4-Part Class: Introduction to Producing for Screenwriters

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

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

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand; it is no longer live and the instructor is not available for personal questions, but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

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 They use outdated comps, fail to secure clean rights, or walk into general meetings unprepared to pitch themselves as well as their script.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.

In this 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!

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.