On Demand Webinar - Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.
On Demand Webinar - Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.
Nicholas Levis is a highly sought-after producer known for his hands-on, think-outside-the-box producing style. He has produced content in 30 states and 10 nations. He is frequently called upon by creative powerhouses who know his track record of giving life to even the most complex scripts because of his in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the production process and close industry relationships. Nicholas’s notable career highlights include the highly regarded DNC Hillary Clinton biography he produced for Shonda Rhimes and EUE Screen Gems as well as his SXSW-winning documentary Darkon which is currently being developed into a scripted series. His recent film producer credits include Who Is Christmas Eve? for the Bounce Network and Lionsgate film, Dreamkatcher, starring Lin Shaye, Radha Mitchell, and Henry Thomas. Additional recent globally distributed films include High Strung and High Strung Free Dance, directed by Michael Damian and starring Jane Seymour and Thomas Doherty. Nicholas Levis is the founder and CEO of BrandCinema, a content development and production company for film, television, and digital content. Full Bio »
Streamers have committed an incredible amount of money into creating original content – in 2022 alone Netflix committed to $19 billion and Disney a staggering $34 billion. Plus, with production offices popping up around the world – Netflix expanding into Poland and Italy and Disney having a UK outpost - international filmmaking and television making show no signs of slowing down.
In order to meet this demand, more and more streamers are producing local language content and they must find producers to partner with to continue to produce at scale all over the globe. So why do they need producers and how can you work with them?
To take you through the process is Nicholas Levis, who is an international producer that has worked in 30 states and 10 nations, primarily for streaming platforms including Netflix and studios like Lionsgate.
In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, you will learn that working with the streamers brings a new set of expectations, rules, deliverables and workflow. We will explore those differences and expectations so you can be prepared when your opportunity arises. The skills of being a good producer are rather standard, but once you begin producing for a streamer, it is key you understand how that changes your role as a producer, what the expectations are, and how to most efficiently work with them to truly impress and hopefully get the next job.
You will walk away from this webinar with the first hand knowledge that you will need to succeed in this ever changing world of global television and film!
PLUS! You’ll receive:
Praise for Nicholas' previous webinars:
"As a mentor at heart, the opportunity to be engaged by this amazing global community at Stage32 makes my teaching webinar sessions feel like I'm learning..." -- Nicholas Levis
"Very genuine educator who obviously knows his stuff. Lots of details to be aware of when making your decisions on filming locations and post - each project is unique - so it's not a standard set of answers." - Susan S.
"Nicholas gave me life-changing information! My out of state project questions were easily figured out." - Sarah B.
"Such insightful knowledge, tips and tricks of the trade and he made it easy to understand!" - Tom T.
Working With A Streamer
Why They Need Partnerships
What A Producer Can Expect
Producer Responsibilities Specific To Streamers
Making The Show/Movie
Q&A With Nicholas
Nicholas Levis
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One of the most crucial decisions you can make as an independent producer is also one of the first: should you produce your project working with the unions or should you shoot non-union? Cast and crew from unions can help with packaging your film and ensure different department needs are met. At the same time, when you’re trying to keep your budget low, shooting non-union is the smart choice for your production. The trick is to choose the path that is best for you and your project, and this exclusive Stage 32 webinar will walk you through the pros and cons of both options, and even show you some tips and tricks you didn’t know before. Guiding you is Nicholas Levis, a highly sought-after producer, and the founder and CEO of BrandCinema. Nicholas is known for his think-outside-the-box producing style. He has produced content in 30 states and 10 nations and is regarded for his in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the production process and close industry relationships. His recent film producing credits include WHO IS CHRISTMAS EVE? for the Bounce Network and DREAMKATCHER for Lionsgate, starring Lin Shaye, Radha Mitchell, and Henry Thomas. He also recently produced the globally distributed films HIGH STRUNG and HIGH STRUNG REE DANCE, directed by Michael Damian and starring Jane Seymour and Thomas Doherty. Nicholas will draw on his years of industry experience to show you how your budget and vision will impact your choices, the key factors to consider, and ultimately, how to embrace the best choice for your project. Even if you already know which path is for you, this webinar will go deeper and show you every aspect you need to know, like mistakes to avoid when approaching unions, how tiers affect unions and fees, and more. You’ll walk away