Filmmaking

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. 1. 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 doe...

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, we love giving writers advice on their craft and career straight from the pros (and if you're a member of the Writers' Room, you see this regularly with our Wednesday Webcasts), so this week, I wanted to share this video from the Writers' Guild Foundation. The Foundation interviews showrunner A...

Freelancing in the film industry, whatever your role, and as exciting as it can be, sometimes means navigating turbulent waters. So how do we stay put and not lose sight of our true North? I moved from Italy to Los Angeles in 2016, after a 21-year-long plan to follow my childhood dream of making music for the silver screen. Once in L.A., coming from a 9-to-5 day job, I soon realized how much I had to learn not only about Hollywood but also about how to stay healthy while freelancing. In the...

Public relations is a mystical profession. It’s difficult to describe. It is impossible to guarantee and there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to strategy. It’s a profession that is not for the faint of heart. You need a strong resolve and a titanium shield to shed the slings and arrows that may come your way – from both the public and your clients. Who is it for? Public relations is for any individual, organization, or brand. What Is Public Relations? The task of public relation...

My father tells me a story of when he realized I was “creative”. When I was a toddler one day I decided the neighbor's freshly planted, new flower bed was in the wrong spot and I needed to replant them elsewhere. I can only imagine my father’s conversation with the neighbors. One: Letting them know what I had done and Two: Trying to explain to them how I did it so quickly, probably covering up how he wasn’t paying attention in the process. I told my father I knew exactly where those flowers n...

Welcome to our next installment of The Filmmaker Files. My name is James Kicklighter, director of The Sound of Identity, Angel of Anywhere and the 2024 film The American Question. In this series, we’re tackling the relationship between directors and members of our filmmaking team, in the hopes of helping first-time directors have a better experience as they begin their journey.   Our guest today is editor Davide Fiore, who has worked on numerous projects, including Unzipped: An Autopsy of Amer...

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, one of the biggest surprise hits of the year has been the improvised comedy JURY DUTY. How do you cast something when all you have is a concept and no characters? In this video from Vanity Fair, Casting Director Susie Ferris breaks down how she landed the job and worked with the creator to put...

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.” ~ William Shakespeare “Luna” is my 1969 VW bus. She was a well-thought-out, long-time purchase. A transformative place that serves as a traveling home, an office workspace, a holiday destination, and right now at this very minute, my own coffee shop! Luna gives me so much love and joy that I dare not take her for gra...

Hi, Stage 32 Community! Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in as many new resources and opportunities as possible to enrich your experience here in our community! At Stage 32 you have direct access to industry professionals who’ve written, acted, developed, produced, distributed, directed, made trailers for, and represented acclaimed projects like ALL THAT WE DESTROY, LITTLE WOMEN, HANNIBAL, MOLLY’S GAME, FATAL AFFAIR, SHADOW & BONE, FAST X, BARBIE, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE:...

Hi, Stage 32-ers!   Right now is a challenging time for film and television creatives worldwide. Even though things are uncertain, the one thing that is certain is that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes will not last forever. At the end of this difficult time, the marketplace will emerge with new possibilities and opportunities. Still, we have heard from so many members of the Stage 32 community who are struggling to stay inspired and motivated. We get it, it’s not easy. But we’re here to he...