Advice

When I first started writing screenplays, I was a former newspaper journalist with five novels and two novellas under my belt, all traditionally published.I thought screenwriting would be a piece of cake. Wrong answer. It was more like ignorance soufflé with a side order of "What the hell am I doing?" I quickly learned that screenplays are as different from novels as novels are from newspapers. So, as most people with a PC or a Mac would do, I began searching the internet as well as perusing...

Happy Sunday Creative Army! Here's hoping you have had a productive and creative weekend so far. I've got a full pot of coffee and some piping hot content coming your way. First up, we all know that music can be a powerful way to drive story. In our first piece of content from Studio Binder, they discuss how filmmakers use "needle drops", or bits of popular music at strategic moments, to create impactful, memorable moments. From the toe-tapping 80's throwback soundtrack of Guardians of the G...

Let's talk about the art department folks! Like any department in production, there are multiple moving parts and countless people involved in creating the world of a film. For the production to run smoothly, it is essential that everyone on set knows the specifics of their particular role.  Today, we are going to talk about the set dresser. Studio Binder has put together a handy little guide detailing the differences between a set dresser and a set decorator, how to create mood boards, and so...

When you think of great original soundtracks - the best of the best, you probably think of Final Fantasy, Zelda, Skyrim, and even Sonic. Video game music is a genre in itself. It went from 8-bit synthy beeps and bobs to orchestra epic arrangements. The genre has impacted and inspired so many, myself included. I will admit that growing up, I wasn’t into the greats like Final Fantasy or Zelda. I was more into really obscure games such as Spyro, Twisted Metal, Crazy Taxi and such. It is games lik...

Happy Wednesday Filmmakers! This week, we are thrilled to present the debut vlog from long-time Stage 32 member, blog contributor, webinar teacher, and international film & distribution aficionado, David Zannoni! Over the course of this year, David will be bringing Stage 32 exclusive insights, tips, and tricks from his adventures in the business of film across the globe.  Today, David is reporting from the European Film Market & Berlin Film Festival in Berlin, Germany. Click below to learn t...

So You Want to Adapt a Classic? Considering the benefits of adapting the classics of literature—the proven success of their themes and structure, iconic lines, enduring timeliness, and strong characters—the question is, why WOULDN’T you want to adapt a classic? Because it’s already been done... to DEATH. Take Sherlock Holmes. Adaptations are endless, with new ones nearly every year. And the approaches writers take encompass a wide range: placing him in modern times, as a comedic figure, as a...

Happy Sunday Creative Army! My coffee is brewing and I'm about to bring you some piping-hot content to drink in with your daily dark roast.  First up, let's talk about lighting. One of the single greatest things about filmmaking is the embodiment of the collaborative spirit. Collaboration is essential to how you tell a story. This first piece of content dives into how you can use contrasting lighting to drive the story and illuminate characters during compelling moments. The cinematography c...

WHY I GOT A DIALECT COACH I was born in Spain, moved to Los Angeles for the first time as a teenager, and had a natural knack for accents.  However, when I started getting serious about acting, I discovered my accent was getting in my way. I wasn’t booking as many roles as I felt I could. I thought I had a solid grasp on sounding American. As a kid, I would repeat pretty much every Disney character that appeared on my TV and I still know all the scenes from Easy A and The Kids Are All Right....

With each passing year, original streaming content becomes more and more popular. As filmmakers, we are all secretly (or not so secretly) vying for a coveted slot on the golden geese of streaming: Netflix and Amazon. So, how do you pitch your project to Netflix or Amazon? Stage 32 founder and CEO, Richard Botto, answers this question thoroughly and frankly in his free webinar, "Ask Me Anything".  The head of Netflix television programming reportedly hears roughly 60 pitches a week. Before yo...

The movie industry is not just about creating what pleases you. It’s about creating entertainment that will delight an audience. The major studios put a lot of money into big movies seeking to serve a huge international audience. Independent filmmakers often target much smaller audience groups, but they have a target. Before you put one word on paper you need to consider who your potential audience is and how you can expand that audience. If you spend $5 million making a movie for a $10 milli...