Filmmaking

Hello! My name is Avery Rouda and I am a member here at Stage 32. I’m so excited to share with you guys a little bit about my writing process and how I made moves in the industry to establish myself as an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. I’ve got some tips and tricks up my sleeve, and I am here to share those insights with you in hopes they will help inform your hero’s journey as they have mine. Tip #1 – Focus on Story Thinking about writing a movie idea into a screenplay can see...

You've made a short film. You've put in your time, effort, blood, sweat, tears, and perhaps even some serious money into your project. Your goal isn't only to get your film seen, but to get it seen around the world and by people who can make a difference in your career. Would being screened by an Oscar qualifying film festival matter? How about having it screened for over 1,000 executives including managers, agents, producers, film financiers and more? Look no further. The most prestigious sho...

I know, I know. Hold back on hurling the rotten fruit until I’ve made my point. Believe it or not, for as tumultuous as 2020 has been, this black cloud of a year is not without its silver linings. To start, we had over 550 connections made between screenwriters and filmmakers and the industry professionals who work with Stage 32 this year alone. (By comparison, last year, it was 327.) This year we have had more than - wait for it - 3,000 requests from industry professionals for scripts throug...

Happy Sunday Creative Army! First of all, congratulations to all of you who have already participated in our monthly Introduce Yourself Weekend! Thousands of connections have been made between entertainment creatives and professionals from every corner of the globe. Whether you are a long-time member, or brand new to Stage 32, take a moment to pop over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge and say hello before the end of the weekend. Now, grab some fresh coffee and let's dive into this week's conte...

If you think not writing a TV bible for your series is okay, think again. Studio and indie producers are asking for them, and there are a million reasons why having one can serve you. Okay, maybe no a million. But enough.  Here are a few: 1) A bible can help you, the writer, understand your characters and your world better than you thought.2) A bible can give the producer faith that you know your world and are prepared to discuss the series with confidence.3) Creating a bible can help y...

It is an honor and a privilege to bring you the worldwide premiere of the 5th Annual Stage 32 Short Film Program! Below you will find seven amazing short films to watch that were carefully curated by Stage 32's panel of leading industry executives. Our esteemed panel of judges is made up of top producers, managers, development executives, and Oscar-winning filmmakers. These films are only available for viewing Thursday 12/17/20 - Sunday 12/20/20 Plus, join the filmmakers for a live Q&A this F...

Blood Family + Film Family = Efficient and Successful Production Now, when you read this headline, it’s important to note that the original quote - “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb” - was meant to say that blood shed on the battlefield creates a stronger bond between soldiers than simple familial or genetic ties. I guess you could say the same about blood shed on film sets, however, I know a filmmaker that recently combined his Blood Family with his Film Family...

My screenplay, THE EYE OF OWUO, was the Grand Prize Winner in the Microbudget Horror Script Competition presented by Stage 32, Trick Candle Productions and Glasshouse Distribution. The grand prize not only included a $5,000 option agreement, but a mentorship and the opportunity to have the screenplay greenlit with a $100,000 budget through Trick Candle Productions and Glass House Distribution. One may assume that the screenplay was perfect as written. After all it’s a contest winner. Right? Ex...

Happy Sunday Creative Army! I've got my coffee and hand and your weekly dose of content coming in hot - grab your coffee of choice and let's dive right in. First up, Outstanding Screenplays has curated a collection of 10 screenwriting tips from Oscar-Winning writer, Taiki Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, What We Do in The Shadows). Taiki talks about how to make your characters relatable and funny, writing by hand first, and the importance of listening to your own voice and following your own career pat...

Gather round and let me tell you about the year I fell in love with gift-giving again. About five years ago, my family decided we would save money by only buying gifts for the kids and we would do something “homemade” for the adults. We tried compiling a family cookbook, we assembled DIY food and baking mixes, and then we landed on a goldmine - the annual Family Film Festival. No, the films we screened were not all a family genre, but rather that the only ones who could participate were family....