Happy Sunday, Creative Army!

First, congratulations to all of you who have already participated in our monthly Introduce Yourself Weekend! Thousands of connections have been made between entertainment creatives and professionals from around the globe. Whether you are a long-time member or brand new to Stage 32, take a moment to pop over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge and say hello before the end of the weekend.

Crime stories have long been one of the most popular genres in the world, and for good reason. The thrill of the mystery, the chase for justice, and the psychological intrigue of crime and investigation keep audiences hooked. But what makes a truly great crime drama? How do writers craft compelling crime stories that stand the test of time?

To answer that, we’re kicking off today’s Coffee & Content with a masterclass in crime storytelling from Jennifer Dornbush, a screenwriter, author, forensic science specialist, and consultant. In this Film Courage interview, Jennifer breaks down the key elements of crafting successful crime dramas, from structuring mysteries to incorporating realistic forensic details. Whether you’re writing a crime thriller, a true crime drama, or a procedural, her insights will give you the tools to strengthen your storytelling.

But how does this translate to today’s market? Crime dramas are not only a fan-favorite genre, they’re also booming in sales right now. Procedurals, in particular, are selling at record levels. If you’re a screenwriter, producer, or filmmaker looking to break into TV, this is a trend you don’t want to ignore. In this video, I’m sharing the latest intel on what’s selling in film and TV and what you should be thinking about when developing your next project.

What are your favorite crime dramas—TV series or features? Drop them in the comments below!

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

Film Courage | How To Write Realistic Crime Dramas

RBWalksIntoABar | What Is Actually Being Greenlit in Film & TV?

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