4-PART IN-DEPTH CLASS (OVER 8 HOURS OF EDUCATION) Learn from a professional showrunner who's worked with Norman Lear, the creators of FRIENDS, TBS, Hulu, Sony, and more! For many television writers and creators, becoming a showrunner is the dream job. And the role seems fairly straightforward: deliver quality episodes on time and on budget. But anyone who has been or worked with a showrunner knows that goal is easier said than done. A showrunner must straddle both the creative and business sides of television. They manage the writers’ room, talent, and directors, and they help keep a unified vision of the show while also managing budgets, schedules, the crew, and executives’ expectations. With so much to learn and understand, it seems crazy that most showrunner’s learn the position on the job! But in this exclusive Stage 32 class, you’ll learn everything you need to know about what a showrunner does, how they do it, and how you can excel at it. Over his 30-year entertainment career, John Lehr has worked under amazing showrunners, from legendary Norman Lear to FRIENDS’ creators Kevin Bright, David Crane, and Marta Kauffman. John has also created and served as showrunner on his own series for TBS, Sony, and Hulu. Over four sessions, John will show you what it takes to be a showrunner and, ultimately, everything that goes into making a television series. You’ll cover the differences between creator and showrunner, how seasons and episode budgets differ, overseeing departments so that you’re not micromanaging, handling production setbacks, working with network executives, and more. By the end of these four sessions, you’ll have more information about showrunning than many first-time showrunners. Whether you’re looking to become a showrunner or team up with one for your project, this class is an invaluable opportunity to learn how it’s done from a professional showrunner.
Have you ever wanted to create and write your own TV show that you also star in? Well, that's exactly what writer/actor/producer John Lehr did not just once but twice and now Stage 32 has brought John in to show you how it's done. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll learn how you can create your own star-making television show, how to pitch it, and what it’s like to produce a television series that you also write and play the lead in. John Lehr is an actor, writer and comedian who has sold multiple shows he created to major streaming platforms and networks, including QUICK DRAW on Hulu, 10 ITEMS OR LESS on TBS, and JAILBAIT for Crackle. John is also the original Geico Caveman and has hosted several network TV shows. John believes that knowledge is power and that you too can launch your career as a writer, producer and actor by creating and selling your own television show. He’ll show you what pitfalls and roadblocks to avoid while making your project one that buyers love. John isn't alone. FLEABAG’S Phoebe Waller-Bridge and CHEWING GUM’s Michaela Cole both began their careers more focused on acting before creating, writing and starring in shows that became must-watch television. This webinar covers the whole process including what makes a good show premise, how to pitch your show successfully once you're in the room, and how to even get those elusive pitch meetings. If you’ve been waiting for a star-making role, this webinar will show you how to stop waiting and take control of your own career today.
**Work one-on-one with a top producer with deep experience with international writers** Only 10 Spots Available Success of recent international shows like Netflix's LUPIN and MONEY HEIST demonstrate that US-based networks and studios are looking more and more to the international markets for creative inspiration. This is such an exciting time for international writers to find traction and opportunities in America. Yet even with this opportunity, you still need to adapt your script's sensibilities to make them successful stateside. This is something you can absolutely do as a writer, no matter your genre or format or story, provided you understand what exactly this adjustment should look like. Which subjects will or won’t work for the American screen? How do we understand the different cultural sensitivities of different marketplaces? What story structures and arcs are common internationally but don’t land over here? How does the entertainment business structure US (agents, managers, execs) differ from what you experience at home? And how does that environment change how your story is received? These are complicated questions to answer, especially if you're not currently living or selling content in the US. This is why it's critical to work with someone who understand the US market, someone who can serve as an asset for you and make sure you're presenting a film or series that can actually find a home in America. Someone like producer James Crawford. James is a Canadian/Australian, US-based producer and development executive who has worked with writers from Mexico, Finland, Spain, England, Scotland, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, and the Philippines. Over his career, James has worked with international writers in developing their television series and working on pitches for Amazon, FX, Hulu, Netflix, Cinemax, UCP, and other major networks. James is very familiar with working with foreign writers and over 8 weeks, he will work closely with you and a small group of other international writers to adjust your film or series script to make it work in the US market. He will also help you with your project's pitch, pitch documents and outline to better sell it to American companies. While walking you through the different aspects of a successful American script and pitch, James will also work one-on-one with you to make sure your specific project can translate successfully in America. If you have a project you want to sell in America, you're going to want to work with James before sending it out. WHAT TO EXPECT By the end of this 8-week writing lab, you will have a deeper understanding of the US TV and film market and an updated TV or film script and pitch that fits better into American sensibilities, ready to be shown to reps, development execs and other executives