Producing : Stage 32 Film & TV Production Summit by Amanda Toney

Greeting from Asheville, NC... Thanks SO much for putting on this webinar... it's been a heck of a week for all of us here at Stage 32!!

Enjoying Cassian's talk... I actually have one of those "Brat Pack" films...But, the kids are in their 50's...Weird, huh? (Oh, I'm in Wilmington, NC)

Goodmorning All! NYer here who recently moved to LA. But, always a Philly boy at heart! :-D

Hello, my name is Tasha McLemore, I am a screenwriter in the Nashville area. I have written several scripts (one has already gotten the attention of an exec here). My self-published book is on Amazon now titled My Never Ending Road. I am looking to get my ideas on the screen. Or maybe team up with other writers, and producers to get our work out there!

Hello from Charlotte, NC area in small town USA!

Hi, tuning in from Gloucestershire in the UK

Brilliant! Canadian living and producing film and television in Greece!

Hi, I'm Mary Kabwe, A concept creator, writer, producer, production manager. I'm connecting from Lusaka Zambia.

Tuning in from Cannes, France, listening keenly to Cassian Elwes. Having agreed to do a EU10M feature film with an Irish studio here at Mipcom, what advice do you have for a movie of this scale today in terms of packaging the script once developed.

Good morning from New Orleans, really excited about today's presentations!

Watching from Nashville, TN!

Hi, located in Whitsett, NC United States (Original New Yawker, LA Lover)

Angela Valente Romeo currently in Nashville TN Writer/actor/director/producer - currently have a show streaming on Amazon Prime, Always Here. So excited to learn!

Hello from Shelby, NC. Writer of the Amazon best seller "Navigating Hollywood" Thank you Stage 32 for putting this seminar on.

Hi! Enjoying the conversation with Cassian Elwes! Tuning in from Houston, TX

Hello everyone, I'm tuning in from Trinidad! I'm the writer-Director Producer of two short films. I'm also into Animations, Screenwriting, Graphics amongst some of talent in my capabilities and service!

Hello from Denver, CO!

Good morning Amanda Toney, and everyone in the amazing and talented @stage32 community! I am so happy to have been invited here and it's epic to be among such greatness! Thank you for making this possible for so many. Sincerely, Candina Ann, chiming in from California, USA!

Tuning from Tampa Bay!

Hi there! Joining from Los Angeles!

Hello from Naperville, Illinois

So nice to meet all of you! I'm tuning in and hosting from Los Angeles!

Warm regards from Cairo, Egypt :)

Looking forward to some great information. Enjoying Cassian Elwes talk. I'm watching from Mississauga, Ontario.

It's nice to see my friend Cassian saying what I have been doing for the past 30 years as well. It's a constant puzzle solving, and it takes KNOWLEDGE and LONG TERM CONNECTIONS. We actually were the first buyers acquiring and selling to Dino De Laurentis :)

Leonardo Ramirez It is so nice to see someone else from Nashville! Lol

Awesome! Hi Tasha McLemore !

Greetings! Here from New York City!

Hey everyone, I’m tuning in from Dallas, TX!

@Angela Romeo.. Hi! Another one! YAY!

@Angela Romeo - Yay! Another fellow creative from Nashville. Welcome!

@Cassian Elwes, what type of scripts are you looking for?

I'm an actress and writer. I've produced one short film.

@Leonardo Ramirez @ Tasha McLemore Nashville is on the cusp of film /tv production

I'm a screenwriter, primarily.

Hi everyone.

I'm a showrunner and actress based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

I'm a writer and actor...I'd say director, but I've seen my first film and I'm pretty sure, I need work on that. I must say, with my writing, much like Cassian here, I'd rather have a female director. Desperate to have a woman's perspective with the stories I want to tell.

@Cassian Elwes, thanks so much for the creatively ambitious films you've Produced for us to see! I am grateful as an audience member and inspired as Producer-Writer-Director. How do you go about estimating the value of the films you consider producing? What data are you using/Where does the data come from?

QUESTION for Cassian: If you could only chose one element that would attract you to a script, what would it be?

Screenwriter (day job is founder of first dementia village in US)!

My name is Steve Durland. I live in Portland, Oregon. I'm a writer, producer and actor. My business partner and I created our own company (www.smkpoproductions.com). We are trying to film our first feature film. Funding is our road block and we can't get past it. Have a proof of concept, named talent attached, pitch deck, look book, you name it. We just need funding and we are hoping to crack that Davinci code and figure it out.

