Filmmaking

Once on set, I think of the 1st AD as the present, planning and keeping the day moving forward. At the same time, the 2nd AD is the future, planning and spreading information for the following days. Before Filming Begins The 1st AD gets the script and breaks it down into a schedule with all the puzzle pieces – Working closely with the director, everything having to do with the script is decided - locations, cast availability, equipment, day vs. night, sets, props, stunts, special effects, and...

Over the last 20 years, I have employed a lot of people for crew positions on features that I have produced and directed. As much as I would love to say I use the same crew every time, unfortunately, that is not always the case. When starting out, the logical choice of course is to hire people with the most credits on their resume, however, that is not necessarily the smartest approach. As I reflect back on the films I have crewed, I have learned a few things that I would like to pass along to y...

Welcome to July Filmmakers Club, Stage 32! Week 1 of July Filmmakers Club was an absolute blast! For any of you who missed it, you can go back and ready last Monday’s incredible blog HERE, jump into the Filmmaking Lounge to catch up with everyone HERE, or watch my live Q&A with Daniel Sol from HollyShorts on our @Stage32 Instagram HERE. This week, we’re talking all things CREW. Most people, inside and outside of the industry, have familiarity with the primary “above the line” crew positions...

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, in this video from Studio Binder they’re breaking down the full Pre-Production Process in Film, diving into the preparation necessary before the camera rolls, including the individual film crew roles, responsibilities, and processes. It’s an in-depth look at arguably the most important stage of...

Small feature films are roads to much bigger projects. A positive, proactive attitude will propel your work. Here is what you need to give your film a fighting chance against the competition. Aim For Attention Successful projects happen when you adopt a realistic approach to their completion. Don’t think too big too soon. Storytelling as a filmmaker is a lifelong learning curve but a positive attitude is everything. A feature film carries the kudos and longevity that short-form content does...

Happy Summer, Stage 32! I have some exciting news to share! "Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want" has been recognized as the winner of the National Indie Excellence Awards in two categories: Wellbeing Winner and Personal Growth Finalist. The National Indie Excellence Awards honor presses that go the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect. That now makes four awards my book has won, and I share all of them with those who have been suppor...

Hello, Stage 32 Family! It’s been another fantastic month in the Stage 32 Community, and we always love celebrating the progress of our incredible members. This is our monthly opportunity to put the spotlight on some of the writers and creatives in our family and share their progress and successes with everyone! We’re so inspired by their hard work and persistence, and it’s made all the more satisfying when that hard work starts to pay off. So kick back, relax, and read on to learn all about...

This is possibly the least popular, but most vital piece of the overall filmmaking process; the documents and releases. Why do documents matter? They are the paper trail, the proof of quantifiable evidence of spending, the necessary schedules and details that the cast and crew rely on, and they protect filmmakers by providing permission for the use of items, locations, etc. throughout the process. Most importantly from the filmmaker’s perspective is the need for documents to be in order so that...

Welcome to July Filmmakers Club, Stage 32! Every movie starts with the best intentions, and in particular, one singular intention: make a great movie, period. Produce a film that connects with audiences, makes the audience feel something, and maybe even provokes them. If you’re really lucky, it can send a message and enact awareness and change. And of course, you hope that it earns a gazillion dollars at the box office so that those involved can perpetuate their careers as filmmakers. As the s...

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, in this video from It Was A Sh*t Show, they’re sharing an in-depth video essay about how difficult it was to make the Academy-Award-winning feature film, Mad Max: Fury Road. Oftentimes, we hear behind-the-scenes production stories from cheery press junkets, success-story headlines, or even feat...