Advice

Auditioning is stressful. There’s no getting around it. But that doesn’t mean auditioning is bad! Auditioning presents us actors with the type of stress that’s actually kind of good for us - it’s an invitation to think about the copy we’re presented more deeply to deliver a product that’s more effective. While it would be wonderful to be hired for every single project we audition for, that’s just not realistic. So when auditioning, we each call upon our unique strengths, coaching, training, an...

Through the struggle on the way towards the goal. Why some plans could end broken but “the Dream” must keep pulsating. I’m actually really happy to be asked from Stage 32 to write another article, trying to share something good and offering the opportunity to recognize, together, our common humanity and vulnerability as filmmakers. And maybe as human beings. Rather than pretending to be an expert in anything, or introducing myself in a way that doesn’t interest anybody in here, it’s importan...

Talented writers sometimes start off creating unique and authentic stories, then it tapers off into garden variety offerings. It can sometimes be challenging to continue producing good content due to the pressures of deadlines and the ever increasing demand for good content. These 6 approaches have helped me remain true to myself.     1. Be Authentic! Be Yourself This seems obvious, but it can be hard to remain true to yourself when it appears like the rest of the world admires everyth...

“I say luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it.”  - Denzel Washington I knew an actor once who liked to utter that famous phrase by the Roman philosopher Seneca, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Such a well-known phrase that I titled my last Stage 32 blog after it. Funny thing was, when that actor got their opportunity, they were not prepared. And, they could have used a lot of luck. They were nervous and had a hard time following directi...

Happy Sunday Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? I have some content here for you that is sure to get the creative juices flowing, so grab your coffee and let's dive in. First up, The Cinema Cartography has put together an awesome video about how important the role of editing is in the overall storytelling of a film. Editors and directors ultimately have the final word on what the audience gets to see - and that is powerful. This video uses examples from Inception, Rai...

Happy Saturday Stage 32! As many of you may know, I host an Instagram LIVE every week on @stage32online highlighting some amazing Stage 32 members from all over the world. Recently, it was my sincerest pleasure to talk to two POWERHOUSE actors & Stage 32 members. No matter where you live, or what stage of your acting career you are in, these two gentlemen have some amazing tips, insights, and inspiration for you! First up, I talk with LA-based actor and long-time audition reader Jon Snow (do...

In many countries, creative workers are organized in unions or guilds, who represent the collective interests of their members for labor-related matters in the audiovisual industry. In this article, we focus on a part of financial compensation in connection with film production, being the payment of residuals to members of the traditional US guilds. More specifically, we will look at the mechanism of calculation and payment of residuals to actors, directors, and screenwriters, from the angl...

Hey, Stage 32-ers! Autumn is here, productions (COVID-safe, of course) are picking up steam, and we are all trying to regain a sense of time. How best to spend your free time, how much energy to put into work time, and why social time is still so essential. I am reminded of an inspirational quote, “bloom where you are planted”. The question is, where do you see yourself blooming? Do you require a small group or a big class? What are your next steps to seeing your project to fruition? Can you d...

You often read “how to deal with rejections” for actors and writers, but, when it comes to Composers for Film and Television, it looks like there is less literature, so I thought I’d give it a go myself. If you are pursuing a career in film scoring, no matter how long ago you started, I am sure you have experienced rejections. Why is that? Well, the first logical reason is… There are Many, Many Fish in the Sea By choosing to be a composer, you’ve chosen a very competitive field. Every tim...

Prewriting and rewriting are my two favorite parts of the writing process. Prewriting sets you up for success so that when you spill everything out on the page in your first draft, it gives you something solid to work with. But rewriting is where you get to take that material and make it truly reflect the best of what you have to give to the world. Even if you strive to create a first draft that’s as close to the final form as possible—which is my own personal writing objective—there is alway...