Private, interactive class on Zoom hosted by the producer of the hit A24 feature film, The Green Knight and former CEO of James Cameron’s production company!

Get a comprehensive checklist to confidently manage every aspect of your international film project!

All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and Chris will be accessible via email throughout the course. Plus, you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your classmates!

Payment plans are available at checkout through Shop Pay

In today’s rapidly evolving film industry, shooting in a foreign country is becoming essential. With domestic tax incentives shrinking and costs rising in the U.S., many projects are turning to international locations for better financial benefits and fresh opportunities. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Ireland offer tax incentives of up to 35%, which can significantly impact your project’s budget and success. By mastering the nuances of filming abroad and leveraging these global incentives, you can stay ahead in a competitive market. Get a list of countries offering substantial tax benefits and discover how international shooting can transform your project!

Planning an international shoot comes with its own set of challenges. You might find it tough to balance location costs with your budget, and keeping up with tax incentives, deadlines, and local regulations can be demanding. Managing logistics like location scouting and vendor partnerships abroad can also be overwhelming. Understanding and addressing these issues effectively is key to ensuring a smooth and successful production experience.

Chris Debiec brings over 25 years of global film and television experience to this class. He recently worked on the hit A24 feature film, THE GREEN KNIGHT, starring Oscar-winning actor Dev Patel, which was filmed on location in Ireland. Chris has also worked on a wide range of productions all over the world, as the former CEO of Oscar-winning director James Cameron’s production company Earthship Productions. From blockbuster films to award-winning documentaries and intricate international productions, Chris's extensive background makes him exceptionally qualified to guide you through the complexities of shooting abroad! 

In this four-part Stage 32 class, you will gain insights into every stage of shooting a film abroad, from pre-production through post-production. You’ll dive into key areas like budgeting, tax incentives, handling insurance, and tackling logistical challenges, offering real-world examples of the obstacles and solutions encountered during international shoots! Throughout the four sessions, Chris will include a hands-on case study of Matt Dillon's directorial debut, CITY OF GHOSTS, shot on location in Cambodia and Thailand. By the end of the class, you’ll have practical knowledge and effective strategies you can use right away, including how to budget effectively, maximize tax credits, and find the best locations.

PLUS! You'll also receive: 

• A comprehensive checklist to confidently manage every aspect of your international film project!

Praise for Chris’s past work with Stage 32

“This webinar was both educational and engaging. Learned a lot. Chris D.'s stories from the field and his life made the webinar experience even better. Thank you Chris." - John L.

"Chris broke down department heads in a way that was easy to understand. I learned so much in just one session!" - Sarah M.

"Chris was direct and delivered everything I hoped for and more. I'd love to have dinner with him and hear even more of his incredible stories." - Liam P.

CLASS ONE: Planning Your Production – Tax Incentives, Location and Budget Considerations

In this first session, we will dive into the essential factors that influence your production's look, budget and overall strategy when filming abroad. This class is designed to provide you with a clear understanding of:

• Location vs. Budget: How to balance your creative vision with budget constraints, selecting locations that enhance your story without breaking the bank.

• Co-Productions: What constitutes a co-production, and how to choose the right one to align with your project's goals and financial needs.

• Tax Incentives: Critical considerations when applying for tax incentives, including deadlines, documentation, and local requirements to ensure you maximize the benefits.

• Partnering with Vendors: Building relationships with local vendors who understand the landscape and can provide invaluable support during production.

Class One Assignment:
Identify your top three potential co-production partners for your next project. Research the specific requirements for partnering with these entities, focusing on tax incentives, budget alignment, and any potential benefits they could bring to your production. In addition, explore at least one country where you would like to shoot and compare the tax incentive opportunities available.

Goal: This exercise will help you build a clear vision for your project's financial and creative alignment while exploring real-world partnerships and location-based incentives.

CLASS TWO: Pre-Production Essentials

Pre-production is where the foundation of your project is laid. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth start:

• The Accountant's Role: Often underestimated, the production accountant is pivotal to keeping your budget on track. We’ll discuss why this role is one of the most important in your production team and some potential internations requirements for this department.

• Maximizing Tax Credits: Ensuring that the nationalities of key roles are aligned to maximize available tax credits.

