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 week, I want to spotlight a video that hits on something I think many creatives forget: the power of risk, reinvention, and saying yes before you feel ready.

Today’s featured video comes from Vanity Fair, Brendan Fraser Breaks Down His Career, from The Mummy to The Whale. It’s a masterclass in evolution, resilience, and the courage it takes to keep stepping back into the arena, even when your path zigzags in ways you never saw coming. What struck me most is how Brendan talks about risk like it’s a requirement, not an inconvenience. Early in his career, he was nervous to take on Encino Man after doing a serious drama like School Ties. A sound mixer on set gave him advice that changed everything: “It’s a bird in the hand. Show them you can wear both masks.”

Comedy, tragedy, big swing, serious swing, it all counted. And each choice opened the door to the next. Later, he talks about the moment Ian McKellen told him, “It has to be as if it’s the first and last time you’ll ever do this.” That became the compass he carried into The Whale. That mindset, doing the work like it’s the only time you’ll ever get to do it, changed the trajectory of his entire career.

There’s a lesson there for all of us: You don’t build a career by picking the “perfect” next step. You build it by taking the next step, and taking it with intention, courage, and care.

A question came up during my last Writer’s Room Happy Hour Q&A, about attaching stars or getting a script to a major name. It’s a question I hear often, and I get why. Big names can open big doors. But here’s the truth: Unless you have a direct relationship, you can’t skip the ladder.

You can climb faster, you can climb smarter, but you can’t skip it. That’s why approaching A-listers through their agents rarely works unless you already have something meaningful in place. An agent is going to ask: What do you have? Is there a director? Is there financing? Is there a package?

I call it the “and what?” principle.

“I have a script.” And what?

“I have a script and a director.” And what?

“I have a script, a director, and financing.”

Now you’re in the game. But here’s the part people miss: The star-driven model is changing.

We’re in a moment where star power isn’t the guarantee it once was. Not because the talent isn’t extraordinary, but because audiences aren’t showing up for names the way they used to. Many of today’s biggest working actors come from prestige TV. They’re on the rise. They’re hungry. They bring value, but they’re not asking for eight-figure paychecks.

And this is good news for emerging creators. It means there’s room for smart packaging, room for rising talent, room for bold new voices who understand what their project actually needs and what it doesn’t.

Just like Brendan Fraser took the leap into Encino Man and then Gods and Monsters and then The Mummy and then The Whale… Your career isn’t built in a straight line. It’s built in steps. In risks. In reinventions. And in relationships, the ones you nurture intentionally over time.

So here’s my question for you today: What’s one leap you’re ready to take — even if you’re not 100% comfortable yet?

A new draft? A pitch? A cold email? A partnership? A genre you’ve never written? A challenge you’ve been circling for months? Drop it in the comments. Let’s talk about it. The more you share, the more someone else will have the courage to take their leap, too.

As always, here at Stage 32, we love sharing stories and knowledge with our fellow film fans. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them! You can keep up with all of our videos by subscribing to the Stage 32 YouTube Channel. 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, and creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

Vanity Fair | Brendan Fraser Breaks Down His Career, from The Mummy to The Whale

RBWalksIntoABar | How Do I Approach A Star With My Script?

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