How to Pitch Your Dream Project with You as the Star
Start Learning
Satisfaction Rate:
Projects:
Webinar hosted by: John Lehr
Star, Creator and Writer at 10 Items or Less (TBS), JailBait (Sony/Crackle) and Quickdraw (Hulu)
John Lehr is the star/creator/writer for “10 Items or Less” (TBS), “JailBait” (Sony/Crackle) and “Quickdraw” (Hulu). He created/produced pilots for Fox (“Team McPhearson”), TBS (“John Lehr’s Movie Club”) and Comedy Central (“Let it Ride”). Script/development deals include “Retreat” (NBC), “The Loop” (HBO), Troubadour (MTV), “Life on Mars” (Sony/BBC), “King of Beers” (EUE/Sokolow), “Tommy Chong’s Pipe Dreams” (TBS). Lehr is one of the original Geico Cavemen from the wildly successful commercial campaign. He appeared in dozens of spots, including the first commercial as a caveman boom operator, the caveman in therapy with Talia Shire, the tennis spot with Billy Jean King, Superbowl spots with Phil Simms and many more. John has appeared in numerous television series, including “Friends” and was a series regular on “Jesse,” both for Warner Brothers/NBC. His feature film roles include “The Sweetest Thing,” and three Noah Baumbach films, “Kicking and Screaming,” “Mr. Jealousy,” and “Highball.” John’s hosting credits include “News Weasels” for E!; “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” for ABC; CBS’ special “Clash of the Commercials” with co-host Heidi Klum; and “John Lehr’s Movie Club” for TBS. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
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.
What You'll Learn
Creating your own acting vehicle
- Where to start
- Deciding the best vehicle for you
- Get out of your head- it does happen
- Understanding your greatest challenges
- Understanding your superpower
The Idea
- Brutal truth — the idea is not the most important element
- Case Studies- Coming up with the ideas for Getting 10 Items and Quickdraw as an acting vehicle
- Utilizing the process of the pitch to develop the idea.
- Don’t be precious. This is collaborative.
Demo reel
- Utilizing a demo reel shoot to develop your characters and concept
- A demo reel is not a pilot!
- Do’s and don’ts of your demo reel: ideal running time, whether to send in advance or play in the room
- The importance of tone
The pitch
- Keeping it visual
- What to expect in the room
- The key to a successful pitch— Rehearsal!
- What message am I trying to send?
The process
- What happens if they buy it in the room? Or not?
- What is a development deal?
- What kind of contract to expect?
- What is the Timeline to the prize—a pilot pickup?
How the hell do I get into the room in the first place?
- Using your demo reel as a vehicle
- How to employ Packaging
- How is a script helpful? And when is it not?
- Remember: they want YOU
Q&A with John
About Your Instructor
John Lehr
FAQs
Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
A: If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Go to Webinar, you will receive an email from Go to Webinar with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. You can also access your webinar link in your purchase history located under settings in the top right-hand corner of your Stage 32 profile.
If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.
Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.
YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN
If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:
- Log into your Stage 32 profile
- Click "Settings" in the top right-hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
- Go to www.stage32.com
- Create a profile using the SAME email address you used to sign up for this webinar. The email addresses must match in order to watch the webinar.
- Once you have your profile set up, you can view the webinar by clicking "Settings" in the top right hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.
Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
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 10.9 (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 webinar. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer.
Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar or purchase an on demand webinar, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.
Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.
Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.
Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.
Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.
If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.
Relevant Tags
Share with friends:
Questions?
