Producing 101
Hosted by Sam Sokolow
N/A
We're in the process of converting this LIVE webinar into the video for on-demand viewing. Please come back soon.
Registration
ON-DEMAND COMING SOON!
This webinar had a live screening session recently and has not yet been converted into a video format.
Projects:
Hosted by Sam Sokolow
N/A
We're in the process of converting this LIVE webinar into the video for on-demand viewing. Please come back soon.
Webinar hosted by: Sam Sokolow
2-Time Emmy Nominated Producer (Nat Geo's GENIUS series)
Sam Sokolow is a two-time Emmy-nominated producer, perhaps best known for his work in developing and producing the Emmy nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+, one of the first prestige limited series to find a wide audience. In his career, Sam has executive produced 18 original TV series and set up dozens of television and film projects at major studios and distributors in Hollywood and is well-versed at finding success developing, pitching, and selling his projects. Previously, he co-wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning independent feature film THE DEFINITE MAYBE, starring Josh Lucas, Roy Scheider, and Bob Balaban. Sam is currently the Head of Education at Stage 32. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
Learn the essential fundamentals of producing from the 2-time Emmy-nominated producer of GENIUS: MLK/X, which premieres on Nat Geo and Disney+ on February 1st, 2024.
PLUS! You’ll receive the pilot script to Sam’s Emmy-winning series GENIUS: EINSTEIN, a shopping agreement template and an option/purchase agreement template to use on your own projects.
The entertainment business is built around content. Movies, TV series and digital content are all pieces of entertainment that are "produced" and while technology continues to evolve in so many ways the fundamental process of producing has remained largely the same - meaning you can learn it. Stage 32 is here now to teach that process to you.
No matter what you choose to do in the entertainment business, having a basic understanding of producing is invaluable. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn the basic principles and processes of producing from start to finish. We will delve into the entire process including creative development, talent packaging, budgeting, scheduling, physical production, post-production and final delivery.
Teaching you everything you need to know to become a successful producer is Sam Sokolow, a 2-time Emmy nominated executive producer and Stage 32 Director of Education. Sam has put almost 20 original shows on television, including the 20-time Emmy-nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+. The fourth season of GENIUS – GENIUS: MLK/X – will premiere on February 1, 2024. Sam is currently in development on several films and television series based on real people or true events from history.
Over 90 information-packed minutes, you will learn the art and business of producing, an invaluable skill, which is critical for those who want to create or be a part of making movies, TV shows, and digital content. You will walk away from this webinar with a comprehensive understanding of producing, which will empower you to navigate the challenges and contribute effectively to the creation of compelling content in the entertainment industry.
Whether you’re a veteran producer or looking to make your first project, this webinar is a must!
PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you become a better Producer.. Downloads include:
- The pilot script to Sam’s Emmy-winning series GENIUS: EINSTEIN
- A shopping agreement template
- An option/purchase agreement template
Praise For Sam's Teaching on Stage 32
"I'm so glad I got to work with Sam. His knowledge is very evident in his teaching and I'm better for it! After taking this course, I feel much more confident in pitching." -- Carolyn R.
"There's a lot of info I learned here that I had no idea I didn't know. The pitch can really sink or swim your project, so I can't express the importance of learning this material enough!" -- Amanda H.
What You'll Learn
- Development
- How to choose the right projects for you to produce.