from this webinar understanding the many different unions, how to communicate with them, and what it takes to work without them. This decision impacts every step of your production. Don’t miss out on your chance to learn this vital information so you can make the best choices on all your productions. Praise for Nicholas' previous webinars: "Very genuine educator who obviously knows his stuff. Lots of details to be aware of when making your decisions on filming locations and post - each project is unique - so it's not a standard set of answers." - Susan S. "Nicholas gave me life-changing information! My out of state project questions were easily figured out." - Sara B. "Such insightful knowledge, tips and tricks of the trade and he made it easy to understand!" - Tom T. "As a mentor at heart, the opportunity to be engaged by this amazing global community at Stage32 makes my teaching webinar sessions feel like I'm learning..." -- Nicholas Levis
Join the CEO of BrandCinema and producer of multiple feature films to discover how to identify and access tax incentives that can help finance your film. Plus! Receive 10 exclusive handouts, including a tax incentive resource sheet, to help you find those incentives. Let's face it... making a movie can be expensive. The prep, development, production, and post-production costs add up quickly, and the need for more money is real at all budget levels. But production is also big business and state governments around the country have programs that give productions money to incentive them to shoot in their state and employ their residents. You can take some of the pressure off of your budget and investors by using state tax incentives and rebates in specific locations to help finance your film. In this exclusive on-demand Stage 32 webinar, you'll learn what kinds of tax incentives are available to you in the United States and all of the ways you can utilize them to finance and produce your film. Why do states give out what level of tax credit? How do we access them? This webinar will explain it all and help you take that aggressive first step in using these resources to make your indie feature. Having worked in various states that offer film incentives, your instructor, Nicholas Levis, shows you how this opportunity is essential for you, your investors and your distributor. That money can make the difference in your project happening or your investors getting a return on their investment. That means the difference in getting your movie made. These tax incentives do, however, come with challenges. You'll see the stringent guidelines by using examples from certain territories. We will explore the legal and accounting obligations required to stay in compliance. The tax incentive is one of the assumed standards in the entertainment business, so don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to reach those key government officials who want your movie in their state. Nicholas Levis is a highly sought-after producer and the founder and CEO of BrandCinema. He's well-known for his think-outside-the-box producing style, having produced content across the country in 30 states utilizing the incentives discussed in this webinar. His recent film credits include WHO IS CHRISTMAS EVE? for the Bounce Network and DREAMKATCHER for Lionsgate, starring Lin Shaye, Radha Mitchell, and Henry Thomas. He also recently produced the globally distributed films HIGH STRUNG and HIGH STRUNG REE DANCE, directed by Michael Damian and starring Jane Seymour and Thomas Doherty. Not only will you walk away from this webinar knowing how to use these great sources of financing for your film, but you'll also receive exclusive access to the resources below to find tax incentives available to you: Entertainment Partners - New Jersey Incentive Overview Entertainment Partners - North Carolina Incentive Overview Entertainment Partners - Georgia Incentive Overview Media Services Production Incentives Comparison Tool Georgia Incentive Map New Jersey Incentive Map North Carolina Incentive Map NYC Budget Stage 32 Filmmaker Magazine Beyond The Basics Of Tax Incentives Tax Incentive Resource Sheet Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from Nicholas and discover how the pros utilize what's available to everyone to get every dime available to produce their films. "As a mentor at heart, the opportunity to be engaged by this amazing global community at Stage32 makes my teaching webinar sessions feel like I'm learning..." -- Nicholas Levis
In Stage 32's continued effort to democratize the industry, we have partnered with Female Voices Rock for another thrilling virtual event to shine the light on women in the entertainment industry. On March 8, International Women's Day, some of the industry's female leaders came together to host an inspiring webcast celebrating women in entertainment. The panel features four powerhouse female voices of entertainment, including: Robyn Watson - VP of Corporate Comms, Gannett & Board President of Women in Film & Television, Atlanta (WIFTA) Kimberley Browning - Catalyst Content Festival, Head of Programming Amanda Toney - Stage 32, Managing Director Catherine Delaloye - Female Voices Rock, Founder & Executive Director Please note: This panel will be hosted on Zoom Webinar and you will receive your link to log in the morning of the panel.
Art/Work Manager Spencer Robinson will discuss the differences between managers and agents, how to grab a manager's attention, working with a manager and what he currently is seeing in the industry.