Hi Everyone! I am an Actor, Spoken Word Artist, and Director. I produced two short films and managed to recieve a grant for the second one, which had a good film festival run. Nice to be in this space with fellow creatives!

Is it just me or has listening to Cassian fired you up to write great stories and get great films made! I am pumped by this guy!!! And he’s the first speaker. Lord, I’m going to need to catch my breath!

Cinemas here are sadly empty. The cost of going to the movies has tripled since COVID shut the cinemas.

Pleasantly surprised by Cassian's take on AI film

Mark Unthank here from NYC. I'm a composer learning other aspects of the business.

Wow what an inspiring journey and knowledge.

Hi, all, It's been cool watching this webinar, especially seeing Cassian, as I am a fellow Brit. I'm a horror fiction author & a screenwriter. I've just released part 3 of my zombie story - CLIFTON FALLS - based in a British Farming Town, & am now writing a new script. - https://taylorlee544.wixsite.com/leeandrewtaylor

QUESTION: Thanks so much Cassian! What are some resources to find a database of female directors?

great book

Steve Durland Have you tried reaching out to Blue fox financing? If you have the elements, they may be able to point you in the right direction or help you find financing.

Good Morning from Chicago, Illinois. I'm s Writer-Illustrator. My company is Lens Cap Productions LLC (www.lenscaponline.com) and I'm SO LOVING Mr. Elwes' presentation.

Tuning in from Ohio but an independent Producer from NYC here! Blessed to be around likeminded people and towering professionals

Hello I am a screenwriter from NY.

My name is Imole Ladipo and i am a Film Director from Houston, Texas! Thanks for having me here

Very useful stuff coming from Cassian :)

Hi, I'm Ana from Argentina. I'm studying filmmaking in patagonia.

My Name is Maria Monte de Rey, from California, Im writer Tv/Film and producer. Focus on Deaf/HH with Non Deaf contents.

Hi from Atlanta area! My background is in publishing, ~ created a short film in 2020 with 2 other women during Covid and it was selected for screening (Atlanta Film Society). I just turned one of my books into a screenplay ~ with some help. https://brigittecutshall.com

Angela Romeo ... I agree. It is well on it's way on giving Atlanta a run for it's money and I cannot wait. I have so many ideas that producers and directors think are good ideas, but they are not their genre.

Hello, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am a Producer and on the right project a Director as well.

I'm a long time film editor. Have turned my energy to screenwriting and TV writing. Developing 2 TV series and rewriting a feature screenplay.

Hi there, screenwriter with LA and Chicago roots.

Thank you Cassian for sharing your experience and clarity. It will be a great light on my path as I go out to get my film made.

Hello! I'm Ava from Busy Mom Media. I'm restarting Busy Moms TV and always looking for content, especially independent and short films.

Thank you, Amanda Toney and Stage 32, for putting together this amazing webinar. Thank you, Cassian Elwes, for your filmmaking pearls of wisdom.

Doc filmmaker wanting to break in to TV writing; tuning in from Rio Rancho, NM.

Hi everyone, I'm listening in from Northampton in the UK, I'm a writer/director/producer and loving this talk it's so inspirational and makes me want to carry on the fight of making indie original IP films and TV series. I love going to the cinema there is nothing quite like it, but god it's so expensive I don't know how families can do it these days, in the financial crisis we are all in.

Hello from Sacramento! Former English teacher now writing full time. Funding is my least favorite part of the process, this chat with Cassian brings it into better focus.

Mr. Elwes, Thank you for taking the time for us! Do you produce animation?

Cassian is the real deal. This is seriously so inspiring. Thank you Stage 32!

Sure! I'd love to drop my creative profession here. Thank you.

I am just breaking into the movie industry as a screenwriter, and I wear many hats, especially in the creative writing sector, but to sum it up in clarity, I like to sort my seasoned and most focused skill sets into these categories:

Creative Project Coordinator, Visionary, Published Author, Publisher, Songwriter, Production Coordinator, and Screenwriter

Would love to know what Cassian thought of some projects

Thank you Mr. Elwes - interesting and very helpful. Is there an age bias in the ind.film business?

Thank you so much for sharing your time, experience, and historical timeline of successes, @Cassian Elwes. It was full of golden nuggets.

What is the best way for a new streaming tv service with a very low budget to get funding for getting films? What are some creative ways to finance that you mentioned?

