Happy Tuesday, Stage 32 Community!

Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in new educational and mentoring resources and opportunities to this fantastic community!

This January, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning writers, producers, directors, cinematographers, coaches, consultants, authors, actors, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or represented such projects as JOY RIDE, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, OH, CANADA, CARD COUNTER, A SONG FOR IMOGENE, SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, NARCOS S2, MS. MARVEL, THE BIG CIGAR, VIDA, COVENANT, THE CROW, READY PLAYER ONE, OCEAN'S 8, JOKER, WONKA, DOOM PATROL, GENIUS, THE GIRLS ON THE BUS, THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, and many more.

So without much further ado, let's roll out the red carpet and welcome some of the fantastic new people joining our Stage 32 Community this January 2025!

New Stage 32 Education!

Don’t wait for all of the spots to fill up! Below is an exciting list of upcoming Stage 32 Education that is already available for you to register for!

Webinar: Introduction to Working as a Screenwriter: Steps to Start Your Career

Starting: January 9th

Instructor: Jon Hersh

Many aspiring screenwriters focus solely on mastering the craft of writing, overlooking the critical business and strategic elements required to establish and sustain a career. From deciphering the differences between spec scripts and open writing assignments to knowing how to network effectively or navigate union versus non-union projects, the journey can be overwhelming without guidance. Without a roadmap, creatives often struggle with building a strong portfolio, finding work without representation, or understanding their role in a project’s development and production lifecycle. By the end of this webinar, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the essentials needed to launch your career as a screenwriter. From mastering the craft of storytelling to navigating the business side of the industry, you’ll gain valuable insights into building a portfolio that stands out. Whether you’re looking to find work, secure representation, or grow your network, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take the first steps toward success.

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts to help you:

• Screenwriter's Role Breakdown: Expectations and Involvement
• Building a Professional Screenwriting Portfolio: A Guide
• Networking Cheat Sheet for Aspiring Screenwriters

Your educator, Jon Hersh, is a highly regarded literary manager and the founder of Housefire Management, where he excels at discovering and nurturing bold, creative voices. His clients have worked with leading industry giants like Netflix, Universal, Disney, and Amazon and consistently make waves on prestigious lists like The Black List. Before management, Jon honed his expertise as a Development Executive at Broad Green Pictures and as a story analyst at Creative Artists Agency, where he evaluated thousands of screenplays and provided guidance to top-tier clients. With Jon’s extensive experience and proven track record, you’ll gain invaluable insider knowledge and practical tools to kick-start your screenwriting career.

8-Part Screenwriting Lab: Write your Ensemble Cast Feature Film Script

Starting: January 11th

Instructor: Chisom Ude

Balancing multiple characters and storylines can feel overwhelming, and many writers struggle with issues like giving each character a meaningful arc, avoiding predictable tropes, or maintaining cohesion in the story. How do you ensure each character has a distinct voice while still contributing to the overall narrative? How do you craft subplots that enhance the main storyline rather than detract from it? These challenges often derail even the most passionate writers, leaving them frustrated and unsure of how to move forward. In this eight-week screenwriting lab, you’ll learn everything you need to know to write a compelling ensemble feature. From mastering story structure and character dynamics to balancing multiple arcs in a cohesive narrative, Chisom will provide personalized guidance every step of the way. You’ll leave with a polished first draft, a deeper understanding of what producers and studios look for, and the confidence to take your project to the next level. If you’re ready to elevate your writing and tackle this exciting storytelling format, this lab is for you.

As a producer with a proven track record of developing hit ensemble films like JOY RIDE, Chisom Ude has a deep understanding of what it takes to bring these stories to life. With years of experience at Lionsgate, where she worked on projects like a sequel to NOW YOU SEE ME and Adele Lim’s directorial debut, Chisom has cultivated a keen eye for what makes ensemble stories marketable and memorable. Her industry expertise and creative insight make her the perfect mentor to guide you through this process.