• Location Scouting: Practical advice on how to effectively scout and secure the perfect locations, with a focus on understanding the local terrain and securing permits.

• Cast and Crew Infrastructure: Deciding between guild and non-guild crews, and how this choice impacts your production.

• Production Insurance: Understanding the types of insurance necessary for international shoots, including whether Kidnap & Ransom (K&R) insurance is necessary.

• Travel Preparation: How to prepare your cast and crew for international travel, from visas to vaccinations.

• Logistical Considerations: Addressing the specific needs and challenges of filming abroad, including transport, accommodation, and local regulations.

Class Two Assignment:
Create a checklist of all the essential elements required for location scouting, including permits, logistical concerns, and specific features your project needs.

Goal: This assignment ensures you're thinking about the practical side of pre-production, laying a foundation for smooth location management.

CLASS THREE: Navigating Production Challenges

Once production begins, the real test of your planning and adaptability starts. This session will guide you through:

• On-Site Prep Meetings: Planning and conducting effective on-site meetings to set clear goals and expectations.

• Communication Strategies: Ensuring seamless communication within your team, including the use of reliable tools for email, phone, and more.

• Cultural Adaptation: Tips for adapting to the local culture and ensuring smooth interactions with local authorities and communities.

• Collaborating with Local Crew: Best practices for working with local crew members, respecting their expertise, and blending it with your team's workflow.

• Overcoming Language Barriers: Strategies for navigating language differences and ensuring clear communication on set.

• Managing Currency Exchange: Tips for handling currency exchanges efficiently to avoid budget overruns.

• Miscellaneous Challenges: Addressing unexpected issues like the need for equipment adapters and understanding local business practices.

Class Three Assignment:

Choose a third world country and imagine you are preparing to film a small project in a country with limited infrastructure (similar to Cambodia or Thailand). Create a list of five challenges you anticipate encountering. For each challenge, propose a creative solution or strategy that could help you navigate the issue with limited resources.

Goal: This exercise encourages you to think on your feet and adapt to working in environments that require flexibility, resourcefulness, and a global mindset, mirroring real-world challenges faced by productions in developing regions.

CLASS FOUR: Case Study – Filming in Third World Countries

This final class will provide a hands-on case study of Matt Dillon's directorial debut, CITY OF GHOSTS, shot in Cambodia and Thailand.

• Lessons from the Trenches: Real-world stories from the production of CITY OF GHOSTS, highlighting the practical challenges and solutions encountered daily.

• Problem-Solving on the Fly: How to think creatively and find solutions in environments that don’t have the same resources as the U.S.

• Thinking Outside the "USA" Box: Adjusting your mindset to approach challenges and opportunities from a global perspective.

Handout: A comprehensive checklist covering all pre-production and production considerations to ensure you're fully prepared for international filming.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an 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.

• This class is designed for all level writers, directors and actors who want to learn more about the job of a producer.
• This is an intimate, in-depth, practical, and detailed class held on Zoom where you will be interacting with your instructor.
• This class consists of 4 sessions roughly two hours in duration.
• **Your instructor will be available on email during the two sessions to answer any questions you have about your project.**
• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a dedicated Stage 32 Lounge post where you can meet, connect and communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the class and beyond. Let Stage 32 help you find your tribe!
• Payment plans are available - please contact Amanda at edu@stage32.com for more information.

Producers of all levels who want a better understanding of the intricacies of their job

Directors of all levels who want to learn how to communicate more effectively with a producer

Screenwriters of all levels who want to learn how to communicate more effectively with a producer

Actors of all levels who want to learn how to communicate more effectively with a producer

Wednesday October 16th 3-5pm PT

Wednesday October 23rd 3-5pm PT

Wednesday October 30th 3-5pm PT

Wednesday November 13th 3-5pm PT

Praise for Chris’s past work with Stage 32

“This webinar was both educational and engaging. Learned a lot. Chris D.'s stories from the field and his life made the webinar experience even better. Thank you Chris." - John L.

"Chris broke down department heads in a way that was easy to understand. I learned so much in just one session!" - Sarah M.

"Chris was direct and delivered everything I hoped for and more. I'd love to have dinner with him and hear even more of his incredible stories." - Liam P.