Mr. Cassian Elwes. Thank you so much for being part of the webinar and imparting your knowledge

Amanda Toney A question for Cassian. He mentioned about encouraging women in the film industry and I see lots of programmes for people of colour, or a particular gender or sexuality. But! Does he know of any programmes for OLDER TALENT (I’m 66 and a writer/director)? If not, is it because they think we should know better at our age?

Very informative Cassian

Great energy. Thanks for sharing Cassian!

Thank you so much, Cassian!!!

Thank you!

Where can we find information about the screenwriting fellowship with Franklin Leonard?

Thanks, Cassian. Can I ask when in your career did you hop over the pond? (I'm in rural England).

I really need mentorship, i come from a developing country where the film industry is in its infancy but I'm passionate about film, I'm willing to learn, I'm currently studying film production and doing freelance production work.

Sup, creatives. Tuning in from the Valley of the Sun.

Greetings from South Africa. Thanks, Cassian, informative presentation.

Thank you very much, Cassian. It helps to get perspective on the larger picture. And thank you for the amazing cinematic experiences I've had over the years. You rock.

WOW! BRAVO TO MR. ELWES AND MISS TONEY! THE TWO OF YOU KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE BALL PARK! (Okay, I'll stop shouting now.) Thank you, Mr. Elwes. You are a master storyteller and a stellar bookmark in this business! : )

Greetings from Albania

Ah the questions have updated, I am working on a slate of several features in various stages of development and finance, and some other projects including TV. Hi RB.

Thank you , Cassian.

It's almost impossible to carry out Independent Films where I come from.

I'm from Egypt, and here it's so hard to get mentorship, make connections,

or get your ideas heard. Any advice on that!!!

Greetings all! Independent film producer here who has worked throughout the entertainment industry for the past 25 years. Grateful for Stage 32 and all the mentors insight and shared experiences. I look forward to connecting to all creatives and artists alike here. Thank you!

Hi and thank you Cassian for all the worthy information. I am a writer (5 books so far) and an independent producer working in a very creative team. We prepared a full presentation package for series 1 of a trilogy. My goal is to get in touch with some platform exec to review our proposal.

Jeremy Glazer Are you looking to do specific projects or are you open to any genre?

I have to agree..I graduated with an MA in 2019 in International Film Production...however, they don't tell you about how to crew, what are the legal aspects...how to but or build a budget in todays world and how to be creative in doing that to actually make your film.

Morning again. Screenwriter/Producer

For Sam, I think there is also a bias in terms of importing crews internationally. South Africa has some of the best crews worldwide but impression is that this is a small niche group of people. I ran a skills development programme with film school graduates who produced some AMAZING movies.

Will Post Production Courses be available in the future? Editing, Music Composition, Sound Design and other Post Production skill sets?

Love that about the old paradigm of film schools being broken.

Greetings! The webinar started with speaking about the most important part of the industry!

I do love how RB, Sam and Amanda passionately address the problems that the global industry faces focussing on matching talent with opportunity and addressing each issue from every POV through some amazing guests too. Truly awesome endeavor ! Mille fois merci...Bahut shukriya...Thank you for teaching us how to fish.

Thanks

Thank you for the discount! I'll be signing up for my first class this week!

Tasha McLemore hello! I am always looking for quality, emotionally driven films in all genres.

Hi! Rita Avellar here from Indy (but actually from Rio, Brazil). I'm a Writer's Room member, a writer, a newbie filmmaker, a marketing expert, and passionate about art and culture. Thanks for putting this summit together!

Jeremy Glazer .. Well, I have a couple waiting for you.

Should we post our questions here? And when will the q&a be? Thanks again

Good Day to the Stage 32 Community! Congratulations on the launch of 'Stage 32 Certification'! I'm excited to part of 'The Stage 32 Global Film Production Summit 2023! I am a songwriter; scriptwriter; author; illustrator; and singer. I hail from Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean). Thank you RB, Amanda, Sam and all other panelists!

Greetings from Eston, Saskatchewan Canada, so glad I made it here

Hello everyone! Screenwriter, novelist, podcaster, movie writer, and all around content creator. Quick question - Can the individual certificates be combined into a master certification at a later date if you fulfill the requirements for them? Also, how long is the coupon code viable? Thank you!

Thanks to all for being here and for all the support! Cassian crushed it, didn't he? Much more to come. Going to be an inspiring day. Cheers.

David Woods comment on emotional authenticity is so spot on.