Webinar: Introduction to Working as an Actor: Steps to Start Your Career

Starting: January 14th

Instructor: Treisa Gary

For many aspiring actors, the journey to a successful career is filled with challenges. Rushing into expensive headshots without proper training, misunderstanding the casting process, or submitting for roles that don’t align with their type are common missteps. Without a clear roadmap, new actors often waste time, energy, and resources, leading to frustration and stagnation. Acting is both a craft and a business, and without understanding key aspects—such as building a strong portfolio, preparing self-tapes, or knowing how to network effectively—breaking into the industry can feel daunting. You’ll walk away with a clear, actionable roadmap to kickstart your acting career with confidence. From mastering the key tools—like headshots, resumes, and self-tapes—to fully understanding the casting process, this session demystifies the often-overwhelming first steps of entering the industry. You’ll gain the essential insights needed to avoid common missteps, set yourself apart from the competition, and build a strong, lasting foundation for sustained success.

PLUS! You'll receive the following cheat sheet to support your journey:

• "Your First Year as an Actor: Key Things to Remember"

Your educator, Treisa Gary, is a unique blend of Hollywood talent and transformational coach. Her acting career began unexpectedly while working as a lead accountant at Telepictures Productions, where her natural gift for performance was recognized. Since then, she has shared the screen with icons like Christian Bale, Nicolas Cage, and Angela Bassett. Off-camera, Treisa is a sought-after acting coach, using her “8 Steps to Working Actor” technique to help actors land dream roles by blending technical skills with mindset. Known for her sound bowl experiences and as an ordained minister, she also helps people navigate life changes and personal breakthroughs. Treisa’s signature blend of humor, wisdom, and grounded energy leaves a lasting impact, whether coaching actors or guiding individuals toward clarity and growth.

2-Part Class: How to Attach a Showrunner to your TV Project

Starting: January 15th

Instructor: Jeff Nemon

Many writers assume that attaching any showrunner will automatically enhance their project, but that’s a misconception. A mismatch can actually harm your chances of selling your show. Finding the right showrunner involves more than just matching names; it requires strategic timing, a clear understanding of fit, and effective outreach. Without the proper tools or expert guidance, it's easy to make critical mistakes—like sending weak queries or contacting the wrong person—each of which can lead to missed opportunities. This exclusive 2-part Stage 32 class will equip you with the essential tools to elevate your project. Jeff will guide you through researching showrunners, crafting impactful queries, and confidently reaching out. You’ll gain insights into avoiding common mistakes, mastering the development process, and learning the best practices for when and how to approach showrunners. By the end of the class, you’ll have a clear, actionable strategy for attaching the perfect showrunner to match your project and vision.

Jeff Nemon is a seasoned film and TV executive who’s been on the frontlines of Hollywood for over 15 years. With his insider expertise, Jeff will guide you through the process of finding and securing the perfect showrunner for your project! Jeff has sold more than 50 TV projects to major networks and streamers like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. As the former SVP of Development at Maniac Productions, he oversaw 30 projects for Blumhouse TV.

8-Part Advanced Level Lab: Build Your Feature Film Package with a Top Packaging Executive

Starting: January 15th

Instructor: Tiffany Boyle

Many filmmakers attach talent to their films that offers no real value (just because you know their name doesn’t mean they have value) or underestimate a known director or producer’s ability to help draw talent. It is also very common for filmmakers to build a strong package but not have a financial plan that makes sense and will attract money and financial support. Another common mistake is targeting sales agents and financiers who are not tonally or professionally the right fit for your unique film. Having a professional deck, strong attachments, highlighting other intriguing elements like IP, and having a solid finance plan, query letter, and pitch all go hand in hand in helping get your film made and this lab will walk you through all of it. By the end of this lab, Tiffany will teach you how to create eye-catching pitch decks, put together personalized talent and director lists, and build a solid financial package with business plans and sales projections to back your project. You’ll gain insights into crafting effective queries, navigating relationships with sales agents and distributors, and perfecting your pitch to industry stakeholders. With real-time feedback and guidance from Tiffany, you’ll walk away equipped to transform your creative vision into a compelling, market-ready film package that stands out in today’s competitive landscape.

Your educator Tiffany Boyle has produced hundreds of films and is the President of Packaging & Sales at Ramo Law (known for films like Cannes Palmes d'or nominated OH, CANADA directed by Paul Schrader, JOYLAND, which premiered at TIFF and the CARD COUNTER starring Oscar Issac).

