How To Break Into Commercial Directing

Hosted by RJ Collins

$49

On Demand Webinar - Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.

Start Learning

Please make sure you use the same email address as the one you use to sign in to Stage 32, otherwise you won't have access to your webinar.
apply Your coupon will be applied after you agree to terms below.

- or -

$49.00
TOTAL PRICE:
Overlay Icon

Stage 32 Next Level Education has a 97% user satisfaction rate.

RJ Collins

Webinar hosted by: RJ Collins

Award-Winning Writer & Director; Founder at Everdream

RJ Collins is an award-winning writer/director, renowned for founding the trailblazing directing collective Everdream. Their viral Tesla spec commercial revolutionized branded content, demonstrating the immense potential of young filmmakers. His unique talent for blending narrative depth with commercial appeal quickly established him as a preferred director for top-tier brands, elevating the art of storytelling in the advertising industry. RJ has perfected the art of winning commercials through his unique approach to treatments and pitches. His creative prowess carried into narrative with his Streamy-nominated mini-series "Simi Valley," a personal reflection of his upbringing, and his acclaimed sci-fi script "Vapor," which won the ScreenCraft Grand Prize and earned praise from Oscar-winner Diana Ossana. He's also behind the buzzed-about horror-adventure short "Dropping," featuring talents like Reign Edwards, Devin Druid, and Mia Threapleton, with plans for a feature adaptation. Currently, RJ is working on his pioneering debut feature, "Left Alone," a screenlife thriller starring RJ Mitte, aimed at transforming disability representation in film. Full Bio »

Webinar Summary

A-List filmmakers such as David Fincher and Ridley Scott started their careers directing commercials. Directing commercials can be a great way to make a living, gain valuable experience working with cutting edge technology and prepare yourself to direct movies.

Plus! Receive an exclusive handout that will help you build your commercial directing career! 

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned director looking to transition into the lucrative field of commercials, or someone simply passionate about visual storytelling, directing commercials is an exciting and fruitful creative career path.

Many of the most well known film directors started working in commercials and honed their craft working on branded commercial content. And some directors have built long lasting and successful careers only directing commercials for an array of clients. However, how do you break into the commercial directing industry? And once you’re in, how do you forge a successful career for yourself?

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn how to create and build your career as a commercial director from an industry leader who built his directing career from the ground up. Teaching you everything you need to know about the business and craft of directing commercials is RJ Collins, the pioneering mind behind Everdream and the viral Tesla spec commercial that redefined branded content.

RJ has built a career at the nexus of deep narrative and commercial sensibility, becoming the director of choice for top brands through his innovative approach. His foray into film and TV includes the Streamy-nominated "Simi Valley" and the ScreenCraft-winning script "Vapor," earning accolades from Oscar-winning screenwriter Diana Ossana. His latest endeavor, the buzzworthy horror-adventure feature film "Dropping", is on track to roll cameras in summer 2024. 

As a commercial director, there is a constant balance between honing your pitching skills to book work and developing your directorial style so you perpetuate a lasting career in the marketplace. In a jam-packed 90 minutes, RJ will teach you not only how to develop your style, brand, and relationships to ensure you have a successful commercial career, but also how you can leverage your work as a commercial director to move into film and television work.

This course is a golden opportunity for you to learn how to become a go-to director for clients across the commercial industry and use that to propel your directing career.

PLUS! You’ll receive an exclusive Director Treatment Template to create winning pitches to help hone your commercial directing work. 

If you’re a director in any medium with a passion for visual storytelling, this webinar is a must!

