Stage 32 4-Part Class: Step by Step Distribution Guide for your Documentary, Doc-Series or Unscripted Projects

Learn directly from the executive behind the Emmy-winning WE WILL DANCE AGAIN and Leonardo DiCaprio - produced CHECKPOINT ZOO in this private, interactive Stage 32 class

Case studies on CHECKPOINT ZOO and WE WILL DANCE AGAIN

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.

If you’ve ever poured your heart, time, and money into creating a documentary, docuseries, or unscripted project, you know that finishing production is only half the battle. The real question is: what happens next? In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape - where streaming platforms multiply, social media fuels discovery, and new funding models pop up every year—understanding how to get your project distributed is essential. Knowing how to monetize your work, get it seen by the right audiences, and secure deals that actually move your career forward can make the difference between a one-time project and a sustainable creative business.

Yet, for many filmmakers and producers, navigating the distribution world feels like entering a maze without a map. You might wonder which platforms are right for your content, what deal terms really mean, or how to make your project stand out among thousands of submissions. It’s easy to fall into common traps - like chasing the wrong buyers, underestimating delivery requirements, or walking away from potentially great opportunities because the financial model isn’t clear. This course will help you avoid those pitfalls by breaking down the current ecosystem, from broadcast and cable to SVOD, AVOD, FAST, and even direct-to-audience options. You’ll gain clarity on how different types of unscripted content - documentaries, docuseries, competition shows, or digital formats - fit into today’s market and what distributors and sales agents are truly looking for.

Your instructor, Chris Hazenbush, brings a wealth of hands-on experience across both scripted and unscripted entertainment, with a track record that bridges creative development and global distribution. As Director at Osmosis Global, Chris oversees the release of award-winning, talent-led documentaries, docuseries, and reality programming that have made significant industry impact. Among his most recent successes, We Will Dance Again, which earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary, and Checkpoint Zoo, executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, which just completed an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run in the U.S., stand out as proof of his expertise in bringing powerful, meaningful stories to audiences worldwide.

Across four weeks, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the unscripted distribution process - from defining your project type and identifying the right buyers to mastering deal terms, financial models, and post-delivery essentials. You’ll analyze case studies like Checkpoint Zoo and We Will Dance Again: Surviving October 7th, explore how real filmmakers got their deals done, and review a sample post-delivery checklist to prepare your own project for success. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away knowing how to position, pitch, and sell your unscripted project - ready to turn your finished film into a profitable, widely seen success story.

Testimonials from Chris' previous Stage 32 Courses:

"Chris was great and the class was very informative. The combination of his industry knowledge and experience was fantastic. " 

-John

"Chris really helped me hone the craft of TV writing so I could get my pilot in good shape. I highly recommend working with him." -- Samuel S

"Chris rocks! I've never worked with someone who is so knowledgable about all things film and television. He has a real knack for teaching what he knows in an effective manner. Thanks, Chris." -- Liam R.