Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community!

At Stage 32, we are dedicated to helping creatives like you take your career to the next level. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, connect with industry professionals, or develop your next project, we’ve got exciting new education and executive mentorship opportunities designed just for you!

This month, we’re rolling out cutting-edge courses and interactive labs led by Emmy-winning producers, top literary managers, and working executives from studios like Netflix, Fox, HBO, and more. From mastering XR production to crafting the perfect feature film package, our new education lineup is packed with invaluable insights straight from the pros.

Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce six new Stage 32 executives who are available to review your projects, provide mentorship, and help you navigate the entertainment industry. Whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, or producer, these executives bring decades of experience and connections that can help you take the next step in your journey.

So, without much further ado, let's roll out the red carpet and welcome the fantastic new educational opportunities and executives joining our Stage 32 Community this March!

New Stage 32 Education!

Don’t wait for all of the spots to fill up! Below is an exciting list of upcoming Stage 32 Education that is already available for you to register for!

Webinar: Introduction to XR: Pre-Production, Production & Post-Production

Starting: March 4th

Instructor: Paula Paizes & Sam Pressman

With advancements in technology and platforms like the new generation of headsets from Apple, Meta, and Samsung, VR and immersive experiences are becoming more accessible to global audiences. This shift is opening up new pathways for storytelling, but it also demands a unique approach to production, financing, and distribution. Creatives often struggle with the technical requirements of XR, such as building a cohesive tech stack or integrating immersive elements into traditional workflows. Financing VR projects adds another layer of complexity, with many unsure how to navigate private investments, brand sponsorships, or international grants. On top of that, understanding how to distribute and monetize both at-home and location-based experiences can feel daunting. By the end of this webinar, you’ll feel empowered to bring your creative vision to life in the exciting world of XR production. With expert guidance and practical tools, you’ll be ready to craft compelling VR experiences that captivate audiences and open doors to new opportunities.

Your instructors Paula Paizes & Sam Pressman bring decades of experience spanning traditional film and immersive technology. Their combined expertise includes producing EVOLVER, a groundbreaking VR project that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and competed at Cannes. Beyond VR, their credits include iconic films and innovative projects like THE CROW, DALILAND, and AI-driven experimental works. With deep connections across the entertainment industry and a passion for mentoring, they are uniquely positioned to guide you through every stage of your VR journey.

Webinar: Tips for Networking Online if You Live Overseas

Starting: March 6th

Instructor: Michelle Alexandria

Many filmmakers don’t realize just how powerful online networking can be or miss out on opportunities by using the wrong approach. With the right guidance, you can turn online interactions into meaningful collaborations that move your career forward! By the end of this exclusive webinar, you will have the confidence and skills to build industry connections from anywhere in the world. You’ll gain a step-by-step roadmap to effective online networking, including insider knowledge on where and how to meet key industry professionals. You’ll learn how to craft compelling outreach messages that get real responses, develop strategies to turn virtual introductions into lasting collaborations, and avoid common missteps that can hold you back. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with actionable tools and expert guidance to expand your network, strengthen your industry presence, and open doors to exciting new opportunities—no matter where you are.

Your Stage 32 educator, Michelle Alexandria is a powerhouse in film financing and distribution, making her the perfect mentor to guide you through this journey. With over 20 years of experience, she has successfully produced and distributed dozens of films and television projects. As a Producers Guild of America member and a regular at major markets like AFM, Cannes, and Sundance, Michelle has built an extensive network and developed deep expertise in navigating the industry. Her blend of creative insight and business acumen will give you the confidence and practical knowledge to build your own successful industry relationships.

Webinar: Be a Multi-Hyphenite: Your Blueprint to Produce, Direct & Edit Your Feature Film

Starting: March 11th

Instructor: Shane Stanley

Many filmmakers struggle with fragmented communication between production, direction, and post. Scenes get lost in translation, performances lose their magic, and pacing suffers in the edit. The key to avoiding these pitfalls is a unified vision from script to final cut. This webinar will give you the tools to take creative control of your film from start to finish. You’ll learn how to find and choose the right script, produce your film effectively, and direct with an editor’s mindset to save time and money. You’ll also discover how to shape your final edit into something that captivates audiences and attracts buyers. Shane will break down the advantages and challenges of being a multi-hyphenate filmmaker and guide you through the decision-making process of when to trust your instincts versus when to take outside feedback! Learn how to produce, direct, and edit your feature film with guidance from an industry veteran!

