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.

First up, let’s dive into this in-depth video essay from FilmSpeak: James Gunn Made Superman For Everyone. James Gunn’s Superman is being praised as the hopeful and heartfelt superhero film we needed right now. At a time when the genre has often leaned cynical, deconstructed, or hollow, Gunn leaned in the opposite direction. He gave us a Superman with a pulse: alive, vibrant, emotional, and sincere.

The film pulls inspiration from the hit comic-book, All-Star Superman and the animated series, blending comic-book absurdity with a grounded emotional core. The result is a film that feels handcrafted, colorful, eccentric, and deeply human. From David Corenswet’s earnest, relatable Superman to Rachel Brosnahan’s pitch-perfect Lois Lane, this is a love letter not just to the iconic character, but to the power of superhero storytelling itself. It’s a reminder of something essential: when we connect emotionally with characters, the story takes flight. And that lesson isn’t just for filmmakers like James Gunn, it’s for all of us pitching, writing, and creating our own projects.

During my last Stage 32 Ask Me Anything, a member asked: “What beats should be in your pitch?” My answer connects directly to what Gunn achieved with Superman: start with human connection.

Too often, I hear pitches that never clarify the basics: is this a feature or a pilot? What’s the genre? Where does it live in the marketplace? Always ground your listener from the start. Then, find a way to connect them to your story on a human level. Sometimes that’s through a personal anecdote, a universal theme, or a question that makes them lean in. You’re not pitching to machines, you’re pitching to human beings who have goals, emotions, and experiences, just like you.

From there, the pitch needs to be tight: Who’s your protagonist? What’s the inciting incident? What’s the conflict? What are the obstacles in their path? And how do supporting characters impact that journey? Nail those essentials, and you’ve built the same kind of connection Gunn built with Superman: one that goes beyond spectacle and into something deeply felt.

So here’s my challenge to you this week: think about your project the way Gunn thought about Superman. How do you inject hope, humanity, and connection into your pitch or script so that your audience not only sees your story, but feels it?

Drop your thoughts in the comments: What’s one way you create human connection in your pitches or writing?

As always, we love sharing inspiration, tools, and insights that help fuel your creative fire. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them. And don’t forget to tag us (@Stage32) if you do. You can keep up with everything we’re doing on the Stage 32 YouTube and by following me on Instagram and X: @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

FilmSpeak | James Gunn Made Superman For Everyone

RBWalksIntoABar | What Beats Should Be In Your Pitch?

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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