Filmmaking

You marked your calendars, right? And you're free later today, yes?   I hope so, because I'm hosting a FREE inspirational hour and then some, that takes a dive into craft and industry. I'd love for you to be there for this free webinar later today from 1 - 2 p.m. PST   It's been a busy few months around the Stage 32 offices and for yours truly as it relates to my personal projects. I'm excited to share with you what I'm hearing, what I've learned, and what I've experienced since we...

So it finally happened: you’ve been shooting stills for years and somebody from the motion world calls and asks you to shoot BTS (behind the scenes) or EPK (electronic press kit) stills for an upcoming production. Then you find out it is for a major TV network with an A-list talent. You have a moment of panic because you’ve never used silent camera mode and/or you’ve never shot someone famous. This was my story. When I began my still work in the motion world, those first few assignments we...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Hope you're all enjoying the weekend. Before we get started, a reminder that I am hosting another AMA (Ask Me Anything) this week, right here on Stage 32.  I'll be answering all your craft, business and industry questions in what is sure to be a lively session this coming Tuesday beginning at 1PM PST.  This is a FREE webcast.  You can register here. Now...Coffee ready?  Let's roll. First up, one of the most celebrated and studied screenplays of all time is Chinatow...

I don't know if you're on Twitter at all, but if you are, you may have seen the #shareyourrejections campaign that flew through the Twittersphere recently. The posts look something like this: I loved it. I loved it so much, I captured some of the very best rejections from filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, and authors with the intention to share them here. You'll recognize some of the names. At the very least, hearing how these creatives were given "the hand" only to come out on top, you'...

Hey, guys! Alex and Trevor here, back with a Stage 32 segment we'd like to offer you regularly: Ask us Anything. Our last question and video answer can be found HERE. Today's question is from Stage 32 Member, Cali Gilbert: Funding is a tricky thing to tackle when it comes to your next project, but you are in luck! Alex and Trevor have some tips to help you find that money. Especially when it comes to documentaries and projects based of pre-existing properties, there are ways you can m...

Hello, Creative Army!   I appreciate all who attended my last AMA (Ask Me Anything) and those who have written in wondering when the next session will take place. Wonder no more. Let's kick off the final quarter of 2018 with an inspirational hour plus of craft and industry talk on Tuesday, September 4th from 1 - 2 p.m. PST   It's been a busy few months around the Stage 32 offices and for yours truly as it relates to my personal projects. I'm excited to share with you what I'm heari...

Hey you! Yeah YOU. Sitting in front of your computer. I have some advice I would like to share with you. Wait for it. WAIT for it. Lean in closely… Are you ready? There are no set standard rules in show business on how to break into show business. Did I really just say that? Yes, I did. My name is Steven D. Snyder and I am an actor, writer, comedian, director, and producer based in Los Angeles and Phoenix. In my quest in 2011 to sign with a literary agent to take me on as a writer, I journ...

Film festivals can be expensive. But if you do your homework, you’ll find ways to get in with discounts and waivers. To begin with, you should know that I scraped together enough money to make my high quality short film, A Meditation, relying on many favors and friends. The film is done and I can't wait for the world to see it. I happened to finish it near the Sundance deadline, so I applied there first. $60 dollars. I thought I might as well hit Slamdance at the same time, right? $55 d...

Greetings and salutations, Creative Army.  And a happy Sunday to you all. Got a little French press workin'.  How about we compliment it with some content? First up, a look at two of my favorite films, Boogie Nights and the legendary Goodfellas.  How did P.T. and Marty go about setting their mood (visually) for these films?  Our friends at Entertain the Elk break it all down in one cool, comprehensive video essay. Next, another great video from the crew at Lessons from the Screenplay.  Thi...

Lead Producer Sam Borowski and Lead Actor Daniel Roebuck pose on the bench on set during In This Moment's recent shoot in Bethlahem, Pa. "I’ve said this so many times, but there’s a magic when you have a really good actor in a really good makeup.” – 7-time Oscar-Winning Make-Up Artist Rick Baker. When I was asked by Amanda Toney to pen a post about my recent experiences producing In This Moment, a short film designed for film festivals, distribution, and Oscar-Consideration in 2020, I thou...