Latest Blogs

During his free online webinar, “Ask Me Anything,” Richard “RB” Botto cut right to the chase when he was asked, "How Do I Make Connections in the Film Industry When I Don’t Live in L.A.?” His answer will open your eyes to the reality of what networking is all about, both online and off. In an industry where everyone stands up and says, “Look at me! Look at my script!” he pulls back the curtain on what gets screenwriters noticed, what doesn’t, and what you need to do to show up with authenticit...

In Aspects of the Novel, novelist E.M. Forster wrote, “The king died and then the queen died. The king died and then the queen died of grief.” The first sentence describes two events of a story, while the second sentence describes two events of a plot.   What's the Difference Between Story and Plot? As many writers and critics have noted, the essential difference between a story and a plot is that a story is a series of chronologically ordered events while a plot is a series of causally re...

With the tremendous box office success of CRAZY RICH ASIANS, BOOK CLUB and THE BIG SICK and the streaming successes of SET IT UP, SIERRA BURGESS IS A LOSER, and TO ALL THE BOYS I LOVED BEFORE, romantic comedies are making a huge comeback for all types of audiences. Variety called Rom-Com's the "Hottest genre" for 2018 and beyond. If you have been sitting on a Rom-Com script or been thinking about writing one, now's the time to get it exposure and we have the perfect opportunity for you.  ...

Happy Sunday, everyone. This is going to have to be a quick one. As the official film networking and educational partner of the conference, it's been wall to wall for the Stage 32 team at the American Film Market (AFM), and this morning I am leading a talk on independent film financing with the CEO's of Hyde Park Entertainment, Bold Film, Cold Iron and the President of Millennium Entertainment. So, in short, time has been limited. But you know I wouldn't leave you hanging with just your coff...

If you have an idea for a TV show and you're ready to pitch it, there are some elements that you need to have in place before you sit down. Even if your pitch is with an indie producer, you gotta know your stuff. What "stuff," you wonder? Stephanie Palmer, a former executive with MGM Pictures, offers a detailed overview of what each writer should have prepared before he or she has a conversation. Basically, you need to know your story inside and out, and be prepared to answer any questions t...

Congratulations! You’ve booked your first gig as a director. Do you have any idea what you’ve gotten yourself into? If not, let's start this post with the traits of a successful director. Then we'll dive into the seven essentials for the beginning director.   A Little Bit of Everything: The Five Traits of the Successful Director Like many film directors, I learned the trade in the theatre. And everything I’ve learned over the course of 30 years and 50 directing credits in the theatre tran...

I was the kid who couldn't wait for Family Ties night. That show was everything to me. From having a crush on Michael J. Fox to wanting Justine Bateman's hair to attempting to write my own episode with me in it, the show was the stuff that TV dreams were made of. But Justine Bateman, the co-star who played Mallory Keaton, says living that kind of life was far from a dream. Her reality was distorted, she said. And while many young actors have a different perception of what it's like to wo...

How does a screenwriter keep his or her momentum after they've completed a script? What do they do next as they wait to hear from potential investors or executives? RB answered this very question for Nicholas, a Stage 32 member and semifinalist in the Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship Contest. Nicholas garnered attention after his win, and wanted to know what he should do with the handful of inquiries and read requests he got as a result. RB gives it to him straight. And his response is true...

  Hope everyone's ready for the 2018 American Film Market which starts tomorrow. We're honored to be the the official networking and education platform of AFM for the 3rd year in a row. Everyone who purchases an AFM badge this year will receive a FREE Stage 32 Next Level Webinar! To purchase your AFM badge and get a FREE Stage 32 webinar, click here. As one of the most progressive conferences in the world, we're thrilled to be a part of it and look forward to an exciting week of events,...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army. It's been an amazing and rewarding week here at the Austin Film Festival.  Always a thrill getting to hang with so many Stage 32 filmmakers and screenwriters.  We'll have more on all the happenings from the last few days soon, but in the meantime, let's get to the coffee & content. Tony Gilroy has built a 20 plus year career by writing a wide variety of screenplays including NIGHTCRAWLER, TONY GILROY, THE BOURNE IDENTITY and ROGUE ONE.  Here's a screenwriting lec...