How to Produce for Streamers like Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ on the Global Scale

Hosted by Nicholas Levis

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Nicholas Levis

Webinar hosted by: Nicholas Levis

Founder and CEO at BrandCinema

Nicholas Levis is a highly sought-after producer known for his hands-on, think-outside-the-box producing style. He has produced content in 30 states and 10 nations. He is frequently called upon by creative powerhouses who know his track record of giving life to even the most complex scripts because of his in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the production process and close industry relationships. Nicholas’s notable career highlights include the highly regarded DNC Hillary Clinton biography he produced for Shonda Rhimes and EUE Screen Gems as well as his SXSW-winning documentary Darkon which is currently being developed into a scripted series. His recent film producer credits include Who Is Christmas Eve? for the Bounce Network and Lionsgate film, Dreamkatcher, starring Lin Shaye, Radha Mitchell, and Henry Thomas. Additional recent globally distributed films include High Strung and High Strung Free Dance, directed by Michael Damian and starring Jane Seymour and Thomas Doherty. Nicholas Levis is the founder and CEO of BrandCinema, a content development and production company for film, television, and digital content. Full Bio »

Webinar Summary

Streamers have committed an incredible amount of money into creating original content – in 2022 alone Netflix committed to $19 billion and Disney a staggering $34 billion. Plus, with production offices popping up around the world – Netflix expanding into Poland and Italy and Disney having a UK outpost - international filmmaking and television making show no signs of slowing down.

In order to meet this demand, more and more streamers are producing local language content and they must find producers to partner with to continue to produce at scale all over the globe. So why do they need producers and how can you work with them?

To take you through the process is Nicholas Levis, who is an international producer that has worked in 30 states and 10 nations, primarily for streaming platforms including Netflix and studios like Lionsgate. 

In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, you will learn that working with the streamers brings a new set of expectations, rules, deliverables and workflow. We will explore those differences and expectations so you can be prepared when your opportunity arises. The skills of being a good producer are rather standard, but once you begin producing for a streamer, it is key you understand how that changes your role as a producer, what the expectations are, and how to most efficiently work with them to truly impress and hopefully get the next job.

You will walk away from this webinar with the first hand knowledge that you will need to succeed in this ever changing world of global television and film!

PLUS! You’ll receive:

  • Downloadable blueprint that breaks down the streamer producing process from pre-production throughout post production

 


Praise for Nicholas' previous webinars:

"As a mentor at heart, the opportunity to be engaged by this amazing global community at Stage32 makes my teaching webinar sessions feel like I'm learning..." -- Nicholas Levis

"Very genuine educator who obviously knows his stuff. Lots of details to be aware of when making your decisions on filming locations and post - each project is unique - so it's not a standard set of answers." - Susan S. 

"Nicholas gave me life-changing information! My out of state project questions were easily figured out." - Sarah B.

"Such insightful knowledge, tips and tricks of the trade and he made it easy to understand!" - Tom T. 

 

What You'll Learn

Working With A Streamer

  • What are they looking for in a partner
  • The three types of partnerships
  • The Role of the Producer in these partnerships
  • What the streamer wants to oversee

Why They Need Partnerships

  • The effects of a global footprint
  • The value of a seasoned producer
  • The difference between selling to the streamer and a “work for hire”

What A Producer Can Expect

  • What is your relationship with the Streamer?
  • How are they involved
  • The partners the streamers have to report to
  • What to expect in Development
  • Your role in Production
  • Finishing strong in Post

Producer Responsibilities Specific To Streamers 

  • Overview of expectations and assumed workflow
  • The key to staying ahead of the game
  • Legal
    • The legal repercussions of working with a streamer
    • The legal responsibilities for the producer

 Making The Show/Movie

  • Timelines
    • The streamer timelines and how they affect production
  • Deliverables
    • Understanding the wrap expectations of the streamer
    • The importance of wrap to the show

Q&A With Nicholas

About Your Instructor

Nicholas Levis is a highly sought-after producer known for his hands-on, think-outside-the-box producing style. He has produced content in 30 states and 10 nations. He is frequently called upon by creative powerhouses who know his track record of giving life to even the most complex scripts because of his in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the production process and close industry relationships.

Nicholas’s notable career highlights include the highly regarded DNC Hillary Clinton biography he produced for Shonda Rhimes and EUE Screen Gems as well as his SXSW-winning documentary Darkon which is currently being developed into a scripted series. His recent film producer credits include Who Is Christmas Eve? for the Bounce Network and Lionsgate film, Dreamkatcher, starring Lin Shaye, Radha Mitchell, and Henry Thomas. Additional recent globally distributed films include High Strung and High Strung Free Dance, directed by Michael Damian and starring Jane Seymour and Thomas Doherty.

Nicholas Levis is the founder and CEO of BrandCinema, a content development and production company for film, television, and digital content.

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Indie Producers: Is Shooting Union or Non-Union Best For Your Project

One of the most crucial decisions you can make as an independent producer is also one of the first: should you produce your project working with the unions or should you shoot non-union? Cast and crew from unions can help with packaging your film and ensure different department needs are met. At the same time, when you’re trying to keep your budget low, shooting non-union is the smart choice for your production. The trick is to choose the path that is best for you and your project, and this exclusive Stage 32 webinar will walk you through the pros and cons of both options, and even show you some tips and tricks you didn’t know before. Guiding you is Nicholas Levis, a highly sought-after producer, and the founder and CEO of BrandCinema. Nicholas is known for his think-outside-the-box producing style. He has produced content in 30 states and 10 nations and is regarded for his in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the production process and close industry relationships. His recent film producing credits include WHO IS CHRISTMAS EVE? for the Bounce Network and DREAMKATCHER for Lionsgate, starring Lin Shaye, Radha Mitchell, and Henry Thomas. He also recently produced the globally distributed films HIGH STRUNG and HIGH STRUNG REE DANCE, directed by Michael Damian and starring Jane Seymour and Thomas Doherty. Nicholas will draw on his years of industry experience to show you how your budget and vision will impact your choices, the key factors to consider, and ultimately, how to embrace the best choice for your project. Even if you already know which path is for you, this webinar will go deeper and show you every aspect you need to know, like mistakes to avoid when approaching unions, how tiers affect unions and fees, and more. You’ll walk away from this webinar understanding the many different unions, how to communicate with them, and what it takes to work without them. This decision impacts every step of your production. Don’t miss out on your chance to learn this vital information so you can make the best choices on all your productions.    Praise for Nicholas' previous webinars: "Very genuine educator who obviously knows his stuff. Lots of details to be aware of when making your decisions on filming locations and post - each project is unique - so it's not a standard set of answers." - Susan S. "Nicholas gave me life-changing information! My out of state project questions were easily figured out." - Sara B. "Such insightful knowledge, tips and tricks of the trade and he made it easy to understand!" - Tom T. "As a mentor at heart, the opportunity to be engaged by this amazing global community at Stage32 makes my teaching webinar sessions feel like I'm learning..." -- Nicholas Levis  

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