On Demand Webinar - For immediate download. Unlimited access for 1 year.
On Demand Webinar - For immediate download. Unlimited access for 1 year.
Kristin Harris is a seasoned entertainment executive who has spent the past 15 years in the independent distribution space. She has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Kristin is also the former VP of Distribution and Acquisitions at Good Deed Entertainment, where she oversaw all aspects of the company's distribution arm and managed the release slate, which included EXTRA ORDINARY, JOURNEY’S END, Spirit Award-nominated TO DUST, and the Academy Award-nominated LOVING VINCENT. Kristin has also taught at UCLA Extension, and maintains an active speaking and guest lecturing schedule, having participated in panels, mentorship programs, and events at SXSW, Cannes, and LAFF. Full Bio »
The SVP of Production and Development at Vertical Entertainment will show you how to pitch a film or series project to Amazon Prime and navigate negotiations.
From award-winning dramas to binge-able comedies to watercooler actions, Amazon Prime has a show for every audience, including THE BOYS, MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, REACHER, HANNA, BOSCH… the list goes on and on. As broad as the platform’s tastes may appear, there is a clear strategy behind-the-scenes, and if you want to see your project streaming on Prime, you’ll need to know what Amazon is looking for to tailor your pitch and close a deal.
Creators might not get too many opportunities to pitch a major streaming platform. What are they looking for in a show or film? How does revenue impact their choices of which projects to produce? And how do you make sure that when you do sell your show, you get paid as well as any other creator? With this webinar exclusively available through Stage 32, you can set up your pitch to succeed when it’s your turn to pitch. You’ll learn what Prime is producing and licensing, how they bring in revenue, the best teams to connect with for your project, and how to negotiate your deal effectively. You’ll also cover how Prime has chosen shows in the past and where they’re headed.
Taking you behind the scenes of this online shopping conglomerate-turned-award-winning streamer is Kristin Harris, a seasoned entertainment executive with 15 years of experience, who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Production and Development at Vertical Entertainment. She has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Kristin previously held the role of VP of Distribution and Acquisitions at Good Deed Entertainment, where she oversaw all aspects of the company's distribution arm and manages the release slate, which includes EXTRA ORDINARY, JOURNEY’S END, Spirit Award-nominated TO DUST (currently included on Prime), and the Academy Award-nominated LOVING VINCENT.
With this insider look at Amazon Prime’s streaming business, you’ll be able to develop a strong pitch for your project that fits the streamer’s needs while ensuring you make a great deal for yourself and your team. With the television landscape changing rapidly, this webinar will keep you ahead of the creators looking to sell to Prime and show your ability to keep up with industry needs.
Praise for Kristin's Stage 32 Education:
"Well-timed, instructor is knowledgeable, engages the audience. Informative." -Shelly B.
"Kristin was amazing! So knowledgeable and articulate. I learned so much." -Maggie G.
How did we get here?
Who are the subscribers?
Revenue Models
Content overview
Closing the Deal
Looking Ahead
Q&A with Kristin
Kristin Harris
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"Kristin was very knowledgeable and thorough. Really liked her overall presentation on how things work behind the scenes." -Karen B.
"This is my 3rd webinar with Kristin and each time I have learned such valuable information. She is very knowledgeable and knows her business." -Maggie G.
"Very good, very succinct and to the point, a lot of really useful information." -Michelle H.
Netflix raised the bar in original programming almost ten years ago, forever changing the television landscape. Since then, Netflix has maintained its status by growing globally, investing in quality, adapting to its audience’s needs, and often setting the trends. Many creatives strive to launch shows with this streamer, and this webinar will show you exactly what Netflix is buying and how to close the deal. When it comes to streaming and “bingeable” television, no platform or network comes to mind faster than Netflix. Netflix has been the home to some of the most-watched original series for almost a decade, including SQUID GAME, BRIDGERTON, STRANGER THINGS, MURDERVILLE, THE CROWN, GINNY & GEORGIA, and countless others. Netflix stays ahead of the curve in television programming by hunting for new voices, unexplored worlds, and backing a wide range of genres and formats. Their needs are constantly changing and largely only known to those close to the platform. So, if you want to know where Netflix is heading next, you’ll need insight from a current industry executive. Taking you through Netflix’s distribution plans is Kristin Harris, SVP of Production at Vertical Entertainment. Kristin has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. She is also the former VP of Distribution and Acquisitions at Good Deed Entertainment, where she oversaw all aspects of the company’s distribution arm and managed the release slate, which included EXTRA ORDINARY, JOURNEY’S END, Spirit Award-nominated TO DUST, and the Academy Award-nominated LOVING VINCENT. Kristin is sharing her insight into the streaming giant exclusively in this Stage 32 webinar. She’ll take you through where Netflix has been and where they’re headed, showing you its current operations and business model. She’ll also cover originals vs. licensed content, release windows, how to effectively tailor your pitch to their brand, and what you need to know about deal structures so you can navigate negotiations. This webcast gives you a new approach to understanding and pitching, and the knowledge needed to close the deal with one of the world’s leading streaming entertainment service. Praise for Kristin's Webinar "Kristin is amazing! She is so knowledgeable and I learned so much today. She is realistic and honest and I so appreciate that!" --Maggie G. "Awesome amount of information and very helpful. Thank you!" -- Jody C. "Great insight into how distribution works." -- Lisa M.
