How You Can Write And Produce A Successful Holiday Romantic Comedy
Start Learning
Satisfaction Rate:
Projects:
Webinar hosted by: Matt Bierman
Producer and Studio Executive (Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Brothers and DC Comics)
Matt Bierman has been a studio executive and producer for over 25 years. He started in the feature film business working as an executive for Jon Peters. He has worked directly as an executive at Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Brothers and DC Comics. Additionally, he has been an executive at Village Roadshow Pictures and Mike Medavoy’s Phoenix Pictures (SONY). He has also developed and produced movies for Hallmark and Nickelodeon. He produced the holiday films A LOUD HOUSE CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS WITH THE DARLINGS, and MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS, and the rom-coms LOVE AT FIRST BARK and LOVE UNDER THE STARS, among others. He has expertise in low-budget mainstream films as he ran the creative at Paramount DVD Premiere and Warner Premiere, those two respective studios' lower-budget made-for-DVD divisions. He has overseen and supervised several dozen movies in the $3-8 million range including BROKEN BRIDGES, SAVE THE LAST DANCE 2, ANOTHER CINDERELLA STORY, SCOOBY DOO! THE MYSTERY BEGINS, LOST BOYS: THE TRIBE, FREE WILLY PIRATES COVE ADVENTURE, SOPHIA GRACE AND ROSIE’S ROYAL ADVENTURE, CINDERELLA STORY IF THE SHOE FITS, MAX 2 and over two dozen others. In addition, he was involved in the creation of the DC UNIVERSE series of animated films and helped put together a WB Anime business for the Japanese market. In his capacity as an executive, he developed and oversaw such theatrical movies as: ROSEWOOD, MYSTERY ALASKA, MY FAVORITE MARTIAN, TAKING LIVES, SAVING SILVERMAN, and HOLES to name a few. He also co-wrote and produced a comedy about poker called THE GRAND, directed by Zak Penn. Most recently, he ran the tv department at DC Comics, overseeing the pilots for SANDMAN and DMZ among others. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
Learn from an executive and producer with over 25 years of experience behind holiday and rom-com films such as A LOUD HOUSE CHRISTMAS, LOVE AT FIRST BARK, LOVE UNDER THE STARS, and more.
Holiday-themed romantic comedies have become a year-round staple for television viewers. It goes beyond Christmas. There’s a holiday event every month and a “rom-com” on countless networks and platforms to celebrate it.
So are you ready to write or produce your feel-good holiday-themed rom-com for audiences worldwide?
In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand webinar, you’ll learn how to write, develop, and produce a holiday rom-com. These films aren’t the same as straight Christmas movies or other romantic comedies. The holiday rom-com is its own genre, and you’ll find out the rules and norms that audiences require and how to break those rules effectively.
You won’t just learn how to write these stories but also who the buyers are how and how to produce them. You will cover the budget ranges, how to generate the budget, how to monetize your film, and what you need to sell your film.
It’s no longer just Hallmark telling these audience-favorite stories. Now, they’re being shown on networks and streaming platforms across the spectrum, giving you more opportunities than ever to get your project made.
Your teacher is Matt Bierman, a studio executive and producer with over 25 years of experience. Matt has previously worked as an executive at Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more. He has also developed and produced movies for Hallmark and Nickelodeon.
Matt has vast experience making low-budget holiday films and romantic comedies, including A LOUD HOUSE CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS WITH THE DARLINGS, LOVE AT FIRST BARK, LOVE UNDER THE STARS, and more.
You’ll learn all about this hugely popular genre as Matt shares his vast knowledge and experience with you so you can discover how to jump into this in-demand genre by writing and producing your own movie today.
Praise for Matt's Talent & Knowledge:
“Matt Bierman is one of the best movie execs and producers that I have worked with” – Brian Levant, director of Jingle All The Way, A Christmas Story 2
"This lab was one of the best educational experiences I have ever experienced. I feel so confident in my work after getting guidance from Matt. Thank you, Stage 32!" -- Rebecca M.
"Matt Bierman knows his stuff! I highly recommend taking any course he is teaching." -- Marcus E.
What You'll Learn
KEY ELEMENTS OF A HOLIDAY ROM-COM
- What is a holiday rom-com
- The Audience
- What is the audience looking for from these movies? the key takeaway
- The key elements of this genre
- The basic structure of all holiday rom-coms
- Rules to follow for a successful holiday rom-com
- Christmas themes dominate. Why?
- The ingredients for success
WHO ARE THE BUYERS OF THESE MOVIES?
