Philippe Deseck has been involved in the film industry for over twenty years as a Stunt Performer and Stunt Coordinator earning him a Screen Actors Guild Nomination for outstanding performance by a stunt ensemble in motion picture Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Having worked on nearly 50 films & TV shows, some of his notable credits include Street Fighter, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Killer Elite, Spartacus, San Andreas, Kong Skull Island, Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, The Meg, Aquaman, Mortal Combat, The Tidings for Netflix and his SAG Nomination for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and many more. He is regularly commissioned for major motion pictures to create the Previs where he recreates the live action sequences required in the script of the movie. He has hosted stunt workshops around the world for actors and is dedicated and passionate about a life in film and televison. Full Bio »
Learn everything you need to know about how prep and shoot a world-class action sequence in your films or TV shows from a SAG-nominated stunt performer and coordinator on THE MEG, AQUAMAN, MORTAL COMBAT, STREET FIGHTER, KILLER ELITE, SPARTACUS and more!
Action is a universal language in film.
A well designed and well shot action scene in a movie can define a film and be the most memorable part, whether its Steve McQueen's car chase in BULLITT or Tom Cruise's motorcycle jump in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART ONE. However, film schools tend to shy away when it comes to teaching students on how to shoot an action sequence. It’s either too dangerous, too expensive, stunt coordinators are required, insurance does not cover action sequences, or a myriad of other. reasons. As such, many filmmakers only focus on drama as they do now know how to craft and execute an action sequence in a professional and safe manner. The result is most filmmakers miss out on the opportunity to expand their film making skills when it comes to shooting action. On independent films, more often than not, action is usually the first thing producers will cut out of a script in order to meet their budget criteria.
In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, stunt performer and coordinator Philippe Deseck will take you through the fundamentals of how to shoot an action sequence like a pro. Philippe has been involved in the film industry for over twenty years as a Stunt Performer and now Assistant Stunt Coordinator. Some of his films include THE MEG, AQUAMAN, MORTAL COMBAT, STREET FIGHTER, KILLER ELITE, SPARTACUS, SAN ANDREAS, KONG SKULL ISLAND, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR’S REVENGE, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER, SHANG-CHI, and many more… In addition to his credits as a Stunt Performer, Philippe is gets involved in directing and editing, giving him expert perspective on how to create masterful action sequences from all sides. His skill has also taken him to performing safety on set and writing safety reports for action sequences. Philippe has also taught action workshops for actors and has taught stage combat at the New York Film Academy in Australia.
Philippe will teach you everything you need to know about shooting action sequences. He will demonstrate the basic fundamentals which can be applied to any action sequence and he will show you how to bridge the gap between a stunt coordinator and a director so they get the most out of every opportunity together. Building productive, effective and trusting relationships is an important part in any filmmaking process and it is critical when it comes to filmmakers and stunt coordinators.
In this information-packed webinar you will learn how to design an action sequence from script to final print on film and how you can collaborate with all relevant departments in order to get the shots required and piece them together to take your audience on a ride they will never forget. You will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the different filming styles that are used in Hollywood and around the world, and you will get a true sense of how to create the illusion of action safely.
This webinar is a rare opportunity to educate yourself and open your mind to new possibilities of how to design your action sequences, shoot them and have them shown on the silver screen.
An Introduction to Stunts/Action
What are the different hierarchy systems used in Hollywood and Asia
Designing your Action Sequence from Script to Final Product
Filming an Action Sequence
Previsualization
Editing an Action Sequence
How to Practice Shooting Action Sequences
Q&A with Philippe
Philippe Deseck
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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.
In today’s content gold rush, audiences aren’t waiting for the official trailer anymore to decide if they’ll see a film in theaters or wait for an on-demand release. Now, audiences decide from the first press release or casting announcement, with teams of people working behind the scenes to create buzz through production and release. So before you start rolling, is your publicity plan in place? There’s a reason that major studios spend just about as much on marketing as they do on the production: The movie doesn’t matter if people don’t see it, making publicity and marketing crucial to a film's success. You have to be your own publicist and grab everyone’s attention as early as possible. Don’t let a limited budget keep you from getting the word out. With the right publicity plan in place, you could blow audiences away around the world without breaking the bank. You need a publicity plan. Creating your publicity brand, including casting, staffing, securing talent participation in promotional campaigns, and finding your key media angles are all strategies that start as early as development and continue through your project’s life cycle. Sharing her wealth of experience in publicity and marketing with you is Janine McGoldrick in this exclusive Stage 32 webinar. Janine has a wealth of experience working in publicity for major studios and production companies, such as Universal Pictures, Artisan Entertainment, Lionsgate, BBC, New Line, and more. As the SVP of Communications at Cohen Media Group, she oversaw all theatrical releases, including the Academy Award-winning feature THE SALESMAN and CHURCHILL, starring Brian Cox and John Slattery. Using her vast experience in publicity at every budget level, Janine teaches you how to develop, brand, and sell your script, so that your PR strategy is at work from the beginning by creating a publicity toolkit and press kit. She’ll show you how to ensure a cohesive brand through trailers, posters, and promos, as well as unique opportunities through social media where you can save on your budget. If you’re planning on working with a publicist, Janine has you covered there, too, as she shows you how to find the right publicist for the job and how to work with the in-house studio marketers. For those attending live, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to ask Janine questions about your project, as well as the nitty-gritty details, like pitching, embargoes, and what to avoid so that you don’t endanger your production. No one knows your film better than you, and by investing in yourself today, you can take one step closer to ensuring your film finds success. PRAISE FOR JANINE'S TEACHINGS: "Although useful for films, I still found this helpful for the release of an online curriculum." -Teressa G. "I am not at the point to be able to use this information yet as I'm still writing a script. But I made a bunch fo notes, and when I get there, this will be very helpful. If I might make one more suggestion, tell us about more tools. This was a very high level presentation without a lot of useful tools that people can use." -Kristin K.