 

What You'll Learn

  • Personal Success Story (Who is RJ Collins) and Industry Insights:
    • Hear inspiring personal anecdotes and success stories, including the instructor's journey, highlighting the effectiveness of spec work in establishing a directing career.
  • Understanding Commercial Directing:
    • Gain a comprehensive overview of the commercial directing landscape, from agency roles to storyboarding.
    • Learn how directors are hired and break into the industry, setting the stage for your own career launch.
  • Building a Spec Portfolio Early On:
    • Discover the importance of spec work in your directing career right from the start.
    • Learn how to create compelling spec commercials that showcase your potential and skillset.
  • Developing Your Directorial Niche:
    • Use specialized worksheets to identify and develop your unique directorial style.
    • Understand how to channel your passions into creating content that resonates with your intended audience.
  • Mastering the Art of Pitching:
    • Learn the Three Cardinal Rules of pitching and treating to consistently secure commercial directing jobs.
    • Understand how to prepare for production, enhance existing ideas, and impress clients with your unique approach.
    • Gain access to downloadable treatment templates and example treatments.
  • Targeting Brands and Establishing Your Niche:
    • Follow a step-by-step process to identify brands that align with your style and vision.
    • Learn how to effectively approach and engage with these brands to build your niche in the industry.
  • Industry Trends and Styles:
    • Stay ahead by understanding current market trends, including shifts to direct-to-brand strategies.
    • Explore how directors are increasingly involved in the creative process and the latest visual styles in commercial directing.
  • Networking and Professional Relationships:
    • Develop strategies for effectively networking within the industry.
    • Learn how to build and maintain professional relationships with brands, agencies, and production companies.
  • Collaborating with Clients and Agencies:
    • Understand how to use your treatment template to excel in collaborations with clients and agencies.
  • Personal Success Stories and Industry Insights:
    • Hear inspiring personal anecdotes and success stories, including the instructor's journey, highlighting the effectiveness of spec work in establishing a directing career.
  • Interactive Q&A and Exclusive Offers:
    • Engage in a Q&A session for personalized advice and insights.
    • Receive a free director's treatment template and the chance to win a one-hour coaching session through RJ’s giveaway.

About Your Instructor

RJ Collins is an award-winning writer/director, renowned for founding the trailblazing directing collective Everdream. Their viral Tesla spec commercial revolutionized branded content, demonstrating the immense potential of young filmmakers. His unique talent for blending narrative depth with commercial appeal quickly established him as a preferred director for top-tier brands, elevating the art of storytelling in the advertising industry. RJ has perfected the art of winning commercials through his unique approach to treatments and pitches.

His creative prowess carried into narrative with his Streamy-nominated mini-series "Simi Valley," a personal reflection of his upbringing, and his acclaimed sci-fi script "Vapor," which won the ScreenCraft Grand Prize and earned praise from Oscar-winner Diana Ossana. He's also behind the buzzed-about horror-adventure short "Dropping," featuring talents like Reign Edwards, Devin Druid, and Mia Threapleton, with plans for a feature adaptation. Currently, RJ is working on his pioneering debut feature, "Left Alone," a screenlife thriller starring RJ Mitte, aimed at transforming disability representation in film.

FAQs

Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
A: If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Go to Webinar, you will receive an email from Go to Webinar with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. You can also access your webinar link in your purchase history located under settings in the top right-hand corner of your Stage 32 profile.

If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.

Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.

YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:

  1. Log into your Stage 32 profile
  2. Click "Settings" in the top right-hand corner (gear icon)
  3. Click "Purchase History"
  4. Choose this webinar and click the link to view
If You Do Not Have a Stage 32 Profile:
  1. Go to www.stage32.com
  2. Create a profile using the SAME email address you used to sign up for this webinar. The email addresses must match in order to watch the webinar.
  3. Once you have your profile set up, you can view the webinar by clicking "Settings" in the top right hand corner (gear icon)
  4. Click "Purchase History"
  5. Choose this webinar and click the link to view

Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.

Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.

If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.9 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live webinar. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer.

Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar or purchase an on demand webinar, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.

Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.

Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.

Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.

Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.

If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.

Questions?

If you have a generic question about Stage 32 education you can take a look at our frequently asked questions section on our help page, or feel free to contact support with any other inquiries you might have.

Other education that may be of interest to you:

How To Make Your Feature Film in 15 Days + Get An Example Shooting Schedule, Call Sheet, and Deal Memo Checklist! 

