Private, interactive class on Zoom with accomplished Creative Executive & Producer (THE MARTIAN, BLADE RUNNER 2049, ALIEN: COVENANT)

Limited spots available – don’t miss out!

Payment plans available at checkout or email edu@stage32.com for more info!

Get exclusive handouts on producing, budgets, agreements, festivals, career planning, and more!

Screenwriters pour everything into their stories—but often feel lost once the writing is done, unsure how projects actually move from page to screen. In today’s industry, great writing is just the starting point. Producers are the engines that transform scripts into finished films and television shows, and understanding how they think is critical if you want your work to move forward. In this exclusive Stage 32 class, you’ll demystify the producer’s role—from development and packaging to production, post, and distribution—learning how to communicate more effectively, pitch more strategically, and position yourself as an indispensable creative partner.

Many early writers stumble not because their ideas lack merit, but because they misunderstand the producing process. They use outdated comps, fail to secure clean rights, or walk into general meetings unprepared to pitch themselves as well as their script. Others underestimate the importance of attaching the right producer, director, or cast. On set, small script changes can spiral into massive scheduling and budget problems, while missteps with etiquette or collaboration can erode trust with the team. By mastering the fundamentals of producing, you’ll protect your creative intent and dramatically increase the chances of your projects surviving development hell—and actually reaching an audience.

Your host, Allison Margaret Reid, is a producer and development executive. She served as Director of Development on the film side of Ridley Scott’s Scott Free, contributing to THE MARTIAN, BLADE RUNNER 2049, and ALIEN: COVENANT, and is Associate Producer of the indie film JUNGLELAND, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Allison brings insider knowledge and real-world experience that will give you a front-row seat to the producer’s mindset.

Through this hands-on, interactive class, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the producer’s role, the lifecycle of a project, and how to collaborate effectively with industry professionals. From development and packaging to production, post-production, and distribution, you’ll walk away with actionable knowledge, practical tools, and insider strategies to bridge the gap between your creative vision and the realities of getting your work made!

This interactive Stage 32 class goes substantially more in depth than a standard webinar. As soon as you sign up, you’ll receive a questionnaire to send to your instructor, giving them insight into your project and goals. You’ll have access to your instructor throughout the class via email for questions on your craft or career—it’s like having a mentor on demand! If you can’t attend a live session, don’t worry: recordings are available 48 hours after each session in your Stage 32 Library. Plus, you’ll expand your network with like-minded creatives through a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates.

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts to help you:

• Producer Roles Quick Guide

• Development & Production Phase Map

• Option Agreement Cheat Sheet

• Sample Budget Top Sheet

• Production Department Org Chart

• Festival & Market Overview Guide

• Career Pipeline Worksheet

Praise from past students: 

“Allison's presentation style was clear and measured so I had time to write pages of notes. She is knowledgeable about her subject and provided excellent information. It was worth getting up at 5am to listen live, and she graciously answered my questions. I enjoyed the webinar immensely. Thank you!” — Ingrid S.

“I liked hearing about the presenter’s experiences with writing and with production.” — Anjetta M.

“It was fantastic!” — Meredith L.

Session 1: What Does a Producer Actually Do?

We’ll answer the question every writer eventually asks: what does a producer actually do? Producers are often described as the captains of the ship, balancing creative vision with financial strategy, but their role can seem murky from the outside. In this session, you’ll learn the producer’s mindset, how they evaluate material, and how their responsibilities complement your work as a writer. You’ll also explore the different types of producers, the phases of a project, and why building a champion for your script is often the first step toward getting it made.

