Latest Blogs

Our fearless leader, RB, spent some time with Stage 32er Dave Bullis on his uber-popular filmmaking podcast recently. On the podcast, RB and Dave discuss a wide variety of topics including:     1. Why RB thinks it's never been a better time to be a content creator   2. How do you get studios attention?   3. What does star power mean now?   4. With so much content being created and competition, how do you find your tribe (aka audience)?   5. The power of community from film to you...

Getting yourself out there can be hard to do, especially if you are new to the industry. When I first started creating and working in my field, I kept a lot of my work to myself and only showed it when asked. I unfortunately adopted the 'only speak when you are spoken to' mentality. I was very introverted. Networking, to me, was a monster I wasn't quite ready to face and that showed to my potential clients. I wasn't closing deals or getting placements. I knew I had skill and that my music was...

Happy first Sunday of December, everyone.  Today I have two videos for you that I think you'll enjoy quite a bit.  First up, what makes a great villain?  The video essay Crash of Ideologies - Crafting the Perfect Villain explores the relationship between some of film's most memorable heroes and villains. Second, a terrific video from Film Courage featuring one of our favorite Stage 32 educators, James Kicklighter.  James, a writer, director and mentor to many a filmmaker, explains the first...

If you're a writer, director, actor or producer, I have good news for you. Science fiction can put you on the map! First off, a definition. By science fiction, I'm also including fantasy and a certain kind of horror, that with a magical or mystical element. And here's my definition of science fiction vs. fantasy: science fiction is any fantasy story where the fantastic element is given a technological or pseudo-technological reason. Of course, there are many other possible definitions. My fa...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  To all those celebrating, I hope you had a fantastic holiday weekend. A little cloudy and cool where I am today.  Seems like a perfect time for an Italian dark roast and some film related content. First up, from our friends at Film Riot, I have a look on how to add depth your filmmaking (and storytelling) through visual subtext.  Next, tips, tricks and advice from some successful screenwriters who have had films play at Sundance.  And as a bonus today, I am addin...

On behalf of the Stage 32 team, I'd like to wish all celebrating a very Happy Thanksgiving.  We are all extremely grateful for the members of this community and for the incredible relationships and friendships that have bloomed over the years.  Truly, we feel blessed. As I've mentioned in past Thanksgiving blogs, I like to use the end of each Turkey Day for some quiet reflecting on the year thus far.  What was I hoping to accomplish?  What can still be done with the month remaining?  I find th...

Part of the challenge of building a crowd in support of a film project is understanding what inspires and moves the individuals within. If you’ve been thorough with your planning and honest with yourself in identifying the true scope of your target audience, your crowd will inevitably consist of people with varying interests and passions. For first time filmmakers — or those launching any content project for the first time — a common mistake is the belief that those interests and passions will b...

Hey guys. Happy Sunday. Today, two more videos for you to enjoy with your morning java. First up, it's a look at how the Coen Brothers used very specific framing techniques to define character relationships in Fargo. I love this one...I think you will as well Next up, I have a brilliant look at editing in storytelling. This video is a piece of art unto itself that will no doubt invite repeat viewings. As always, all I ask in return is that you pay it forward and share this content through...

Has science found the answer to maintaining audience engagement consistently during a movie, by eliminating filmmakers 'blind narrative spots?' Although a scientific approach to filmmaking can provide an evidence based framework to maintain audience engagement, many filmmakers perceive a scientific approach to filmmaking as ineffective, which limits creativity. However, scientific research studies can determine what engages audiences, by measuring viewers reactions to different story structur...

You know when you’re a filmmaker and you move to Los Angeles away from all of the resources you’ve worked tirelessly to secure? A fresh start? No? Oh... Me neither...   Just kidding.   Earlier this year, I moved to Los Angeles with my best friend and co-collaborator, Courtney Birk, from Baltimore, Maryland. A 2700 mile drive to further pursue my film career. Being in a brand new city, I was at a loss for cast, crew, and locations. After finally getting settled (beyond finding a survival...