Reviews Average Rating: 5 out of 5
-
Karman Graham I love John Lehr. I had the honor of working with him on "10 Items or Less" and he is the whole reason I wanted to take this course. I am in awe of him and want a part of his magic!~
Other education that may be of interest to you:
The Four Steps To A TV Series Order: From Concept To Green Light
4-PART IN-DEPTH CLASS (OVER 8 HOURS OF EDUCATION) Learn from John Lehr, a top showrunner who's worked with Hulu, Sony, TBS, Norman Lear, the creators of FRIENDS, and more! Plus! John leads a mock network executive meeting! When you have an idea for a TV show, the goal is always to have it "ordered to series" so you can see it on air and have a large audience experience it. However, in order to actually get your show onto air and see it on TV, you need to be prepared and know everything that goes into not only developing and selling a series but how to navigate it all the way to an actual series order. Whether you’re a brand new writer, an experienced producer, or someone working their way up the ladder, the big question is always: How do I develop my show and make it stand out so that it can sell and get a series order? In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand class, television series creator and showrunner John Lehr will teach you the entire journey from crafting a stand-out idea to selling your show to developing it with a streamer or network and, ultimately, getting the green light for a first season production order. Over four intensive sessions, John will take you through the steps of developing and producing a marketable show. You'll start by nurturing your concept into a well rounded show idea and then learning the best way to package it, pitch it, sell it and navigate the development steps with your distributor to get a first season order. John will teach you how to work with network executives to achieve your goals in a way that they also achieve theirs. John has successfully created, pitched, sold, and executive produced shows for TBS, Hulu, and Sony/Crackle. He has also created and produced pilots for Fox and Comedy Central and has pitched, sold and developed shows for HBO, NBC, MTV, and Sony/BBC. Along the way, he's worked with legendary television creators, including Norman Lear (ALL IN THE FAMILY) and FRIENDS' creators Kevin Bright, David Crane, and Marta Kauffman. Plus, John will lead a mock network meeting so you can be best prepared to work with executives and take the best advantage of your opportunities. John is sharing his 25 years of entertainment business experience with you exclusively through Stage 32. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a top showrunner to see how professional television series creators take their ideas all the way to your television screen. Testimonials from John's Previous Stage 32 Education: "John was energetic and very positive and encouraging. I appreciated his perspective and advice." "John is great - emphasizing the sizzle reel was very helpful to hear." "[John's] information about the pitch deck, sizzle, and experiences were incredibly helpful."
Showrunning 101
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.
Hollywood Resume & Cover Letter Workshop - How To Get Your Foot In The Door
Getting a job in Hollywood can seem hard...but it doesn’t have to be. If you feel like every job application you send in is a shot in the dark, you may want to rethink your process. Luckily, there are many tangible strategies that can make the job search more efficient. Ultimately, the key is to find a way to stand out in the pack. And we’re here to help you do just that. During this 90 minute session, you’ll learn how to build a robust network, job search tactics that will get your resume into the right hands, how to craft effective resumes and cover letters, and tips to help you ace any job interview. Whether you’re just starting out or are hoping to transition into a new position that will move you closer to your goals, this course is for you. We are professional resume writers, dedicated to helping Hollywood hopefuls find their dream jobs. But unlike most professional resume writers, we are not recruiters or HR executives. Instead, we have actually worked in and hired for entry-level positions across Hollywood. After conducting hundreds of interviews and weeding through even more resumes over the years, we've learned that many qualified candidates simply don't know how to pitch themselves for the Hollywood jobs they want. And, in an industry where most jobs are filled through internal referrals, it’s crucial to impress not only the recruiters, but those in the actual departments that are hiring -- and we know what they’re looking for because we’ve worked in those departments ourselves. We’re excited teach you the proven networking strategies, resume and cover letter writing techniques, and and interview skills that we have used to succeed in our own careers and watched countless others use to succeed in theirs.