Ever wonder what shows development execs at different networks or platforms are hungry for? This webinar shows a top-line overview of Hulu’s evolution, business model, and what they’re buying from writers. Every network and streaming platform has its own unique approach to filling its development slate. Usually, that information is passed around within the industry, making it challenging for emerging writers to know and prepare themselves for what executives need. If you’ve ever wondered what award-winning streamer Hulu, and its sibling platforms Disney+, ESPN+, and NatGeo, are looking for from writers, this is the webinar for you. In this Stage 32 exclusive, you’ll see exactly how the entertainment industry is shifting from studios to streamers and how this impacts what they’re buying. You’ll learn the history of Hulu, its subscriber demographics, its business model, and what the decision-makers at the streamer are looking to buy. You’ll also study the ins and outs of what Hulu is currently producing and licensing, how to connect with the right team for your project, what to consider when you pitch them, and even what you need to know when it’s time to negotiate your deal. Taking you behind the scenes of the television development space is Kristin Harris, a seasoned entertainment executive with 15 years of experience. She has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Kristin currently serves as the VP of Distribution and Acquisitions at Good Deed Entertainment, where she oversees all aspects of the company's distribution arm and manages the release slate, which includes EXTRA ORDINARY, JOURNEY’S END, Spirit Award-nominated TO DUST, and the Academy Award-nominated LOVING VINCENT. With network mandates in constant flux with market demands and consumer behavior, it’s imperative to stay informed on industry needs to get your foot in the door. After diving into this webinar, you’ll understand how to approach buyers at Hulu, what they’re buying and producing, and how to negotiate your deal.
The landscape of distribution has shifted dramatically over recent years and continues to change in this post-pandemic world. While there are more places than ever to go to for distribution, there’s also more competition for your project to be noticed by distributors and, once distributed, for viewers to decide to watch your film over the other thousands at their fingertips. Moreover, with so many companies and services in this space, it can be difficult to determine which companies are actually on the up-and-up and which will treat your film with the respect it deserves. If you’re trying to get your film picked up right now or hope to have your feature project distributed in the future, the most important step is to understand what the landscape looks like today and what your options actually are. Let’s break it down for you. Kristin Harris is a seasoned entertainment executive who has spent the past 15 years in the independent distribution space. She has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Kristin currently serves as VP, Distribution and Acquisitions at Good Deed Entertainment, where she oversees all aspects of the company's distribution arm and manages the release slate, which includes EXTRA ORDINARY, JOURNEY’S END, Spirit Award Nominee, TO DUST, and the Academy Award nominated LOVING VINCENT. Kristin will teach you how film distribution currently works today, what options are currently available to you and your feature film, and how to best navigate this world to ultimately get people to watch your project. Making decisions regarding distribution for your film can be a daunting task, but Kristin is going to give you the most up-to-date and comprehensive breakdown of what distribution looks like today so you can be armed with facts and strategies when finding the best release strategy for your own film. Praise for Kristin "Very informative and have learned a great deal. Will definitely put to use for our Feature Film Projects. Thank you!" -Haskell A. "Very good practical information detailed enough to get the lay of the land on this topic."-James P. "Great info in a new age." -Mary M.