- Who is looking for holiday rom-coms
- What are they looking for
- Are they buying scripts or from pitches?
- How important is the package or IP?
- Are there international audiences and buyers for these movies?
THE ECONOMICS OF THE HOLIDAY ROM-COM
- The typical budget range
- Tips on writing to this budget
- Understanding both expensive and affordable script elements
- The timing of shooting your movie
- Oh, Canada! Why are so many of these movies shot in Canada?
- The advantages and disadvantages of shooting in Canada
CHRISTMAS IS THE BIG DOG BUT….
- The ‘Other Holidays’ and their need for rom-coms
- Understanding the romcom seasons
- The economic advantages to other holidays
CAN I MAKE A LIVING SPECIALIZING IN THESE MOVIES
- Success stories
- Specializing in a specific genre
Q&A with Matt
*While you will not be able to ask Matt a question in this previously recorded on-demand webinar, we highly encourage you to watch the Q&A session to learn more from Matt as he answers questions from other students.
About Your Instructor
Matt Bierman
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?
Other education that may be of interest to you:
How You Can Write and Produce a Romantic Comedy Movie That Sells
Learn the most effective strategies on how to write and produce a romantic comedy feature from Matt Bierman, a producer and executive who has worked at Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more! In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand webinar, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating a successful romantic comedy. This is your chance to learn how to craft a winning story, identify target buyers, and explore budgeting and monetization strategies to make your film a success. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this webinar is a must-attend for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of romantic comedies. Your Stage 32 Educator is Matt Bierman, a studio executive and producer who has previously worked as an executive at Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more. Matt is an expert in the field of romantic comedies having produced Christmas With the Darlings, Love at First Bark, Love Under the Stars, Memories of Christmas, and more. Under Matt's guidance, you will learn how to map out your unique idea using his proven tactics and techniques. Matt will cover how to develop, write and produce a successful rom-com you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the key elements that make for a successful film. You will cover the complete gambit of what makes a successful romantic comedy: understanding your audience, exploring the various sub-genres of this feature type and discussing rom-com script structure. You will also get key tips on current market trends and needs, valuable insight into who the buyers of such features are and what they are looking for and Matt will also walk you through the economics of romantic comedies including physical production considerations. Don't miss out on your chance to learn how to create and produce your romantic comedy feature! Praise for Matt's Talent & Knowledge: “Matt Bierman is one of the best movie execs and producers that I have worked with” – Brian Levant, Director of Jingle All The Way, A Christmas Story 2 "This lab was one of the best educational experiences I have ever experienced. I feel so confident in my work after getting guidance from Matt. Thank you, Stage 32!" -- Rebecca M. "Matt Bierman knows his stuff! I highly recommend taking any course he is teaching." -- Marcus E.
Stage 32 8-Part Lab: Create All The Tools You Need To Sell Your Holiday Romantic Comedy
Only 2 Spots Still Available In This Lab - Grab Your Spot Now Create all of the elements that you need to pitch and sell your holiday romantic comedy feature film in 8 weeks with a Warner Bros., Paramount, Disney executive and producer who has made television movies with Hallmark and Nickelodeon including A LOUD HOUSE CHRISTMAS and CHRISTMAS WITH THE DARLINGS! ***Flexible Learning: if you cannot attend any of the sessions live don't worry - you will be sent the links to the recordings of each session within 48 hours of the live session and have access to Matt on email to ask him any questions so you can keep up at your own pace and schedule.*** Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details The holiday season will be here before you know it and audiences will be clamoring for new lighthearted television holiday romantic comedies to enjoy with the ones they love. With these movies in such high demand on networks like NBC, Hallmark and Lifetime and streamers like Netflix and Paramount+, it’s never been a better time to create and sell your own holiday romantic comedy. In this exclusive interactive 8-session Stage 32 lab, you’ll get hands-on guidance to bring your fantastic idea to life from concept to treatment, one-sheet and pitch that you can sell, all while being mentored by an industry veteran and holiday romantic comedy producer. You’ll learn who the TV and streaming buyers are for holiday romcom films, why you need a one-sheet and a treatment to meet with them to pitch your idea, what story elements they’re looking for, and how you can approach them with confidence. Guiding you through the entire process is Matt Bierman, a studio executive and producer with over 25 years of experience. Matt has previously worked as an executive at Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more. He also developed and produced movies for Hallmark and Nickelodeon. Matt has vast experience making holiday films and romantic comedies for television, including A LOUD HOUSE CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS WITH THE DARLINGS, LOVE AT FIRST BARK, LOVE UNDER THE STARS, and more. And he will be using his work as case studies throughout the lab. Matt is only accepting 9 more people in his lab to make sure everyone's project get focused attention. You’ll learn in an online classroom setting, where students are encouraged to troubleshoot their ideas and give notes on each others’ work. You’ll also have assignments after every session to guarantee that you’re always progressing toward the completed materials you will need. You’ll also have TWO one-on-one consultations with Matt during the lab to go through the revisions you’ve made and receive feedback on your work, with notes on how to make it even better and where you should consider pitching it. You’ll walk away from this lab with all the materials you will need to successfully pitch your holiday romantic comedy feature film - including your logline, one-sheet, and pitch - which have been developed with the mentorship of an industry vet and you'll know who to pitch and how to approach them. If you’re passionate about bringing your holiday romcoms to television, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to work with and learn from Matt, and take your ideas to the next level. Praise for Matt's Talent & Knowledge: “Matt Bierman is one of the best movie execs and producers that I have worked with” -- Brian Levant, director of Jingle All The Way, A Christmas Story 2 "This lab was one of the best educational experiences I have ever experienced. I feel so confident in my work after getting guidance from Matt. Thank you, Stage 32!" -- Rebecca M. "Matt Bierman knows his stuff! I highly recommend taking any course he is teaching." -- Marcus E.