Line Producing Strategy - How to Make Your Movie with The Highest Quality for the Lowest Price
Creating a realistic budget can make or break a film before it ever makes it into production. Where should you spend? Where can you cut? How do you stretch your dollar? In short, how can you assure you're creating the highest quality film for the lowest price? Listen, not everyone can afford a line producer. And even if you can, you want to make sure he or she is protecting your vision and your money! Understanding this aspect of the business and how a film can be put together is everything! Let's make this complex aspect of filmmaking easier, shall we? Michael Madaville (Taken, Taken 2, Taken 3 to name a very few) is one of the most respected line producers in the business. Michael has created budgets from some of the most successful indie darlings, mid-majors and studio films in the business. And now, exclusively for Stage 32, he will take you by the hand, help you problem solve just about every issue that may arise, and help you toward financial success no matter what your budget may be. Using examples from his decades in the business, Michael will walk you through examples of micro to major budget films and discuss how to reduce costs for crew, locations, materials and more and how to apply that information to get your schedule tight and your budget to where it needs to be. No more chasing funds or getting caught short during filming! Michael will show you how to get on the path to a smooth shoot well before yelling "Action!"
How To Capitalize Shooting On Digital
Now that the barrier to entry is lower than ever to start creating your own content, it's imperative to learn how to capitalize shooting on digital. Whether it's understanding the needs of digital services like Netflix, or platforms like YouTube, there is a spot in the market for you to make it a career. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar your host Stephen Balsley will be going over the technology side of the Industry, with a specific focus on the shift from Film to Digital. We will also be learning to look at Media as a whole, from how each piece is interconnected, to how technology is affecting extraordinary change in every area of Media. We will go over specific examples of Filmmakers who have successfully capitalized on the shift to Digital, and will provide useful steps to ensure your projects are taking full advantage of the available Technology to give you the best possible chance at creative success. The Technical side can be one of the most difficult and daunting areas of any Industry (like opening up the hood of a car), but Stephen's goal for this webcast is to inspire an overall curiosity into all of the change that is currently happening, and to begin to gain a firm understanding of how the Industry works around, and is very often driven by, the Digital Age in which we live. Stephen Balsley began his career at a RED Digital Cinema nearly 9 years ago, and has watched it grow from a small startup company into one of the leading Cinema brands in the world. During that time, the RED One camera was largely credited with driving the shift from Film to Digital, with RED cameras now being used in a large number of films and other projects across the Industry. Although Stephen’s expertise is in RED, he is well experienced in all types of cameras, including Arri, Canon, Nikon, Blackmagic, and more.
Which Film Festival is Right for My Feature or Short Film? How to Navigate the Growing Festival Market
Stop wasting money! Make no mistake, entering film festivals should be part of the overall strategy for just about any independent filmmaker or producer. There is tremendous value in getting in the right film festival, perhaps more than ever before. So how do you not only identify the best festivals for your film, but assure you give yourself the best chance of being selected? Get the answers from a producer of over 35 independent films and a veteran of the festival circuit. With so many film festivals popping up year over year and many of the major festivals turning to higher profile projects, navigating which festivals to spend your dollars on can be daunting. Unfortunately, many filmmakers and producers today are overspending on festival submissions (or entering as many as possible) so they can say they've made it into something. This is an approach that can not only leave you light in the wallet, but can also put your film, the one you spent so much time and effort into, in a position to be branded incorrectly and actually hurting its chances of success. Aimee Schoof has produced over 35 films, many of which have played at some of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. But many others have played at festivals that may not have the marquee names, but proved correct for the content. By using this approach, Aimee and her producing partner have scored lucrative deals and distribution opportunities. If you've seen Aimee's other Stage 32 webinars, you know she brings energy and knowledge to spare. She will teach you everything you need to know about where to submit, but also approaches on how to give your film the best chance of standing out from the crowd. She will also demystify and destroy some of the "false truths" that have become part of submitting for festivals (YES, you can submit a rough cut!) She'll tackle how to get press, how to run your social media, how to get your team involved, and much more, all in the name of getting your film seen and, ultimately, the attention it deserves. This is a blueprint that will have you saving money, making it into more festivals, and smiling from ear to ear while walking the red carpet. Like what you heard from Aimee during this webinar? Send her your script and speak with her for an hour by clicking here. PRAISE FOR AIMEE'S TEACHINGS: I've taken many Stage 32 webinars and they've all been wonderful, but Aimee's had me ready to run through a wall! So much thoughtful and intelligent information! - Debra S.
Register / Log In
