Craft a story that makes audiences feel something.
With The Making of Film & TV Masterclass
Callo presents The Making of Film & TV, a 5-hour Masterclass series about the craft behind developing film and television. Industry experts will share the pillars of what makes great stories, from how to conceptualize and evaluate a good idea to how to sell that idea and leverage the project marketplace to get it made!
In class, you'll transform ideas into must-watch stories for screen. Seriously, from 0 to 1.
You'll walk away with two core skills:
Learn how to generate and refine compelling story ideas for both film and tv. Discover the key elements that make a concept stand out and resonate with audiences in a crowded marketplace.
Understand the business and gain insights into how to pitch your film or series (correctly), secure financing with and without a studio, retain ownership, and navigate the distribution process.
Why these classes are different ➜
Meet producers, executives, and agents who have successfully created and sold prolific shows and films.
Gain insights into development and pre-production stages of TV show creation, from idea to distribution.
Understand the different pathways to secure financing for film. For example, do you know what deficit financing means and how to get it?
Know the metrics. Understand what gets bought and why in a crowded marketplace.
Master the techniques used by top creators to develop engaging characters, compelling narratives, and unforgettable moments that keep viewers coming back.
Meet your guest lecturers.
louise OgunnaikE
Development
Executive
Imagination & World-Building Session on April 20th
Louise is a development executive working to build a slate of bold and commercial TV projects at Sister (London-LA Based), the makers of the hit series Chernobyl, The Power, and Giri/Haji, Louise specializes in story development and is passionate about story arcs that are heartful and authentic. She particularly loves to champion and work with writers from different backgrounds.
Prior to SISTER, Louise began her career in theatre and film and worked at BBC Children’s across Development and production.
abe bengio
Agent
Session on May 4th, 11am PT
Abraham Bengio is an Agent at WME Independent, the finance and sales division of William Morris Endeavor. During his time at WME, Abraham has packaged and sold award winning directors’ films such as Ruben Ostlund’s TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (Palme D’Or Winner, Nominated for 3 Academy Awards including Best Picture), Saim Sadiq’s JOYLAND (Cannes Jury Winner, Academy Award Shortlisted for Best International Feature), and Ira Sach’s latest, PASSAGES (Sundance 23, Acquired by MUBI).
Prior to that, he was a Manager of Film Sales at Fifth Season (f.k.a. Endeavor Content). With a focus on international talent, writers and directors, Abraham also represents production companies, financiers and entertainment venture funds in North America and abroad.
dani melia
Local Time
Producer
Session on June 1st, 11am PT
(to be released)
Dani Melia is an LA-based producer. Dani developed and produced Lulu Wang’s critically-acclaimed feature The Farewell starring Awkwafina, which went on to receive nominations for the Gotham Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs and won two Film Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Picture.
Since she founded the film and television production company Local Time alongside Lulu Wang, they aim to champion emerging storytellers and focus on narrative possibilities that can open audiences to new perspectives in storytelling. Local Time has a first-look TV deal with Amazon Studios.
Imagination & Worldbuilding
April 20th 2024 at 10:30am PT
taught by louise OgunnaikE
We'll delve into the nitty-gritty of crafting a strong pilot script that grabs attention and lays the foundation for your series with extra attention to genre-bending projects and adaptations. Learn how to build a captivating world where you'll imagine epic set pieces that will keep your audience glued to every episode. Then, understand how to identify your ideal viewer and target with the right networks or streamers using the right metrics. Lastly we'll discuss strategies for securing funding, including attracting co-financing and building a dream team for large-scale productions and attaching the right talent early on.
This class is perfect for sophomoric writers and filmmakers, and early stage producers and executives.
Photo Credit: The Power (Amazon/Sister)
Selling Creativity & Leveraging the Marketplace
May 4th 2024 at 11am PT
Taught by Abe bengio
In this session, we’ll navigate the world of selling creative ideas led by WME agent, Abe Bengio. He’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools to position and sell projects beyond the traditional studio system. From crafting a compelling package to attracting investors and distributors to navigating the festival circuit and mastering marketing strategies, this session will cover a range of topics to get projects made. You'll learn how to bring collaborators on board while retaining ownership and creative control, identify the perfect moment to leverage the independent marketplace, and explore financing options like deficit financing.
