podcast hosts, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or represented such projects as THE GREEN KNIGHT, WILLEM & FRIEDA, BERLIN, I LOVE YOU, ZERO TOLERANCE, WORLD WAR Z, ANNA, PEPPERMINT, LA LA LAND, TWILIGHT, THE HEART OF SHOW BUSINESS, 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

How To Sell Your Feature Film Script to a Streamer or Studio

Starting: Thursday, October 3rd

Instructor: Jeff Nemon

With streamers like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and more dominating the entertainment landscape, it’s more crucial than ever to understand exactly what streamers and studios are looking for when choosing feature film scripts. Each platform has different mandates and focuses, and knowing how to align your script with their needs can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. While streamers are leading the charge, it's also important to understand what studios are seeking, so you can best position your feature film script for success. In this webinar, Jeff Nemon will walk you through the complete process of selling your feature film script. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of what streamers and studios are currently looking for and how to align your project with their mandates. Jeff will guide you through each stage of the sales process—from developing a market-ready script to crafting a pitch that grabs attention and ultimately securing a deal. You’ll also dive into practical strategies for working with executives, handling feedback, and aligning your project with current market trends. By the end, you will have the knowledge and confidence to successfully sell your feature film script and navigate the development process like a pro.

PLUS! You'll receive the following handouts to help you sell your feature film:

• The Beekeeper script (one of the largest spec sales for MGM/ AMAZON in years)
• List of studio mandates
• List of loglines from recent spec sales.

Jeff Nemon is a veteran film executive with extensive experience in the development and sale of feature films to both major studios and leading streamers like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. Over his 15-year career, Jeff has successfully guided numerous projects from script to screen, positioning him as an expert in navigating the complexities of today’s film marketplace. He has a proven track record of selling feature films across various platforms, making him uniquely qualified to help you sell yours. In addition to his work in film, Jeff has also played a pivotal role in TV development, having sold over 50 television projects to both networks and streamers. Jeff previously served as SVP of Development at Maniac Productions, overseeing a slate of 30 projects for Blumhouse TV. His broad industry experience will ensure you gain valuable insights during this webinar to help you succeed in selling your feature film script!

Classes

4-Part Class: Your Essential Guide to Shooting a Film Abroad from Pre-Production to Post-Production

Starting: Wednesday, October 16th

Instructor: Chris Debiec

Planning an international shoot comes with its own set of challenges. You might find it tough to balance location costs with your budget, and keeping up with tax incentives, deadlines, and local regulations can be demanding. Managing logistics like location scouting and vendor partnerships abroad can also be overwhelming. Understanding and addressing these issues effectively is key to ensuring a smooth and successful production experience. In this four-part class, you will gain insights into every stage of shooting a film abroad, from pre-production through post-production. You’ll dive into key areas like budgeting, tax incentives, handling insurance, and tackling logistical challenges, offering real-world examples of the obstacles and solutions encountered during international shoots! Throughout the four sessions, Chris will include a hands-on case study of Matt Dillon's directorial debut, CITY OF GHOSTS, shot on location in Cambodia and Thailand. By the end of the class, you’ll have practical knowledge and effective strategies you can use right away, including how to budget effectively, maximize tax credits, and find the best locations.

PLUS! You'll also receive handouts, templates, and a comprehensive checklist to confidently manage every aspect of your international film project!

Chris Debiec brings over 25 years of global film and television experience to this class. He recently worked on the hit A24 feature film, THE GREEN KNIGHT, starring Oscar-winning actor Dev Patel, which was filmed on location in Ireland. Chris has also worked on a wide range of productions all over the world, as the former CEO of Oscar-winning director James Cameron’s production company Earthship Productions. From blockbuster films to award-winning documentaries and intricate international productions, Chris's extensive background makes him exceptionally qualified to guide you through the complexities of shooting abroad!

