Filmmaking

The Calling . . . It was the summer of 2000, Y2K didn’t destroy the World and most of us were seeking our next big quest. I was in corporate sales and spent much time in the subways commuting and connecting. One of the most profound connections and lessons I’ve ever learned happened on the platform of 53rd & Lexington. You could feel a unique energy from the street level. A faint drumbeat resonated from the platform 3 levels down. Before I had a chance to notice, the drums controlled my foots...

Welcome back to TALKING BUSINESS: Insights from the Independent Film Industry, hosted by Stage 32 Thought Leader and Business Consultant, David Zannoni, from Freeway Entertainment and Zannoni Media. In TALKING BUSINESS, David brings you in-depth conversations on the behind-the-scenes of the filmmaking business with industry veterans. In today’s sixth episode, David is talking with Larissa Calva Ruiz, a US and Mexico qualified lawyer currently with Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC, who represen...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? Whether you’ve been writing, filming, editing, or simply dreaming up your next big idea, I’ve got some inspiring content to fuel your passion and keep you moving forward. So grab your coffee, and let’s dive in. This week, we’re taking a deep dive into how Nolan kickstarted his career with Following, a micro-budget noir thriller feature film shot on weekends with friends, using natural light and borrowed locations. This Stud...

Being pushed and shoved. Getting punched and kicked. Just another day in the office. Being hit by a car. Getting blown up. Just another day in the office. Yes, I am talking about the, for many years, overlooked unsung heroes of the entertainment industry: Stunt actors. I have been privileged to have been part of that unique group of people. Some call us daredevils. Others call us adrenalin junkies. Still, others refer to us as fools. We are none of these. We are actors, and the risks we ta...

We all have that inner spark; the yearning to be the best at what we do, whether it’s in the creative world, business, or any other field. It’s a driving force that pushes us to exceed our limits and transform dreams into reality. But while the desire for greatness is often seen as a source of inspiration, it can also feel like a heavy burden. So, how do we embrace this desire without allowing it to overwhelm us? The Power of Aspiration At the heart of every great accomplishment lies a simple...

Today, we are launching part 1 in a 3 part series to take you behind the scenes of making the hit international feature film ALIX, made by an incredible group of Stage 32 members. Over the next couple of weeks we're going to hear from the producers, director and actors in the Stage 32 community on the Stage 32 blog, in the community through AMA's (Ask Me Anythings) and on Social Media. We do hope you tune in and follow this unique peek behind the curtain of a groundbreaking international film. ...

I’ve been a filmmaker for nearly a decade, a journey filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. Along the way, I’ve experienced the thrill of true collaboration and the sting of exploitation. A recent incident brought these dynamics back into sharp focus, reminding me how my perspective on them has evolved over time. If you’ve worked in a creative field like filmmaking, you’ve likely brushed up against both: the rare magic of a creative partnership and the all too common reality of some...

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, we are exploring The Brutalist, the latest ambitious project from filmmaker Brady Corbet. This deep dive from Frame Voyager dissects the film’s creative journey, from production delays and budget challenges to its groundbreaking use of VistaVision, a format rarely used in modern cinema. It also...

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community! At Stage 32, we are dedicated to helping creatives like you take your career to the next level. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, connect with industry professionals, or develop your next project, we’ve got exciting new education and executive mentorship opportunities designed just for you! This month, we’re rolling out cutting-edge courses and interactive labs led by Emmy-winning producers, top literary managers, and working executives from stu...

February often highlights love, although it is not always a simple story. Love can be a grand adventure or a lesson in letting go. It is not just something given or received; it is something created. Whether through the connections we build, the stories we tell, or the art we bring to life, love takes many forms. This month I am sharing five ways to see love through a different lens. Love Beyond the Obvious "The greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." — M...