Amanda Toney A question for RB. He mentioned in his talk about ‘controlling your own material’. I’ve embarked on a project that will be international story where I want to use local talent, but I’ve heard that phrase now a number of times.

The first time I came across it, was with Mamoru Oshii and his fellow creatives who had a group called Headgear, to control their material by finding sponsors. I’m conscious more and more about this issue, so just wondered if you could share a little wisdom about it, please?

@Amanda Minchin I have the same question.

What about Nashville?

The business side is REALLY interesting to someone coming in as a writer.

Imagination... A vivid one @David Woods..

There is no show with out the business - fascinating to me. I am a Ny/CA lawyer and have worked a line producer. The "business" is important for all to understand

Angela Romeo Great minds... lol.

Hello! Another great panel! I’’m planning on independently produce one of my scripts in NYC, next year. It will be my first production, which is why I’m super excited about Stage 32’s certification courses. QUESTION for panel: What is the best piece of advice you can impart to a new producer.

My question to the panel. What genre(s) "post pandemic" considering all recent developments, (including the psychological aspects of audiences), is most lucrative from an investors point of view?

I am a screenwriter, with a decade of experience in television writing (telenovelas and dramas), a script consultant for upcoming writers, and in development for my first feature.

I have a question when it comes to getting a film financed how important it is to have PPM along

Question for the panel: Are there any genres that are being sought after more than others at this time?

Listening to the panelists. I realize I made the right choice regarding changing my focus on what used to be classically considered ancillary markets such as publishing and merchandise.

This may not apply, but how important are loglines when it comes to you all deciding if you want to work on a project?

Rough Q & A here (not polished - lol): Not sure if these questions are appropriate here, but I thought I would drop them here anyway. But first I would like to say, "Thank you," for all the golden nuggets today. It truly was enlightening to be here with this epic panel. I took a lot of notes this morning, on all the topics today, the importance of funding, rebates, etc. (chasing the funding), which I am very clear on now in regards to producers and production, so thank you very very much. My questions are more towards those that may just want to stick to making money off screenwriting and pitching, as an isolated niche. 1. How do we work on projects legally and carefully when it comes to journalizing real world stories from real people that want the world to hear their story, but not necessarily want to be put in a public eye? 2. What would be more tailored ways for those individuals vs. producers? 3.What is the best practices for us to focus on making money in that particular area? 4. Do we have to register each and every screenwriting project separately and if so, at what point and stage do you recommend we do this? 5. What if we are documenting real world scenarios that can be negatively impacting the economy at all levels and involve "real people," testimonies, life journeys and how they play a crucial part of the problem and solution, yet, if they are brought into light, they could be in danger?" 6.What do you suggest in regards to creating the characters and protect those that want the story heard, but not necessarily want to be public? 7. Is there a link somewhere that shares the legalities of mentioning and not mentioning the people we are writing about? Pros and cons of doing either? Unfortunately, I need to sign off, but am looking forward to either hearing back or maybe being pointed into the right direction to find the answers to these questions. Thank you everyone for all this valuable information. It was an honor and my privledge to be here. Have a great day everyone.

How much value to you place on a screenwriters' input regarding locations? Do you believe it's important for the screenwriter to consider (envision) location while creating the script in terms of balancing budget with optimum scenery and locale?

Mark Pennell may very well be my Spirit Animal...

the catch 22 - what is representation that gets you in?

Put that way, HBO sounds like the Hotel California...

Thanks Crutin for saving me an email and a lawyers fee.

I agree JR Rodriguez ! He just speaks to the emerging artist.

thank you all

Thanks and thanks Mark.

Thank you for your time and knowledge!

Great Information.

Thank you guys!

Great info. Thanks.

David, Mark, Elsa, Krutin thank you so much for your time! Valuable information!

As Krutin mentioned, as plans were prepped for a second season, talent made demands to shoot in different countries. Can any producers expand upon other true life demands that rise during second seasons or films? What are some of the most common conflicts?

Thank you, Amanda, for the Producers segment. All present are definite ROCK STARS !!!

Thank you for this fantastic opportunity. I must go and look forward to the recording. It's been a wonderful education!!!

Is there a timeline for when the "coming soon" certifications will be available? And will the 50% still be available?

Hi when is the Film Production Management Certification available?

This has been a really informative workshop. Thank you so much Amanda and the Stage 32 team!

Hello from Ohio! Glad to hear Cassian mention Ohio as a state that offers film making incentives!