Labs

Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write a Comedy TV Pilot in 6 Weeks - From Concept To Completed Script

Starting: Saturday, October 5th

Instructor: Spencer Robinson

Your pilot script is your calling card, your way in, and the piece of material that will start leveling up your career as a professional writer. There has never been a better time to write a comedy for TV. Now it’s just a matter of writing a world-class pilot script that wows executives and talent. In this exclusive 6-part lab, you will write a TV comedy pilot script that stands out, that can get you representation, can lead to meetings with decision-makers, and/or help you land a coveted seat in a comedy writer’s room. Spencer will be working directly with you in a virtual class setting and in one-on-one sessions to mentor you as you write your market-ready comedy pilot script. He will guide you through picking a concept, creating engaging characters, perfecting your structure, constructing an outline, and, writing your pilot. Over 6 interactive sessions, you will put pen to paper and write the comedy TV pilot that until now has only been bouncing around in your head. Whether you want to write a single-cam or multi-cam comedy pilot to sell or you are looking to create a sample script to help get you into a writers' room, Spencer is here to help you write your comedy pilot that can help break you into the industry!

Spencer Robinson is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment who's been in the industry for over twenty years. Spencer's writing clients work in both features and television on broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. He currently has a client writing on two Netflix series and another client who just sold a show to Amazon. He also reps a writer who currently has a project at Jason Bateman's Aggregate Films, which has a deal at Netflix. His on-camera clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski, and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS, to name a few. Spencer has taught numerous webinars, classes, and writing labs for Stage 32 and remains one of our most popular and sought-after educators.

Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write a Drama TV Pilot in 8 Weeks - From Concept to Completed Script

Starting: Sunday, October 6th

Instructor: Anna Henry

Drama television is at its peak with such iconic shows like SHOGUN, THE CROWN, THE MORNING SHOW, WHITE LOTUS, YELLOWJACKETS and so much more. With the influx of networks and streaming platforms either moving into or expanding their original content libraries, the demand for dramatic TV ideas and pilots has never been greater. The opportunities are plentiful and the prospects have never been more exciting, but if you want to write dramatic television you need to prove that you have the chops, and to do that, you better come armed with a great pilot script sample. Something that shows that you have what it takes; something that shows that you understand the structure and craft that goes into a good teleplay; and something that shows off your own unique voice and sensibility. In this exclusive 8-part screenwriting lab, you will write a drama TV pilot script under the guidance of an industry leader to guarantee your script is ready to go to market. Anna will be working directly with you in a class setting and also during one-on-one sessions with the goal of helping you write a fantastic, market-ready pilot. To do so, Anna will guide you through picking a concept, creating engaging characters, perfecting your structure, constructing an outline, and, finally, writing your pilot. Or, if you already have a concept or even a completed pilot, Anna will use the same tools to help you hone and sharpen your material.

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’s Creating Content for a Global Marketplace Program. Anna has taught numerous webinars, classes, and writing labs for Stage 32. She remains one of our most popular and in-demand educators.

8-Part Lab: Write Your TV Pitch Deck and Learn How to Pitch Your Show in 8 Weeks

Starting: Saturday, October 12th

Instructor: Ewan Dunbar

What does every network and streamer ultimately want? Fresh, unique, authentic voices with never-been-told stories. While the door will be open to new writers, the competition is fierce. Of course, you need a very strong finished script, but before that will be read, you need to be able to communicate what makes your show stand out from the crowd, what will make people want to watch it, and why you are passionate about writing it. You need a blueprint of what the series will be beyond one episode. That's where a pitch deck comes in. In this exclusive interactive 8-part lab, you'll delve deep into writing an effective pitch deck for your scripted television idea - one that will communicate your intentions, excite the reader, and convey your voice and your passion. Over 8 interactive sessions and in one-on-one online sessions you will work with Ewan to create your pitch deck that demonstrates to executives what about your show, its characters, and the world will stand out from the crowd and keep audiences entertained, as well as ways in which writing your deck will help to improve your pilot episode and project overall. Whether you have a comedy or drama series, 30 minutes or 60 minutes, Ewan is here to help.

PLUS! Throughout this exclusive online lab, you will have direct access to Ewan as a mentor by email and via Zoom as you develop your pitch deck.