This class is perfect for early stage producers, directors, and managers.
Recording will be available.
Photo Credit: (Endeavor / Triangle of Sadness)
Inception to Screen
June 1st 2024 at 11am PT
Taught by Dani Melia
This class will follow the journey of Dani's critically acclaimed projects, A24’s “The Farewell” and Amazon’s “Expats” created by Lulu Wang. As an independent producer, Dani, will walk us though everything from building out a new idea with your collaboration team to running a smooth production. What is the producers job in all of this? How do you know you have a good producer? How do they set the stage for smooth development, production processes and a successful launch of a completed film or series This will be a deep dive on development, production (pre through post), festival submissions and successfully selling your project from the producer's angle.
This class is perfect for producers and filmmakers.
Photo Credit: (A24 / The Farewell)
Who is this for ?
Previously we've had hundreds of people on our waitlist to take our course and they all come from different backgrounds. We built this course with these folks in mind.
This is what a few of them said ➜
- “I want to sell my tv and film project.”
- "I don't know how to crack this story arc."
- “I want to refine my pitch. ”
- “I've never developed a show before.”
What an attendee said from our last Masterclass.
"The Film and TV Marketing Masterclass course helped me to strategize differently about our film distribution plan, and I wish these insights were more accessible! Also, the special guest from NEON was extraordinary, and I appreciated her honesty about what it takes."
Sara joined Film Marketing & Distribution Masterclass
Join a community of independent creators & producers making iconic work on Callo.
Included in the Masterclass Series ↓
Access to this 5 Hour Course (Forever)
Look back on these classes whenever you need. We send the recording to you 1 day within the completion of the class, which you'll have access forever.
Toolkit
You'll receive a toolkit which include a checklist from your guide, guide's pitch deck, and class recording.
Callo Community & Membership
If you aren't a member yet, you'll get one month of membership free with your annual subscription on Callo once verified and accepted.
Book your seat below for the Masterclass Series
Free for Callo Members
Free Entry for Callo Subscribed Members. Price Per Class for non Callo members is $30.
Have a question? Here's our FAQs
I won't be able to join the day of, will the sessions be recorded and sent to attendees?
Can't join live after all? Don't worry, every workshop is recorded and will be sent 1 day after the course has completed to attendees. If you are a Callo member, this course can be accessed in your Callo Library via Resources.
How is the class structured and what’s the schedule?
The course begins promptly at the start time indicated above and in your confirmation email. Class begins with welcome remarks, guided presentation and dialogue, breakout groups, additional guest speaker Q&A, and closing remarks.
I don't have any television experience, is that OK?
Have you ever been part of film project and debated if this would be better suited as a television show, then this class is for you! This course helps you refine tv concepts and not second guess on the steps needed to make a series.
I’m a producer or executive, is this course right for me?
Yes! Particularly if you are in the scripted space or have an interest in transitioning into television from Film. Though an indie finance agent will talk through concepts that will be applied to both film and television.
How to convince your employer for education reimbursement.
Did you know that $5,250 of education assistance benefits are tax-free per employee (US only)? That means your employer wouldn’t have to be taxed on this course. See Employer-provided educational assistance.
What is your refund policy?
We are happy to do a 50% partial refund within 7 days of purchase if you mistakenly purchased the course.
I want to purchase a single class, that is not available yet.
Classes can be purchased 24 hours after the former class has been completed, email us if you'd like to be added to our waitlist for notifications.
I am a Callo member, how do I receive free entry?
If you are a Callo member, Masterclasses and events come with your membership. Promo codes are sent to members directly via email, If you have not received a code, please email us. Once Masterclass launches you may get free entry for annual memberships only.
INTRODUCING CALLO
What is Callo?
Callo is a new female-led startup transforming how we develop media projects. Formed by media executives from Sony and Netflix and technologists from YouTube, our mission is to empower creative careers by providing a platform that combines a creative network and tools for development in Film, Television, and Audio. We aim to build a shorter, streamlined pathway to create stories that educate, entertain, and inspire us all.
Have another question or want to assess if this Masterclass is for you? Email support@wearecallo.com to speak to the Callo team.