Theater closures brought on by the global pandemic are now leading exhibition and distribution communities to work together and think outside-the-box in order to preserve the arthouse theatrical landscape. Imagine a world without arthouse theaters. It’s a bleak concept for cinephiles and filmmakers alike. In a world where landing a traditional, theatrical commitment from a distributor is like winning the golden cup, what are our options when none of those theaters are open? More so, how do we keep independent theaters, already operating on thin margins, alive to fight another day and provide filmmakers, producers and financiers viable options to make profits on their films? Thankfully, there's a new an exciting option to explore. Navigating a successful theatrical release is an enormous challenge, in and of itself, when exhibition is operating normally. Add in a global pandemic and those challenges rise even higher. What are the options? Does your distributor simply claim force majeure and rush you into the home entertainment landscape? Will the home entertainment revenues be hurt by the lack of theatrical exposure? How do theaters survive and make money when they can’t have patrons at their physical locations? In times of crisis, it’s always impressive to see innovation born of necessity. Behold the birth of the "virtual theatrical" release, which has emerged and become a key player in these virtual times. But what is that exactly? How does it work? Can you make money and are other digital platforms willing to accept theaters playing in their sandbox? It’s the new Wild West. Kristin Harris is a seasoned entertainment executive who has spent the past 15 years in the independent distribution space. She has held key acquisition, development, and production roles at Starz Media, Overture Films, and Cinedigm Entertainment Group. Kristin currently serves as VP, Distribution and Acquisitions at Good Deed Entertainment, where she oversees all aspects of the company's distribution arm and manages the release slate, which includes EXTRA ORDINARY, JOURNEY’S END, Spirit Award Nominee, TO DUST, and the Academy Award nominated, LOVING VINCENT. Kristin has been at the forefront of this emerging distribution option "virtual theatrical" and will bring her experience to the Stage 32 community for you to understand what it is, how you can make money for your film from it and if it's right for you. Kristin will go over the current theatrical distribution landscape which has been affected by the COVID19 pandemic and discuss current available options for your film's distribution. She will introduce a brand new type of distribution, virtual theatrical, and break down the players, how it works from a macro and micro level and how it makes money. She'll go over how to navigate this new reality and how virtual theatrical folds into traditional and non-traditional release plans, reporting and logistics. She'll go over the pros and cons of a virtual theatrical release and help you decide if it's the right thing for your film. She'll also discuss what the future holds for distribution and buying habits in the current environment. These are challenging, yet exciting times for the industry and especially for those working in independent film. Kristin will give you all the current information and guide you through all scenarios including virtual theatrical to assure that your film has the best chance at profitability. Praise for Kristin's Stage 32 Webinar "Very informative and have learned a great deal. Will definitely put to use for our Feature Film Projects. Thank you!" -Haskell A. "The webinar was cutting edge and valuable information" -Angela G. "Very good practical information detailed enough to get the lay of the land on this topic." -James P. "Great info in a new age." -Mary M.
Today, more than ever, self tape auditions are how the casting process works for actors. Understanding how to set up, craft, and shoot a self tape can be the difference between landing more roles or having your talents fall by the wayside. When a casting director requests and accepts self tapes to assist in their casting process, they inevitably wind up with tapes of varying quality and content. Whether it's picture quality or sound quality fails, a bad self tape immediately gets bypassed. Actors often think that their talent will always win the day. In a room, that might be true. But on a self tape, quality matters. Fortunately, there are some very simple, but comprehensive steps you can take that will make a massive difference in what you present to a casting director. The goal is to keep the attention off cosmetic or sound flaws and on your acting, where it belongs! Marin Hope, CSA is a Los Angeles native and LA-based casting director, who won the 2020 Artios Award for Casting. Marin works alongside Heidi Levitt, casting film, television, commercial, theatre and New Media projects. Some casting credits include HBO's BESSIE starring Queen Latifah, Mo’Nique, Michael K. Williams and Mike Epps, AMERICAN MADE, starring Tom Cruise and Domhnall Gleeson, COMPLETE UNKNOWN, starring Michael Shannon and Rachel Weisz, HOMELAND, starring Claire Danes, THE LAST WORD, starring Shirley MacLaine and Amanda Seyfried, KINGS, starring Halle Berry and Daniel Craig, Bad Samaritan starring David Tennant and Robert Sheehan, WHO WILL WRITE OUR HISTORY, starring Joan Allen and Adrien Brody, and most recently MOLLY, Javier Bardem, Elle Fanning, Chris Rock, Laura Linney and Salma Hayek, which is currently in post-production. Over her storied career she has seen thousands of auditions and hundreds of casting self-tapes and she's back here exclusively on Stage 32 to impart her wisdom on what can help you get a leg up on the competition when it comes to your self tape. Marin will talk about the need for self-tapes and why they are an essential part of today's casting process. She will go over your question on whether or not you should use a self-tape facility or film from home. When it comes to shooting at home, you will learn background, lighting, angles, wardrobe choices and equipment you will need, as well as whether or not you should film horizontal or portrait. Finally, Karen will teach you the do's and don'ts of a self-tape and share with you examples of good and bad auditions. You will learn all of this from an esteemed casting director's perspective which will give you the unique insight into how your own self-tape is viewed. PLUS! Marin will share with you: Videos clips of do's and dont's for casting videos A resource sheet of tools and equipment that can help you with the look of your casting tape Praise for Marin's Stage 32 Webinar: "I thought I was just going to revisit what I already know about self-taping but Marin brought forth valuable new information." -Michele C. "I think Marin's webinar is excellent and covered everything that an actor would want or need. I like her no nonsense approach. Takes a lot of the fear factor away." -Sondra C. "The information was informative, Marin gave a lot information that is extremely invaluable to me in this industry and I look forward to many more webinars with Stage32 because of this." -Michael C. "Well, done. I have made it into several movies and missed getting into others. There are several things I learned which I will incorporate in future auditions." -Kenneth W.
