Filmmaking

I can’t believe I graduated college two years ago, it feels like it’s been forever. I’ve spent the bulk of my two years applying to different gigs, sending out pitches, entering competitions, and trying to make some money in the film industry (not retail). When I was applying to gigs, I began wondering what’s the right rate to charge with my experience on set. How much should I sell a script for? What should I charge a client to write a script? I had so many questions that I wished my colleagu...

Mohamed Diab’s “Clash” / “Eshtebak” opened Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival this year. It takes place in Cairo during the summer of 2013 - two years after the Egyptian revolution. In the wake of the ouster of Islamist president Morsi, two journalists are grabbed during protests, their cameras and IDs confiscated, and thrown into the back of a police truck. The Clash Full of detained demonstrators of divergent political and religious backgrounds the truck roams through violent pr...

The May 2016 edition of On Stage With RB had a very special guest, Uma Incrocci. They talked about the SAG New Media and Ultra Low Budget contracts, and the best tips for actors to make a splash in the industry. On Stage With RB (May 2016) Uma Incrocci, has worked in every area of the business from commercials to TV to web series to audiobooks. She worked extensively in regional and New York theater and co-produced/co-wrote the pilot Living in Captivity (official selection, NY Television...

Recently I had the great pleasure to interview writer and director Leena Yadav by phone. In our no holds barred conversation, we covered not only the challenging themes of this film, including conditioning and gender roles, patriarchy, and abuse, but also the challenges of raising money (just over 2.5 million) for this -- as Yadav stated, -- “absolutely independent” film. Thought-provoking and honest, ‘Parched’ tackles these tough and timely topics unapologetically. The cinematography (shot b...

Finding film locations can be a major hassle and with smaller budget projects, it can be an adventure to scavenge for locations yourself. We’re all looking for unique, one-of-a-kind locations, but with so many other production duties it becomes difficult to adequately scout. Here are some tips on how to scout and lock-in locations quickly and effectively.1) Have location agreements printed and ready:Know exactly what you want and be ready to sign an agreement. The more prepared you are, the more...

Hey Everyone! Today we have a GREAT interview with our CEO, RB, with Forest Day Jr, from the video podcast, Rolling Tape. Whether you are new to the site or if you've been with us forever, you will really enjoy watching RB talk about Stage 32, what the site means to him and how it can benefit members. You can view the podcast below... RB explains what Stage 32 is all about and how he came up with the idea, as well as the importance of regular connecting and networking. RB gives examples...

Today we open up our call for entries for the Second Annual Stage 32 Short Film Contest. Last year's inaugural contest produced entries from Stage 32 members in 41 countries and resulted in a curated program of 6 incredible and well received short films (made by filmmakers from 4 countries). The Stage 32 Short Film Program screened theatrically at the 2015 Raindance Film Festival to critical acclaim from Variety and Indiewire. The program also screened to the Stage 32 community and was exposed t...

I am honored to present to you the worldwide premiere of the inaugural Stage 32 Short Film Program. This program was curated by the incredible industry executives who judged our First Annual Short Film Contest and features 6 amazing directors (from 3 countries) all with bright futures ahead. This is the same program that played at Raindance last fall and will be shown this summer at Hollyshorts. The films and the filmmakers will also be exposed to over 500 more industry executives working with S...

This Cannes, the Marché du Film and Cinando handed out their first-ever prize: the Cinando Best Seller Award. Thirteen sales agents from all horizons were invited to participate in a pitching contest that took place on May 17th at the Marché du Film. Selected pitchers were given details of a real project, “Codename Madeleine”, inspired by historical events, from an original idea by Pan Nalin, its director. They then had 48 hours to prepare a 5-minute pitch that would convince the Cinando Award...

Want to write, act, direct, negotiate, produce, walk a celebrity’s dog? Whatever your dream gig is, if you’re trying to break into Hollywood, there’s no better place to start than a talent agency. Everything you could ever need to launch a successful career is behind those spotless, heavy glass doors in Beverly Hills — or Culver City, you know who you are. The best (and worst) scripts to read. Contacts who will put your resume in the right hands and lie about how great you are to the powers that...