Screenwriters, Producers, Filmmakers - Get Smart, Get Legal, Get Protected - With 40-Page Downloadable Workbook!
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Webinar hosted by: Gary W. Goldstein
Attorney and Producer
Gary W. Goldstein has produced some of Hollywood’s biggest box-office hits, generating well over One Billion Dollars in worldwide revenue, receiving multiple Academy Award nominations, People’s Choice Awards, a Golden Globe and various other awards. In addition to Under Siege (Warner Bros.) and The Mothman Prophecies (Sony / Screen Gems) and a slate of ‘indie’ and major studio films Gary produced, Pretty Woman went on to become the highest grossing live-action film in Disney’s history. Long before Gary produced his first low-budget film Cannibal Women In The Avocado Jungle Of Death, he founded his own literary management firm representing writers, directors and select actors. Launching careers for talented ‘unknowns’ became his passion and signature, many of whom continue to be hugely successful across film and television. Gary recently authored Conquering Hollywood: The Screenwriters Blueprint for Career Success, the top-selling book teaching aspiring creative talent how to turn their talent into a business and a career. A champion and mentor to aspiring screenwriters and other creatives, he recent published new coursework: Breaking Into Hollywood: The Master Class. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
"The workbook alone is worth 10 times what the webinar cost. I am in awe. Thank you, Gary."
- Antonio T.
There's nothing worse than having a screenplay bought or a project with financing get placed on hold because of legal issues that could have been handled at the start. Too many projects have been shelved permanently and will never see the light of day because of conflicts and misunderstandings that could easily have been avoided. Unfortunately, few screenwriters, filmmakers or producers know the right questions that need to be asked and answered in order to protect yourself and your project legally. It doesn't need to be this way, though. There are simple legal steps you can take from the beginning to assure a smooth and steady ride so your focus can be on making the best project possible.
Especially for those in creative fields, navigating legal issues can feel overwhelming and confusing, maybe even unnecessary. Yet having a basic legal understanding of how to protect your work and property is incredibly crucial. You need to know how to legally incorporate everyone's input and notes into your script without worrying about losing authorship. You need to know how to set up a partnership for success and why so many people run into trouble when doing so. You need to know when it's okay to agree to work for free or 'on spec' and why it's still vital to have a written agreement. And you need to know when it's okay to talk business on your own behalf. The good news is you don't need to pass the bar in order to ensure you and your projects are in good legal shape. Instead, you just need a little guidance.
Producer and attorney Gary W. Goldstein, star of Netflix's The Movies That Made Us, has produced some of the biggest box office hits in film history and has served as a mentor to dozens of prestigious writers, producers, and filmmakers. His credits include PRETTY WOMAN, UNDER SIEGE, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, and many more. He's also papered some of the biggest deals in film history. By working as both a producer and entertainment attorney, Gary's knowledge of deal memos and contracts is without peer. He knows all the do's and don'ts, the tips and tricks, and the side streets and alleyways toward making sure that you are not only protected, but getting the benefits and compensation you deserve for your efforts.
Now, exclusively for Stage 32, Gary will teach you:
- A complete "how to" in order to assure that you use a proven and smart approach to protecting yourself legally
- His 3 rules that should never be broken when entering into deals
- Whether you should use an agent or an attorney (or both) to negotiate your compensation and benefits on your behalf
- How to deal with release forms and option agreements
- How to assure you get everything in writing so there are no surprises or disappointments down the road
- How to maintain a paper trail of all communication and why it's monumentally important to do so.
- The realities of maintaining creative control and how to handle the creative contributions of others as well as the pitfalls to avoid when receiving feedback.
- The qualities of finding a good creative or business partner and the essential questions to ask up front.
As if all this wasn't enough, Gary will provide a 40-page interactive workbook exclusive for those who take this webinar. This is an invaluable resource!
PRAISE FOR GARY'S TEACHINGS:
"Here’s some practical advice for those seeking a career in Hollywood, from someone who really knows what the hell he's talking about."