Webinar: How to Hire Crew for Your Feature Film Under $1,500,000

Starting: January 16th

Instructor: Erika Arlee & Kristi Ray

Many filmmakers in the indie world make the mistake of underestimating the importance of a solid crew or fail to negotiate fair compensation for everyone involved. Navigating these waters can be tricky, especially when working with a limited budget. Without the right strategies, it's easy to hire out of desperation or compromise quality for cost. In this webinar, we'll uncover how to avoid these pitfalls by understanding compensation, building out departments effectively, and knowing when to hire based on potential rather than just experience. In this webinar, you’ll gain practical insights into how to hire a talented crew within your budget. You’ll learn how to evaluate talent, build departments, and approach crew members with professionalism and clarity. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of how to use your resources effectively and make smart crew hiring decisions that contribute to your film’s success!

PLUS! You will receive these exclusive handouts for you to keep:

• Case Study Sample Budget
• Crew List

Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray are co-founders of the award-winning Honey Head Films. Erika, a writer, director, and cinematographer, has built a career specializing in ultra-low-budget filmmaking and has a proven track record with critically acclaimed films like A SONG FOR IMOGENE, which has won multiple awards. Kristi, a producer and actress trained at Lee Strasberg, has been a force in independent film for over 15 years, championing strong, female-centric narratives. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering filmmakers with the tools they need to tell their stories effectively, even on limited budgets!

Screenwriting Lab: Develop And Write Your TV Pilot Script With An Emmy Nominated Showrunner

Starting: January 18th

Instructor: Todd Slavkin

Over the course of this 10 week writing lab, you will develop your series idea into a professional pilot episode outline and then you will actually write your pilot episode. You will learn about story structure, scene structure, scene description, dialogue and everything in between and you will walk away from his lab with the first draft of your completed teleplay for your pilot episode.

You will work with your instructor Todd Slavkin and your fellow writers in a virtual class setting, with ample time for Q&A’s, and you will also have one-on-one sessions with Todd where he will give you constructive notes and share his thoughts on your story, outline and script pages.

These sessions will mirror the experience you would have working with a showrunner on your pilot and allow you the opportunity to be mentored by a top professional to get your script written. This lab is a must-experience for any level of writer looking to harness your talent into a strong TV pilot/writing sample that will help further your career.

Todd Slavkin is a showrunner/writer/director with over 35 years of experience in both film and television. Working with his writing/producing partner Darren Swimmer, Todd has worked in all different kinds of genres and has been involved with many popular television shows, including SMALLVILLE, SHADOWHUNTERS (winner of 2017 GLAAD media award for Outstanding Drama Series, 2018 People’s Choice Award for Best Show & Most Bingeworthy Show, 2019 People’s Choice Award Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Show) and most recently THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, for which he has been nominated for four Emmys (2022 & 2023 Outstanding Young Teen Series and Outstanding Writing for a Young Teen Program). He has written pilots for ABC, NBC, FOX, SYFY, FREEFORM, and The CW, where he developed and was co-showrunner of MELROSE PLACE 2.0. Other television credits include NO ORDINARY FAMILY, ALPHAS, DEFIANCE, DOMINION and GUILT. He began his career in features, penning DARK REFLECTION and CONTROL, starring Ray Liotta, Willem Dafoe, and Michelle Rodriguez.

Webinar: Introduction to Working as a Cinematographer

Starting: January 19th

Instructor: Carmen Cabana

Breaking into cinematography can feel like a Catch-22—you need experience to land your first job, but how do you gain that experience without opportunities? Many emerging creatives struggle to navigate the technical, creative, and business sides of the role. Without guidance, it’s easy to overlook key skills like collaboration with the crew, building a strong demo reel, or selecting the right gear. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar will help you break through these barriers and set you on the path to success with actionable advice from an industry leader. You will walk away with a deep understanding of the cinematographer’s role and their involvement across every stage of production, from development to post. Gain invaluable insights into the technical expertise and collaboration skills essential for success on set, practical strategies for breaking into the industry, and guidance on creating a standout demo reel. Whether you’re just starting or seeking to advance your career, this webinar equips you with the tools and knowledge to excel in the competitive world of cinematography!

