One of the most crucial decisions you can make as an independent producer is also one of the first: should you produce your project working with the unions or should you shoot non-union?

Cast and crew from unions can help with packaging your film and ensure different department needs are met. At the same time, when you’re trying to keep your budget low, shooting non-union is the smart choice for your production. The trick is to choose the path that is best for you and your project, and this exclusive Stage 32 webinar will walk you through the pros and cons of both options, and even show you some tips and tricks you didn’t know before.

Guiding you is Nicholas Levis, a highly sought-after producer, and the founder and CEO of BrandCinema. Nicholas is known for his think-outside-the-box producing style. He has produced content in 30 states and 10 nations and is regarded for his in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the production process and close industry relationships. His recent film producing credits include WHO IS CHRISTMAS EVE? for the Bounce Network and DREAMKATCHER for Lionsgate, starring Lin Shaye, Radha Mitchell, and Henry Thomas. He also recently produced the globally distributed films HIGH STRUNG and HIGH STRUNG REE DANCE, directed by Michael Damian and starring Jane Seymour and Thomas Doherty.

Nicholas will draw on his years of industry experience to show you how your budget and vision will impact your choices, the key factors to consider, and ultimately, how to embrace the best choice for your project. Even if you already know which path is for you, this webinar will go deeper and show you every aspect you need to know, like mistakes to avoid when approaching unions, how tiers affect unions and fees, and more.

You’ll walk away from this webinar understanding the many different unions, how to communicate with them, and what it takes to work without them. This decision impacts every step of your production. Don’t miss out on your chance to learn this vital information so you can make the best choices on all your productions. 

Praise for Nicholas' previous webinars:

"Very genuine educator who obviously knows his stuff. Lots of details to be aware of when making your decisions on filming locations and post - each project is unique - so it's not a standard set of answers." - Susan S.

"Nicholas gave me life-changing information! My out of state project questions were easily figured out." - Sara B.

"Such insightful knowledge, tips and tricks of the trade and he made it easy to understand!" - Tom T.

"As a mentor at heart, the opportunity to be engaged by this amazing global community at Stage32 makes my teaching webinar sessions feel like I'm learning..." -- Nicholas Levis

An Overview of the Unions

• Why do we have unions?
• How the unions benefit and protect the crew
• An overview of the unions - IATSE, DGA, WGA, PGA, and SAG
• How the unions all work together
• How going union is a per-project decision vs. a company decision

Making the Decision

• Deciding which unions you should join
• Starting with your budget
• Are union crews better or stronger?
• Understanding the effects of this decision from development through distribution
• Is going non-union practical for a first-time filmmaker?
• Utilizing local and state officials in making your decision

Once the Decision is Made

• Communicating with the unions vs. hiding
• Mistakes to avoid when approaching unions
• Understand what a "right to work state" really means
• Some union rules you should respect, even when non-union

Managing the Elements 

• Looking at your budget wisely
• Talent vs. Money - A new perspective consider
• The key to staying in honest and transparent communication with your crew
• Do union fees differ by location?
• Considering how budget tiers affect unions and fees

What Happens If A Union Finds Out You Are Shooting Non-Union? 

• What does it mean to get flipped?
• Is the project over if this happens? 
• Don't fear the unknown, embrace your choice

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to understand producers in the indie film industry.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to understand producers in the indie film industry.

Producers looking to understand the indie film genre.

Actors looking to understand producers in the indie film industry.