Sorry, this lab is fully sold out. Keep checking back for upcoming labs and other education! Animated television is currently experiencing a boom like we’ve never seen before. Since it’s possible for the bulk of the work to be completed from home or while socially distanced, animation has been flourishing as more players are turning to this format. New shows like SOLAR OPPOSITES on Hulu, CLOSE ENOUGH on HBO Max, FINAL SPACE on TBS and BLOOD OF ZEUS on Netflix are hugely popular, and this is just the beginning. Scores of upcoming animated shows are in the pipeline and just around the corner. Considering this appetite, it doesn’t look like this trend is fading any time soon. And more interest in animation means there are more opportunities for your own project to get noticed and get picked up. The opportunities may be extra plentiful right now, but you still need to have a dynamite show to present if you want to be noticed. This means a great concept, a fantastic pitch deck, and a knockout pilot script. And all of these elements don’t need to just be good; they all need to lend themselves to the format and industry that is animated TV. But if you can ace all of these elements, you may have just found your way in and the piece of material that will fire you off the launch pad. Let us give you the guidance to make your animated pilot as good as it can be and help you springboard your writing career. Mike Disa is an accomplished director, producer, writer, and artist who directed on shows like the hit Netflix series PARADISE PD and has been in the animation industry for over twenty-five years. Mike found success working with studios such as Dreamworks, Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, and many others. Over a fascinating career, Mike has worked with some of the greatest and most infamous people in Hollywood including Steven Spielberg, Eric Goldberg, Ralph Bakshi, Glenn Close, Steve Oedekerk, David Tennant, Amy Poehler, Adam Sandler, Jeffery Katzenberg and Roy Disney. A favorite and fixture among the Stage 32 community, Mike is deeply entrenched in the world of animated TV and knows better than most what it takes to get an animated show off the ground. In this lab, you will be working directly with Mike in a virtual class setting and also during one-on-one online sessions to hone your concept and build your pilot outline and pitch deck for a fantastic, market-ready animated pilot. Whether you are interested in creating a “prime time” adult comedy series, action, dramedy, or children’s animation, Mike is here to help you. He will guide you through creating engaging characters, building your world, perfecting your structure, constructing an outline and building your bible or pitch deck to sell your show. If you already have a concept, or even a completed pilot, Mike will use the same tools to help you hone and sharpen your material. Throughout the course of this exclusive online lab, you will have direct access to Mike as a mentor by email and via video conferencing as you develop your animated series. Students who sign up for this lab with Mike will be eligible to participate in a Level 2 Lab where Mike will continue to mentor you in writing your pilot! WHAT TO EXPECT By the end of this 5-week writing lab, you will have a polished pilot outline and pitch deck for your animated television series. Sessions will vary between 2-hour group settings and personal one-on-one Zoom meetings with Mike. 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. This lab will also come with free access to a previously recorded animation webinar led by Mike Disa for you to watch and use to work on your project. To see the full writing lab schedule, see below under "What You Will Learn". PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 15 writers and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with a manager 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 15 people This lab is designed for beginner and intermediate screenwriters looking to build a pilot from scratch or expand on an existing idea or polish an existing pilot.