Advanced Guide to Financing Independent Television Content - 4 Session Intensive with Handouts

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.

The surge of television platforms, networks, and streamers in recent years has drastically opened up the world of television content production, spelling good news for aspiring content creators around the world. We’re not just talking Netflix and Amazon; countless other channels and streamers like Tubi, Roku, Snap, and many more are actively building their slates and looking for new content to buy outright. With these opportunities, it’s more than possible to create, sell and be profitable on your own independent TV series. Yet this does not mean it’s easy. Financing and recouping costs for independent television production requires a firm understanding of the constantly changing TV landscape and opportunities available to secure funding.

In this new and quickly developing world of independent television, knowing how to raise money intelligently can make all of the difference and serve as a calling card for you as you carve out your space in this sphere. Simply put, if you understand the strategies and methods to help your investors see a return, you get to keep those investors time and time again. And those investors can, and usually do, bring more investors with them if they're happy. There are many challenges to face throughout this process – some classic and some you might not expect—but but they can all be overcome with the right approach and understanding.

Over twenty-five years and working across three continents, Jeanette Milio she has been involved in the production of over 500 hours of content for film and television, with a total production value of over $250 million, and including Academy Award® winning talent in front of and behind the camera. Recently, Jeanette has focused on the development, financing, and production of television series. She co-created, co-financed and executive produced the beauty competition series GLOBAL BEAUTY MASTERS on TLC and its spin-off series THE LOOK ALL-STARS on The CW. She further managed the renowned dog series TV series and brand DOG WHISPERER WITH CESAR MILLAN, which aired for 9 seasons on the National Geographic Channel and sold in over 180 countries. Jeanette co-created, financed, and produced two seasons for the new series DOG MASTERS, starring Laura Nativo and Alex Rossi, which is being represented by The Gersh Agency for the U.S. and international distribution. Jeanette’s decades working and finding success in the TV industry has given her a unique and unrivaled perspective of how to finance television content and get it sold.

In this advanced level and intensive 4-week class, Jeanette will comprehensively teach you how you can finance your own independent television production. In session 1 she will delve into the independent television industry today and go through who the players are where the opportunities lie. In the next session she will break down how to establish feasibility for your project, including the budget process, creating a finance plan, and how to establish your own viability. Next Jeanette will teach you how to reduce risk by sourcing free money, employing transparent accounting, using profit optimized revenue waterfall and more. Finally, Jeanette will dig into actually selling your project, how to pitch it, and the terms and conditions you need to understand throughout the process.

Along the way, Jeanette will provide in-depth case studies of recent television projects, as well exclusive and valuable handouts that you can take with you for your own series, including:

• Sample Business Plan
• Sales Estimate Sheets
• CAMA Agreements
• Pay or Play Offer Template
• Sample Option Agreement

PRAISE FOR JEANETTE'S PREVIOUS STAGE 32 EDUCATION:

"Jeanette's experience really comes through in her mentorship. She has seen it all and is so helpful in guiding you through the complex world of film and tv." -- Letty L.

"I learned so much from Jeanette and highly recommend you work with her!" -- Kaitlin L.

"Jeanette has invaluable knowledge and made me feel like seeing my movie on the big screen was possible." --Phillip F.