2 Spots Remain! Learn the art of finance and profitability from a financier with over $250 million in production value under her belt.

Get downloadable sample budgets, business plans, sales estimate sheets, sales agency agreement, CAMA agreement, Pay Or Play and Option Agreements

One of the most difficult things to grasp in film production is the complexity of film financing. The ins and outs of handling this important area vary from project to project and, of course, studio and independent films operate within completely different models.  

Your knowledge, or lack thereof, of all procedures and systems related to film finance can make or break your film. As a producer, it’s your responsibility to shepherd the project in an organized, professional manner to assure your investors that you’re doing everything in your power to make the film profitable. 

This 6- part class will show you how to do just that. 

Jeanette B. Milio is a veteran producer and entertainment finance expert with over 25 years of experience in film and television across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. She has overseen the development and production of more than 50 projects with a combined production volume exceeding $250 million. As CEO of Alliance Cinema, she structures equity investments, debt financing, and content library strategies, with investments supporting productions totaling over $60 million. Jeanette has collaborated with Academy Award®-winning talent and worked with major studios and platforms including Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, Warner Bros., HBO, Showtime, ABC/Disney, Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+, and National Geographic. Her select credits include Timeshare (ABC/Disney), 13 (Paramount/Amazon), The Experiment(Sony/Netflix), Dark Tide (Lionsgate/Apple TV), Global Beauty Masters (TLC) and its spin-off The Look: All Stars(CW), Operation Hidden Treasures (Discovery), Dog Whisperer (National Geographic/Disney+), Dog Masters (currently in production), and the nonprofit documentary series C-Story (also in production).

This 6-week exclusive Stage 32 lab will guide you through financing your film from concept to pitch. You’ll explore industry finance models, how to package your project for profitability, and develop tailored distribution strategies. The lab covers diverse funding sources, risk mitigation techniques, and practical financial planning tools. Each week includes interactive assignments, real-world case studies, and Q&A sessions. The lab culminates with a business plan pitch workshop, where you’ll present your plan and receive personalized feedback from Jeanette.

In an intimate setting, Jeanette will help demystify the complexities of the film financing part of producing in comprehensive fashion. You will also have a private channel to Jeanette to discuss any questions you have along the way.

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with Jeanette and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to her. You will have access to her for the duration of your class by email to ask her any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

In addition, all classes will be recorded and will be yours forever. As a result, you do not have to be available live for all sessions.

PLUS! Get exclusive handouts, including:

• Sample Business Plans
• Sample Budgets
• Sales Estimate Sheets
• Investor Pitch Decks
• Sales Agency Agreement
• Collection Account Management Agreements
• Pay or Play Offer Template
• Sample Option Agreement

Praise for Jeanette's previous Stage 32 Education:

"Jeanette has invaluable knowledge and made me feel like seeing my movie on the big screen was possible." --Phillip F.

"Jeanette's experience really comes through in her mentorship. She has seen it all and is so helpful in guiding you through the complex world of film and tv." -- Letty L.

"I learned so much from Jeanette and highly recommend you work with her!" -- Kaitlin L. 

Week 1: Industry Overview: The Independent Film Finance Model vs the Studio Finance Model

• How studios finance their films and generate profits

• What to expect when you work with a studio

• Comparing the studio finance model with the independent finance model

• Why independent finance models are more transparent

• Production and distribution options with studios

• Case study: HARRY POTTER

• Q&A with Jeanette

There will be an assignment after this session.

Week 2: How to Establish a Profitable Film Project

• Essential elements that create profitability for a film project.

• Essential creative elements

• Packaging talent and establishing the value

• Attaching a director and cast

• Creating a feasible budget that supports quality but allows for profit

• Understanding essential financial elements to achieve profitability

• And aligning the interests of the investor and producer

• Understanding the importance of sales estimates

• And how estimates and pre-sales relate to your search for funding

• Q&A with Jeanette

Take away materials:

• Story structure graph

• Play-or-Play template

• Sample Budget

• Sales Estimate template

There will be an assignment after this session.

Week 3: Distribution – The Devil Is In the Details

• Defining your audience and your market

• And how your genre will dictate your marketplace

• Navigating your distribution strategy and establishing the right plan for your specific project

• Deep dive of distribution options today

• Theatrical

• Streamer

• Network

• Co-productions

• Licensing

• Buy-on

• Much more

• Protecting distribution revenues

• Pitfalls of distribution agreements

• How to find the right sales agent

• And how to keep him/her on track

• Q&A with Jeanette

Take away materials: Summary sheet with all essential terms and conditions for a sales agency agreement

There will be an assignment after this session.

Week 4: Putting Together a Solid Financial Plan

• An exploration of the main financial sources today

• Bank loans

• Mezzanine

• Subsidies

• Equity

• Brand Integration

• Deferments

• In-Kind Services

• Music Investment

• More

• Understanding the requirements and the optimal balance of financial sources to create profitability

• Collateral

• What assets do financiers and lenders require, and how to give them what they need

• Why 100% equity doesn’t work

• The best way to include equity investments

• What portion of the budget should be equity and why

• How to secure “ring-fencers”

• Understanding the “Waterfall”

• Who recoups what, when and why

• Who gets paid what, when, and why

• Case Study: Financing a Film Project from scratch

• Q&A with Jeanette

Take away material: Excel Finance Plan Template

There will be an assignment after this session.

Week 5: Risk Mitigation

• Understanding the major risks risks

• Production

• Distribution

• Finance

• Revenues

• Eliminating risks

• Completion bonds

• Collection agents

• Feasible financial plans

• Avoiding distribution pitfalls

• The investor checklist

• Non-recoupable financial sources

• Free money you can take advantage of

• Related terms and conditions

• Designing a risk-averse business plan for a project (essential terms and conditions to attract investors)

• Q&A with Jeanette

Take away materials: CAMA Agreement draft

There will be an assignment after this session.

Week 6: Business Plan Pitch Workshop

• Everyone will have the opportunity to pitch their business plan to Jeanette and the class as if they were potential investors and get invaluable feedback

What To Expect

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 10 creatives and will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an executive and an 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.

• This lab is designed for beginner, intermediate, or advanced producers, filmmakers and writers looking for advanced knowledge on how to finance your film.

• Limited spots: Only 10 spots available

• **Jeanette will be available on email during the duration of the lab to answer any questions you have about your project or career.**

• This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed lab with one-on-one time with the instructor and significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.

• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.

• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the lab.

Payment plans are available - please contact edu@stage32.com for more information

Producers of all levels who want to learn how to finance profitable projects.

Filmmakers of all levels who want to understand how film finance works to better pitch their projects.

Sunday July 27th, 9am-11am PST

Sunday August 3rd, 9am-11am PST

Sunday August 10th, 9am-11am PST

Sunday August 17th, 9am-11am PST

Sunday August 24th, 9am-11am PST

Sunday August 31st, 9am-11am PST

"Jeanette has invaluable knowledge and made me feel like seeing my movie on the big screen was possible." --Phillip F.

"Jeanette's experience really comes through in her mentorship. She has seen it all and is so helpful in guiding you through the complex world of film and tv." -- Letty L.

"I learned so much from Jeanette and highly recommend you work with her!" -- Kaitlin L.