PLUS! You Will Receive the Following Handouts:

• A comprehensive overview of the cinematographer's role.
• Key skills and tools checklist for cinematographers.

Networking tips and tricks.

Carmen Cabana is an acclaimed cinematographer celebrated by VARIETY, AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER, and ICG MAGAZINE. Raised in Colombia and Venezuela, Carmen brings a rich cultural perspective to her storytelling. Her impressive credits include NARCOS S2 (NETFLIX), MS. MARVEL (DISNEY+), THE BIG CIGAR (APPLE+), VIDA (STARZ), and many more. With a portfolio spanning 52 TV episodes, 25 independent films, and high-profile commercials for brands like DORITOS, DISCOVER, and beyond, Carmen is here to share her wealth of knowledge and help you achieve your goals.

Master Screenwriting Basics Certification: Learn All The Fundamentals Of Screenwriting In 16 Weeks

Starting: January 26th

Instructor: AZ Yeamen

In 16 weeks over this 14-session course with 2 creative weeks for your own writing, you will be using a proven technique designed for emerging writers to rise above the pack. You will learn functional skills to develop your craft with pacing, authentic storytelling, building your writing muscle, and basics of screenwriting. You will learn not only the techniques to step ahead of the pack with your writing, but you will also be working on perfecting your own writing technique.

AZ Yeamen has sold nearly every script she's ever written. She has become the go-to for revisions, doctoring, whipping stories into shape, and pitch packages for Netflix, TVOne, Aspire TV, UMC Streaming, Bounce TV, and independent production companies. Most recently, she served as a Story Editor on COVENANT on AMC's ALLBLK. AZ is passionate and focused, with a granite-hard work ethic. She focuses not only on pursuing and developing her career in script/story development but also on fostering exciting, new talent. Every day is an opportunity to do more, learn more. She's an admitted lifelong student, an absorber of sights, sounds, and sensations that make her a natural-born writer. AZ brings heart, energy, and clarity of vision to story development and screenwriting projects. Her students have created concepts in class, outlined, drafted, written, rewritten, and sold projects to networks.

Webinar: Introduction to XR: Pre-Production, Production & Post-Production

Starting: January 30th

Instructor: Paula Paisez & Sam Pressman

Breaking into VR production is no small feat, even for experienced filmmakers. Creatives often struggle with the technical requirements of XR, such as building a cohesive tech stack or integrating immersive elements into traditional workflows. Financing VR projects adds another layer of complexity, with many unsure how to navigate private investments, brand sponsorships, or international grants. On top of that, understanding how to distribute and monetize both at-home and location-based experiences can feel daunting. Without the right guidance, it’s easy to fall into costly missteps—but this exclusive Stage 32 webinar will help you avoid those pitfalls and set your VR project up for success! By the end of this webinar, you’ll feel empowered to bring your creative vision to life in the exciting world of XR production. With expert guidance and practical tools, you’ll be ready to craft compelling VR experiences that captivate audiences and open doors to new opportunities. From building a winning pitch deck to navigating financing and distribution, this session will leave you inspired, confident, and prepared to take the next steps in your XR journey!

PLUS! You will receive exclusive handouts, and the webinar will feature a case study of EVOLVER!

Your instructors Paula Paisez & Sam Pressman bring decades of experience spanning traditional film and immersive technology. Their combined expertise includes producing EVOLVER, a groundbreaking VR project that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and competed at Cannes. Beyond VR, their credits include iconic films and innovative projects like THE CROW, DALILAND, and AI-driven experimental works. With deep connections across the entertainment industry and a passion for mentoring, they are uniquely positioned to guide you through every stage of your VR journey.

New Stage 32 Executives!

Andy Richley, Producer

For over two decades, Andy Richley has developed and produced television for some of the largest studios in the industry including Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Fox 21 and Allen Media Group. For over a decade Andy was the Senior Vice President of Television and Co-Head of Development at Lionsgate Television where he played a pivotal role in shaping the studio's success. He spearheaded the development and production of an impressive slate of iconic scripted series, including Emmy-winning MAD MEN (AMC), Emmy-winning NURSE JACKIE (SHOWTIME), Emmy-winning WEEDS (SHOWTIME), Emmy-nominated BOSS (STARZ), THE ROYALS (E!), and ANGER MANAGEMENT (FX). He went on to be the Senior Vice President of Programming and Development at Fox21 Television Studios and the Senior Vice President of Production and Content for Allen Media Group.