PLUS! Downloadable Handouts to Help You Succeed: Edit Log, Shot List, Script Supervisor Notes, & Production Sheet.

Multi-Emmy Award-winning Producer and Director Shane Stanley is your instructor for this webinar. Shane has worked with Marlon Brando, Mira Sorvino, Thomas Hayden Church, Donald Sutherland, Marisa Tomei, Sean Penn, John Travolta, Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson, and Charlie Sheen to name a few. His experience across all aspects of filmmaking gives him a unique perspective that will empower you to take charge of your own projects.

4-Part Class: How to Prepare your 60 Second, 2 Minute, 5 Minute and 10+ Minute Feature Film Pitch

*This class will be available on the Stage 32 Education Page SOON!

Starting: March 15th

Instructor: Chris Lockhart

Pitching is one part of the industry you can’t hide from. We are constantly pitching, whether it is to get money, attach talent, option your script, get a distributor on board, and beyond. Sometimes, you have 60 seconds standing in line for coffee or on an “elevator”, and other times, it is a formal pitch that allows you 10 plus minutes. With all pitches, the truth is- You’ve got one shot, and that pitch determines whether someone will ask to read the script, so you better make that one chance count. In this 4-part class, you'll get in-depth insight on how to perfect your 60-second, 2-minute, 5-minute, and 10+ minute feature film pitch!

Christopher Lockhart is Hollywood’s foremost story professional. As Story Editor at WME, the world's largest diversified talent agency, Chris curates projects for A-list actors such as Denzel Washington, reading and exploring through piles of screenplays, magazines, books, old movies, TV shows, and pitches in search of potential film projects. Chris began his career at International Creative Management (ICM), where he worked as script consultant to legendary talent agent Ed Limato, who represented industry giants such as Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, Michelle Pfeiffer, Liam Neeson, and Robert Downey, Jr. Chris later moved to the venerable William Morris Agency, which eventually merged with Endeavor to form WME. As an educator and consultant, Chris has lectured around the world on the craft and business of screenwriting, and he has advised on countless feature films.

The Perks Of A Stage 32 Lab?

Interactive Stage 32 Labs go substantially more in-depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up, you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand!

And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session, and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

4-Part Lab: Fundamentals of Directing: From Visualization to Post-Production

Starting: March 5th

Instructor: Heath Cullens

Perhaps the biggest challenge of being an effective director is the need to understand and master every step of a project’s journey. This includes developing a visual style/point of view, collaboration, text analysis, pre-production planning, working with actors, camera and actor blocking, and overseeing the post-production process. No element here is less important than the next, and if you want your project to be successful, it’s up to you as the director to make sure you can navigate each step as well as the last. While there is no one “right” way to direct a film or episode of television, there are a number of techniques and skills that make for a smoother, more creatively fulfilling process. In this four-session class, you will learn every step of directing a film or television episode, and delve into the skills and techniques you need to know to successfully helm your own project.

PLUS! Downloadable Handouts to Help You Succeed: Camera Level & Shot Size, Shot lists, Ground plans – hand drawings, Pre-production guide, Mood board, & Camera Bible & Camera Techniques.

Heath Cullens is an accomplished director best known for directing IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, GREAT MINDS WITH DAN HARMON, and FX’s YOU’RE THE WORST. Heath’s other notable credits include IDIOTSITTER for Comedy Central, DEADBEAT for Hulu, and BLACK JESUS for Adult Swim. In addition to directing, Heath also produced the Lionsgate feature ARMED RESPONSE, starring Cary Elwes, Ethan Embry, and Alan Arkin. A recipient of a Drama League Directing Fellowship and a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.