Learn how to make your feature film on the types of low budgets and tight schedules that so many distributors demand from a director, producer, and writer who has worked with Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Discovery, and Lifetime If you can make a feature film in 15 days or less you have an enormous edge in today's entertainment industry.  The rise and dominance of streaming platforms in the last ten years has resulted in a massive spike in the number of films made, acquired and distributed each year. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, and Apple, just to name a few, have joined Hallmark, Lifetime and NBC as outlets hungry for high quality, lower budget feature films. This has made it much easier for experienced as well as first time filmmakers to get their films a green light to production or distribution so they share their work with mass audiences. The bottom line is that these platforms need content, and filmmakers like yourself need to be ready to give it to them! However, this increase in demand for films hasn’t come without its own set of challenges. In today’s world of streaming, there is an immense amount of pressure on filmmakers to make their films quickly on a lower budget and deliver a final product very shortly after production wraps. Making films quickly and efficiently has become commonplace for many directors and producers and that skill set translates to work. Making your film in a short amount of time is critical if you want your project bought, licensed or distributed by on of these outlets. However, this is no easy task. In this exclusive on-demand Stage 32 Webinar, you will learn the crucial tools to make a top-notch film in just 15 days from veteran director, producer, and writer Stacia Crawford. Stacia has made over a dozen feature films and directed/produced multiple episodes of television, with her work premiering on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Amazon, Lifetime, Discovery, and Hallmark. She has spent countless hours deep in the filmmaking trenches and will provide you with the know-how to prep, shoot, and edit your film under both time and budget constraints. Stacia will share her filmmaking best practices with you to utilize in today’s rapid filmmaking landscape. The biggest hurdle in making your film on a short schedule (oftentimes just 15 days!) is keeping the production quality high and the price point low. In a perfect world, you’ll have many months to complete your film and even have some built in time for reshoots. However, this is rarely the case these days. Knowing how to shoot a high caliber film in a short amount of time (most likely on a small budget) is essential in today’s film marketplace. You will walk away from this webinar with the framework to make a quality film in 15 days or less on a tight budget! PLUS! Stacia will provide you with exclusive handouts to help on your own projects. Downloads include: Mock shooting schedule  Example call sheet Checklist of what to look out for in deal memos  Praise for Stacia's Work & Talent: “Stacia is so down to earth as an instructor, I learned more in 90 minutes than I did in an entire semester of film school!" - Joseph C. "Clear, concise and to the point. Production is so difficult and Stacia helped me realize I can make a good movie." - Chris H.  

Think Like an Entrepreneur - How to Be Profitable on a Sub-$1 Million Film in the Latin American Market - With a Film Case Study