- Intellectual Property rights, options and purchases
- Fundamentals of story development and its impact on the production process
- Balancing creative vision with practical production considerations
- Talent packaging
- Understanding the role of physical production
- Importance of physical production in the content creation process
- Overview of the symbiotic relationship between content creation and other aspects of the industry
- The Entire Production Process
- Pre-Production Phase:
- Budgeting essentials for film and television projects
- Creating effective production schedules
- Securing necessary resources and personnel
- Production Phase:
- Execution strategies for a smooth production
- Managing on-set challenges and problem-solving
- Collaboration and communication within the production team
- Post-Production Phase:
-
- Overview of post-production processes
- Importance of editing, sound design, and visual effects
- Delivering a finished product to a distributor
- Case Studies and Practical Insights
- Examining real-world examples of successful productions
- Learning from challenges and successes in the industry
- Practical insights and tips to be the most effective producer
Q&A with Sam Sokolow
About Your Instructor
Sam Sokolow
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 To Develop The Story Of An Iconic Person From History For Film Or Television
Learn how to develop iconic characters from history for the screen from Sam Sokolow, an executive producer of GENIUS: MLK/X, GENIUS: ARETHA, GENIUS: PICASSO & GENIUS: EINSTEIN on Nat Geo/Disney+! PLUS! You'll receive a copy of the GENIUS: EINSTEIN television pilot script and the ALI feature film screenplay! There have always been films and television shows about the great iconic figures in history - from movies such as SCHINDLER'S LIST and ALI to TV series like THE CROWN and GEORGE & TAMMY. Do you have an idea to tell the story of an iconic person from history? Someone whose name has lived on through time or their accomplishments resonated and changed lives or, perhaps, both? Telling the story of an icon from history can be more challenging than telling almost any contemporary story. Often times their accomplishments put them on a cultural pedestal. It’s more expensive to go back in time on-screen. Distributors crave younger audiences who may not care about a certain person from history. And creatively, how do you truly decipher if your character’s life story can effectively fill a 2-hour movie or a 10-hour series? And then, if everything points to a worthy endeavor, what specific legal rights might you need to tell the person’s story that you want to tell? Stage 32 is here to answer all of these questions and more. Taking you through this professional-level training is Sam Sokolow, a 2-time Emmy nominated executive producer with a focus on historical drama. Sam has put almost 20 original shows on television, including the 20-time Emmy-nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel and Disney+. The fourth season of GENIUS – GENIUS: MLK/X – will premier in the Fall of 2023. He is currently in development on several films and television series based on real people or true events from history. During this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn how to determine if an iconic person from history’s story has a high or low probability of becoming a film or TV series and why. You will discuss how to best develop a dynamic and engaging story for the screen based on an iconic character in history. You will delve into how to best create an on-screen version of your iconic person that an A-List actor would want to play, which is usually a key component of getting a green light for a historical film or TV show. And so much more. Developing the story of an iconic person from history has the advantage of audience awareness in many cases but there are real challenges and creative questions that need to be answered and addressed early on for your project to have the best chance at success. You will be given the tools to make the most informed decisions on whose story to develop and why, how best to develop that person’s story and how to position your project for success. PLUS! Sam will provide you with the pilot script from his series GENIUS: EINSTEIN and the feature film screenplay from Michael Mann's Muhammad Ali biopic ALI. If you are considering telling the story of an iconic character from history for the screen, or if you are already in development on a project about an iconic character from history and need to figure out how best to tell their story for commercial success, then this webinar is a must! Praise For Sam's Teaching on Stage 32 "I'm so glad I got to work with Sam. His knowledge is very evident in his teaching and I'm better for it! After taking this course, I feel much more confident in pitching." -- Carolyn R. "There's a lot of info I learned here that I had no idea I didn't know. The pitch can really sink or swim your project, so I can't express the importance of learning this material enough!" -- Amanda H.
How To Develop, Package, Pitch and Sell Your Limited Series To A Streamer or Network
This Class Has A 100% Satisfaction Rating! Learn from the 2-Time Emmy Award Nominated Executive Producer of the Emmy Award Winning Series GENIUS If you have your own idea for a limited series, there’s no better time than now to get it in front of executives and decision-makers looking for this engaging television. Over the last several years, the limited series has become one of the most exciting, competitive, and acclaimed formats in the entertainment industry. Limited series like Hulu’s DOPESICK, Paramount+’s THE OFFER, Hulu's PAM & TOMMY, Netflix’s THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT, Amazon’s UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, and HBO’s CHERNOBYL have become global phenomena and greatly boosted the careers of the creatives behind them. It’s no surprise that buyers and big names on all sides of the camera are hungry for binge-worthy event programming like these limited series and are looking for the next hit to make. So how do you know if you have a winning idea? How do you develop your material and package it together to attract a buyer? What steps can you take that can increase the probability of a sale or production order? Two-time Emmy-nominated producer Sam Sokolow will show you all of this and more. Sam is best known for his work in developing and producing the Emmy-winning limited series GENIUS for NatGeo/Disney+, one of the first prestige limited series to find a wide audience. Over his career, Sam has executive produced 18 original TV series and set up dozens of television and film projects at major studios and distributors in Hollywood and is well-versed at finding success developing, pitching, and selling his projects. Exclusively for Stage 32 in this in-depth 4-session on-demand class, Sam will teach you how to develop, pitch, and sell limited series to a streamer or network by first learning how to identify source material, packaging talent into your project, and identifying the buyers. He’ll review the pilot script for GENIUS: EINSTEIN to highlight what makes a world-class limited series pilot work. He’ll also show you how to build the pitch, approach the buyers, and even share what the deals look like. PLUS! Sam will show you: The GENIUS pilot script A pitch deck he used for a limited series he worked on, so you can see how he put all the pieces together to ultimately pitch and sell the project. You don’t want to miss out on this class!
