SESSION 1: It All Starts With A Great Story!

Story is everything in film, particularly when you're making a Movie Of The Week (MOW). With strict network and marketing requirements to fit into your story, it is critical you know what is expected of you when developing your MOW. This week we will go over all the essentials in how to develop story, structure, tone, and characters that will succeed in the MOW market.

What tones and themes work for MOWs?
- Elements of a successful Holiday and Romance MOW
- Elements of a successful Thriller MOW
How to structure your story for the MOW format
- Writing your 9-act MOW
Writing a strong synopsis that will entice the network or streamer
Writing a treatment that will get you the greenlight
How to pitch your ideas to a cable network or streamer
One pagers, pitch decks, and bibles - what will you need to sell your MOW?
Writing great female and BIPOC characters
Q&A with Michelle

SESSION 2: Developing Your MOW With A Network Or Streamer

MOWs are almost always developed alongside the studio or distributor, which comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. This week, we will discuss how you can work effectively and efficiently with your network or streamer to not only guarantee a quality film, but build a long lasting relationship for projects to come.

Which distributor is the best for your particular story?
How to connect with distributors or producers with output deals with networks and streamers
Win the room - tips and tricks for once you get the meeting
What to expect when you produce a MOW for a network or streamer - deliverables, workflow, and output
- Budgets & schedules
- Navigating network notes
How to go from script to production with a network or streamer
Working with the unions
- Casting MOWs
- How to build your team behind the camera
Q&A with Michelle

SESSION 3: Directing your MOW

MOWs have a very particular look and feel to them, which has to come from the director. This week, we will dive deep into the creative choices you should make when directing your MOW and how you can run a great set while shooting your film.

Weighing your artistic vision vs. the MOW formula (can you have both?)
Preparation
- Creating your shot list
- Making a useful storyboard
How to analyze the text to create a compelling scene on screen
How to best work with your actors in a MOW
- On set rehearsals on a time (and budget) crunch
- Getting a good performance in three takes (or less)
- How to communicate with talent to build trust and empathy
How to communicate your vision with your Director fo Photography and Key Crew
Q&A with Michelle

SESSION 4: Post Production and Delivery

Your MOW will live on a network or streamer with specific formatting, programming, and marketing guidelines. It is imperative you create and deliver your film to coincide with these requirements. This week, we will discuss how to take your film through post-production to deliver a MOW that your distributor and audiences will love!

What are the deliverables for network and streamers and how are they different than independent or studio projects?
How to edit your film for ad-driven networks and streamers
Sound design and sound technical requirements for television and streamers
Music matters: creating a soundtrack for your film that will work on your targeted platforms
How to ensure your final film meets all the required marketing requirements for this type of film
Q&A with Michelle

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: The opportunity to learn from an executive and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity.

This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the fundamentals of developing, selling, and producing a made-for-television movie of the week. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
This class will consist of four sessions, each roughly two hours in duration.
PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

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