Learn from Michelle Alexandria, a seasoned producer and film distributor with over 20 years of industry experience!

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts, including talent evaluation charts, research tools, query and phone scripts, character breakdowns, pitch strategies, and more!

Securing recognizable talent can be a game-changer for independent filmmakers, boosting your project’s visibility, marketability, and potential for distribution. But navigating the casting process—finding the right actors, reaching out to representatives, and leveraging talent effectively—can be a daunting task. This exclusive Stage 32 3-part class will equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently tackle these challenges and position your film for success!

The casting process is filled with challenges, especially for independent filmmakers working with limited budgets. Many make the mistake of targeting talent without marketable value or sending poorly crafted queries to talent representatives. These missteps can lead to missed opportunities and strained relationships with key industry players. Learning how to navigate these obstacles is crucial to ensuring your film attracts the right talent and secures the support it needs for success. This is where Michelle Alexandria comes in!

With over 20 years of experience as a producer and expert in film financing and distribution, Michelle Alexandria is the ideal guide to help you overcome these challenges. Having worked on numerous feature films and TV projects, and attending major markets like AFM, Cannes, and Sundance, Michelle’s extensive industry knowledge equips you with the strategies to approach casting with confidence and build the strategic relationships necessary to elevate your project’s potential.

In this comprehensive 3-part class, you’ll learn step-by-step strategies to identify, approach, and secure the right talent for your film. You’ll master the art of crafting compelling, effective queries, how to navigate the casting process smoothly, and how to use talent to elevate your project’s financing and distribution potential. This class will provides you with the practical tools to avoid common pitfalls, build professional relationships, and maximize the impact of your cast. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, you'll walk away with clear, actionable insights to make your film stand out in a competitive market!

This interactive Stage 32 class is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

PLUS! You’ll receive: 

• • Example of a talent evaluation chart
  • List of research tools (IMDbPro, Box Office Mojo, etc.)
  • Sample email query templates
  • Example character breakdown for a hypothetical film
  • Sample phone script template
  • Key phone pitch strategies
  • Example email to talent representatives
  • Talent agreement template
  • Character breakdown sheet
  • Pitch deck cast examples

Praise for Michelle’s Past Teachings with Stage 32:

"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K

“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.

"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.

Session 1: Research And Talent Identification

• Tools and strategies to identify marketable talent for your film
• Understanding “name value” and why it’s crucial for success
• How to assess a talent’s potential for global and domestic appeal
• Analyzing industry trends and using platforms like IMDbPro and Variety
• Matching talent to genre and budget for maximum impact

Handouts:

• Example of a talent evaluation chart
• List of research tools (IMDbPro, Box Office Mojo, etc.)

Assignment:

• Research and identify a potential lead actor for your project

Session 2: The Art Of The Email Query

• Understanding the roles of agents, managers, and publicists
• How to effectively craft a professional and persuasive email
• Best practices for tailoring your pitch to different types of projects
• Email do’s and don’ts, including the importance of character breakdowns
• Crafting successful subject lines and body text for maximum impact

Handouts:

• Sample email query templates
• Example character breakdown for a hypothetical film

Assignment:

• Draft an email pitch to a talent representative for your selected actor

Session 3: The Art Of The Phone Query

• How to approach talent reps over the phone with confidence
• When to make the call: timing your approach for maximum results
• Crafting effective phone pitches and presenting yourself professionally
• Tips and tricks for making a lasting impression on talent reps
• Phone pitch templates for different scenarios: checking availability, making an offer

Handouts:

• Sample phone script template
• Key phone pitch strategies

Assignment:

• Practice your phone pitch with a peer and provide feedback

Q&A and Class Recap With Michelle

• Filmmakers looking to secure the right talent and elevate their projects.
• Producers and directors wanting to refine their casting strategies.
• Creatives seeking to leverage talent for better financing and distribution.
• Filmmakers at any stage looking to master the casting process and build key industry relationships.

Monday, January 6th, 3pm-5pm PT

Monday, January 13th, 3pm-5pm PT

Monday, January 20th, 3pm-5pm PT

Praise for Michelle’s Past Teachings with Stage 32:

"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K

“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.

"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.