How to Develop, Pitch and Sell Your Limited Series to a Network or Streamer - Includes a Pitch Document Case Study
The producer of NatGeo's limited series GENIUS will teach you how you can get your own limited series off the ground. Includes a case study of a pitch document that helped sell a limited series. Over the last several years, the limited series has become one of the most exciting, competitive, and acclaimed formats in the entertainment industry. Series like PAINKILLER, THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT, CHERNOBYL, and DAISY JONES & THE SIX have become global phenomena and greatly boosted the careers of the creatives behind them. It’s no surprise that buyers and big names on all sides of the camera are hungry for binge-worthy event programming like these limited series and are looking for the next hit to make. If you have your own idea for a limited series, there’s no better time than now to get it in front of executives and decisionmakers looking for this content. But how does one develop the material and package it together to increase the probability of a sale or production order? Sam Sokolow is a two-time Emmy-nominated producer, perhaps best known for his work in developing and producing the Emmy nominated limited series GENIUS for National Geographic Channel, one of the first prestige limited series to find a wide audience. The 4th season of GENIUS - GENIUS MLK/X, which depicts the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X - premieres on Nat Geo on February 1st 2024 and drops on Disney+ and Hulu the next day. Over his career, Sam has executive produced 19 original TV series and set up dozens of television and film projects at major studio and distributors in Hollywood and is well-versed at finding success developing, pitching, and selling his projects. Exclusively for Stage 32, Sam will teach you how to develop, pitch, and sell limited series to a streamer or network by first learning how to identify source material, packaging talent into your project, and identifying the buyers. He’ll also show you how to build the pitch, approach the buyers, and even share what the deals look like. Sam will even share examples of the emails and finders fees he used to package his projects. Plus! Sam will walk you through a real pitch deck he used for a limited series he worked on, so you can see how he put all the pieces together to ultimately pitch and sell the project. You won’t want to miss out on this detailed on-demand webinar!
They Said "No" - Why Did They Pass On My Material?
Stage 32 is extremely excited to exclusively present They Said "No" - Why Did They Pass on My Material taught by Dan Wiedenhaupt, former Creative Executive of Atlas Entertainment (WONDER WOMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, SUICIDE SQUAD, AMERICAN HUSTLE, THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY) Many filmmakers and writers look forward to that exciting moment when they get their work in front of executives. Once in front of an executive, it's exhilarating waiting for the decision makers to view a reel, hear a pitch, or read a script. Then, when the call comes and the decision has been made, sometimes it's a "pass" or "no" and the only question left on a filmmaker or writer's mind is "Why?" Why did they pass on my material? Says Dan, "After reading thousands of scripts and hearing hundreds of pitches, I found that there are many common problems and red flags in scripts and presentations that nearly everyone makes - problems which will immediately make me, or another executive, pass on the script or idea. This is something that affects every single director or writer at any stage of the process - whether you're a first-time filmmaker or a Hollywood veteran. I have spent several years working in all aspects of film, television, and commercials - from both a physical production and development angle. I've seen the best of the best and I've seen some of the worst. After this time of cultivating my taste and my thick skin, I'm ready to pay the wisdom forward. I will be brutal, direct and to the point, and hopefully a little funny, pulling back the curtain of the development process." Dan will teach you why you are not receiving the response you are looking for from your film or screenplay pitch and how to fix those issues immediately. He will show you the do's and don'ts related to introductions and openings of a pitch or submission. He will teach you the red flags within your pitch including your story, presentation and personality. He will dive into what execs are looking for, how to assure you're tailoring your pitch to who you're pitching and navigating the "Culture of No" (and giving them a reason to say "Yes".) Dan will even show you examples of pitches he's passed on and pitches that had him begging for more. That's just some of what Dan will tackle, and rest assured, he'll leave you not only with a wealth of actionable information, but a ton of inspiration as well! Please note Dan elected to not to not be on camera, but you will see his full presentation. Dan will explain to you exactly what it looks (and sounds) like from an executive's side of the table. He'll give you the tips and tricks to assure that your film or screenplay pitch is on point and attractive to representation, buyers, producers, financiers and development execs. PRAISE FOR DAN'S TEACHINGS: "There's nothing like learning at the feet of an expert in their field. I was inspired from the beginning to the end!" -Marla O. "There's nothing worse than being rejected. Except now understanding WHY I've been rejected. Thank you, Dan, for making me see the error of my ways and helping me course correct." - Terry G. "Worth 10 times the price. Gold." - Thom P. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but thanks to Dan, I can't wait to pitch. What was pure horror in my mind has now turned to an abundance of hope."- Tasha P.