Learn how to best spearhead your pre-production to ensure your shoot goes as smooth as possible with a director and producer who was worked on over 50 projects! Pre-production is the most important time for a director because it's where you go through a "process of discovery." It's also during this time that all departments discover a director's work style, vision and expectations as to how to do their jobs and make the production run smoothly and efficiently. In most cases, if a movie doesn't turn out as expected or runs over budget, it's a failure of execution during pre-production that can be pointed to as the cause. Many directors are simply too dependent on their producers and are way too anxious to get filming. This mentality is a huge mistake. So how can you assure that you handle the pre-production process effectively and in a manner where your cast and crew want to run into fire for you? How can you know which variables are most important and where you can delegate? We're here to help. Much is expected of the director during the pre-production process. You are in charge of making crucial decisions that can either make or break any production. It can all seem very overwhelming no matter how many times you've done it. But in reality, when taken step by step, pre-production is a fun and rewarding part of the process of making a film. All this takes time - and the more time you have in prep, the more you will discover and sort out before you go to camera. It's the planning, the patience and the perseverance that wins the day and ultimately makes for a winning project for all involved. Peter D. Marshall has worked in the film industry for over 40 years as a film director, television producer, first assistant director, TV series creative consultant, and screenwriter. Peter has directed over 30 episodes of Television Drama such as John Woo's Once a Thief, Wiseguy, 21 Jumpstreet, Neon Rider, The Black Stallion, Scene of the Crime, Big Wolf on Campus and Largo Winch. As a First Assistant Director, Peter has worked on over 12 Features (including Dawn of the Dead, The Butterfly Effect, Happy Gilmore, The Fly II); 16 Television Movies; 8 Television Series; and over 20 Commercials. He has written, directed or produced over 50 hours of documentary and educational programs and his documentaries and dramas have won, or been nominated for, 14 International film awards. Peter has worked with directors such as John Woo, Phillip Noyce, Ed Zwick, John Badham, Roger Vadim, Dennis Dugan, Anne Wheeler and Zack Snyder. He has also worked with actors such as Peter O'Toole, Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Kathy Bates, Michelle Pfiefer, Marcia Gaye Harden, Madeleine Stowe, Mel Gibson, Ashton Kutcher, Goldie Hawn, Judy Davis and Adam Sandler. In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, Peter will guide you through pre-production, the most important phase for a director. He will help you navigate the business and politics with a step by step guide. He will teach you how to break down your script, how to effectively put together your shot lists, storyboards, and access the budget while explaining how to set the tone you want to have on the set early and in a non-threatening manner. Peter will teach you how you should conduct meetings with your producers, writer, 1st AD, and other department heads. You will learn how to work with your cast during pre-production so they are confident in their roles and in your vision so they're ready to go on the first day of shooting. He will take you through production meetings, wardrobe fittings, camera tests, script read throughs and rehearsals. Peter will provide you with a complete overview of a director's role in the pre-production process to assure that everything goes exactly as you wish and that your vision is served. PRAISE FOR PETER'S TEACHINGS: "I have taken several directing courses and Peter's course by far, takes the gold star. This impressive, condensed seminar saturates years of experience and learning and presents it in an easy to use package. A definite recommendation." -- Trevor M. "I really enjoyed the webinar. I liked the fact that the density of material was rich enough that I was always busy taking notes. Thanks for covering the artistic and the logistic side of directing." -- Brad L. "I'll be shooting my first film in the next 30 days. This course came as a surprise birthday present. It was a godsend. I would have been fracked if I hadn't taken the workshop. There were so many essential elements that I would have missed. Peter's course is helping me hit the ground running and as a result, I feel much more confident and sure. Thanks, Peter." -- Fredrick H.