- J.F. Lawton, Screenwriter (PRETTY WOMAN, UNDER SIEGE)
"When I met Gary, I had nothing but talent and a drive to succeed. Nine months later, I had my first script option, my first studio writing assignment, and a Writers Guild card. The advice here is worth its weight in gold"
- Allison Burnett, Screenwriter & Director (AUTUMN IN NEW YORK, FEAST OF LOVE, GONE AND UNDISCOVERED GYRL)
"Again, Stage 32 outdoes itself. What a score landing Gary. He's a legend."
Jason R.
"Gary, you had me from minute one. Amazing information. And delivered with class and style.
-Angela P.
What You'll Learn
- The 3 rules that must never be broken when entering into deals.
- Agents versus attorneys, where to look and when.
- How to deal with release forms (and other work-arounds).
- Your history and the value of a well-maintained paper trail.
- Avoiding serious problems (aka “getting it in writing”).
- The reality of ‘creative control’.
- The possible pitfalls of creative contributions by others.
- The qualities of a good partner (and the essential questions to ask up front).
- How to simply, quickly & effectively deal with copyright and WGA registrations.
- The all-important option agreement! (hint: it’s not just about the dollars).
- Recorded, in-depth Q&A with Gary!
Plus! This webinar includes a 40-page interactive workbook put together by Gary for YOU!
About Your Instructor
Gary W. Goldstein
FAQs
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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.
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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.
Testimonials
"Here’s some practical advice for those seeking a career in Hollywood, from someone who really knows what the hell he's talking about."
- J.F. Lawton, Screenwriter (PRETTY WOMAN, UNDER SIEGE)
"When I met Gary, I had nothing but talent and a drive to succeed. Nine months later, I had my first script option, my first studio writing assignment, and a Writers Guild card. The advice here is worth its weight in gold"
- Allison Burnett, Screenwriter & Director (AUTUMN IN NEW YORK, FEAST OF LOVE, GONE AND UNDISCOVERED GYRL)
"When I became your student, I was a mom with a script. Now, I'm a series writer-producer-director. Thank you for helping me achieve one of my biggest dreams. And thank you for this class. You continue to amaze."
- Sally Rubin, Screenwriter, Producer, Author
"Gary W. Goldstein’s mentoring will prove 100% better than whatever else you may be considering. He will change your life."
- Marilyn Warda, author, The Randomness of Life
"I’ve learned more about how things really work from Gary than I have over the past 10 years and countless other classes!"
- Angela Falkowska, Screenwriter
"The workbook alone is worth 10 times what the webinar cost. I am in awe. Thank you, Gary."
- Antonio T.
"Again, Stage 32 outdoes itself. What a score landing Gary. He's a legend."
Jason R.
"Gary, you had me from minute one. Amazing information. And delivered with class and style.
-Angela P.
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Reviews Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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Philip Nelson Good information, but it sounds like the presenter wanted to give a lot more information, but he was directed to finish the class in an hour, (as he mentions a few times in the video) so skimmed over a bunch of stuff that he would have liked to go into more detail on. I wish he was free to give the presentation he wanted to give, and not be restricted by the clock, or whoever told him to keep it to an hour. This is obviously a much larger topic and should have provided more information for the money. -
Ernst Cox thanks, i needed this months ago now i know i really need a lawyer so here we go again....lol! -
Jessica Rose Gary is great! He prepared me for the contract I signed not long after the class. Who knew!
