THE STAGE 32 MEETUPS
Take your networking off-line. Find film, TV and theater related meetups near you.
Mon. Panel +Cocktail (How AI Is Impacting the Industry)
Monday May 19, 2025 2:30pm Stage 32 Presents: The Great AI Debate - How AI is Impacting Our Industry Artificial Intelligence is transforming the film and television landscape at lightning speed, sparking both excitement and unease among creators. From scriptwriting tools and visual effects to automated editing and immersive storytelling, AI is reshaping how stories are told and produced. But what does this mean for the future of filmmaking? Join Stage 32 for an innovative panel featuring industry experts as they dive into the heart of the AI revolution. This discussion will explore how AI is opening new creative doors, challenging traditional workflows, and raising critical questions about ethics, jobs, and artistic innovation. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or skeptic, this panel will unpack the opportunities, pitfalls, and everything in between—equipping you with insights to navigate this brave new world of storytelling. Moderator: Amanda Toney, Managing Director, Stage 32 Panelists: Richard Botto - CEO, Stage 32 Sami Arpa - CEO, Largo.AIAlan Pao - President, Tunnel Sam Pressman - CEO, Pressman FilmFilm USA Pavilion - Village International on the Pantiero Side #200 ***Important - it is NOT the American Pavilion. It is the FilmUSA Pavillion The pavilion is in front of the Yachts at the Marina, west of the Palais
Sun Cannes Film Festival 2025 Stage 32 Meetup(OFFICIAL)
***Please note: the correct time is 6:00pm local time in Cannes*******We are looking for volunteers for our events. Interested? Email community@stage32.com*** Those who have attended Cannes over the last decade know that the Stage 32 Cannes Meetup has been one of the most anticipated and fun events of the entire fest. It's a great event where networking connections happen and true collaborations are born. This year, we're thrilled to announce another incredible partnership with the American Pavilion. As a result, our 2025 Cannes Stage 32 Meetup will be held at the historic American Pavilion venue on the banks of the French Riviera. We couldn't be more proud to have them as a partner. Come join Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto and Stage 32 Managing Director, Amanda Toney. If you have a film at Cannes, please let us know about it in the comments section below. We hope you will join us! Date: Sunday May 18, 2025 Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: American Pavilion, 129, Village International Riviera,Palais des Festivals Event: Stage 32 Cannes 2025 Meetup Open to Stage 32 members who have Festival or Cannes Marche du Film credentials. The American Pavilion is open to it's members during this time and there will be a cash bar. If you are not a member of the American Pavilion, we recommend that you get a membership to enjoy all the benefits of being a part of the incredible week of events they have lined up. To get your AmPav badge, click here: https://americanpavilion.swoog...
Sat. Panel + Cocktail (How to Finance Your Film)
Saturday May 17, 2025 2:30pm (Cannes time) Stage 32 Presents: The Art of the Deal: Innovative Financing for Indie Filmmakers Independent filmmaking is thriving, fueled by a wave of creative financing solutions that empower storytellers to bring their visions to life. Join Stage 32 for an insightful panel featuring seasoned experts who have collectively worked on hundreds of films. This discussion will dive into the nuts and bolts of innovative funding strategies—private equity, international tax incentives, grants, and collaborative partnerships—revealing how to maximize resources for your indie project. Learn proven tactics to secure backing, navigate complex financial landscapes, and turn your script into a finished film. Whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned pro, this panel will equip you with the tools to master the art of the deal and get your story on screen. Moderator: David Zannoni, International Consultant, Stage 32 Panelists: Grady Craig - Senior Vice President, Bondit Media CapitalTiffany Boyle - President, Ramo Law, Producer, VestedViviana Zarragoitia - Senior Vice President, TPC Film USA Pavilion - Village International on the Pantiero Side #200 ***Important - it is NOT the American Pavilion. It is the FilmUSA Pavillion The pavilion is in front of the Yachts at the Marina, west of the Palais
Fri. Panel + Cocktail (How to Get your Film Greenlit)