Incredible inspirational moments for Cassian! A big thanks coming from Germany for taking your time.

Enjoying the Summit. Great viewpoints from everyone and valuable guidance and information. Also - Big congrats to Stage32 Amanda Toney and RB and your amazing team on launching the “Certificate Program “. Fantastic idea and much needed.

Hi! Truly valuable Summit! Love the Certificate Program launch. Where does one find the Promo mentioned? Thank you!

Amanda Toney loving it, Amanda! Thank you.

Amanda Toney Jose has it right. What is the point of attracting inward investment when we are not developing our home industry. That is happening in the UK. Lots of inward investment, but little in the way of home investment.

Jeremy Glazer Promo code is in the chat box, expand it to see the links.

Angela Murray Same here, how long is the 50% off good for. I don't see an expiration date.

Victoria A.C.Quin-Harkin hello from Bristol!

when is this event?

This has been absolutely fantastic. As an indie producer from Vancouver BC I so appreciate everyone taking the time to share such valuable information and insight <3

@Ezzedine Abdelhady Hi, you could try and do a search of the Stage32 members in Egypt. Plus you will find contacts on this site they more you engage with people.

Really enjoyed this. Worth staying up for. Thank you Stage32

Thank you to everyone, this has been great!

thank you great program

Thank you so much for this informative Summit!

Extremely Educative session!!! I love Katie so much and i feel like she has so much to say but limited to time! Stage32 is amazing! I want to get a break to work with a mind blowing Producer so we can get seen and picked for a streaming contract! I know and believe this is coming as i have done a lot of films that has won tremendous awards!!! I cant wait to connect with everyone

Thank you everyone

Thank you Amanda Toney and Sam Sakolow and of course the members of the panel.

Shelly Battista Thank you!

Highly commendable and thanks to stage 32, along with the panel, for hosting this summit! It is certainly essential given all current developments worldwide, for such an event. Wishing all participants and others, the best in endeavors, from hereon. Regards, "stage 32 member"!

A beautiful summit!

Thank you for this webinar, Amanda and Sam. It was extremely educational, inspiring and enlightening!

Great summit today! Thank you for organizing that! And thanks to all the stellar people who participated. Very informative!

It's been great reading everyone's comments and I'm glad that you found the summit so valuable! To answer some of the questions I see on this thread:

1) We are currently editing the video and will have it available to watch On Demand by Tuesday. You can watch the Summit - and any of your Stage 32 education including webinars, classes and labs - by being logged into your Stage 32 profile, then clicking settings in the right hand corner (gear icon), then clicking "purchase history" - there you can find all your education to watch at any time.

2) The coupon we provided at the summit (coupon code is SUMMIT50) is good for the next 30 days and it applies to both individual certification courses as well as Master certification courses. If you are interested in taking any of the courses you can go to the Certification page by clicking "Certification" on your top menu bar, or going here: https://certification.stage32.com/ and using code SUMMIT50 to get your discount. This is only good for people who were registered for the summit.

3) We at Stage 32 are always here for you if you need craft or career advice. If you have any questions about our education and certifications, please email our education team at edu@stage32.com - you will be connected with Sam Sokolow, our director of education, Sydney Summers, our education coordinator, and Nick Waters our education producer. They will be glad to assist in any way!

I would love to know what some of the key takeaways were from those who attended the summit?

I also see Jeanette B. Milio in this thread - she is an incredible producer and beloved and stellar Stage 32 Educator. If you haven't taken advantage of any of her education, I'd highly recommend it! https://www.stage32.com/education?search=jeanette

Than you all for the kind comments above. I enjoyed talking to you all and I hope you got a little inspiration to continue your dream to make movies

Hi Cassian, thanks so much for sharing your time and wise words. They were inspirational, motivating, succinct and practical... All at the same time... A stellar recipe for making our dreams real too!

Hi everyone - I'm the Director of Education at Stage 32 and a producer of films & television shows. I had the honor of hosting the Global Film Production - Film Commission Perspective Panel at the summit here last week. I'd love to answer any other questions about the panel, how film commissions support production in your region or anything you may want to know about production in your local area. Please post your questions for me here or email me directly at edu@stage32.com. Thanks!

Thanks Cassian, I hope you are right because i have written and want to make 10 epic features inc one with John Hughes influences (based on a short story I wrote) and at least a trilogy based on my memoir (which I am concurrently querying on. Obviously I am also looking for coproduction from people with significant experience and some A list starts, and have TV outlined.