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.

This video essay from Film Stack dives into the fascinating career of GARY OLDMAN, an absolute master of transformation. He’s played everything from Dracula to Churchill, Beethoven to Sirius Black. But there was a time when being too good at playing villains almost derailed his career. Oldman was Hollywood’s go-to bad guy, but that typecasting eventually became a cage. It wasn’t until two major franchises: Harry Potter (as Sirius Black) and The Dark Knight (as Jim Gordon) came along that he broke free from that box and reinvented his career.

This video is a must-watch for any actor or storyteller who wants to understand the power of perception in the industry and why your career isn’t just about talent.

I say this all the time, and I’ll say it again here, if you want to make a real career in this industry, you have to learn the business. It doesn’t matter if you’re a filmmaker, actor, writer, editor, or anything in between, the most common reason people hit a wall or quit is because they focus 100% on craft and ignore the business side of the industry.

If you don’t understand how the industry works, you’re getting in your own way. Learn how managers and agents operate. Understand how production roles collaborate to bring a project to life. Know how casting directors think. Communicate effectively with editors, VFX teams, composers, and art departments. Learn the language of the business and it will separate you from the pack. This is a people business. This is a relationships business. And this is a business where knowledge of how things work gives you power and longevity. Learn more in my video here.

What’s one thing about the business side of the industry you want to learn more about this year? Drop it in the comments and let’s talk about it!

As always, here at Stage 32, we love to share stories and knowledge with our fellow film fans. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them! Tag them below! You can keep up with all of our content by subscribing to the Stage 32 YouTube. For more inspirational, educational, and motivational content on all things entertainment industry, follow me on Instagram and X @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, & creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

FilmStack | “When an Actor Is Too Good at Playing Villains”

RBWalksIntoABar | How to Balance the Creative vs. Business Side of Entertainment

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