Advice

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Time for another edition of Coffee & Content. First up, a look at developing characters with Aaron Sorkin.  Sorkin has created some of the most memorable and beloved characters of the last 20 years (tell me you don't know everything about every single West Wing character).  Whether working with fictional characters or those actually roaming the earth (The Social Network, Molly's Game) few writers are able to imbibe their characters with as much detail, nuance and defin...

I have to share something with you that unfolded with another screenwriter last week. It happened in a Facebook Group when the screenwriter posted:"How do you stay motivated to write everyday when you're not getting paid?...I'd treat it like a job and be at my desk everyday at 9am, a hour for lunch at 1pm, back at 2 and finish at 5. Really, I would. But writing for free, having no idea if anyone is going to buy your script? In my mind the voice that says "GET A PROPER JOB!" gets louder and lou...

I recently sent a script to a new manager then went on vacation. With that script finished (for now) and vacation behind me, I have to write a new script. As cathartic and rewarding as writing can be, it’s still work. And it’s not always easy to transition to the next project. Like me, you may hear a tiny voice saying “But…but…I just finished a script. And why, oh, why, are vacations so short?” Being the professional that I am, I stop whining and whip myself back into writing shape quickly. He...

Man, you guys brought the goods to the table.  I mean, you had me riled up and as passionate as I've been in a long time.  I'm grateful...seriously. Hundreds of you attended my live AMA (Ask Me Anything) last week.  What was supposed to be an hour of me answering your questions quickly turned into two hours of spirited, inspiring, and motivating craft and industry talk. From acting to screenwriting to filmmaking.  From film producing to film finance to attaching talent.  From making valuable...

Music Composer, Musician, and Sound Designer Michael Hobe has been on set with other talented crew members with films like: The Dark Knight, Sherlock Holmes (1 & 2), Inception, Rango, Pirates of the Caribbean IV, and The Dark Knight Rises. Being on set of these massive productions has taught him a number of things, including the plus side of keeping up with all that the Digital Age has to offer us.Michael caught up with us at the Stage 32 offices to talk about why filmmakers need to embrace and...

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you have always got.” – Henry Ford Actors are incredible humans. Compared to most, actors are often more personable and open. They feel freer than most to access their feelings and emotions. These incredibly brave souls tend to be more in touch with their inner child. They have courage. The majority of them are sensitive and more vulnerable than the average person, yet they dive into a profession where they subject themselves...

Poster for Othello: A Woman's story Constantin Stanislavski once said: "There are no small parts, only small actors.” I always used to read this as the consolation prize catch phrase for wannabe actors, until I realized that reading it this way was making me a wannabe actor. Luckily for me, I was recently cast in a supporting role – which I initially hated. That made me grow both as an actress and as a human. (Here you go, big empathic phrases!) A few months back I auditioned for Othello:...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army.  Time for another edition of Coffee & Content. First up, an oldie, but a goodie from FAST Screenplay.  This is a video I've seen referenced and debated often titled The 3 Fundamental Problems of Screenwriting Development.  I have a feeling this one will dredge up many opinions.  In the vein of Madonna, feel free to express yourself in the comments. Next up, our friends at wolfcrow take a look at the filmmaking and cinematography techniques within the beautifully...

When writer, director, and producer Alex Ferrari created the website and podcast Indie Film Hustle, he did it knowing that the "hustle" is what it's all about. Alex has been in the film industry for over twenty years, working on over 1000 feature films, shorts, commercials, music videos, network promos, documentaries, and webisodes. His own personal films have been screened in 500+ film festivals around the world.  Alex also recently directed On the Corner of Ego and Desire which features our...

You marked your calendars, right? And you're free later today, yes?   I hope so, because I'm hosting a FREE inspirational hour and then some, that takes a dive into craft and industry. I'd love for you to be there for this free webinar later today from 1 - 2 p.m. PST   It's been a busy few months around the Stage 32 offices and for yours truly as it relates to my personal projects. I'm excited to share with you what I'm hearing, what I've learned, and what I've experienced since we...