As an independent filmmaker or producer, you likely start working on a new endeavor for creative reasons—the chance to tell an amazing story, build worlds, create something of cultural value. Yet this is, of course, not the only element of filmmaking. Like it or not, your independent film is not just a creative endeavor; it’s also a business. You’re sourcing financing and bringing in investors, building a team, and creating a property that will (hopefully) ultimately make money not only in the present, but for years to come. In short, you’re not just a making a piece of art; you’re also running a business. To operate successfully in the world of independent film and continue to make films that you’re proud of, you need to be able to think like an entrepreneur and understand the dynamics and the relation between financing, distribution and recoupment of film investments. Further, you need to open up your creative mindset to the myriad opportunities available all over the world including hot markets found throughout Latin America. The business side of films is often especially difficult for filmmakers and creative producers, but the more you understand, the better your chances of finding a production partner or investor to take your vision forward. Latin American film production is booming right now, diverse with a variety of production hubs all over the region. Big budget international films shoot alongside local films with relatively low budgets, all created for both local and international audiences. Working in the Latin American market, especially with films in the sub-$1MM range can offer you opportunities you haven't thought of before and give you a path to profitability. But to take advantage of this surging market, you need to understand the variety of production and financing options available and how to tap into them. Whether it's hard money, soft money or other methods toward financing and securing the necessary pieces to greenlight your project, getting a handle on the in's and out's of how to proceed will put you in a powerful and advantageous position. Understanding and executing this business model will open new doors to other productions around the world and serve to create a portfolio of proof that will serve as a calling card moving forward. David Zannoni is an international business specialist for Fintage House, the world's most respected company for revenue and rights protection for industry professionals and companies. David negotiates agreements for films and television series and is involved in business development and relationship management specifically in the US, Latin America and $ope. As an international film business specialist David is continuously present to make deals and speak at international film markets, festivals and conferences, including: the Cannes Film Festival, the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, the American Film Market (AFM), Ventana Sur, the Bogota Audiovisual Market (BAM), and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and travels regularly to the United States, the Netherlands, Europe, and all over Latin America. David is intimately familiar with how independent films are financed and made profitable all over the world and will share what he knows exclusively about the Latin American market with the Stage 32 community. David will focus on the Latin American market and walk you through what you need to know to finance your independent film, $1MM or less, and leave profitable. He will begin by explaining what a $1MM or under budget looks like in the Latin American region and whether it’s considered a small film. He’ll delve into how film financing works specifically in Latin America, including a breakdown of soft money sources versus hard money sources, local vs international productions, forming a co-production as a financing tool, tax and location incentives, taking advantage of government support, and working with film commissions. He will highlight how Latin American film financing is different compared to other regions and how both Spanish speaking and English speaking content works within the region and will go over the notable platforms and TV channels available as well as how they differ. David will outline the production capacities in the region, including for in-house production, co-productions, production servicing, and work-for hire. He will then teach you what specifically Latin America can offer foreign productions, including incentives, co-productions, talent, and shooting locations. He will also discuss how Latin America has its eye on the US, Spain, and the rest of Europe. David will explain how to approach your film as an asset, how to see yourself as an entrepreneur, and how to see filmmaking as a business. David will then go over the continental circle of financing, distribution, and investment recoupment and will explain how revenue and right management works as well as managing your recoupment. He will spend time delving into Latin American film contracts, including distribution agreements, CAM agreements, and sales agency agreements. David will ultimately illustrate whether Latin American films can be profitable and how, and analyze with you when a Latin American film can be considered successful, whether it breaks even or finds profitability. Plus, David will show a case study of a real $1MM Latin American film to illustrate how a film of this leve l can be profitable and exactly how the money flows through from beginning to end. He’ll show financing documents and spreadsheets to illustrate the financing structure and demonstrate how money flows in and out. Through this detailed and practical demonstration, you will leave with strategies and a deep understanding of how to approach your own $1MM film as an entrepreneur and build a finance structure that will leave you and your investors profitable.   This Stage 32 Webinar is Part 2 in David’s "Think Like an Entrepreneur" series. Click here to check out David’s webinar on being profitable in US marketplace with a sub-$1MM film and click here to check out his webinar on being profitable in the European marketplace Praise for David's Previous Stage 32 Webinars: "David is incredible and lovely and clearly knows his stuff." - Cynthia P. "Eye-opening information. A no-brainer approach that wouldn't be so obvious to the uninitiated." - Gary O. "By far, the best class I've seen on the subject." Kirk K. "David is a fantastic teacher. And what a voice! I could listen to him all day. More importantly, I learned so very much!" - Isabella T.