Ewan Dunbar, Producer at Red Stag Entertainment, has developed and acquired a wide range of titles that have made their way to Netflix Originals, Disney+, Amazon/MGM, broadcasting partners and independent distributors, working closely with creatives to refine their work. Projects Ewan has been involved with recently include the Stephen Fry led WILLEM & FRIEDA and the Keira Knightly, Helen Mirren, and Mickey Rourke led ensemble feature BERLIN, I LOVE YOU. Ewan has developed relationships with literary agents/managers, I.P. rights holders, writers and creatives to source exciting, commercial, quirky and engaging original projects for top distributors and platforms. Ewan has also sold titles and assisted in sales of titles to international distributors including Scott Adkins/Dustin Nguyen action thriller ZERO TOLERANCE, LAUDA: THE UNTOLD STORY, and series DEEP CUTS. Before moving into sales and acquisitions in 2012, Ewan started out in production management, assistant directing and aerial location services working on titles such as WORLD WAR Z, 360, CAHTROOM (directed by Hideo Nakata) and RUSH.

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

Starting: Saturday, October 19th

Instructor: Alexia Melocchi

Is your feature film or television series concept fully developed but hasn’t sold to the perfect company or network? Is your script polished and ready for production but not grabbing the attention of the right producer or executive? AFM is the place to pitch your project to get a green light and secure distribution! Your 5-minute pitch is what will grab their attention and get your project on the fast track to development and production. So, what is the best way to pitch your project in a busy and frenetic environment like AFM? In this exclusive two-part pitching lab with international producer/distributor Alexia Melocchi, you’ll learn to craft your perfect five-minute pitch just in time for this year's AFM! What elements of your story or production should you focus on with such a short amount of time in a pitch? How will you know the right international players, how to approach them, and the concise pitching style they most welcome? What exactly are GLOBAL producers and investors looking for in a pitch? How can your project stand out from the pack? If you've spent the time and expense to attend AFM, you do not want to miss this rare opportunity to make sure your 5-minute pitch sells you and your project effectively to the decision-makers who can move your project forward on the global stage!

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 is a Producer & Distributor who 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. Alexia 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 mini-series THE MONKEY CLUB with Oscar-winner writer/producer Ron Bass. Her clients have bought and partially financed films such as LA LA LAND, THE BOY, TWILIGHT, TEEN SPIRIT, and THE BANKER. She is the host of THE HEART OF SHOW BUSINESS podcast. Her company Little Studio Films acted as the sales representative for a DURAN DURAN documentary which sold in every major international territory and received a theatrical release, SERVICE TO MAN released through Entertainment Studios co-produced with Joel Zwick, and SOL DE MEDIANOCHE released on HBO.

Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Drama Feature Film Outline in 8 Weeks

Starting: Sunday, October 20th

Instructor: Charlie Osowik

Building a strong outline is the essential first step in bringing your feature drama to life. In today’s highly competitive feature film market, where emotionally rich and authentic stories are in high demand, having a powerful outline is crucial. Drama features resonate deeply with audiences by exploring the human experience and evoking empathy, making them stand out to both studios and streaming platforms. A well-crafted outline ensures your narrative is engaging, your characters are compelling, and every scene has a purpose. By the end of this lab, you’ll walk away with a rock-solid outline that not only strengthens your script but excites you to confidently pitch your feature drama to top producers and studios! You’ll have a comprehensive and finely-tuned outline that serves as the backbone of your feature film. You’ll master the art of structuring your story through all three acts, crafting deep and compelling character conflicts, and weaving in the essential themes that will make your script stand out. With personalized, one-on-one feedback along the way, you'll not only refine your story but also gain the confidence and clarity to share your polished, professional script with the world and take the next steps in your filmmaking journey.

Charlie Osowik is a force in the literary management world, renowned for guiding emerging talent to success in both film and television. With a track record of closing major deals—like DEAD BOY DETECTIVES for Netflix—and collaborations with top industry players like Warner Bros., HBO, and more, Charlie knows exactly what it takes to shape a story that sells. His experience, passion for storytelling, and commitment to helping writers thrive make him the perfect leader for this lab.

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