If you're looking to break into a hot market, TV movies are where you want to be. In 2023 alone, over 300 TV movies were produced for cable networks like Lifetime, Hallmark and the Disney Channel demonstrating the skyrocketing demand for this format. With networks and streaming services constantly expanding their content libraries, there’s a growing need for talented TV movie directors like you. Not only is it creative and fulfilling but there are also lucrative opportunities for those who master the unique formula.

As a TV movie director, you'll face unique challenges. You’ll need to navigate tight schedules, work with limited budgets, and meet high expectations from networks and production companies. Balancing your creative vision with network requirements, handling quick turnarounds, and managing the complexities of pre-production, production, and post-production are all part of your job. These challenges require a specific skill set and knowledge base, making it essential for you to learn from experienced professionals.

That’s where Mark Rosman comes in. Mark is a distinguished director known for his work on movies for Hallmark, Lifetime, and ABC. With a portfolio that includes beloved features such as A CINDERELLA STORY and THE PERFECT MAN, and TV movies such as LIFE-SIZE and WILLIAM & KATE, Mark has proven his exceptional talent for storytelling across various genres. His extensive experience and success in the television movie industry make him uniquely qualified to teach you this webinar, offering invaluable insights and practical advice to help you succeed.

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll dive into essential topics like defining TV movies and their parameters, understanding who is making cable TV movies and their typical financial structures, and learn how to land the job and navigate deal points. We’ll also explore the stages of pre-preproduction, preproduction, production, and post-production, providing you with a comprehensive guide to the entire process. By the end of this webinar, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the TV movie landscape and the skills needed to excel as a director in this thriving market.

PLUS! You will receive:

• TV Movie Shooting Schedule from an actual shoot

•  Guide to shooting on a shortened schedule!

"Even though I’ve been writing and directing for 30 years, I’ve taken over 10 Stage 32 webinars and classes and have learned so much about indie film financing and distribution.  Now I’m so excited to return the favor and teach a webinar on one of my own favorite topics — directing TV movies."

-Mark Rosman, your Stage 32 Educator

Defining TV Movies and Their Parameters

• What constitutes a TV movie?

• What is the budget range and running time? 

• What about movies made by and for streamers?

Who’s Making Cable TV Movies and What is the Typical Financial Structure?

• The leading networks making and airing TV movies

• The different financial structures:  network in-house productions vs.  production company output deals and pre-sales

• The leading production companies making TV movies

Getting the Job and The Deal

• The paths to landing the job

• What previous experience do you need?

• How to pitch yourself to direct a TV movie

• DGA and SAG vs Non-Union

• Salary ranges

• Deal points to look for

• Is there any backend?

You Got the Job, Now What?  Before Pre-Production

• What and who may already be attached to your project

• Script notes: dealing with yours and the production company’s or network’s

• Where are TV movies currently being shot? 

Greenlight!  Official Pre-Production Begins 

• How much time do you get in prep?

• Casting issues: limitations, the leads, network approvals

• Crewing: can you hire anyone you want?

• Wardrobe – dealing with approvals

• The shooting schedule: number of days, number of pages in one day

• Are there rehearsals?

• Final week before shooting starts

Production

• How do you shoot 8-10 pages in a day?

• Are act breaks important?

• Two cameras or one?  Is there a 2nd unit?

• Typical amount of takes you can shoot to stay on schedule

• Is overtime allowed?

• Dealing with producer and network notes

• How to build in shot options without costing you any more time

• Watching dailies and cuts while shooting

Post Production

• How long do you get for your director’s cut?

• Steps to reaching an approved locked cut

• Is the director involved beyond delivering the director’s cut?

Q&A with Mark

PLUS! Get a downloadable shooting schedule from an actual shoot and a guide to shooting on a shortened schedule!

Directors of all levels who want to learn how to direct a TV Movie

Actors of all levels who aspire to be in a TV Movie and want to be better prepared for what to expect when they shoot

Writers of all levels who want to understand the production process for TV movies so they can more effectively write for them

"It was a joy to teach my first webinar with Stage 32 on Directing TV Movies. The whole Stage 32 team made everything easy.  They walked me through every step and prepared me perfectly.  Stage 32, you rock!"

-Mark Rosman

Testimonials from attendees:

"Really great presentation. Very clear and concise and full of practical information on how to get work.” -Kristen W

"Mark was transparent and articulate, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. I was thoroughly impressed with the webinar. Thank you, Stage 32!” -Liam P