Friday May 16, 2025 2:30pm (Cannes time) Stage 32 Presents: Rebuilding the Pipeline: How Producers & Filmmakers Can Get Greenlit in Today’s Landscape The entertainment industry has weathered a wild ride—from the Great Content Gold Rush, where streamers churned out unprecedented volumes of film and TV with lucrative talent deals, to the seismic shifts caused by the 2023 strikes that stalled production pipelines and reshaped deal structures. Now, as the dust settles, what’s next? Join Stage 32 for an essential panel featuring top experts who will break down the current state of the industry. Discover what projects are getting greenlit in this “new normal,” how independent creators can compete with talent offers, and the best strategies for collaborating with guilds to keep your production moving. Packed with insider insights and practical advice, this panel will empower you to rebuild, adapt, and thrive in today’s evolving filmmaking landscape. Moderator: Sara Elizabeth Timmins, Stage 32 Education Producer Panelists: Michael Maizner, Founder and Managing Partner at Maizner & Associates, PLLCJackie Ward, Senior Associate, Ramo LawJack Sheehan, President, Archstone EntertainmentDarrien Gipson, Executive Director, SAG-Indie Film USA Pavilion - Village International on the Pantiero Side #200 ***Important - it is NOT the American Pavilion. It is the FilmUSA Pavillion The pavilion is in front of the Yachts at the Marina, west of the Palais
Wed. Panel + Cocktail (Int'l Filmmaking Opportunities)
Wednesday, May 14th- 2:30 PM Cannes Time From Local Crews to Global Screens: Navigating the Filmmaking Boom Filmmaking has exploded outside of Hollywood with opportunities all over the United States and around the world, driven by untapped talent pools and a surge of tax incentives. Join Stage 32 for an exciting panel featuring industry experts who are riding the wave of this global expansion. Discover how filmmakers are leveraging international and regional incentives to bring their projects to life in unexpected places, while building skilled local crews and uncovering fresh, undiscovered talent. Whether you’re aiming for a local gem or a global hit, this panel will show you how to turn opportunity into cinematic success. Moderator: Martin Petrov - Festival Director, IFFG Panelists: Katie Pryor - Co-Founder, FilmUSA Lauren Simpson - Women in Film and Television International Board of Directors, President of Women in Film & Television Victoria Krassimira Belev - Producer, First Draft Productions Richard Botto - CEO, Stage 32 Those who attend the panel will be invited to attend a networking cocktail event after the panel. Film USA Pavilion - Village International on the Pantiero Side #200 ***Important - it is NOT the American Pavilion. It is the FilmUSA Pavillion The pavilion is in front of the Yachts at the Marina, west of the Palais
Cannes Film Festival 2024 Stage 32 Party (OFFICIAL)
***Please note: the correct party time is 6:00pm local time in Cannes*** ***We are looking for volunteers to help us at all of our Stage 32 events during Cannes (paid) - if you are interested let us know in the comments below, or send a DM to Amanda Toney at https://www.stage32.com/profil...*** ****YOU MUST BE A STAGE 32 MEMBER AND SHOW PROOF OF PROFILE IN ORDER TO ATTEND. IF YOU ARE NOT A STAGE 32 MEMBER DOWNLOAD THE APP AND REGISTER. IT'S FREE AND TAKES 30 SECONDS*** Those who have attended Cannes over the last decade know that the Stage 32 Cannes Meetup/Party has been one of the most anticipated and fun events of the entire fest (still offering apologies to those who got shut out of our rooftop party a few years ago!). This year, we're thrilled to announce another partnership and venue. Stage 32 is now partners with the American Pavilion. As a result, our 2024 Cannes Stage 32 Meetup will be held at the historic American Pavilion venue on the banks of the Bay of Cannes. The party will be the official Sunday night programming event for Am Pav. We couldn't be more proud to have them as a partner. Come join Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto and Stage 32 Managing Director, Amanda Toney. If you have a film at Cannes, please let us know about it in the comments section below. We hope you will join us! Date: Sunday May 19, 2022 Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: American Pavilion, 129, Village International Riviera,Palais des Festivals Event: Stage 32 Cannes 2024 Party Open to Stage 32 members with Cannes Marche du Film credentials. Please RSVP on this meetup page for entry.
