Filmmaking

As a film composer, it isn't hard to recognize that one of the hardest parts in creating a film or video project is finding or creating the right music. When I see filmmakers who don’t have access to a composer sifting through stock music lists, something always ends up getting comprised — whether it’s time, creative control, budget, etc. I love working with filmmakers, especially when the music is an artistic pillar of their project -- when the process of creation and collaboration that goes...

On my way back from the Cannes Film Festival this year – the film I directed, Close Encounters with Vilmos Zsigmond, an 80min-documentary film, was an Official Selection (at Cannes Classics) – I was wondering if I could gather some tips (let’s say five) for those who haven’t already made the step to grab a camera and shoot, for those (like me) who have no budget just passion, for those who are dreaming of having one day a film in Cannes. Yes, you can.  TIP N°1 – BE INVENTIVE When you work...

As an artist, I can always find people that will compliment my work, even when I know it is not worthy. It's always nice to hear great things about our work, but we really need to know what people are really thinking about our films, good and bad. We all have these 'yes' people around us. They tell us what they think we want to hear. They offer praise but no criticism. But we must have the criticism from trusted people to improve our craft. The best way to receive this criticism is to have a few...

As filmmakers, we all try to move forward and create our films with the talent, materials and tools at our disposal. Some of these we may have in or arsenal and others we acquire through purchasing, hiring, renting, borrowing or simply putting the “arm” on colleagues. However, apart from a great story and script, some of the most important components of our productions are those resources called humans. Whether above the line or below, these critical creative team members are not inanimate objec...

Hopefully you are enjoying a productive Sunday and working on your creative pursuits! I love seeing our community in our Next Level educational webinars and classes and it thrills me to be able to provide you tools to help your craft or help you navigate the industry. Some of you may not know about all the incredible education resources we have on Stage 32, including a 2 year archive of our monthly "On Stage With RB" webcasts. If you're not familiar with our "On Stage With RB" webcast, our fea...

No weekend News and Notes blog this weekend because I'm out of town...However... As we approach the final stretch of 2016 I thought it might be a good time to reflect a little on the creative goals we set for the year. Need a refresher on the goals you set? Here is where we all checked in to start this year. How are you doing? Making progress? Lagging behind? Changing direction entirely? Let's talk about it in the Comments section below. And, of course, if there is the opportunity to assist...

Today we announce some exciting news for our filmmakers. Stage 32 has partnered with St. Petersburg/Clearwater Florida Film Commission to turn your short screenplay into a produced short film that will screen at 3 festivals! The amazing team at St. Petersburg/Clearwater Film Commission are providing a $20,000 production grant to a lucky winner who will have the opportunity of a lifetime! The winning writer and director will be flown to Florida, cast & crew their film using Stage 32, be mentor...

My name is Tennyson E. Stead and I'm an award-winning writer and director with over 20 years of experience in stage and screen production and an additional ten years spent working as an indie film development executive. While these credentials do hint at my value to the film community, they are not the main reason I've been asked by the excellent people at Stage 32 to write to you today. What makes my words click-worthy, at least right now, is the fact that they're being written by a survivor of...

In the film industry, you'll need a solid business plan for the projects you take on. A business plan is a document which clearly identifies your understanding of where your project fits into the film industry and the market it is targeted to. It should state the financial requirements of the venture; what is required from the investors; how they are to be repaid; what compensation they will receive and when and from where. Other areas within the document will include the experience of the manag...

Hey Guys! I am very excited to continue our tradition of bringing you the best education in the industry by working with legendary author and story authority, Robert McKee on a very special and exclusive one day only LIVE event here on Stage 32! For our Masters of Craft Series, Mr. McKee will be teaching you how to write believable, engaging & impactful dialogue. Here's a video from me with more information!   Since 1984, more than 100,000 students have taken McKee’s courses in various cit...