Learn everything you need to know to produce your feature film from an acclaimed producer who has worked with Legendary, Lakeshore Entertainment, Netflix, and IFC Films and more!

PLUS! You will receive a budget and call sheet template to use on your own projects!

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.

Are you planning to produce a feature film in 2024 or beyond? 

If so, this exclusive Stage 32 4-part on-demand class is for you!

Producers wear multiple hats at all times. From spearheading development on the script and casting to ensuring things run smoothly on set during production and maintaining quality control in post-production, a good producer is a leader for the film from both a creative and business perspective. There are countless things a producer should prepare for before, during, and after making a film. However, there is a steep learning curve for producing. Almost all first time producers have no way of knowing what to prepare for until they are deep in the trenches of making their film and putting out fires left and right. This inevitably leads to problems on set and in post-production that cost the production more money and results in a lesser quality film. 

That's where Stage 32 comes in. This interactive 4-part class will teach you everything you need to know before producing your film so you can avoid all the mistakes and pitfalls that producers fall into when making a film. Here to guide you through the ins and outs of producing is veteran producer Michael Wormser, co-founder and producer at Cinemand Films. Michael has produced over 70 projects in his career and has made features for Legendary, Lakeshore Entertainment, Netflix, and IFC Films, as well as series for Fox Television Studios, Hulu, FreeForm, Netflix, and 20th Century Digital.  

Instead of going into your film with limited experience, you’ll be armed with all the lessons Michael has learned on the many projects he has produced and he'll share the warnings of what to look out for! This will put you much further along in the process, meaning your first film will be the very best experience it can be and get the results you want. 

The first challenge to producing your film is starting off in pre-production by planning the right steps. The next challenge is effective leadership and execution in production through the delivery of the film. These fundamentals collectively make up the craft of filmmaking. Learning the functions and rules of each step will be essential to a successful film.

You'll walk away from this 4-part class with the skillset to effectively produce your feature film and an understanding of how to lead a production, what common producing mistakes to avoid, and how to put your project in the best position possible (both creatively and financially) to succeed!

PLUS! Michael will provide you with exclude handouts to help you produce your film! Downloads include:

• Call Sheet Template
• Feature Film Budget Template

Praise For Michael's Teaching on Stage 32:

"I'm so glad I got to work with Michael. I thought I knew everything there was before making my first film but boy was I wrong. He really helped me get my production in shape before we started shooting. Thank you!" -- Caroline R.

"Michael's expertise and knowledge really comes out in his class. If only all producers can be as resourceful as him!" -- Mark H.

SESSION 1 - Pre-Production

The steps go as follows: first, having a strong production strategy that centers around a director’s vision and is then built into the budget and schedule. AKA the blueprint or the checklist. If you don’t do this step correctly it could cost you later on. The next step is casting, hiring a crew, and making the best vendor deals possible. Each successful step should lead to the next, culminating in a production-ready budget and shooting schedule.

• Creating a Production Strategy
• Breaking Down the Script
• Making a Preliminary Budget
• Making a Preliminary Schedule
• Best Practices for Hiring Crew
• Approach to Casting
• What Cutting Corners Not to Cut
• Q&A with Michael

Assignment: Watch THE SHARED budget and scheduling tutorials.

SESSION 2 - Production

One of the challenges with so little time is...time! This class will focus on how to quickly establish a positive and safe work environment. Enable your team to reach their fullest creative and collaborative potential and make the best film possible where everyone leaves happy and inspired!

• Creating the Store Front
• Making Everyone On Set Feel Supported
• Making Sure Everyone On Set Feels Heard
• Being a Support System
• The Importance of Looking Ahead
• Valuing Collaboration
• Safety on Set
• Rules on Set
• Managing Data
• Organizational Approach
• Managing Payroll
• Q&A with Michael

Assignment: Research payroll companies and learn about their production software.

SESSION 3 - Post-Production

Production is challenging enough and getting through production is quite an accomplishment, but if you don’t have a plan in place at the beginning for post-production or budget it accordingly it can be really challenging to finish your film. Establishing a post-workflow and post-budget during pre-production is essential.

• Properly Budgeting
• Post Assets before Filming
• VFX Breakdown
• ADR List
• Pickup Days
• Getting Quotes
• When to Create a Post Calendar
• Knowing the Deliverables
• Managing Contingency
• Editing on Set
• Data Wrangling
• Q&A with Michael

Assignment: Research post facilities for your film.

SESSION 4 - The Intangibles & Key Learnings

Apart from the tangible duties of producing in pre-prod, production, and post-production, much of what makes a good producer succeed is intangible. Everything from leadership, listening to your cast and crew, maintaining a positive attitude even in uncertain times, and leading a production by example are all necessary skills a producer must learn.

• Which Corners You Shouldn't Cut
• Being a Support System for Crew
• Focusing on Telling a Treat Story First
• Listening and Learning From Others
• Time Management
• Collaboration at a Premium
• Positivity
• Test Screenings
• Publicity/ Festivals
• Q&A with Michael

Assignment: Watch several “Making Of” videos to learn more about other challenges that producers face in making a film.

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.

All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to develop their knowledge of producing films.

All levels of showrunners (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to develop their knowledge of producing films.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to develop their knowledge of producing films.

Producers who want to hone their production skills.

Actors who want to develop their knowledge of producing films.