You can meet with Andy about your Pilot, First 10 Pages, Adaptation Review, or Pitch Deck/Bible Review.

Davina Hefflin, Literary Agent at Verve

Davina Hefflin is a Literary Agent at Verve Talent and Literary Agency. Davina represents some of the best and brightest writers, directors, and actors in film and television today.

Her clients work on television hits such EXTENDED FAMILY and THE CARMICHAEL SHOW for NBC, MERRY HAPPY WHATEVER and DEAD BOY DETECTIVES for Netflix, CRUEL INTENTIONS and I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER for Amazon MGM, the animated series CURSES! for Apple TV+, DOOM PATROL for MAX, A MILLION LITTLE THINGS on Hulu, DYNASTY on the CW, THE CHI on Paramount+, THE CLARK SISTERS on Lifetime and films such as as SELMA, BROKEN CITY, K-POPS!, THE SPIDER WITHIN: A SPIDERVERSE STORY, THE BOOK OF TRUTH, SPIES IN DISGUISE, TRUE MEMOIRS OF AN INTERNATIONAL ASSASSIN and more. She has dedicated herself to identifying and protecting upcoming, new voices and diverse and LGBTQ+ voices, building them up, and guiding them as they tell new stories that she hopes will have a positive and lasting impact on the industry.

You can receive premium notes from Davina about your Pilot, Feature, First 10 Pages, or meet with her about your Pilot, or Pitch Deck/Bible Review.

Jackson Gibbon, Producer and Development Executive

Jackson Gibbon is a Producer and experienced Development Executive across film and television. Gibbon spent almost a decade at Village Roadshow Pictures, where he contributed to projects such as READY PLAYER ONE, OCEAN'S 8, JOKER, and WONKA. Some of the television projects he developed include series adaptations of THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, ARLINGTON ROAD, THE GIFT, and THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, as well as many shows based on books and podcasts.

Jackson's experience working in development and marketing has allowed him to work across the industry with execs and multiple companies such as APPLE, ARTISTS FIRST, CAA, GERSH, THE GOTHAM GROUP, HAPPY MADISON, HBO, HEROES & VILLAINS ENTERTAINMENT, LEGENDARY PICTURES, NBC, PEACOCK, PLATINUM DUNES, RADAR PICTURES, SKYBOUND, VERTIGO ENTERTAINMENT, VERVE, and WARNER BROS. Jackson started his career at Sunshine Sachs where he worked on publicity campaigns for THE PUNISHER, LION, ASSASSIN'S CREED, and GREASE: LIVE, among others.

You can receive premium notes from Jackson about your Pilot, Feature, First 10 Pages, or meet with him about your Pilot, Feature, or Pitch Deck/Bible Review.

Allen Eckhouse, Talent & Literary Manager at Logical Talent

Allen Eckhouse is a Talent & Literary Manager at Logical Talent Management and has been in entertainment for over a decade. LTM represents top-notch screenwriters across all genres, styles, and formats. Additionally, LTM works with literary authors, podcast creators, board game designers, and other content generators to help bring their projects to life. Allen is known for developing unique pitch concepts and making them come to life for places like Dreamworks, Amblin, Blumhouse, and Illumination Entertainment.

Allen's clients write across all genres and have worked on hits such as the Emmy-nominated Disney/Nat Geo series GENIUS, MAX's THE GIRLS ON THE BUS and THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, HBO's Emmy-winning show VEEP, Emmy-winning show CONAN, Disney's DUCK TALES, Issa Rae's Emmy-nominated show INSECURE, IL TALENTO DEL CALABRONE for Amazon and QUIZ LADY for Hulu. Allen began his career at powerhouse agency Creative Artists Agency in their Comedy department, working with clients across film, TV, stand-up, and comedic acts such as Trevor Noah, T.J. Miller, Whitney Cummings, Gabriel Iglesias, James Corden, Dana Carvey, and Mel Brooks.

You can receive premium notes from Allen about your Pilot or Feature.

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