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Best known for helming the hard-hitting drama BAD BOYS, which helped establish Sean Penn’s career, Rick Rosenthal is an award-winning producer/director with a dynamic career spanning over 35 years in both film and television. Through his film directing background, Rick has directed the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, John Lithgow, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Busta Rhymes. Along with his credits directing films, Rick has also worked extensively in television. He directed ABC’s ground-breaking pilot LIFE GOES ON, was nominated for a Directors Guild of Canada award for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and served as a Supervising Producer on Amazon’s Emmy-winning series TRANSPARENT for the first three seasons. Because he never had a filmmaking mentor himself, Rick launched Whitewater Films as a production company committed to helping up-and-coming filmmakers, offering them the advice and assistance he never had. Furthering his drive to give back and educate burgeoning filmmakers, Rick also served as the chair of the Directing Program at the American Film Institute. Through his decades-long career Rick has become well versed in diverse genres of filmmaking and has specialized in educating and empowering new voices, which he is bringing directly to the Stage 32 community. Full Bio »
***All lab spots filled - Check our Next Level Class and Lab page for new opportunities as we continue to announce**
If you’re a writer, producer or other aspiring creative with hopes of one day actually getting behind the camera and directing your own project, taking the first step can be daunting. Where do you even start? And how can you be sure you know what you need to in order to take that plunge? Now you can under the guidance of Oscar-nominated director/producer Rick Rosenthal.
Over the course of 7 weeks, Rick will guide you through actually prepping, shooting and editing your first project as a director in a supportive and encouraging environment - best of all? You can do all of this in the comfort of your own home.
Even better? You don’t need any special equipment to participate. All you need is a cell phone that records video, a computer, and editing software that you will download for free. You will leave this lab with real world, valuable practice in putting a project together, and the knowledge and skills to direct the next project on your own.
Rick Rosenthal is an Oscar and Emmy nominated director/producer and the CEO of Whitewater Films, which is known for many feature film hits that have premiered at Sundance, Cannes, SXSW, and more. Through his film directing background, Rick has directed the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Sean Penn, John Lithgow, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Along with his credits directing films, Rick has also worked as a producer on Amazon’s Emmy-winning series TRANSPARENT for the first three seasons, along with directing and producing credits on countless other shows. When Rick launched Whitewater Films as a production company, he committed to helping up-and-coming filmmakers and offering them the advice and assistance he never had. Furthering his drive to give back and educate burgeoning filmmakers, Rick also served as the chair of the Directing Program at the American Film Institute. Through his decades-long career Rick has become well versed in diverse genres of filmmaking and has specialized in educating and empowering new voices, which he is bringing directly to the Stage 32 community.
Through this lab, you will have the opportunity to prep, shoot, and edit two scenes from a script that Rick will provide you. You will learn camera placement, camera movement, blocking a scene, all from different points of view--single character, multiple character, and omniscient. Rick will bring in a special guest editor to teach you the basics of editing a scene through the free software DaVinci Resolve, which is quickly becoming an industry standard. Through Rick's mentorship, you will walk away confident to take these skills and apply them to your own directing project, whether that's a short film, feature film, or web series.
PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 10 students and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with a practiced director and expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Session 1 - WHAT IS POV?
Session 2- FILMING YOUR FIRST SCENE
Session 2 Homework: Film the script from one POV
Session 3– INTRODUCTION TO EDITING
Session 3 Homework: Edit your footage from the previous week
Session 4 - REVIEW OF YOUR FILM & FILMING YOUR SECOND SCENE
Session 4 Homework: Film and edit the script from the other character's POV
Session 5 - REVIEW OF YOUR SECOND SCENE
Session 5 Homework: Edit together the two versions
CLASS 6 - REVIEW OF THE EDITED VERSIONS
CLASS 7 – ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING WITH RICK
Rick Rosenthal
Best known for helming the hard-hitting drama BAD BOYS, which helped establish Sean Penn’s career, Rick Rosenthal is an award-winning producer/director with a dynamic career spanning over 35 years in both film and television. Through his film directing background, Rick has directed the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, John Lithgow, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Busta Rhymes. Along with his credits directing films, Rick has also worked extensively in television. He directed ABC’s ground-breaking pilot LIFE GOES ON, was nominated for a Directors Guild of Canada award for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and served as a Supervising Producer on Amazon’s Emmy-winning series TRANSPARENT for the first three seasons. Because he never had a filmmaking mentor himself, Rick launched Whitewater Films as a production company committed to helping up-and-coming filmmakers, offering them the advice and assistance he never had. Furthering his drive to give back and educate burgeoning filmmakers, Rick also served as the chair of the Directing Program at the American Film Institute. Through his decades-long career Rick has become well versed in diverse genres of filmmaking and has specialized in educating and empowering new voices, which he is bringing directly to the Stage 32 community.