A year ago, you might not have believed that one of the biggest limited series phenomena of 2020—or ever—was an intimate story about an orphan chess prodigy battling addiction. Yet here we are. The long-time passion project from Allan Scott started in 1989 when he optioned the rights to Walter Trevis' novel THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT. Now, over 30 years, 9 rewrites and countless directors to get the project off the ground later it is the model of perseverance and inspiration to storytellers worldwide. Scott teamed up with Oscar-nominated writer Scott Frank (OUT OF SIGHT, MINORITY REPORT, LOGAN) and THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT was released on October 23, 2020 and quickly became Netflix's most popular scripted limited-series ever. It was watched by a staggering 62 million households in the first 28 days of release and won 15 awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Television Limited Series. But no one has broken down exactly what makes the series such a critical and commercial success...until now. In an exclusive Stage 32 Script Breakdown Webcast our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, will break down the first episode of the series live using excerpts of the book and the teleplay, as well as clips from the episode. Jason Mirch is a feature film, television, branded entertainment, and digital content producer and executive with over 15 years in the industry. Most recently, he produced a 3D animated feature film starring Jacob Tremblay, Christopher Lloyd, Mel Brooks, Kenan Thompson, and Carol Kane. Mirch was the Head of feature and television development at Image Nation, a finance and production company based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. There, he supervised the Image Nation contributions in the development of FLIGHT, THE HELP, THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, CONTAGION and more. Prior to his work at Image Nation, Mirch was Co-Head of Development at Zadan/Meron Productions (CHICAGO, FOOTLOOSE, THE BUCKET LIST) where he was actively involved in developing a slate of feature film projects for New Line, Paramount, Summit Ent., and CBS/Paramount. He also developed and sold television projects and mini-series to CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, and Lifetime. During this FREE Stage 32 Next Level Webcast Jason will take you step by step as he examines the four key elements that make up the protagonist's character, how the opening sequence is designed to hook the audience, how theme and tone are exhibited in the text and on screen, how this first episode lays the foundation for the arc of the entire series, and much more! Plus, everyone who registers for the webinar will receive a copy of the pilot script of THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT to study!
One of the biggest challenges you’ll face as a creative is finding financiers and raising funds for your film. You may have a great script, a great cast and crew, but at the end of the day no money means no project. It seems like everywhere you turn these days there are thousands of films getting made, so where are all these filmmakers finding their financing? And what makes these projects so special and attractive that financiers are ready, willing and able to write a big check? The answers are simpler than you think. The key that separates a successful producer, filmmaker, director or actor or screenwriter looking to control their own content from those still struggling is the ability to raise and close the money necessary to make the project a reality. For many, the belief is that a great script is all you need to attract investors. Although story is still king, it's not the only factor that goes into a financier separating your project from all others that are presented to him or her. To set yourself up requires work, research, and a targeted plan of attack. It requires a full understanding of the financial prospects of your project, the marketplace, and potential distribution and recoupment strategies. And most of all, and this may surprise some people, it requires you to be personable, collaborative, and to have an ability to listen and adjust where necessary. Tom Malloy has raised over $25M in funding for films. He co-owns the distribution/foreign sales company Glass House Distribution, and two production companies - Trick Candle Productions and Blood House Productions. Over the years Tom has produced almost two dozen feature films and has worked with Dakota and Elle Fanning, Elisabeth Moss, Amy Smart, Billy Zane, Eliza Dushku and many more. Throughout all these projects he's mastered the art of raising capital to greenlight a project. And, he's going to share with you how you can find money for your own project! In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand webinar, Tom focuses in on how to identify, attract and sell investors who are a fit for your project. He'll introduce the HNI (High Net Worth Individual) and how you can find and approach them. You will learn how to tailor and perfect your financing pitch so that it's personal, professional and stands out from the pack, and learn to be prepared for any responses, feedback, or kickback you might receive. As important, you'll learn the three mistakes commonly made when approaching and pitching an investor. Tom will show you how to research investors, and give you an actual list-making technique that works. Then, once you have your plan, he'll teach you how to get and win meetings. He'll teach you which markets are worth attending and how to put a plan of attack in place once you get there. Finally, Tom will teach you 5 tips on how to close your investor. This is proven advice from someone who has a track record of over a decade being successful and finding financing. Praise For Tom's Teaching "Solid gold Tom! Thanks for all the handy tips to put into place. You made the process seem so much easier to find people to actually invest in my film!" -- Steven R. "I have a tremendous amount of confidence in the projects I put in front of investors. What I've learned is I don't have the right strategy or message to make them understand why I have such confidence. This webinar changed all that for me. I realize now that I had much of it backwards and was missing many key components that made my pitch, and frankly, my follow up methods lacking. I'm grateful." David W.