Stage 32 Presents: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Netflix’s Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas!

Stage 32 Presents: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Netflix’s Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas!

Stage 32 Presents: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Netflix’s Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas!

Hi, Stage 32 Community!

We have something truly special lined up for you.

You’ve seen it topping charts, dominating conversations, and breaking viewership records—now it’s time to step behind the curtain. We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming FREE webinar, Behind the Scenes of ADOLESCENCE: How the AD Team Mastered One-Shot Magic on Netflix’s Smash Hit, hosted by the incredible Sarah Lucas, the First Assistant Director of ADOLESCENCE.

ADOLESCENCE is not just any series. With over 124 million views in just a month, it has become the third most-watched English-language series ever on Netflix. This gripping psychological drama, centered around the aftermath of a teenager’s murder, pushed the boundaries of filmmaking with an innovative approach: four episodes shot entirely as “oners”—single, continuous takes that redefine the power of immersive storytelling.

You can register for this FREE webinar here!

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

Meet Your Instructor

Sarah Lucas is a powerhouse in the world of film and television. She’s worked her way up the ranks—from starting in the Locations Department on BBC’s DOCTORS to now serving as 1st AD on high-end TV series and features. She’s currently working on the highly anticipated ENOLA HOLMES 3, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Louis Partridge.

Sarah brings not only technical excellence but a deep passion for creative collaboration—and now she’s ready to share her expertise directly with you.

What You’ll Learn

In this exclusive webinar, Sarah will walk you through the real process behind staging and executing the groundbreaking one-shots that made ADOLESCENCE a phenomenon.

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

You’ll gain a detailed insider look at:

Part 1: Deconstructing the AD Team

  • How the AD team was structured for ADOLESCENCE
  • Defining each role and responsibility
  • Why clear roles are critical on a complex project

Part 2: The Overall Filming Process

Pre-Production:

  • How the AD team prepped before getting to set
  • The strategic shooting order of the episodes and why it mattered
  • Key meetings and documents that kept production on track

Production:

  • How rehearsals were maximized for efficiency
  • Essential tools and lessons learned to stay on schedule
  • Overcoming obstacles when the unexpected happens

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

Part 3: Deep Dive into Episode 2

Episode 2 was the most challenging of the series—and the ultimate test of teamwork, creativity, and planning.

  • Script breakdown and mapping the cast’s journey
  • Organizing supporting artists within a massive school location
  • How the team incorporated a drone shot into a continuous take
  • How documents and prep tools helped keep everything moving smoothly

Conclusion

Tips for breaking into film or television

  • Why networking (especially on Stage 32!) matters
  • Finding your creative tribe and building collaborative teams
  • Innovating and breaking the mold in your career

PLUS: Live Q&A with Sarah Lucas!

You’ll have the chance to ask your burning questions directly and learn from one of today’s top working 1st ADs.

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

Why You Should Join

This is an incredible opportunity to learn from the inside how complex, groundbreaking productions are pulled off—and how YOU can apply those lessons to your own work. Whether you’re an aspiring AD, a director, a producer, or a storyteller at heart, there’s so much you can take away from this session.

Let’s dive in together and uncover the magic of filmmaking.

We can’t wait to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

And, a special thank you to Jason Hellerman from No Film School for featuring this epic class on No Film School! You can read the full article HERE.

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

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 Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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About the Author

Ashley Renee Smith

Ashley Renee Smith

Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer

Ashley Smith is the Head of Community here at Stage 32! Prior to joining the incredible team at Stage 32, Ashley spent nearly 7 years at a boutique development and talent management company where she was deeply involved with every development project, management client, and administrative aspect...

Want to share your Story on the Stage 32 Blog?
Get in touch

7 Comments on Ashley's Article

Andrea Allen
Author, Screenwriter
Thank you, Ashley
4 days ago
Andrea Allen
Author, Screenwriter
Yes, I am. See you there
3 days ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
You're welcome, Andrea! I hope you've registered to join us!
3 days ago
Sandra Isabel Correia
Screenwriter, Executive
I am thrilled for Adolescence Live Q&A with Sarah Lucas and I already signed up for it! Thank you Amanda, Ashley and all Stage 32 incredible team for making this possible. I am so happy for it! I will be there :))
4 days ago
Sandra Isabel Correia
Screenwriter, Executive
It is :)) I hope community catch this opportunity:))
3 days ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
I'm so excited too, Sandra! It's such a fun opportunity!
3 days ago
Doug Kayne
Actor, Comedian, Director, Screenwriter, Studio Teacher
This sounds amazing. If we're not able to make the live webinar, will it still be accessible later?
3 days ago
Doug Kayne
Actor, Comedian, Director, Screenwriter, Studio Teacher
Excellent!  Off to register I go!
3 days ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
Yes, if you register for the webinar, it will be available in your Education Library as soon as the on-demand video is uploaded. Which is usually within about 48 hours of the live event.
3 days ago
Brandy Camille
Author, Production Assistant, Screenwriter
This is gonna be lit! I loved Adolescence and I feel like the cinematography made each episode feel like I was taking a deep breath but I wasn't allowed to breathe out for an hour lol
4 days ago
Brandy Camille
Author, Production Assistant, Screenwriter
Episode 3 is gonna rock your socks! Episode 3 was the first thing they filmed and it's a mind blower! The acting is just so good!
3 days ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
I haven't had a chance to finish the last two episodes yet, Brandy, but that's exactly how I felt during episode 2!
3 days ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
I’m signed up and ready for this! Thanks for putting this together, Stage 32 Team, and thanks for teaching this webinar, Sarah! Thanks for featuring it on No Film School, Jason! Can’t wait!
4 days ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
It's going to be a great one, Maurice!
3 days ago
Thank you, Ashley
4 days ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
You're so welcome, Wendy!
3 days ago
Amanda Toney - Next Level Education
Director of Operations, Producer
This is incredible, I am so thrilled to bring this to the Stage 32 community. What an amazing peak behind the curtain. Sarah is truly remarkable...you guys are going to love her!
4 days ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
It's amazing that we're able to bring this opportunity to the community, Amanda! Thank you for making this happen!
3 days ago
Brandy Camille
Author, Production Assistant, Screenwriter
I'm excited!
4 days ago
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