Have you ever sat through a movie that was filled with fights, car chases, gun battles, and explosions and yet it was all you could do to keep from falling asleep in spite of the noise? This is because good action movies aren’t just about kicks, punches, and car crashes. Celebrated recent action films like EXTRACTION or Mile 22 or classics like BOURNE IDENTITY and ENTER THE DRAGON pop off the screen because of strong writing that lends itself to the story. Action writing is an art. And to write it, you’ve got to understand how to make your story matter to the audience. Action movies need to sustain the attention of viewers not just with suspense but with emotional appeal. It needs to have meaning. Explosive scenes are great, but action without a substantive story can only take you so far. Characters still need to have wants and desires, even if they’re armed and dangerous. The stakes need to be high and the flaws of each character apparent. If you are able to master this important balance of storytelling, your script will be a hit to those in the industry who are on the hunt for exciting action stories. Joshua Todd James is a well-established screenwriter, playwright, and WGA member, who wrote the action feature POUND OF FLESH, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and currently has multiple projects in development with action stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins, Alain Moussi, Tony Jaa, Michael Jai White and former UFC champion Micheal Bisping, among others. He also adapted Peter Biskind’s best selling book Down & Dirty Pictures into a feature screenplay and Matthew Polly’s New York Times bestseller American Shaolin into a television pilot. Joshua has spent much of his life writing and learning the art of action writing and is excited to share his experience with the Stage 32 community. Joshua will teach you how to write effective action with meaning for your film or series. After discussing why action doesn’t always work on screen, he’ll break down what can make action effective. Joshua will dive deep into defining character objectives, establishing stakes and crafting identity in each scene. Joshua will also spend time focusing on the elements that action must reveal and walk you through the three primary revelations of story. You’ll walk away with the resources to improve your current script, or fire off a new one. Joshua will be using the action classic THE BOURNE IDENTITY as a case study to illustrate the elements of effective action writing that he will lay out. Everyone who signs up for this webinar, will receive the BOURNE IDENTITY script for free.
***All lab spots filled - Check our Next Level Class and Lab page for new opportunities as we continue to announce** If you’re a writer, producer or other aspiring creative with hopes of one day actually getting behind the camera and directing your own project, taking the first step can be daunting. Where do you even start? And how can you be sure you know what you need to in order to take that plunge? Now you can under the guidance of Oscar-nominated director/producer Rick Rosenthal. Over the course of 7 weeks, Rick will guide you through actually prepping, shooting and editing your first project as a director in a supportive and encouraging environment - best of all? You can do all of this in the comfort of your own home. Even better? You don’t need any special equipment to participate. All you need is a cell phone that records video, a computer, and editing software that you will download for free. You will leave this lab with real world, valuable practice in putting a project together, and the knowledge and skills to direct the next project on your own. Rick Rosenthal is an Oscar and Emmy nominated director/producer and the CEO of Whitewater Films, which is known for many feature film hits that have premiered at Sundance, Cannes, SXSW, and more. Through his film directing background, Rick has directed the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Sean Penn, John Lithgow, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Along with his credits directing films, Rick has also worked as a producer on Amazon’s Emmy-winning series TRANSPARENT for the first three seasons, along with directing and producing credits on countless other shows. When Rick launched Whitewater Films as a production company, he committed to helping up-and-coming filmmakers and offering them the advice and assistance he never had. Furthering his drive to give back and educate burgeoning filmmakers, Rick also served as the chair of the Directing Program at the American Film Institute. Through his decades-long career Rick has become well versed in diverse genres of filmmaking and has specialized in educating and empowering new voices, which he is bringing directly to the Stage 32 community. Through this lab, you will have the opportunity to prep, shoot, and edit two scenes from a script that Rick will provide you. You will learn camera placement, camera movement, blocking a scene, all from different points of view--single character, multiple character, and omniscient. Rick will bring in a special guest editor to teach you the basics of editing a scene through the free software DaVinci Resolve, which is quickly becoming an industry standard. Through Rick's mentorship, you will walk away confident to take these skills and apply them to your own directing project, whether that's a short film, feature film, or web series. PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 10 students and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with a practiced director and expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good. Payment plans are available - please contact Amanda at edu@stage32.com for more information WHAT TO EXPECT This lab is designed for writers, producers, or other aspiring creatives interested in becoming a director and looking for actionable skills, practice, and guidance to make this transition. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed lab with one-on-one time with the instructor and significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar. ***Only 10 Spots Available*** This class will consist of six weekly sessions. There will be an additional week where you will sign up for an extensive one-on-one mentoring session with Rick. In addition to the lessons where Rick teaches the class, you will have the opportunity to ask him questions during each session as well as multiple chances to speak with him directly about your specific project. Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the TV project development process. To see the full directing lab schedule, see below under "What You Will Learn".
Learn directly from 30 year veteran Lauren “Fluff” Lindsay, Key Craft Service on Legends Of The Fall (Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins), Rocky IV (Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren), and Sleepwalkers (Charlize Theron, Woody Harrelson)! In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, your host Lauren Lindsay, will walk you through the details specific to managing and executing the job of providing nourishment to a working film crew in full production. In film, television, live theater or video production, Craft Service is a dynamic position which provides tray service around set, and buffet style foods and beverages to the other departments suitable to the environment on any given day or night. Drawing from her vast experience on 82 productions, you will learn all the steps involved from getting hired, and knowing what is expected of you, to being successful working in this department. Her passion for fresh and healthy foods, which promotes a happy and productive crew, has made her famous behind the camera.