Common Hurdles in Film Pre-Production and Production and How to Overcome Them

At times, the complications that can arise in the pre-production and production processes seem to come out of nowhere. This is especially true when the best laid, most regimented plans concerning budget, cast, and the creative process are upended. Filmmakers are often left wondering about the root of these issues, and whether or not they could have been prevented. This webinar will address how to tackle common hurdles in pre-production and production when identified early on…and how to roll with the punches when you’re blindsided. Some of the most common issues that can plague productions result from a lack of planning. To this end, the importance of having a top-notch line producer for your project, thoroughly researching the professional reputations of your cast and financiers, and maintaining open lines of communication with your director and writer cannot be overstated. Entering into a project blindly, being unrealistic about shooting schedules and financial constraints, or a disconnect between you and a filmmaker will only bog down (or shut down) production. Bottom line: preparation and research will save you money and aggravation. And on the occasion that you’re faced with an issue out of your control (be it inclement weather on set or an MIA actor), an ability to adapt, problem-solve, and then move on is key. Bradley Gallo is the Chief Creative Officer for Amasia Entertainment, and a guest blogger in the Stage 32 community. Helmed by the former president and COO of Marvel Studios, Michael Helfant, Amasia has emerged as one of the top production companies in the industry today. Bradley and Gerard Butler are the producers behind the 2019 Official Sundance Selection THEM THAT FOLLOW, which was acquired by SONY, as well as films like THE CALL (Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin), and MR. RIGHT (Anna Kendrick, Sam Rockwell). Amasia Entertainment is a production, finance and management company based in Los Angeles. Amasia is currently in pre-production on FATE, written by Gary Whitta (ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, BOOK OF ELI). Through Bradley's career, he has seen it all and knows how to navigate all hurdles on set.  Bradley will take you through the common pre-production hurdles you will go through when making a film including when you lose key elements like money, talent, your director or a location. He'll talk about how to communicate with representation for talent. In addition, he will go over on-set production hurdles you'll face, as well, including when a director loses control of a set, when an actor goes missing or dealing with difficult talent. He'll go over what happens when you run out of money while filmmaking, what happens when you get hit with unexpected fines and how to work with multiple producers and financiers on set. And, he'll even help you understand how to deal with issues out of your control like weather, injuries, and more.  This is an immersive deep dive into how to prevent problems not before they arise, but so they never arise so that your production stays on track, on time, on budget and with the entire cast and crew focused on the job at hand. Praise for Bradley's Previous Stage 32 Webinars: "Bradley is no bullsh*t. He is real, down to earth and tells it like it is. He is proof that anything is possible if you put the work into it" - Stan S. "Bradley is creative in his approach and that's refreshing!" - Samantha R. "Keep bringing Bradley back, please. He's one of the most honest voices I've come across in my 10+ years in the business." - Martin C. "I could listen to Bradley teach all day. He's straight to the point, fun, and inspiring. He makes me believe anything is possible." Melanie L.

Pitching Tips from the Pros: Your Blueprint to a Successful Pitch

  The art of the pitch. In many ways, outside of honing your craft, your ability to pitch may just be the most important skill you can learn as a creative. At its core, pitching is storytelling. But the ability to be a clear, concise storyteller, and, as a result, be someone who can deliver a memorable and winning pitch is something that takes time, knowledge, a clear strategy, and repetition. Understanding how to pitch any person or audience will give you a clear and tremendous advantage in any situation or room. You will stand out from the hundreds if not thousands of pitches a gatekeeper or decision maker hears in a given year. But further, learning how to pitch will help you build confidence, a huge variable in winning over those looking to work with you, buy your material or invest in your project. The bottom line: Whether you're a screenwriter, filmmaker, producer, or any creative or industry professional looking to gain representation, sell their material, attract talent, raise financing, or simply looking to find work, you WILL have to pitch. Further, you WILL be in competition with others pitching as well. You've put so much time and effort into your work and building your reputation, you don't want to have it all undermined with a terrible pitch. And the truth of the matter is that most people that pitch make the same fatal mistakes over and over. They don't know how to tell a concise, riveting story. They don't know what to put in, what to leave out, and what elements really and truly sell someone on their story. But not you. Not anymore. You're about to become a pitching ace.  