6-Part Advanced Lab: Build Your Feature Film Package with a Top Packaging Executive

Starting: March 12th

Instructor: Tiffany Boyle

Many filmmakers attach talent to their film that offers no real value (just because you know their name doesn’t mean they have value) or underestimate a known director or producer’s ability to help draw talent. It is also very common that filmmakers build a strong package but do not have a finance plan that makes sense and will attract money and financial support. Another common mistake is targeting sales agents and financiers who are not tonally or professionally the right fit for your unique film. Having a professional deck, strong attachments, highlighting other intriguing elements like IP, and having a solid finance plan, query letter, and pitch all go hand in hand in helping get your film made, and this lab will walk you through all of it. By the end of this lab, you will know how to create eye-catching pitch decks, put together personalized talent and director lists, and build a solid financial package with business plans and sales projections to back your project. You’ll gain insights into crafting effective queries, navigating relationships with sales agents and distributors, and perfecting your pitch to industry stakeholders.

Your educator, Tiffany Boyle has produced hundreds of films and is the President of Packaging & Sales at Ramo Law (known for films like Cannes Palmes d'or nominated OH, CANADA directed by Paul Schrader, JOYLAND, which premiered at TIFF, and the CARD COUNTER starring Oscar Issac).

8-Part Lab: Write Your Feature Film Script In 8 Weeks

Starting: March 16th

Instructor: Rachel Polan

Screenwriters often face common challenges when writing feature films, such as leaning on overused tropes, neglecting to build well-rounded characters, or struggling with weak story arcs. Without knowing what producers and execs are looking for, scripts can fall flat. This lab is designed to help you avoid those pitfalls while offering the tools and support you need to elevate your script to a professional level. Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll take your film idea from concept to a solid first draft. You’ll learn to navigate the key elements of successful screenwriting—story arcs, character development, and what execs are truly seeking in a script. By the end of this lab, you’ll walk away with a clear outline and the confidence to take the next step toward writing your feature screenplay.

Your instructor, Rachel Polan, brings an impressive track record in scripted development, having worked on Emmy-nominated series like STATION ELEVEN and other critically acclaimed shows like DEAR WHITE PEOPLE and NASHVILLE. With her vast industry knowledge and hands-on experience, Rachel will provide invaluable, personalized guidance throughout the lab. You’ll get feedback that’s tailored to your specific project, ensuring your screenplay is on the right path.

New Stage 32 Executives!

Deborah Hasen-Klein, Development & Current Programming Executive

Deborah Hasen-Klein is a seasoned television Development & Current Programming executive, most recently serving as Fox Entertainment’s Director of Drama Development & Current Programming. At Fox, Deb played a key role in developing RESCUE: HI-SURF (John Wells & Matt Kester) with WBTV and FANTASY ISLAND (Liz Craft & Sarah Fain) with Sony, both for Fox Entertainment. She also served as a lead current executive on THE RESIDENT (W/EP: Amy Holden Jones) with 20th Television and THE CLEANING LADY (Miranda Kwok) with WBTV. Throughout her tenure, she developed over 50 projects with writers across all experience levels, primarily in Drama but also in Comedy, including THE MOODYS (CBSTVS) for Fox. Additionally, Deb oversaw Fox’s Writers Incubator Initiative, dedicated to discovering, supporting, and staffing emerging diverse voices. She has collaborated closely with writers, producers, and studio executives at all levels, helping to develop and oversee a wide range of projects. Before joining Fox, Deb worked at WME in the literary packaging department, where she collaborated with books-to-film and TV agents on packaging projects and performing rights checks. She maintains strong industry relationships across major agencies and management companies, including CAA and UTA**.**

You can receive premium notes from Deborah about your Pilot, or meet with her about your Pilot or Adaptation.

Ian Phillips, Film & Television Producer

Ian is an experienced Producer and Creative Executive who, has worked with top companies and is now building out his own slate of film & TV project. Most recently he worked on the feature film GREATEST HITS as featured in Deadline and ALICE AND JACK, also featured in Deadline. He was the Creative Executive at prolific production company Groundswell Productions working alongside Michael London and Shannon Gaulding, where he helped with their first look deal at Lionsgate which was announced in Variety. Known for their character-driven film and TV just some of their dozens of projects include the Oscar-nominated film TRUMBO, 2 time Oscar winning film MILK, WIN WIN which was nominated for best original screenplay at the WGA Awards, as well as hit TV shows such as THE MAGICIANS for SyFy, SNOWFALL on FX and THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB. He has also worked with Jon Silk**,** formerly at his own imprint (Silk Mass), now Head of Original Film at Netflix**.**

You can receive premium notes from Ian about your Pilot, Feature, First 10 Pages, or meet with him about your Pilot, Feature, Adaptation, or Pitch Deck/Bible Review.

