

Summary
Learn from a top entertainment attorney who represents award-winning films and streamers
Receive exclusive handouts—like Completion Bond Sample Templates and Bond Readiness Checklists—to help you secure your project’s future!
PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 webinar is now available to watch on-demand and no longer live.
Whether you're an independent filmmaker or part of a production company, securing a completion bond is essential to protect your film and guarantee it gets finished. Completion bonds give investors and distributors the confidence they need to back your project—and in today’s fast-paced industry, knowing how to obtain one is more crucial than ever! This exclusive Stage 32 webinar delivers timely insights and strategies designed to empower you to secure financing and bring your vision to life.
Many filmmakers face roadblocks because they don’t fully understand the strict requirements completion bonds demand—like detailed budgets, full financing, and realistic schedules. Missteps such as applying too late, choosing the wrong provider, or missing key documentation often lead to rejection. This webinar will unpack these challenges and show you how to avoid them so you can confidently navigate the bond process and keep your production on track.
Your Stage 32 educator Jackie Ward is a rising force in entertainment law, known for her work guiding independent producers through complex financing and legal landscapes. She has advised projects across film, television, and digital platforms, including work with Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+. At Ramo Law, Jackie combines a creative, solutions-first mindset with expert legal counsel, helping filmmakers turn their ideas into fully realized, finance-ready productions.
You will walk away with the knowledge and tools to confidently secure a completion bond—understanding exactly what investors and bond companies expect, how to avoid costly mistakes, and how to protect your film’s budget and schedule. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar equips you to navigate the bond process smoothly and keep your project financed and on track for success.
PLUS! You will receive the following handout to help you:
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Completion Bond Overview
What You'll Learn
Understanding Completion Bonds
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Definition and Purpose of a Completion Bond
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Why completion bonds are crucial for film financing
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How completion bonds protect investors and distributors
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Key documents and information required
Eligibility Criteria
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What insurance companies and bonding companies look for in a production
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Minimum budget thresholds
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Required production history and experience of the filmmakers
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Risk assessment factors
Cost Of A Completion Bond
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Typical bond fees and how they are calculated
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Hidden costs and considerations
4. Risks and Liability
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What happens if the film is not completed on time
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Default and the consequences for producers
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Legal and financial responsibilities for filmmakers
Live Q&A With Jackie
PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 webinar is now available to watch on-demand and no longer live.
Who Should Attend
- Producers and directors looking to secure reliable financing and protect their projects
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Filmmakers and production company executives involved in budgeting and scheduling
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Anyone navigating the complexities of film financing and completion bonds
Executive

A rising force in entertainment law, Jackie Ward is redefining how producers and production companies in independent film and television do business. With a deep understanding of the industry and a forward-thinking legal mind, she brings an innovative, fresh perspective to every deal—whether structuring intricate rights and clearance landscapes, closing complex financial transactions, or navigating emerging content platforms. Known for her ability to translate creative vision into airtight
legal frameworks, Ward architects opportunities with a solutions-first approach that blends creativity with precision. Her clients appreciate her individualistic and strategic collaboration, meeting them at the inflection point of all things legal and creative.
Prior to joining Ramo in 2023, Jackie served as production, financing, and distribution counsel for both scripted and unscripted projects across film, television, podcasts, and digital platforms at a boutique entertainment law firm, giving her the wide lens and deep industry insight that defines Ramo’s approach. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned her J.D. with honors from Belmont University College of Law.
In addition to Jackie’s work at Ramo Law, she represents Breaking Through the Lens, a non-profit that provides secure avenues to finance films by way of grants, curated meetings, and industry mentorship for any filmmaker who experiences marginalization due to nonconforming gender stereotypes.