Coffee & Content

Hello, creative army.  Happy Sunday. Earlier this week, I published a blog called First Time Screenwriter at 41, Oscar Nominated at 46 which chronicled the journey of arguably the hottest screenwriter on the planet, Taylor Sheridan.  The blog was extremely well received (give a read through the comments section for the wide variety of opinions and personal stories) and served as a source of inspiration and motivation for many. It also led to me receiving numerous emails asking me to post some...

What's up, my creative friends?  Ready for some more killer content to push you through the remainder of the weekend and get you fired up for the week ahead?  Good.  Let's roll. For many filmmakers, Sidney Lumet's book, Making Movies, is a beloved treasure.  Today I bring you a fantastic (and rare) interview featuring Lumet speaking about his process.  This is one I have no doubt you'll bookmark for repeat viewings - and deservedly so. Next, one of the bigger laments we hear from our executi...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army.  Hope you are all taking advantage of Introduce Yourself Weekend and building those relationships that matter. First up this week for Coffee & Content, the one and only Orson Welles.  As many of you know, Welles played an integral part as to why this platform is named Stage 32 (if you're not familiar, you can read about it in our Mission Statement).  In this video, Welles discusses acting and directing and, as always, brings the goods. Next up, it's the always en...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Hope you're all having a cool, creative weekend. First up for Coffee & Content this week, an analysis of one of the greatest cat & mouse films ever made, Heat.  What makes Heat such an epic film?  Well, truthfully, there are many factors, but at the top of the list is the structure and pacing.  This is a meticulously crafted film and our first video takes a look at how writer/director, Michael Mann, got the job done in spades. Next up, a look at how legendary directo...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Let's get after it. This week for Coffee & Content, another two videos designed to instruct, motivate and inspire. First up, it's How to Motivate Yourself to Write Every Day from Diane Callahan.  Whether you're writing screenplays, novels, short stories or even blogs, I think you'll find this one to be a kick in the ass. Next, from our friends at DSLRguide, it's 50 Tips for Filmmakers.  This one covers a ton of ground from the craft to the business.  Dig in and enj...

Hello, creative army!  Miss me?  All apologies for the lack of Coffee & Content these past 2 Sundays.  Cannes was a wall to wall, all out affair - and a very productive one at that.  I'll be sharing some news from the fest and market soon.  We have some extremely exciting opportunities and initiatives in the works that will be of major interest to our incredibly talented members. Today, however, let's get back to consuming some quality content.  This past week, I had the pleasure - and I do me...

Hey guys!  Happy Sunday. The past week has been consumed by Cannes prep (see all the details here), so I have something a little different for Coffee & Content this week.  And it's something for everyone.  How about we cover ground on all the following topics: - Why you need to cut the negativity out of your life- Today! - Why you do not need to be micromanaged as a screenwriter or a filmmaker - How you can bring value to every meeting - What I'm hearing in my meetings regarding...

Happy Sunday, guys.  Before we get to the coffee and the content, a reminder that I will be a guest on Scriptchat tonight at 5PM PST.  We'll be talking screenwriting for at least an hour.  You can find all the details on how to join here. First up, they say that all dialogue should sound natural and specific to that character.  Are there exceptions?  The good people at Now You See It break it down with their Dialogue in Film - How Should Characters Talk? video. Speaking of rules, they say th...

Happy Sunday to all.  Hope you are all enjoying and taking advantage of Introduce Yourself Weekend! Back with another 2 videos designed to entertain and educate. First up, New York Acting Coach John Windsor-Cunningham with an acting lesson he says saved his own career.  The vid is titled The Best Acting Lesson in the World (I don't name 'em folks) and I'll be very interested to get your feedback. Next up, a TEDx talk from Zach King:  The storyteller in all of us.  Zach built a huge online...

Happy Sunday to all my creative friends.  Hope you're all having an awesome weekend.  First up for Coffee & Content this week, with so many Stage 32 members creating short films and short form digital content, I thought it might be worth having a look at Filmmaker IQ's recent video How to Get Your Short Screened at Film Festivals.  Certainly interested in hearing your thoughts on this one! Next, from our friends at Cinefix, yet another comprehensive video.  This time, it's a look at 2 brilli...