Week 1-What Is POV? - 9/10/20 -4pm-6pm PT
Week 2 -The Assignment - 9/17/20 - 4pm-6pm PT
Week 3 - Introduction to Editing - 9/24/20 - 4pm-6pm PT
Week 4 -Review of the Films - 10/1/20 - 4pm-6pm PT
Week 5 -Review of the Second Versions- 10/8/20 - 4pm-6pm PT
Week 6 -Review of the Combined Versions - 10/15/20 - 4pm-6pm PT
Week 7-One-on-One Review and Discussion with Rick (No Online Class)
Q: What is the format of a lab?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.
Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.
Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer
Q: What if I cannot attend the live lab class?
A: If you attend a live online class, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class. If you cannot attend a live class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A. Plus, your instructor will be available via email throughout the lab.
Q: Will I have access to the lab afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of the lab, you will have on-demand access to the video recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like!
A New Webinar for Writers and Kids' Content Creators! Join Laura Courtie, an executive who's worked on iCARLY, SIDE HUSTLE, FAIRLY ODD PARENTS, the POWER RANGERS franchise, and more, to find out how to develop your own kids' show. Kids in the 6 to 11 demographic are among the largest consumers of television and media, with the average child watching just over two hours a day of screen time between television, the internet, computers, and other electronic devices. These numbers are why major networks, cablers, and streaming platforms are hungry for new live-action television shows to fill their programming and keep kids ages 6 to 11 watching. This high demand is your professional opportunity. But to see your show on a cable giant like the Disney Channel or a streamer like Apple, you'll first need to understand what kids ages 6 to 11 like to watch, what executives are looking for, and the elements your show needs to win buyers over. And that's exactly what you'll find out in this exclusive Stage 32 webinar with television executive Laura Courtie. Laura is a Creative Executive with over 10 years of experience developing and producing scripted and unscripted projects for broadcast networks, cable networks, and streaming platforms. If you don't know Laura's name, you'll definitely know her work as she served as the Executive in Charge of Production on iCARLY, FAIRLY ODD PARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER, SIDE HUSTLE, THE SUBSTITUTE, THE J TEAM, POWER RANGERS: DINO FURY, and CALIFORNIA DREAMING. In this webinar, Laura will use her stellar experience to show you what's trending today with viewers and buyers, the various demographics of kids' content, who the major players are, how to develop your show, and more. Join Laura and find out how to create a successful kids' show while learning from one of the best kids' programming executives in the business. PRAISE FOR LAURA'S WORK: “As the creator & EP of the Nickelodeon sitcom 'Side Hustle,' I was delighted to have Laura Courtie as my network executive. She always tried to make the show better with a focus on character and story. She also happens to be a genuinely nice person who always stayed positive and poised regardless of any challenges that came our way.” -- Dave Malkoff, Showrunner & Creator of Side Hustle “Laura Courtie is a super talented executive on the rise. She has great sense of story, character, and structure. I was impressed when working with her on the Nickelodeon show 'Side Hustle' and how good she is at helping writers/producers navigate the corporate landscape- whether it be casting, programming, promotion, or one of the myriad divisions working on a show. We felt lucky to have her as our point person between the studio and the network.” -- Ron Hart & John Beck Showrunners of Side Hustle & Creators & Showrunners of Liv & Maddie “Laura is every casting director’s dream development executive. She is clear, collaborative, and communicative with impeccable taste. She is a champion of all talent in front of and behind the camera. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Laura on over a dozen projects and am constantly blown away by her expertise and passion for inclusive storytelling.” -- Beth Benge, CSA
The SVP of TV at Amasia Entertainment shows you how to score a YES from any buyer for your film or television project. This industry is changing rapidly with companies ramping up productions worldwide, theaters working hard to get people back to the multiplex, and streamers in a never-ending battle to stay on top of the perpetually growing competition. It’s clear that there are more opportunities, outlets, and platforms than ever to get your work in front of audiences. So, why are buyers still telling you no? The key to successfully selling your project requires work, research, and a targeted plan of attack, and in this Stage 32 exclusive webinar, you'll find out what plan works best for you and your project. You’ll discover why buyers pass on projects and provide you with industry insight to know how to turn a “no” into a “yes.” You will examine industry trends, discuss how to make your passion project stand out in a crowded field, and get real about how best to pitch your project, all to enhance your chances of locking strategic creative and financial partnerships. You’ll cover how to market your creative brand, understand different buyers, how to get a meeting, what makes a successful meeting, and most importantly, you’ll learn the art of not taking “no” for an answer. And who better to share with you their insider knowledge and vast experience selling film and television than Tracy Mercer, the Senior Vice President of Television at Amasia Entertainment. Tracy and Amasia are currently developing a sequel series to Dan Curtis’s classic DARK SHADOWS and the series BECAUSE THE NIGHT, based on the James Ellory book. Previously, she’s worked on projects including THE BOONDOCK SAINTS, HBO’s WINCHELL, TNT’s WITCHBLADE, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, INVICTUS, Marvel’s THE PUNISHER, AEON FLUX, and Tracy was instrumental to the development of the CBS hit series, MADAM SECRETARY. She’s also worked with top-tier talent, including Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, Ang Lee, and Karyn Kusama. By the end of this webinar, you’ll have a new understanding and current insight into this ever-shifting marketplace from an expert with years of experience and the keys to earning that “yes” from the right buyer.