Other education that may be of interest to you:
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Whether you're controlling some valuable intellectual property, looking to secure IP, or simply have a valuable property in the form of a spec script, TV pilot, webseries, digital series, or other filmed material, you are likely going to be confronted with signing or distributing an option agreement. It is imperative that you understand the various types of option agreements and what information should be included to assure that you are not only protecting your material, but yourself legally as well. As the content gold rush grows, option agreements have become more and more commonplace. It is the vital piece of the paper trail that will ensure you are exercising and getting all your rights as your project gets made. These agreements are designed to protect both sides of a given deal, but can be complicated and sometimes include unnecessary language or clauses that could serve to hold up your content or payment. before you sign on the dotted line, you need to understand what exactly is an option agreement, who has creative control, how much money can be made and what you need to include to protect your rights up front. Lane Shefter Bishop is an Emmy award winning filmmaker and producer who has set up over two dozen book properties - many of them only on book proposals and early partials - with studios, networks and production companies throughout the entertainment industry. She is the CEO of Vast Entertainment, a book-to-screen company with numerous projects at both studios and networks, including feature films for Fox 2000, Silver Pictures, CBS Films & Lionsgate, and TV films for Lifetime, as well as TV series with Phoenix Pictures, Atlas Entertainment, The Donner Company, Storyline Entertainment and Universal Cable Productions. She has been on both sides of option agreements and knows the ins and outs of what you need to take into account for your own option agreement. Lane will provide you essential practical knowledge on the ins and outs of option agreements and break them down step-by-step and section-by-section. You will know what is included in a typical option, what purchase price can be expected, what royalties can be expected, what reserved rights are and how to handle publishers releases, notarized addendums and author assignments. This is vital for authors and screenwriters who currently have or expect to have their own material optioned and want to know what monies they can expect to make, when, and how. But it is also highly beneficial for producers, directors, and talent looking to acquire their own underlying material for development- books, short stories, graphic novels, articles, etc. Lane will provide you with a comprehensive, but easy to understand deep dive on option agreements. She will remove the fear and anxiety which will allow you to clearly and decisively protect yourself and ask for the important items that need to be included in all your agreements. PRAISE FOR LANE'S TEACHINGS: “Very impressed with Ms. Bishop, both her formal presentation and the Q & A that followed.” - Steve Weintz “The seminar was informative, insightful, well documented, entertaining, well thought out and delivered with a touch of humor. Wonderful!” - Katharine Carter “Lane was so focused. She was totally prepared.” - Karisa Wiseman Ewinger “Content: Outstanding!” - Doug McLeod “Loved it. Very informative.” - GR Case
How to Protect Your Financiers for Your Independent Film Project
If you're an independent filmmaker, it's likely you don’t have all of the funds you need to begin or complete your production. In this scenario, you need a film financier to step in and invest equity. While the financier is often hands-off with the actual production, they do have a prominent position in the process. Their assets are your assets, and they need to be protected. Borrowing money is only one step in the process. Assuring your financier that their assets will be protected during the filmmaking and production process is another. If you’re ready to take your film to the next level but aren’t clear on what financiers expect as far as protection when you borrow, you may be at a disadvantage. Protecting money given to you by someone with a vested interest in your film is extremely important. It’s also good business practice. And going into a conversation knowing what they expect before they hand over any equity - can only work in your favor. Your future lender has expectations. Let's delve into how you can always meet those expectations. David Zannoni is an international business specialist for Fintage House in the US, Europe, Canada and Latin America territories. Fintage House, the world's most respected company for revenue and rights protection for industry professionals and companies. David negotiates agreements for films and television series and is involved in business development and relationship management globally on hundreds of productions. David is continuously present to make deals and speak at international film markets, festivals and conferences, including: the Cannes Film Festival, the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, the American Film Market (AFM), Ventana Sur, the Bogota Audiovisual Market (BAM), and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and travels regularly to the United States, the Netherlands, Europe, and all over Latin America. David will teach you how you can keep your financiers protected and explain the 6 different options you should take into consideration when you sit down with a financier for your own project. After explaining what the role of a financier on an independent film usually looks like, he will discuss security interests, completion bonds, escrow accounts, collection accounts, legal representation, and compliance, what each of these look like, and how you can use these to best protect your financier. There are variables for every filmmaking scenario, but David will leave you with a much clearer understanding the role of the financier and how you can keep them happy and safe so that they’ll want to work with you time and time again. Praise for David's Previous Stage 32 Webinars: "David is incredible and lovely and clearly knows his stuff." - Cynthia P. "Eye-opening information. A no-brainer approach that wouldn't be so obvious to the uninitiated." - Gary O. "By far, the best class I've seen on the subject." Kirk K. "David is a fantastic teacher. And what a voice! I could listen to him all day. More importantly, I learned so very much!" - Isabella T.
How to Write Historical Fiction Television that Will Get You Noticed
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The Quest for Copyright: How to Source and Acquire Underlying Intellectual Property for Your Film
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