How You Can Write and Produce a Romantic Comedy Movie That Sells
Start Learning
Projects:
Webinar hosted by: Matt Bierman
Producer and Studio Executive (Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Brothers and DC Comics)
Matt Bierman is a studio executive and producer who has previously worked as an executive at Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more, with over 25 years of experience. Matt has also developed and produced movies for Hallmark and Nickelodeon. Matt benefits from a vast experience with romantic comedies, including producing Christmas With the Darlings, Love at First Bark, Love Under the Stars, Memories of Christmas and more. 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. Additionally, he launched Another Cinderella Story while at Warner Premiere (Selena Gomez, Lucy Hale, Sofia Carson), Save The Last Dance 2, Broken Bridges while at Paramount, and many more. In his capacity as an executive, he developed and oversaw theatrical movies such as Rosewood, Mystery Alaska, My Favorite Martian, Taking lives, Saving Silverman, and Holes to name a few. You’ll learn all the ins and outs of this hugely popular and crowd-pleasing genre as Matt will share his extensive knowledge and experience with you. Get ready to discover how to jump into this high-demand genre by writing and producing your own movie. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
A New Exclusive Webinar
Learn the most effective strategies on how to write and produce a romantic comedy feature from a producer and executive who has worked at Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more!
In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you'll learn the ins and outs 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 join Matt and 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
What You'll Learn
Key elements of a romantic comedy
- What is a rom-com?
- Who is the audience?
- What is the audience looking for from these movies? The key takeaway!
- The key elements of this genre;
- The basic structure of most romantic comedies;
- Rules to follow for a successful romantic comedy;
- Subgenres: fantasy elements, holiday-themed, road trips;
- What are the differences between theatrical and tv romantic comedies?
- 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 pitches?
- How important is the package or IP?
- Are there international audiences and buyers for these movies?
The economics of a romantic comedy
- The typical budget range;
- Tips on writing up this budget;
- Understanding both expensive and affordable script elements;
- Star-driven or story-driven?
Can I make a living specializing in these movies?
- Success stories;
- Specializing in a specific genre.
Q&A with Matt
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:
Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Develop A Romantic Comedy Feature Film Concept & Write a Treatment in 8 Weeks
Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Develop a Romantic Comedy Feature Film Concept & Write a Treatment That You Can Sell in 8 Weeks An Exclusive Stage 32 Interactive Lab - Only 10 Spots Available! Payment plans available - email edu@stage32.com to learn more Create a marketable treatment for your romantic comedy feature with a producer and executive who has worked with Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more! Rom-coms are back! Do you have a great idea for a romantic comedy (rom-com) feature that you want to sell to a TV network or streamer? Now is the time! With the recent huge success of films like The Big Sick (Academy Award nominated!), Marry Me, Ticket To Paradise, and Shotgun Wedding, it’s clear that rom-coms are making a big comeback. These films are not only resonating with audiences and critics alike, but also doing huge numbers at the box office and with streamers. A new golden age of rom-coms is certainly upon us! With streamers and studios investing more and more in rom-coms, now is the time to get your rom-com story out there. However, what are the potential buyers of rom-coms looking for? How do you approach them? What deliverables should you give to a buyer to get your project sold? Believe it or not, you will have much more success selling your rom-com with a 3-4 page treatment rather than your completed spec script. While the completed script is icing on the cake, the concept, logline, one pager, and treatment are what will get your rom-com feature sold. In this exclusive Stage 32 lab, you will develop your concept, logline, one pager, and, ultimately, 3-4 page treatment for your romantic comedy feature film with Matt Bierman, a studio executive and producer who has previously worked with Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount, Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and more. Matt will work with you one-on-one and in a virtual class setting to get your romantic comedy ready to sell. 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. You will learn 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. Additionally, you will discuss the business model behind these types of movies - how they are made and monetized - which will help inform your story so you know that your film can be made in the buyer's sweet spot. Matt will provide key tips on current market trends and buyer needs, and provide valuable insight into who the buyers of rom-com features are, what they are looking for, and how best to approach them. You will walk away from this interactive lab with a completed logline, one pager, and 3-4 page treatment for your rom-com feature film that you can confidently pitch to buyers. With the current rise of rom-coms, this lab is a must for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of romantic comedies! Plus! Matt will provide you with a series of exclusive and helpful handouts to take with you and use when writing your next project. Downloads include: How To Write a Great Rom-Com Hero Rules for the Rom-Com Genre and Subgenres 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 "Matt is a great instructor! He was super knowledgable and was able to put out a lot of solid information in a short amount of time. Thank you!" - Sarah H.
How You Can Write And Produce A Successful Holiday Romantic Comedy
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. Are you ready to write or produce your feel-good story for audiences worldwide? 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. In this exclusive Stage 32 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
Chekhov's Gun - Shaun of the Dead, Shawshank Redemption & In Bruge
If you hang a gun on the wall in the first act, it better go off. In this webast, we took a look at the "Chekhov's guns" in the Winchester of Shaun of the Dead, the rock hammer in Shawshank, the coins in In Bruge, and more!
Understanding the Economics of Distribution Deals with Streamers like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu
Films and shows of all genres and varying budgets have found success on streamers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, with more and more streamers emerging by the day. Everybody wants a streaming deal for their project — but what does that actually entail? Outside of streamers, what are the other distribution options for films? In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level webinar you will learn how the money flows and is actually dispersed from such a deal, and the different types of deals you can expect from different distribution options, depending on size, genre, and reach. We will explore what different distributors are paying out now, what to look for in such a deal, and which distributors make the most economic sense for your specific project. To help break this down for you, we've brought in Tiffany Boyle who is the President of Packaging and Sales at Ramo Law, who has worked on hundreds of film and television projects. In her day to day she works hand in hand with creators, networks, studios, financiers and streamers on a variety of deals. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar Tiffany will help you peak behind the curtain to understand the true economics of how a distribution deal flows through with a streamer. "Tiffany's knowledge is impressive. It's amazing how many facets of the industry that she knows about. Excellent presenter." - Mike D.
Write Now Webcast - Describe Tools, Mechanisms, Machinerly or Complex Ideas
While the scene will be heavy with exposition, disguise the exposition in dialogue and conflict as much as possible. How does the character make the complex simple? What props does the person use? How does the character who receives the info react?
Deconstructing Oscar-Winning Films: Spotlight, Network & All The President's Men
Over the past few decades as the media landscape has changed, so have methods for reporting and information gathering. Your Stage 32 Next Level educator, award-winning director, James Kicklighter, has personally learned this while directing his new documentary film, Digital Edition, profiling the digital tools changing media as we know it. In “Deconstructing Oscar-Winning Films: Spotlight, Network & All The President’s Men,” we will evaluate and deconstruct common methods deployed in these three groundbreaking films to tell stories about journalism and media. Through this process, we will identify the successful techniques from these masterpieces for directing and writing movies about the media we consume. While filmmaking isn’t typically thought about as “investigative,” to create a film about journalism and media, it requires extended research that goes beyond writing the fictional screenplay. We will evaluate the preparation process of interviewing industry professionals, utilizing research to inform the written narrative, and how to visually manifest the themes on screen. You will walk away learning techniques to help your directing, writing, acting and producing to help you improve your projects! As an added bonus - ***Get 3 FREE Oscar-Winning Scripts: Spotlight, All The President's Men & Network***
Register / Log In