Cannes 2023 Stage 32 Party in Partnership with Variety
SORRY, THIS MEETUP IS FULL. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THOSE WHO RSVPD TO ATTEND TONIGHT!***Please note: the correct event time is 10:00pm - 2:00am local time in Cannes*** ****IF YOU RSVPd YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL TODAY WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR INVITATION*** In true Stage 32 style, we are ready to take Cannes 2023 by storm! Over the last 12 years we've watched our community grow into the largest global online community in the world with the most talented creative people in the entertainment industry. We've watched some of you compete for Palme d'Ors, Oscars, Emmys and BAFTAs and at we've also watched some of you pick up a camera to shoot a short or type "fade in" for the first time - all are equally strong accomplishments! At the end of the day we are all all creatives in pursuit of our love of storytelling. Now, at Cannes this year, it's time to celebrate the greatest creative community on the planet. The Stage 32 Community. The Official 2023 Cannes Stage 32 party in partnership with Variety will be at C-Beach in front of the Grand Hotel on the Croisette hosted by our fearless leader, Stage 32 CEO Richard Botto, as well as Stage 32 Managing Director Amanda Toney. Get ready for a fun-filled, action-packed night as we celebrate all of our creative accomplishments and the massive impact this community has made on the global entertainment industry. From partnerships with Netflix, Cannes, AFM, WGA, PGA, DGA and dozens of film commissions and organizations around the world to seeing our members projects on the big and small screens globally, there is a lot to celebrate. Let's drink and dance the night away on the beach under the stars! HOW TO GET YOUR INVITATION: - This is a private invitation-only event and entrance will be on a first come, first serve basis according to capacity. - We will be issuing formal paper invitations that must be picked up on May 22 - you must RSVP on this page and you will be emailed the location to pick up your physical invitation on May 22 near the Palais. - You MUST be a Stage 32 member with a completed profile in order to attend (Photo, bio, credits) - One RSVP per person, non transferrable. - Please note that RSVP on this page does not guarantee entry, you MUST have a paper invitation we are issuing on May 22 in order to enter the event. - Red carpet - Dress to impress. Let's document this historic event! Be sure to tag @stage32 and @rbwalksintoabar with the hashtag #IAMSTAGE32.
Cannes Film Festival '23 Stage 32 + Canon Panel + Party
***Please note: the correct event time is 3:00pm local time in Cannes*** ***We are looking for volunteers to help us at all of our Stage 32 events during Cannes (paid) - if you are interested let us know in the comments below, or send a DM to Amanda Toney at https://www.stage32.com/profil...*** ****YOU MUST HAVE OFFICIAL CANNES MARCHE DU FILM CREDENTIALS IN ORDER TO ATTEND THIS EVENT*** MEET ACADEMY AWARD-NOMINATED, THREE-TIME EMMY AND BAFTA WINNING FILMMAKER MARCEL METTELSIEFEN! This year, we're thrilled to announce a partnership with Canon, the leaders in cinematic film equipment making some of the top films and television shows we see today. And, just as you expect from Stage 32, we are bringing in World-Class education through a panel with Academy Award-nominated, three-time EMMY and BAFTA winning filmmaker Marcel Mettelsiefen.Some of Marcel's films include In Her Hands on Netflix (2022), Syria: Children on the Frontline (2014), Children on the Frontline: The Escape (2016) and Watani: My Homeland (2016) Canon is a long-time favorite among filmmakers, empowering them with the necessary tools to tell inspiring and unique stories. Join Stage 32 Managing Director Amanda Toney in this exclusive panel as we demystify Canon's cutting-edge technology through a captivating conversation with Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Marcel Mettelsiefen. Discover how Marcel wields the camera as a tool to tell remarkable narratives and capture the authenticity of his subjects. Gain invaluable insights into Marcel's approach to storytelling and the art of utilizing Canon's equipment. Following the panel, we will host a cocktail event, providing an opportunity for you to connect with the Canon team and fellow passionate filmmakers We couldn't be more proud to have Canon as a partner for this tremendous talk. And, for those who attend the panel, Canon will be hosting a private cocktail party after the panel is over. Please note that you must attend the panel in order to gain access to the cocktail party. Come join Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto and Stage 32 Managing Director, Amanda Toney, as well as representatives from Canon and, of course, filmmaker Marcel Mettelsiefen. If you have a film at Cannes, please let us know about it in the comments section below. We hope you will join us! Event: Canon Presents: In Conversation with Academy-Nominated, Emmy & BAFTA winning filmmaker Marcel Mettelsiefen + Cocktail Event Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023 Time: 3:00pm (Cannes time) Location: Film USA Pavilion Village International Pantiero (Yacht Side) #200 (Marina side, west of the Palais by the yachts) Pantiero Side #200 Event: Stage 32 + Canon Panel + Cocktail Party Open to Stage 32 members with Cannes Marche du Film credentials. Please RSVP on this meetup page for entry.