This was by far the best webinar on pitch documents that I have experienced. I've seen others where they give certain advice that she warned not to do! - Tiffany C. This is the age of peak TV and you have an incredible, original idea for a show! You have it all planned out: the setting, the characters, what the show will be about... maybe you've even written the pilot script. Now it's time to pitch! Perhaps you have a meeting with a manager or a producer, or someone is already interested in your idea and has asked you to send some "pages." Or you've signed up for a Stage 32 pitch session with the perfect exec who's looking for a show just like yours. You will learn how to write a professional pitch document that can serve as the outline for your in-person pitch to a manager, producer or studio executive, or be sent after your meeting - using the template and requirements the big agencies and studios use. You will also learn how to translate that into a shorter version for Stage 32 pitch sessions, contests, or just to be able to briefly pitch your idea as you're networking. PLUS! Anna will include these handouts for you to download: Stranger Things Pitch Document New Girl Pitch Document New Girl Short Pitch Document Example Lookbook Example This was my first Stage32 webinar, and it exceeded my expectations, both in terms of quality (and quantity) of information and overall value. Anna was personable, knowledgeable, and organized. The slide deck was helpful, and her overall presentation hit all the key topics. Anna and Stage3 2 delivered the goods. - John R. What a thoughtful, thorough and inspiring webinar. It's clear that Anna Henry put an enormous amount of work into this presentation. Not only was the content there, but the structure was also superb. I feel educated and inspired to go back to my own work and do better than what I thought was my best. What could possibly be better than that! Thank you Anna for your genius and your generosity. - Crispin L. See more testimonials below!
Learn everything you need to know about how prep and shoot a world-class action sequence in your films or TV shows from a SAG-nominated stunt performer and coordinator on THE MEG, AQUAMAN, MORTAL COMBAT, STREET FIGHTER, KILLER ELITE, SPARTACUS and more! Action is a universal language in film. A well designed and well shot action scene in a movie can define a film and be the most memorable part, whether its Steve McQueen's car chase in BULLITT or Tom Cruise's motorcycle jump in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART ONE. However, film schools tend to shy away when it comes to teaching students on how to shoot an action sequence. It’s either too dangerous, too expensive, stunt coordinators are required, insurance does not cover action sequences, or a myriad of other. reasons. As such, many filmmakers only focus on drama as they do now know how to craft and execute an action sequence in a professional and safe manner. The result is most filmmakers miss out on the opportunity to expand their film making skills when it comes to shooting action. On independent films, more often than not, action is usually the first thing producers will cut out of a script in order to meet their budget criteria. 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. Philippe 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 is gets involved in directing and editing, giving him expert perspective 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. Philippe will teach you everything you need to know about shooting action sequences. 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 in 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 in order 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. This webinar is a rare opportunity to educate yourself and open your mind to new possibilities of how to design your action sequences, shoot them and have them shown on the silver screen.
Learn directly from Daniel R’bibo (Area SVP at Gallagher Entertainment), who's worked on Oscar-nominated films such as Foxcatcher, American Hustle and The Master. Production insurance. It sounds boring and overwhelming, and is one aspect of filmmaking that most producers try to avoid and typically push off until the last minute. There are a lot of options out there in terms of policies and coverages for an independent film, and it is sometimes hard to know what the right coverage for your project is. Just because you buy the insurance that is required in a contract doesn’t mean you are actually properly insured. Just because your film has wrapped doesn’t mean you are free to go. So how do you know if you’re covered? Luckily, Stage 32 is here to help you master getting the right production insurance for your independent film! In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, host Daniel R’bibo will go over all the various insurance policies that a producer or financier should consider when making a film. He will explore ways to get better insurance for lower premiums, discuss current industry issues such as insurance for reality participants, coverage for stunts/ hazardous activity, online distribution and help you generally better understand what you are really buying when it comes to coverage. Finally, Daniel will explore the wonderful world of liability and what exposure a producer and more importantly the financier really have. Daniel R’bibo, ARM, is the Area Senior Vice President at Gallagher Entertainment, one of the largest entertainment insurance brokers in the world. In addition to managing his book of entertainment clients including Pilgrim Studios, UCLA, Academy of Art University and Emmett/ Furla Films, Daniel now oversees the Entertainment Business Management group which works with almost 50 of the top business management firms in the world. Daniel has been in the entertainment insurance industry for over 14 years and has worked on many Oscar-nominated films and smaller independent budgeted films. Who better to help guide you to getting the right coverage for your film?
