Hello, my fellow creatives. In this survival guide, I will be focusing on a checklist and things to keep in mind when shooting a documentary or good old fashion interviews. There are many ways to skin a cat, and it is up to you to test and refine what works so you can effectively handle any curve balls and do your job efficiently while keeping on schedule. Choosing The Right Space It goes without saying that picking the right location for your documentary or interview is important. Does it ma...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? Whether you’ve been writing, filming, editing, or simply dreaming up your next big idea, I’ve got some inspiring content to fuel your passion and keep you moving forward. So grab your coffee, and let’s dive in. Let’s start with this insightful roundtable by Panavision, where a group of world-class DPs share the tools, routines, and instincts they rely on throughout the filmmaking process. From essential items like viewfinde...

As I sit down to reflect on my journey as a first-time author, the word "rejection" echoes in my mind like a haunting melody that I can't quite shake. Like many aspiring writers, I had dreams of sharing my stories with the world, but the path to publication is rarely a straight line. Instead, it resembles a winding road filled with unexpected twists, turns, and—most daunting of all—rejections. Leaving California for a year-long adventure in Bali, Indonesia, I sought solace and inspiration to w...

The Stage 32 Representation Pitchfest (August 30-31) Could Change Everything This is it, writers! This weekend presents one of the most INCREDIBLE opportunities of the year. The Stage 32 Representation Pitchfest on August 27th, 30th, and 31st, where you'll have direct access to 10 managers and agents who are actively hunting for new material and prospective clients. Why This Weekend Matters Forget the endless query letters and cold submissions that disappear into the void. These industry pro...

In March, my daughter passed on a free trial membership to a platform called "Stage 32 Writer's Room." I wasn't looking for anything like this because, frankly, I didn't even know it existed. I've spent my entire adult life in education and the medical field, so all of this was new to me. Where I Started: Before Stage32 In 2023, I was exhausted: traveling cross-country to help care for my dad with dementia, while still working full-time and homeschooling our son. It was emotionally and physic...

Hollywood’s Unicorn Problem: Are Dev Execs Getting Squeezed Out? The traditional development pipeline is broken, and the latest wave of layoffs proves it. After talking with execs, former execs, and producers at every level, one trend is undeniable: Hollywood is betting on individual unicorns over development infrastructure. Studios and top production companies are cutting development teams and walking away from costly overhead, instead leaning on smaller, filmmaker- or talent-driven shops. I...

Podcasts are a unique way to communicate with a desired group of listeners in an episodic format. Podcasts are designed to appeal to a niche audience; therefore, you have the opportunity to zero in on exactly who you want to talk to and what your topics should be. You’re straight-up targeting people. You never know… Your thoughts and opinions could very well resonate with a horde of like-minded folks and maybe even sway some of those who have different opinions from what you chat about on your...

"You're not good looking enough to be a lead actor. You're not ugly enough to be a character actor. You're an average looking guy in his 30’s. Maybe start thinking about what to do after acting" This is what a former agent, the man who was meant to be representing and guiding my career, said to me when I asked to meet and discuss why I hadn't been called in for any auditions for the best part of a year, and how we could work together to fix it. Despite attending acting, accent, and stage comba...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Let’s kick things off with a huge shoutout to everyone who has already jumped into this month’s Introduce Yourself Weekend. Thousands of creatives from around the world are connecting, sharing their stories, and building relationships that will lead to collaborations, opportunities, and lifelong friendships. If you haven’t yet made your introduction, you’ve still got time! Head over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge before the weekend wraps. Be bold. Introduce you...

Why Up-to-Date Cost Reports Matter & How to Solve Common Issues Film production is a fascinating intersection of creativity and complexity, where every detail—from the script to the screen—requires meticulous management. Yet, amidst the excitement of making movies, managing finances often feels like navigating a labyrinth. Producers, line producers (LPs), and accountants regularly face challenges, especially when it comes to tracking and managing expenses. A common scenario that epitomizes this...