Cannes Film Festival 2022 Stage 32 Party (OFFICIAL)
***Please note: the correct party time is 6:30pm local time in Cannes*** ***We are looking for volunteers to help us at all of our Stage 32 events during Cannes (paid) - if you are interested let us know in the comments below, or send a DM to Amanda Toney at https://www.stage32.com/profil...*** ****YOU MUST BE A STAGE 32 MEMBER AND SHOW PROOF OF PROFILE IN ORDER TO ATTEND. IF YOU ARE NOT A STAGE 32 MEMBER DOWNLOAD THE APP AND REGISTER. IT'S FREE AND TAKES 30 SECONDS*** To see the full Stage 32 lineup check here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/C... Those who have attended Cannes over the last 5 years know that the Stage 32 Cannes Meetup/Party has been one of the most anticipated and fun events of the entire fest (still offering apologies to those who got shut out of our rooftop party a few years ago!). This year, we're thrilled to announce another partnership and venue. Stage 32 is now partners with the American Pavilion. As a result, our 2022 Cannes Stage 32 Meetup will be held at the historic American Pavilion venue on the banks of the Bay of Cannes. The party will be the official Monday night programming event for Am Pav. We couldn't be more proud to have them as a partner. Come join Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto and Stage 32 Managing Director, Amanda Toney. If you have a film at Cannes, please let us know about it in the comments section below. We hope you will join us! Date: Monday, May 23, 2022 Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm Location: American Pavilion, 129, Village International Riviera,Palais des Festivals Event: Stage 32 Cannes 2022 Party Open to Stage 32 members with Cannes Marche du Film credentials. Please RSVP on this meetup page for entry.
Cannes Film Festival 2019 Stage 32 Meetup (OFFICIAL)
***Please note: the correct party time is 6pm local time in Cannes*** Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto would like to welcome all Stage 32 members who are in Cannes this year to a the official Stage 32 meetup. The party takes place Friday, May 17, 2019 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Come network with other Stage 32 members who have films screening and meet Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto and Stage 32 Managing Director, Amanda Toney. If you have a film at Cannes, please let us know about it in the comments section below. We hope you will join us! Date: Friday, May 17 2019 Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: American Pavilion, Village International,Palais des Festivals Event: Stage 32 Meetup Open to Stage 32 members with Cannes Marche du Film credentials.
Cannes Film Festival 2018 Stage 32 Meetup (OFFICIAL)
****IMPORTANT: Venue has changed, see new venue**** ***Please note: the correct party time is 5pm local time in Cannes*** Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto would like to welcome all Stage 32 members who are in Cannes this year to a the official Stage 32 meetup. The party takes place Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Come network with other Stage 32 members who have films screening and meet Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto and Stage 32 Managing Director, Amanda Toney. If you have a film at Cannes, please let us know about it in the comments section below. We hope you will join us! Date: Thursday, May 10 2018 Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Le Bar à Vin, 10 Rue Marceau, 06400 Cannes, France (more info) - ***this is the new location Event: Stage 32 Meetup Open to Stage 32 members and their guests, cash bar, light snacks available.
Cannes Film Festival 2015 Stage 32 Meetup (OFFICIAL)
It's official! Stage 32 has been invited by the Cannes Film Festival to participate in the NEXT Program speaking on crowdsourcing, the importance of social media for today’s filmmaker and the rapidly changing landscape of the industry. The NEXT program will feature presentations from game-changers of future cinema such as Netflix. At the forefront of this convergence of entertainment and tech, Forbes recently described Stage 32 as “LinkedIn meets Lynda for film, television and theater creatives.”. The Stage 32 panel takes place Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 4:00pm in the NEXT Pavilion. It will feature a fireside chat with Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto and Stage 32 Managing Director, Amanda Toney. After the panel, Stage 32 and Monaco production company, KNM, led by Stage 32 member and producer, Michel Merkt, will host a cocktail event for NEXT filmmakers, producers and Stage 32 members. Merkt’s production, the David Cronenberg directed MAPS TO THE STARS won the Golden Palm for Julianne Moore as Best Actress at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. This year, Merkt’s film IN THE SHADOW OF WOMEN directed by Philippe Garrel is opening Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. Merkt is also presenting ARABIAN NIGHTS, a three part, six- hour plus drama at the festival and ELLE. We currently know of 19 Stage 32 members who have films at Cannes this year. If you have a film, please let us know about it in the comments section below. We will recap the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and feature you and your project next month. We hope you will join us!
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