Tori Casarsa, Manager of Development at Fish Ladder

Tori Casarsa is a Manager of Development at the TV production company Fish Ladder. Fish Ladder has a first-look deal at AMC Studios with a focus on comedy, elevated genre, and dramas with strong POVs. Fish Ladder has set up projects at AMC, Apple, NBC, FX, and other networks. Fish Ladder’s most recent show is the animated comedy POORLY DRAWN LINES on FX. Tori began Fish Ladder as a Coordinator and then served as a Creative Executive before becoming a Manager of Development. Previously, Tori worked in development at Viacom, working on shows such as THE MIST and WACO. Prior to their executive roles, Tori served the Original Series department at Spike TV / Paramount Plus as well as served as a TV Literary Coordinator at APA Talent and Literary Agency. Before focusing on development, Tori worked in many different areas of entertainment, from agencies to management companies to post-production work such as Nickelodeon, MTV, Lakeshore Entertainment, and shows like ANGER MANAGEMENT. These jobs gave her a strong foundation for development and connections across different areas of the industry.

You can receive premium notes from Tori about your Pilot or First 10 Pages, or meet with her about your Pilot or Adaptation.

Giselle Conteras, Film & Television Development Executive

Giselle Contreras is a television and film development professional who is passionate about sharing stories that reflect the world around us. Giselle's work includes serving as a development consultant on an upcoming documentary project at Jordan Peele’s production company, Monkeypaw. She served as the Manager of Television Development at Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios, which set up projects at HBOMax, Amazon, Hulu, FX, among others, and is most notably behind the half-hour comedy ACAPULCO on Apple+.

Prior to her executive roles, Giselle's sharpened her skills at FactoryMade, a business venture company specializing in entertainment projects, and Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network, an English-language, Latino-infused cable channel. Other experience also includes The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation, where she worked at the intersection of media and philanthropy, eventually transitioning to their Film/TV production and development department, Overbrook Entertainment.

You can receive premium notes from Giselle about your First 10 Pages, or meet with her about your Pilot, Feature, or Pitch Deck/Bible Review.

Saleena Lockett, Development Executive & Producer

Saleena Lockett is a veteran Producer and Development Executive creative leader in the industry. Saleena served as a Development Executive at The CW Network where she covered various hits such as ALL AMERICAN, WALKER, WILD CARDS, the upcoming LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER, multiple DC series, as well as leading the development and production of a slate of series upcoming romantic comedy features.

Prior to their role at The CW Network, Saleena worked at HBO in Films and Mini’s, and with her combined experience, Saleena continues to work to empower emerging talent and deliver captivating content. She has over 20 years of diverse experience as a DGA Training Program Alum, Producer, Network Executive and is an active member of the Directors Guild Association.

You can meet with Saleena about your Pilot, Feature, or Pitch Deck/Bible Review. You can also connect with Saleena for a Career Development Call to help you move forward and take the next step in your craft, career, or project with targeted advice.

Matthew Dartnell, Literary Manager at Writ Large

Matthew Dartnell is a Literary Manager at powerhouse Management firm and Production company Writ-Large that specializes in representing writers, directors, and actors in film and television. Writ Large has produced Hulu's THE ACT starring Patricia Arquette, Joey King, and Chloe Sevigny, and SHIMMER LAKE (Netflix), starring Rainn Wilson and Jon Livingston.

Matthew has sold feature film and TV pilot scripts, and regularly books writing and directing assignments for his clients. He and his clients have been featured on the annual industry Blacklist, featured on Deadline. Matthew is well known as an authoritative voice on what's going on in the industry literary having spoken at various conferences including the Austin Film Festival, as well as podcasts including the Blacklist podcast. His specialty is helping creatives navigate the ups and downs of Hollywood while developing great material for a variety of mediums. Matt began his career at The Gersh Agency- RUST CREEK, LOST IN AMERICA.

You can meet with Matthew about your Pilot or Feature.

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