Stage 32 Presents: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Netflix’s Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas!

Stage 32 Presents: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Netflix’s Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas!

Stage 32 Presents: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Netflix’s Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas!

Hi, Stage 32 Community!

We have something truly special lined up for you.

You’ve seen it topping charts, dominating conversations, and breaking viewership records—now it’s time to step behind the curtain. We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming FREE webinar, Behind the Scenes of ADOLESCENCE: How the AD Team Mastered One-Shot Magic on Netflix’s Smash Hit, hosted by the incredible Sarah Lucas, the First Assistant Director of ADOLESCENCE.

ADOLESCENCE is not just any series. With over 124 million views in just a month, it has become the third most-watched English-language series ever on Netflix. This gripping psychological drama, centered around the aftermath of a teenager’s murder, pushed the boundaries of filmmaking with an innovative approach: four episodes shot entirely as “oners”—single, continuous takes that redefine the power of immersive storytelling.

You can register for this FREE webinar here!

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

Meet Your Instructor

Sarah Lucas is a powerhouse in the world of film and television. She’s worked her way up the ranks—from starting in the Locations Department on BBC’s DOCTORS to now serving as 1st AD on high-end TV series and features. She’s currently working on the highly anticipated ENOLA HOLMES 3, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Louis Partridge.

Sarah brings not only technical excellence but a deep passion for creative collaboration—and now she’s ready to share her expertise directly with you.

What You’ll Learn

In this exclusive webinar, Sarah will walk you through the real process behind staging and executing the groundbreaking one-shots that made ADOLESCENCE a phenomenon.

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

You’ll gain a detailed insider look at:

Part 1: Deconstructing the AD Team

  • How the AD team was structured for ADOLESCENCE
  • Defining each role and responsibility
  • Why clear roles are critical on a complex project

Part 2: The Overall Filming Process

Pre-Production:

  • How the AD team prepped before getting to set
  • The strategic shooting order of the episodes and why it mattered
  • Key meetings and documents that kept production on track

Production:

  • How rehearsals were maximized for efficiency
  • Essential tools and lessons learned to stay on schedule
  • Overcoming obstacles when the unexpected happens

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

Part 3: Deep Dive into Episode 2

Episode 2 was the most challenging of the series—and the ultimate test of teamwork, creativity, and planning.

  • Script breakdown and mapping the cast’s journey
  • Organizing supporting artists within a massive school location
  • How the team incorporated a drone shot into a continuous take
  • How documents and prep tools helped keep everything moving smoothly

Conclusion

Tips for breaking into film or television

  • Why networking (especially on Stage 32!) matters
  • Finding your creative tribe and building collaborative teams
  • Innovating and breaking the mold in your career

PLUS: Live Q&A with Sarah Lucas!

You’ll have the chance to ask your burning questions directly and learn from one of today’s top working 1st ADs.

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

Why You Should Join

This is an incredible opportunity to learn from the inside how complex, groundbreaking productions are pulled off—and how YOU can apply those lessons to your own work. Whether you’re an aspiring AD, a director, a producer, or a storyteller at heart, there’s so much you can take away from this session.

Let’s dive in together and uncover the magic of filmmaking.

We can’t wait to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE!

And, a special thank you to Jason Hellerman from No Film School for featuring this epic class on No Film School! You can read the full article HERE.

Stage 32 Presents A BehindtheScenes Look at Netflixs Smash Hit ADOLESCENCE with First Assistant Director Sarah Lucas

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About the Author

Ashley Renee Smith

Ashley Renee Smith

Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer

Ashley Smith is the Head of Community here at Stage 32! Prior to joining the incredible team at Stage 32, Ashley spent nearly 7 years at a boutique development and talent management company where she was deeply involved with every development project, management client, and administrative aspect...

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