Key Takeaways:

• Producer Mindset 101: How producers evaluate material

• Writer vs. Producer Roles: How your “big idea” work complements the producer’s job as the champion who turns it into reality

• Why Collaboration Matters: Understanding the team effort empowers you as a writer

• Types of Producers: How each type shows up in the process

• Lifecycle of a Project: Overview of Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post, and Distribution

• Building a Champion: Identifying and cultivating your first true believer (producer, exec, or rep)

Assignment: Think Like a Producer – Draft Your Story’s Broad Strokes and Hook

Handouts: Producer Roles Quick Guide, Development & Production Phase Map

Session 2: Development & Packaging – From Idea to Market-Ready Project

Dive into development and packaging, where every project begins and many scripts get stuck. Producers look for originality, audience appeal, and staying power—signing on is a commitment of years. Learn to think like a producer: pitching yourself, understanding company hierarchies, and assembling the five key elements of a package. Explore positioning your project with the right comps, attachments, and research tools to set your work up for success.

Key Takeaways:

• The Water Bottle Tour (General Meetings): How writers pitch themselves and their projects, and why relationships often matter more than one script

• Production Company Hierarchies: Who you’re really pitching to and what they can do

• The Package Puzzle: Five essential elements of a package

• Positioning & Comps: Selecting smart comparables, realistic budget corridors, and a clear value proposition

• Attachments & Matchmaking: How producers pair your script with the right talent and financiers

• Research Tools: Validate budget, audience, and company fit

Assignment: Packaging Brainstorm – Who Moves the Needle?

Handouts: Option Agreement Cheat Sheet

Session 3: From Greenlight to Set – Production Literacy for Writers

Go inside physical production, where your script becomes a living, breathing project. Learn pre-production essentials, from hiring a Line Producer and setting a realistic budget to understanding department heads and unions. Discover how small script choices affect schedule and cost, and how writers can collaborate effectively on set while protecting their vision.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-Production Defined: Attaching package elements, hiring a Line Producer, setting budgets, and prepping schedules

• Line Producer’s Role & Department Heads: Why every department affects your story

• Union Rules & Logistics: SAG, WGA, DGA basics, working hours, penalties

• Making Your Days: Why efficiency and flexibility matter more than perfection

• The Writer on Set: Real-time rewrites, collaboration, and protecting your vision

• Set Etiquette for Writer-Producers: Earning trust and avoiding missteps

Assignment: How to Make a Scene More “Production Friendly”

Handouts: Sample Budget Top Sheet, Production Department Org Chart

Session 4: Post, Distribution, and Building Your Career “Producorially”

What happens after the shoot wraps? Learn post-production, distribution, and marketing essentials. Understand festivals, markets, or direct sales, and explore how producing literacy positions you for long-term career success.

Key Takeaways:

• Post-Production Overview: Editing, sound, music, coloring, and the producer’s role

• Distribution Pathways: Festivals vs. markets and what success looks like at each

• Marketing & Publicity: Key art, trailers, premieres, online buzz

• Film vs. TV Producing: Key distinctions and why Executive Producers in TV are often writers

• Career Strategy for Writers: How producing literacy makes you a stronger collaborator and more attractive to reps

• The Long Game: Building sustainable relationships and leveraging one project to unlock the next

Assignment: Brainstorm Your Marketing Plan
Handouts: Festival & Market Overview Guide, Career Pipeline Worksheet

What to Expect:

• This exclusive Stage 32 class is first-come, first-served—spots are limited.

• You’ll get in-depth, practical, and detailed instruction with one-on-one time with an industry executive.

• Accountability is built in: you’ll move your work forward each week with assignments and exercises.

• Access a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge for discussion, networking, and support throughout the lab.

Monday October 27th, 3pm-5pm PT

Monday November 3rd, 3pm-5pm PT

Monday November 10th, 3pm-5pm PT

Monday November 17th, 3pm-5pm PT

Praise from past students: 

“Allison's presentation style was clear and measured so I had time to write pages of notes. She is knowledgeable about her subject and provided excellent information. It was worth getting up at 5am to listen live, and she graciously answered my questions. I enjoyed the webinar immensely. Thank you!” — Ingrid S.

“I liked hearing about the presenter’s experiences with writing and with production.” — Anjetta M.

“It was fantastic!” — Meredith L.