Stage 32 Development Producing Lab: Get Your Feature Film Project Ready to Go to Market in 2024
At the end of this exclusive lab you will receive a Stage 32 Producing Lab Certificate Get one-on-one mentoring and guidance from an 6-time Independent Spirit nominated & Sundance Special Grand Jury winning producer on how to get your own project made! Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details **This is a private lab - Only 10 spots available - 4 spots remain** In today’s film market independently producing a film is a great way to get your project made. There are thousands of independent films that are developed, made and distributed every year that started from a script. But how? Now, more than ever, the need for a major studio to get your project into production becomes less and less, while more control is put into your own hands. Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, writer or actor, you have the ability to produce and shepherd a film project if you know the right steps to take to get it done. In order to do this, though, you will need to get your project market-ready and make it attractive to co-producers, financiers, actors, directors, distributors and more. Seem like a lot? Don't worry. We're going to give you a mentor to help you get there. And, not just any mentor, but one who has produced nearly 50 independent films and has been nominated as a producer six times by the Independent Spirit Awards, has won the Sundance Special Grand Jury prize and who's films have premiered at Tribeca, SXSW, Toronto and Venice. Her extensive experience has made her intimately familiar with how to successfully get a project off the ground and build a team to get a script financed and made. Ready to take the next step on developing your project? Read on. In this five-session interactive virtual lab (no more than 10 students will be admitted), Aimee will work directly with you in an intimate class setting to help you make your script marketable and put the pieces together to get the film ready to go. This is a private, safe space to develop your projects under the guidance of Aimee. At the end of the 5 sessions you will walk away from the lab with: Your project's logline and synopsis Your list of production partners A draft of your pitch deck A completed verbal pitch of your movie project Plus! Aimee will also provide you exclusive, confidential and helpful documents for you to download and use for your own projects including: Up-to-date list of in-demand writers and directors to reach out to Pitch Deck examples Outreach email templates And, the best part? Aimee will be available on email for you the entire time - even when you are not in class. This is having access to one of the most prolific independent film producers to guide you as you develop your project as a producer. So, what are you waiting for? Grab one of the 10 available spots now! PRAISE FOR AIMEE'S PREVIOUS STAGE 32 LABS: "I really loved Aimee’s lab. She’s such a delight and so full of useful information that pertains to everyone’s individual projects, and she's so encouraging! I highly recommend this class and/or working with Aimee in general. I came out with loads of actionable steps to take my project further." -- Patricia S. "This was truly amazing. Wow. Aimee knows her stuff and was so helpful to me. Can't recommend working with her enough!" -- Sebastian L. "This has been my favorite course I've taken with Stage 32. I got so much guidance from Aimee." -- Meg M.
OK, You Made Your Film, So Now What?
You've put in months, maybe years of effort planning, raising funds and shooting your film. You're incredibly proud of your efforts. Now all that remains is getting the film seen and returning some profits to your investors. But what's the best path? Should you enter festivals? Hire a sales agent? Go for theatrical distribution? Attempt to navigate the streaming and VOD platforms? In short, how do you know what's the best route for your film in 2017? Deciding on how to monetize your project can be very complex. With so many options out there it’s sometimes hard to know what is important and what you can skip. This Stage 32 Next Level Webinar will be your one-stop crash course on how to navigate the marketplace! Your host Bradley Gallo, Chief Creative Officer at Amasia Entertainment (known for The Call, Fear, Inc., Mr. Right, Careful What You Wish For, and the award-winning indie The Road Within) will discuss what options are available for your project once it's complete and help you decide if VOD, theatrical, a festival circuit run or hybrid strategy is best for your film. After giving you the lowdown on options, Bradley will quickly discuss the benefits of each and provide you with a gameplan depending on the path you decide to pursue. Whether you’re selling the film yourself, looking for independent representatives to bring on board, or trying to get into a festival, it’s important to know the steps involved in selling a film, no matter your role in the filmmaking process. Indie films are getting produced and distributed every day! It’s time to learn how to take your film to the marketplace and show it to the world! Your host, Bradley has produced a wide variety of films independently, guided some through the festival markets and sold directly to distributors. He will share his knowledge and real-life experiences exclusively with the Stage 32 community! You will walk away with a sense of the marketplace of today including an overview of how to approach the festival circuit, who should/should not rep your film, how to deal with distributors, VOD vs theatrical and so much more!
Register / Log In