How To Bring Your Film Or TV Pitch To The Current Market

Learn the best way to organize, prepare and pitch your film or television project to buyers in today's market with top literary manager Spencer Robinson of Art/Work Entertainment! PLUS! You'll receive an exclusive FEATURE DEALS list to help you navigate buyers in today’s market. We all have that film or television series that we know needs to be on the screen. Your project is fresh, exciting, and will resonate with millions of people. But how do you get your project out there? What do you even present to decision makers to move the needle forward on your project? Apart from actually getting the meeting with buyers, producers, and investors, you need to know what to pitch and when is the best time to do it. Sometimes your entire script should be written, whereas other times you should only come into a meeting with a concept. How do you know what the best way to move forward is? We’re here to help. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn how to best prepare and plan your film or television series pitch to maximize your chances of getting it through to production. You will learn everything from how and when to pitch your film and/or television series, what materials you need to pitch your project, how to get your pitch meeting, and how to use your pitching materials effectively to entice your audience. Teaching you everything you need to know to successfully take your project out to the market is Spencer Robinson, a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment who's been in the industry for over 20 years. He represents writers, actors, producers, and also a full book publishing company. Spencer’s writer clients have been on the writing staff of shows for Netflix, Amazon, Max, HBO, Comedy Central, and many more. He’s also sold clients’ features to studios as well as brought in financing for independent projects. Spencer’s actor clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski, Jeff Nichols, and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, HBO MAX, Amazon, Disney+, HULU, The CW, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and more. Spencer’s clients have also recurred on series for Peacock, Netflix, Freeform, TNT, AMC, Showtime and many more. Successfully bringing your project to market to get a deal requires a great deal of finesse and industry knowledge. You have to understand how the system works and what decision makers are looking for in a pitch. You will walk away from this webinar with the knowledge and skills to do just that, and put yourself in the best position possible to get your project made! PLUS! You’ll receive an exclusive FEATURE DEALS list to help you navigate buyers in today’s market. Praise For Spencer's Stage 32 Teaching "I thoroughly enjoyed Spencer's teaching style. Not only is he conscientious and thorough, but he really cares about all his students. I recommend taking any course he is offering, you won't regret it!" -- Nathan M. "Spencer Robinson's "Writing Descriptions" webinar filled in a whole lot of blanks for me and shone a light on most of the newbie mistakes I have been making when writing/formatting my screenplays. A valuable lesson! Thank you Spencer, and Stage 32." -- Margaret A. "This webinar was very informative! Spencer Robinson presented the material clearly. He was also very generous with his knowledge about the business." --Carmen R.

Good in a Zoom Room: How to Nail Your Remote Pitch - with Pete Goldfinger (SPIRAL, JIGSAW)

Learn how to pitch remotely from the writer of JIGSAW and SPIRAL (which hit #1 at the box office upon release) Includes a live pitch demonstration and an exclusive pitch workshop where YOU can practice your Zoom pitch and receive notes!   Pitching your projects has changed DRASTICALLY over the past several years, as we’ve moved from traditional in-person pitches between to mostly remote ones. Zoom pitches are here to stay and will remain a consistent aspect of the industry. That's why it's imperative that you know how to pitch well over Zoom... having the right tools, tips, and materials at your fingertips can really make your pitch shine. Now, more than ever, you must be quick, concise, and clear. To avoid aimless rambling or unnecessary detail and conversation, structure is key. And once that structure is in place, your well-developed pitch can take you to the next level. What are the elements you need to pitch to a development executive or producer to get you to that next level? If you don’t know how to pitch efficiently while keeping your concept clear, the virtual pitch meeting you’ve waited weeks to have could come to an abrupt end. Those who don’t take the time to practice and think they can roll through on the fly quickly, discover they’ve missed out on an incredible opportunity. But armed with the right tools, conversation, and materials, your chances are as good as anyone else’s. Pete Goldfinger knows what those tools are. Pete is an incredibly successful feature and television writer in Hollywood, perhaps best known for penning two recent features in the SAW horror universe, including JIGSAW, which grossed over $100 million, and SPIRAL, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Rock, which debuted at number one at the box office. Other credits of Peter’s include SORORITY ROW, PIRANHA 3D and TV shows like TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER. When he’s not writing for the screen, Pete is running and hosting his own screenwriting retreats, in-person workshops, and Zoom classes. Students of Pete’s classes learn how to turn their projects into marketable, saleable products, and he’s going to deliver these same principles to Stage 32’s community. During this inofrmation-packed on-demand webinar, Pete will show you how to deliver the most valuable and authentic pitch possible by discussing the elements that need to go into a pitch so that you hook producers and showrunners quickly. From handling (sometimes) awkward small talk to delivering strong loglines with pitch decks, Pete will share his years of experience so that you leave feeling confident about your next (or first!) virtual pitch. After passing on his golden nuggets of wisdom, Pete will deliver a live pitch demonstration, who will take attendees’ ideas on what to pitch and then deliver his pitch on the spot to give you a feel of what Zoom pitching and thinking on your feet is really like.

register for stage 32 Register / Log In