Learn from Eben Davidson, a seasoned producer and studio executive behind Oscar-nominated films like ARRIVAL and blockbuster franchises like TRANSFORMERS!

Gain essential hands-on knowledge that will give you the tools to succeed as a producer, from development to production!

PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

Have you ever wondered how to take your film ideas from concept to the big screen? Producing can often feel like an abstract, complex process, but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely within reach. In this exclusive Stage 32 class, you’ll get direct, hands-on knowledge from Eben Davidson, an industry veteran who’s worked on Oscar-nominated films like ARRIVAL and blockbuster franchises like TRANSFORMERS. From navigating the early stages of development to understanding the intricacies of production, this class will give you the foundational tools and insider tips to confidently pursue your projects in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

Producing is a multifaceted role that requires an understanding of the entire filmmaking process. Without the right guidance, creatives can find themselves stuck in development hell or spending time and money on poorly executed projects. Many aspiring producers struggle with finding ideas, securing intellectual property, and understanding the mechanics of script development, acquisitions, pre-production, and budgeting. These obstacles can often feel overwhelming—but with the insights and strategies you’ll gain from this class, you’ll be able to navigate these challenges and set yourself up for success.

Your Stage 32  educator Eben Davidson is a seasoned producer and studio executive with more than two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. As the Executive Producer at Empress Films and 308C Productions, Eben has been instrumental in shaping major projects such as the Oscar-nominated ARRIVAL and the TRANSFORMERS franchise. His career spans multiple roles, including Head of Scripted Entertainment at Invisible Narratives and EVP of Scripted Programming at Blumhouse Television. Eben’s depth of experience—from overseeing films that grossed over $1 billion to securing 18 Academy Award nominations—makes him the perfect instructor to guide you through the complexities of producing and development.

By the end of this four-part class, you’ll have a solid understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a producer. You’ll learn how to navigate development, secure intellectual property, understand script development, master pre-production planning, and more. You’ll leave with practical tools to confidently pursue your own projects and succeed! 

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes 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 Eben and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to her. You will have access to her for the duration of your class by email to ask her 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!

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts: 

• Production Vocabulary Overview
• Footloose Shooting Script, Production Budget, and Schedule
• Bonus Handout

Session #1:

In this class, we will introduce the role of a producer along with key concepts for the Development phase.

Topics covered: 

• Key production vocabulary 
• What is a Producer? 
• Intro to Development - the key stages 
• Finding an idea 
• Doing the unpaid legwork 
• Selling it 
• Big Ideas and how to find them 
• Analyzing the market 
• Intellectual Property 
• What is IP? 
• How do you obtain the rights? 
• What is an option agreement? 
• Getting Prepared
• Identifying the audience 
• Assembling the team 
• Preparing the pitch 

• Competitive Development. An in class assignment pick a show and talk about it as producer would. 

Bonus Handout: Production Vocabulary Overview 

Assignment: Find a piece of IP and prepare your own pitch on how you would develop it. 

Session #2: 

In this class, we will explore the Script Development process and the role of film Acquisitions. 

Topics covered: 

• Discuss IP Pitch assignments 
• Intro to being a Studio/Development Executive 
• What do they do? 
• How to get the job? 
• Staying informed through the Trades
• Script development 
• What role does a Producer play in script development? 
• How to read a script? - intro to basic story structure 
• How to give notes? 
• How to write coverage? 
• Understanding drafts & “steps” 
• Intro to film acquisitions - what is it and how does it work? 
• Bonus Handout: TBC 

Assignment: Read a produced screenplay and prepare your own notes 

Session #3:

In this class, we will cover script notes and introduce Pre-production. 

Topics covered: 

• Discuss Script Notes assignment 
• You get a green light. Now it’s time to begin production. 
• Intro to Pre-production 
• What role does a Producer play in pre-production? 
• Who are the other key players? 
• How do you finance an indie film? 
• Intro to Line Producing 

Bonus Handout: Footloose shooting script, production budget, and schedule Assignment: Read Footloose script & production budget, and watch the movie! 

Session #4:

In this class, we will cover Production and career paths. 

Topics covered: 

• Intro to Production 
• Key players 
• Breaking down a script 
• Reading a production budget 
• Reading a one-line schedule 
• What does a Producer do on set? 
• Production vocabulary recap 
• Next and first steps as you pursue your career 
• Assignment: Production vocabulary quiz (in class)

Bonus Handout

PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

• Aspiring producers looking to break into the industry.
• Filmmakers seeking to understand the producer’s role in the process.
• Creatives aiming to take their projects from concept to reality.
• Anyone wanting to learn how to navigate development, pre-production, and production.