From Script to Set: Getting Ready For Your 1st Day on Set
The script is finally ready…now, how do you prepare for your first day on set? There are a lot of factors that go into preparing for your film shoot. We’ve brought in producer, Samm Haillay, to talk about the process from script to set. Samm is an eight-time feature film producer, whose films have premiered at Cannes, Venice, Sundance, SXSW and who’s film Island of the Hungry Ghosts won best Feature documentary at 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. He’ll be going over everything from schedule, budget, casting, locations and more to get you prepared for day one. He’ll be sharing his decades of experience and helping you avoid common mistakes made, as you get ready to shoot your film.
Stage 32 6-Part Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Multi-Cam Comedy Pilot Script In 6 Weeks
Write the pilot script for your multi-cam comedy television series with expert guidance from a TV writer who has worked on multi-cam shows for Disney, Netflix, Freeform and other networks. ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT! ***Flexible Learning: if you cannot attend any of the sessions live don't worry - you will be sent the links to the recordings of each session within 48 hours of the live session and you will have direct access to Eric on email to ask him any questions so you can keep up at your own pace and schedule.*** Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details From CHEERS, SEINFELD, and FRIENDS to EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, BIG BANG THEORY, FULL HOUSE, and FULLER HOUSE, so many of the mega-hit shows that we all know and love are multi-cam comedy formats. In 2023, multi-cam sitcoms are everywhere, with shows like LOPEZ VS LOPEZ, THE CONNERS, NIGHT COURT, THE NEIGHBORHOOD and THAT 90'S SHOW all anchoring program schedules for their respective networks/streamers. There will always be a robust market for easy to produce, laugh-out-loud comedies, which means writing your own multi-cam pilot will greatly increase your staffing and development opportunities. In this exclusive Stage 32 6-part screenwriting lab, you will work one-on-one with a veteran multi-cam comedy writer to write your very own pilot episode for your multi-cam series. You will not only write your pilot episode but you will learn the fundamentals of writing a multi-cam series and how to create a successful series that can go on for multiple seasons. Guiding you step-by-step through writing your very own multi-cam pilot is Eric Zimmerman, a working TV writer for 14 years, including writing on all 100 episodes of Freeform’s multi-cam hit BABY DADDY. Eric most recently served as a Co-Executive Producer on Disney’s multi-cam SYDNEY TO THE MAX. He has also sold several multi-cam projects to Disney and Netflix, as well as worked on multi-cam network pilots. But most importantly, Eric wasn’t always a multi-cam writer. He got his start writing on single camera and animated series, including the Emmy-nominated DAN VS. But once he started writing multi-cams, he quickly fell in love with the genre. Over six interactive sessions, Eric will break down the creative process of developing your multi-cam comedy series, covering all the crucial topics that will get you from your original concept to delivering a draft of your own multi-cam pilot. Plus! you will have direct access to Eric on email to ask him any questions about your craft or your career. Most kids and family sitcoms are multi-cams, which in many cases represent the easiest path to getting that ever elusive first writing job. In a world where writing staffs and episode orders are shrinking and opportunities for writers to go to set and gain valuable producing experience are becoming less and less the norm, multi-cam television is one of the few genres where the traditional job of a TV writer/producer still exists. By the end of screenwriting lab, you will have a completed draft of your multi-cam pilot script in hand that has been vetted by an industry professional and that will serve as an effective writing sample to help you find a rep, get staffed on a TV show or successfully sell as a spec! "I am thrilled to be part of this vibrant stage 32 community! I have every confidence that my multi-cam interactive lab will prove more valuable to your life than food, water, and perhaps even air." - Eric Zimmerman
The Importance of Recoupment Schedules for Your Film or TV Project and How to Put One Together
