Learn directly from the executive behind the Emmy-winning WE WILL DANCE AGAIN and Leonardo DiCaprio–produced CHECKPOINT ZOO in this private, interactive Stage 32 class

Case studies on CHECKPOINT ZOO and WE WILL DANCE AGAIN

5 Spots Remain! - Don’t Miss Out!

Payment plans available at checkout or email edu@stage32.com for more info!  

If you’ve ever poured your heart, time, and money into creating a documentary, docuseries, or unscripted project, you know that finishing production is only half the battle. The real question is: what happens next? In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape—where streaming platforms multiply, social media fuels discovery, and new funding models pop up every year—understanding how to get your project distributed is essential. Knowing how to monetize your work, get it seen by the right audiences, and secure deals that actually move your career forward can make the difference between a one-time project and a sustainable creative business.

Yet, for many filmmakers and producers, navigating the distribution world feels like entering a maze without a map. You might wonder which platforms are right for your content, what deal terms really mean, or how to make your project stand out among thousands of submissions. It’s easy to fall into common traps—like chasing the wrong buyers, underestimating delivery requirements, or walking away from potentially great opportunities because the financial model isn’t clear. This course will help you avoid those pitfalls by breaking down the current ecosystem, from broadcast and cable to SVOD, AVOD, FAST, and even direct-to-audience options. You’ll gain clarity on how different types of unscripted content—documentaries, docuseries, competition shows, or digital formats—fit into today’s market and what distributors and sales agents are truly looking for.

Your instructor, Chris Hazenbush, brings a wealth of hands-on experience across both scripted and unscripted entertainment, with a track record that bridges creative development and global distribution. As Director at Osmosis Global, Chris oversees the release of award-winning, talent-led documentaries, docuseries, and reality programming that have made significant industry impact. Among his most recent successes, We Will Dance Again, which earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary, and Checkpoint Zoo, executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, which just completed an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run in the U.S., stand out as proof of his expertise in bringing powerful, meaningful stories to audiences worldwide.

Across four weeks, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the unscripted distribution process—from defining your project type and identifying the right buyers to mastering deal terms, financial models, and post-delivery essentials. You’ll analyze case studies like Checkpoint Zoo and We Will Dance Again: Surviving October 7th, explore how real filmmakers got their deals done, and review a sample post-delivery checklist to prepare your own project for success. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away knowing how to position, pitch, and sell your unscripted project—ready to turn your finished film into a profitable, widely seen success story.

This interactive Stage 32 class 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 your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them 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!

Testimonials from Chris' previous Stage 32 Courses:

"Chris really helped me hone the craft of TV writing so I could get my pilot in good shape. I highly recommend working with him." -- Samuel S

"Chris rocks! I've never worked with someone who is so knowledgable about all things film and television. He has a real knack for teaching what he knows in an effective manner. Thanks, Chris." -- Liam R.

Session #1 - Introductions and Understanding the Different Types of Unscripted Projects  

Welcome! This week after introducing ourselves we will dive into a top-level overview of the  unscripted distribution space to give us a contextual foundation for the rest of the class.  

• Brief history/overview of distribution in film and TV  
• Getting started: Understanding different types of unscripted projects  - Documentary  
• Docuseries  
• Unscripted Series  
• Game show/competition shows/dating shows  
• Digital series  
• Important considerations that will affect distribution  
• Genre/premise  
• Length  
• Production Value  
• Talent/subject  
• Key art/deliverables  
• What do distributors and sales agents actually do?  
• Q&A with Chris

ASSIGNMENT: Prepare and share you project logline/project description with the class in Week 2

Session #2 – Current Distribution Landscape 

This week we will continue to drill down into the current distribution landscape to better  understand which platform/buyer options are currently available to filmmakers and  producers.  

• Breakdown of available platforms and buyers for your documentary, docuseries, or  unscripted project  
• Broadcast TV  
• Cable TV  
• SVOD  
• AVOD/FAST (Digitial)  
• International  
• Theatrical  
• YouTube  
• Theatircal On-Demand/Direct to Audience  
• What these outlets generally look for and what they pick up  
• Q&A with Chris

ASSIGNMENT: Create a list of potential platform targets for your project

Session #3 – Financial Models and Dealmaking  

Whether it’s a license deal or rev-share, we will discuss the rough breakdown of what to expect  in a deal with a buyer or distributor.  

• Types of deals  
• With platforms/broadcasters  
• License vs. commission  
• Rev-share  
• Understanding the Important clauses/terminology  of contracts
• Minimum guarantee, term length, rights granted, territories , etc.
• The different kinds of deals with distributors  
• Flat fees, percentages, expenses,etc. 
• Term, rights granted, territories  
• Q&A with Chris

ASSIGNMENT: Prepare and share your project trailer with the class  in Week 2

Session #4 - Putting It All Together - Case Studies  

In our last week we will discuss two case studies for two documentaries - CHECKPOINT ZOO  and WE WILL DANCE AGAIN: SURVIVING OCTOBER 7th, discussing how it got a distributor  attached, as well the highs and lows of each project’s journey, and what is next.  

Topics that will be covered:  

• CHECKPOINT ZOO  Case study
• WE WILL DANCE AGAIN  Case Study
• Wrapping it up, recap and final questions.
• Q&A with Chris

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with 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 class is designed for creatives looking to understand Distribution for your Documentary, Docuseries, or Unscripted Project 

• This is an intimate, in-depth, practical, and detailed class held on Zoom where you will be interacting with your instructor.

• This class consists of 4 sessions roughly two hours in duration and offers significantly more in-depth content than a standard Stage 32 webinar.

• ***Your instructor will be available on email during the entire duration of the class to answer any questions you have about your project.***

• To stay motivated and inspired you will have access to a dedicated Stage 32 Lounge post where you can meet, connect and communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the class and beyond. Let Stage 32 help you find your tribe!

• Can't make it live? Don't worry, each session will be recorded and you can watch it on demand at your convenience. 

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

• Payment plans are available at checkout through Shop Pay

• This class is designed for creatives looking to understand Distribution for your Documentary, Docuseries, or Unscripted Project 

• Wednesday, November 19th, 3PM to 5PM  PST
• Skip November 26th for the Holiday
• Wednesday, December 3rd, 3PM to 5PM  PST
• Wednesday, December 10th, 3PM to 5PM  PST
• Wednesday, December 17th, 3PM to 5PM  PST

Testimonials from Chris' previous Stage 32 Courses:

"Chris really helped me hone the craft of TV writing so I could get my pilot in good shape. I highly recommend working with him." -- Samuel S

"Chris rocks! I've never worked with someone who is so knowledgable about all things film and television. He has a real knack for teaching what he knows in an effective manner. Thanks, Chris." -- Liam R.