and professionals. Sessions will vary between 2-hour group settings and personal one-on-one Zoom meetings with James. You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward. Plus, to keep you motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the writing process. To see the full writing lab schedule, see below under "What You Will Learn". PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 10 writers and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with a producer and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please do book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good. Payment plans are available - please contact Harrison at h.glaser@stage32.com for more information This lab is limited to 10 people This lab is designed for screenwriters of all levels looking to update their existing film or TV scripts to better fit the US market
Learn How To Produce In The Global Entertainment Marketplace From An International Producing Expert "Alexia is clearly very experienced & she is so gracious in sharing her wisdom with all of us. I'm truly grateful that you all put on this class!" -Becca G. As global audiences continue to grow, the entertainment industry is building internationally, and in this exclusive Stage 32 class, you’ll learn exactly how to get into the global entertainment marketplace with your projects. Over four weeks, you’ll be guided by international producer Alexia Melocchi of Little Studio Films. Alexia has made a career out of successfully acting as a bridge between Hollywood and the international marketplace. She previously worked as a distributor and sales agent, where she sold over 50 films to profit for clients and acquired more than 150 major studio and independent films, including LA LA LAND, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, and more. Alexia will show you the ins and outs of the international industry, including: The processes and etiquette you need to know The rules and regulations to follow The pitching materials you need, depending on the market How to access the players when you don’t have connections Financing options, including tax credits vs. co-pros vs. in-kind services And more You'll also receive these confidential handouts from Alexia: The top companies in Europe, Canada, and Australia taking project submissions Marketing one-sheet used by international sales agents Sample email for contacting international buyers Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from one of the most prolific international executives by taking this class. You’ll walk away a step closer to seeing your films and TV shows made as you embrace the global wave and launch your international producing career. Praise for Alexia's Previous Stage 32 Education "Really great. Actually useful, practical advice. Wasn't full of bullshit platitudes, Alexia shot straight with us." -Max W. "Alexia did a fantastic job of making it all relatable and cutting through the noise." -Clint G.
4 part class taught by Producer Michael Wormser, whose online distribution projects have reached over 30 million viewers! AVAILABLE ON DEMAND! Have you ever wondered how so many people have films, trailers, shorts and webisodes online that have achieved massive fan bases and are making millions of dollars? Well the truth is they aren’t any different than you, and in today’s world you have the same resources available that they do. There are many outlets to reach an audience, but how many of these are effective? In this course, you'll find out the best ways to not only reach an audience, but to engage and successfully grow an audience online. Stage 32 Next Level Classes is excited to bring you the previously-recorded 4 part class: Zero to Hero: How to Build an Online Audience taught by Michael Wormser, who brought the viewership content of Maker Studios from 40M to 250M monthly! Learn how you can see success in this competitive directly from an executive who's mastered it. Purchasing gives you access to the previously-recorded live class.Although Michael is no longer reviewing the assignments, we still encourage all listeners to participate!
A New Exclusive Class! Learn everything you need to craft a world-class pitch for your television series from an Emmy-nominated producer who's crafted over 300 pitches for distributors worldwide! Plus! Receive exclusive handouts, including real pitch deck used to sell to networks and streaming platforms. The difference between your project happening and not happening is usually your pitch. Pitching is where the rubber meets the road in your creative career, and you had better be ready to give your project its very best chance when the moment presents itself. Sam Sokolow has put almost 20 original shows onto TV, including the 20- time Emmy-nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+. To accomplish this goal, he has set up close to 75 projects in his career. And to do that, he has crafted over 300 pitches that have been heard by every major streamer, network, and distributor in the world. Sam has certain principles that he brings to every pitch, a format that he has found consistent success with, and a spirit that he feels makes all the difference. He believes anyone can craft a great pitch and do it in their own style. In this exclusive Stage 32 4-session class, Sam is going to share everything he knows about pitching and put you in a position to build your best pitches for your own projects. You'll cover all the materials you need to pitch a television series in today's market, how to determine who to pitch to, how to craft a fantastic pitch, and more! You'll also review multiple pitches and pitch decks Sam has done and be provided with a REAL pitch deck used to sell to networks and streaming platforms and a pitch preparation checklist from the instructor. Sam has pitched TV series and films to small and large rooms of executives, at conferences, and in every virtual format that exists. He will teach you all of his principles for crafting your best pitch for any project and share insights that have allowed him to build a career through pitching at a consistently high level... his philosophy has always been "we may not always get a sale, but we will always have a great pitch."