Learn how to best spearhead your pre-production to ensure your shoot goes as smooth as possible with a director and producer who was worked on over 50 projects! Pre-production is the most important time for a director because it's where you go through a "process of discovery." It's also during this time that all departments discover a director's work style, vision and expectations as to how to do their jobs and make the production run smoothly and efficiently. In most cases, if a movie doesn't turn out as expected or runs over budget, it's a failure of execution during pre-production that can be pointed to as the cause. Many directors are simply too dependent on their producers and are way too anxious to get filming. This mentality is a huge mistake. So how can you assure that you handle the pre-production process effectively and in a manner where your cast and crew want to run into fire for you? How can you know which variables are most important and where you can delegate? We're here to help. Much is expected of the director during the pre-production process. You are in charge of making crucial decisions that can either make or break any production. It can all seem very overwhelming no matter how many times you've done it. But in reality, when taken step by step, pre-production is a fun and rewarding part of the process of making a film. All this takes time - and the more time you have in prep, the more you will discover and sort out before you go to camera. It's the planning, the patience and the perseverance that wins the day and ultimately makes for a winning project for all involved. Peter D. Marshall has worked in the film industry for over 40 years as a film director, television producer, first assistant director, TV series creative consultant, and screenwriter. Peter has directed over 30 episodes of Television Drama such as John Woo's Once a Thief, Wiseguy, 21 Jumpstreet, Neon Rider, The Black Stallion, Scene of the Crime, Big Wolf on Campus and Largo Winch. As a First Assistant Director, Peter has worked on over 12 Features (including Dawn of the Dead, The Butterfly Effect, Happy Gilmore, The Fly II); 16 Television Movies; 8 Television Series; and over 20 Commercials. He has written, directed or produced over 50 hours of documentary and educational programs and his documentaries and dramas have won, or been nominated for, 14 International film awards. Peter has worked with directors such as John Woo, Phillip Noyce, Ed Zwick, John Badham, Roger Vadim, Dennis Dugan, Anne Wheeler and Zack Snyder. He has also worked with actors such as Peter O'Toole, Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Kathy Bates, Michelle Pfiefer, Marcia Gaye Harden, Madeleine Stowe, Mel Gibson, Ashton Kutcher, Goldie Hawn, Judy Davis and Adam Sandler. In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, Peter will guide you through pre-production, the most important phase for a director. He will help you navigate the business and politics with a step by step guide. He will teach you how to break down your script, how to effectively put together your shot lists, storyboards, and access the budget while explaining how to set the tone you want to have on the set early and in a non-threatening manner. Peter will teach you how you should conduct meetings with your producers, writer, 1st AD, and other department heads. You will learn how to work with your cast during pre-production so they are confident in their roles and in your vision so they're ready to go on the first day of shooting. He will take you through production meetings, wardrobe fittings, camera tests, script read throughs and rehearsals. Peter will provide you with a complete overview of a director's role in the pre-production process to assure that everything goes exactly as you wish and that your vision is served. PRAISE FOR PETER'S TEACHINGS: "I have taken several directing courses and Peter's course by far, takes the gold star. This impressive, condensed seminar saturates years of experience and learning and presents it in an easy to use package. A definite recommendation." -- Trevor M. "I really enjoyed the webinar. I liked the fact that the density of material was rich enough that I was always busy taking notes. Thanks for covering the artistic and the logistic side of directing." -- Brad L. "I'll be shooting my first film in the next 30 days. This course came as a surprise birthday present. It was a godsend. I would have been fracked if I hadn't taken the workshop. There were so many essential elements that I would have missed. Peter's course is helping me hit the ground running and as a result, I feel much more confident and sure. Thanks, Peter." -- Fredrick H.
On-Demand Classes are recorded versions of the original live classes.
Live and interactive functionality discussed on the recording does not apply to On-Demand classes. You will, however, receive all the content from the class and be able to access it as many times as you'd like for up to 1 year through the My Education page.
Upon purchasing an On-Demand class, you will receive an email with a login link and password to watch your sessions. You must be logged into your Stage 32 account using the same email address you used to purchase your On-Demand class in order to view the videos.