Producers and filmmakers of independent films and TV series deal with a multitude of parties regarding the production, financing and distribution of their films and projects. Many of these parties have a financial interest in the project and are entitled to a share of the revenues generated by domestic and international distribution of the film or series. In order to make the allocation and distribution of revenues manageable, it is important to design a recoupment schedule for your project. The recoupment schedule, also called “the waterfall”, combines all the single deal terms negotiated between the production and investors, financiers, talent, sales agents, co-producers, and service producers. Each project is unique, with its very own financing structure for example, and therefore there is no universal format for a recoupment schedule. However, there are certain guidelines to consider when putting together a recoupment schedule for your project. Understanding these guidelines will not only assure that there is no financial shadiness going on behind the scenes and no surprise lawsuits hanging out in the horizon. It also means that everyone who needs to get paid does get paid...and on time. And that can only raise your stature as someone who can deliver the goods and as a person people want to work with again and again. David Zannoni is consultant for Fintage House, the world's most respected company for revenue and rights protection for industry professionals and companies, and is the company's representative for the Americas. David negotiates agreements for films and television series, and he is involved in business development and relationship management specifically in the US, Latin America and Spain. David also runs a consultancy business through Xaman Ha Consulting and Zannoni Media Advisors, and has been focusing particularly on international service providers in the film and TV industries, and film and TV productions in Latin America, amongst others. As a film business specialist 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, Spain, and all over Latin America. David will explain in easy to understand detail the world of recoupment schedules and why they are so important to your film or project. In an in depth, interactive presentation, David will discuss sources and allocation of film and TV revenues, the purpose of a recoupment schedule, the entitlements and obligations that are payable out of revenues, and the order and priority of payment for film and TV entitlements. He will discuss various territories around the world including distribution rights and assignments. He will show you which kind of projects use a recoupment schedule and the importance of a recoupment schedule as it relates to securing financing and attaching production partners. David will take away all the guess work that goes into the world of waterfalls/recoupment schedules and simplify the entire process to assure everyone on your team is taken care of and given the sense of security they (and you) deserve! PRAISE FOR DAIVD'S TEACHINGS: "I went into this one expecting it to be dry as a bone in the sun. I was so wrong. 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.
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Film Pre-Production Guide
Pre-production is the most important time for filmmakers. How you plan and the crucial decisions you make will determine the success of your production and ultimately, your film. No matter what experience level you are at, pre-production can quickly become an overwhelming process. To make the most of this valuable time to prep you'll want to take it step by step to ensure no loose ends come back to derail you while you're on set. Whether you're filming a project for $1 million or a $1,000, pre-production is the foundation to make sure your production goes smoothly. If you're making a digital series, as short or a feature length film it's imperative that you have a clear understanding of your cast and crew and their roles. You need to understand the key hires you need and the obstacles you may face as a filmmaker before you you can ever put together your call sheet for day one. Rachel Crouch will use her experience as the Director of Development from Cold Iron Pictures to help ensure your pre-production process runs smoothly. Rachel has worked on $1M+ films such as Swiss Army Man, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Don't Think Twice, Time out of Mind, I Do...Until I Don't (among many more!), and in her off time has produced a digital series in the $1k+ range. Through each of these projects Rachel has learned the highs and lows filmmakers face during pre-production. You will learn the key department heads to hire, how to meet with them to ensure your budget, shooting days, schedule and casting go smoothly. You'll know what to do for your location scout and how to put all the pieces together and avoid any obstacles. You'll get the all important list of resources to help you through pre-production and a checklist to make sure that you've thought through everything. And, as a bonus, Rachel will take you behind the scenes of pre-production on Swiss Army Man, Don't Think Twice and the digital series she produced to give you a real life look at how, with the right planning, these projects got started on the right foot. This is the ultimate guide for you to plan your pre-production, no matter your budget! PRAISE FOR RACHEL'S TEACHINGS: "Rachel is so knowledgable and approachable about pre-production. You can tell she's seen it all on her productions. The checklists and resources are extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us Rachel!" -Tony P.
Register / Log In
