Filmmaking

Sitting next to a seasoned screenwriter to watch how they execute a scene can work wonders for a writer. That's why I'm sharing this post. From BoingBoing contributor Joe Sabia created a video for Vanity Fair that ended up circling the 'net fast and hard, as screenwriter Emily Carmichael whipped out a sci-fi scene in only seven minutes.   It's a fascinating watch. For me, watching and listening to how another writers made choices not only gave me permission to write freely, but it opened...

Be careful what you wish for in this life. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I was born in Walla Walla, Washington and graduated from High School in Springfield, Oregon. All I wanted was to escape the infernal backwoods and small towns. Somehow I got it in my head that wanted to be a part of making movies. Only I didn’t have a video camera. Those weren’t a thing until late in my high school years and even then, they weren’t so mobile. Also, my parents couldn’t afford one. And don’t get me st...

If you're a writer without a manager, your social media presence is crucial. Actually, it's crucial all the time. Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto & Director of Script Services Jason Mirch address how a writer without a manager can put themselves out there using social media. Stage 32 is a massive social media platform and educational site created to help creatives in the film world succeed. Listen as the duo discuss what you can do to grab the attention of producers and directors looking f...

I reckon there are four main ways in which you can get some film work and then carry on in your chosen career. Please don’t nail me to these, however, as they are only my own deductions. I am hoping, though, that they may give you some help. The Production Route The production route is followed by people who want to be junior or senior producers, or who want to get so far, and then veer off into directing. This ladder, of course, starts off with Production Assistant, progresses through Prod....

What's up, Creative Army. Happy Sunday to you and to all our incredible moms around the world, a very Happy Mother's Day. As a reminder, we're gearing up for a jam packed couple of weeks at Cannes. If you're attending, remember to RSVP to all our events HERE. Now, whaddaya say we dive in to another edition of Coffee & Content? Everyone likes crackling dialogue in their movies, but for most writers, the practice is easier said than done. And sometimes what's in your head, doesn't quite come...

One of our most active members, Philip Hardy, posted a link in one of our lounges recently and it resonated with me as a screenwriter so much that I felt compelled to share it with our 500,000+ members. So often in our threads, there is great discussion about "breaking" screenwriting rules or what works best when writing a script. Debate is always a part of these discussions, which is never wrong and always welcomed.   I imagine the post I'm going to share from Phoenix Screenwriters wil...

For some, networking can be a nightmare. Not everyone is Guy Smiley with gleaming teeth and a handshake already started before they walk in the door. Most people feel a little out of their comfort zone in social situations, but networking is where it counts. In many ways, networking should be considered as an approach to life. I've personally picked up my largest contracts standing in line at food trucks or having a random casual chat in a store that led to a more in-depth meeting later. The...

So you have a profile here, do ya? But you secretly think it’s a waste of time because nothing comes of it. You have minimal connections and those you do have don’t interact with you. No one seems to care about your work and hell, you’re not a famous writer/actor/filmmaker/author yet. I get it. But listen - this site can work wonders if you work the site. There’s a reason there are so many success stories and half a million members. So don’t give up just yet. As the Stage 32 Blog Content Cu...

It seems the trend these days in Hollywood is taking existing IP and turning it into a movie or series. Just reading this very sentence has, no doubt, brought some shows to mind. (Game of Thrones, You, The Handmaid's Tale, etc.) It has authors asking: How do I get my book made into a movie? Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto answers the question during his free "Ask Me Anything" webinar. And what's more, he offers the author asking the question some key things to think about before she considers...

As an artist, you live to express your creativity. You have a calling. You must transform your inner world into art. Through your art you bring to life stories of hope and love. You tell stories of defending and conquering. You make stories of redemption and justice be heard and seen. You follow your heart and your passion. You dream big. You play big. But most of all, you feel you have something important to say. And there is only one language that can communicate the depth, richness, and co...