Filmmaking

This was the first and last question I was asked as a student in film school. Is it something that we see on a big screen? That can’t possibly be the answer, you can see just about anything on a “big screen” these days and most cinematic experiences now happen in your home. I remember playing Metal Gear Solid on my Play Station and remarking that it was quite a “cinematic experience.” Yet, when I watch the news, I don’t feel like it’s a cinematic experience. So, in this, I can understand the...

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're getting some inspiration from GQ and one of the most influential cinematographers of all time: Sir Roger Deakins. This man has worked on some of your favorite films (whether you were aware of it or not), including 1917, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, SICARIO, THE BIG LEBOWSKI, NO COUNTRY FOR O...

Making a film is a 'Big idea" that tends to overwhelm and can be an endless challenge to try and set sail. Where does one begin? This is your dream, after all, and here are a few methods that will help inspire your creative life. Understand That Writing Is Everything For as long as I can remember, if I wanted to create something, it would not be discovered without reading about it. In fact, reading is a prerequisite to writing. I think that what you read changes your thoughts and then your so...

I’ve had a love affair with writing for as long as I can remember, but my journey wasn’t always on a straight road. Being a screenwriter who after a 27-year hiatus from writing returned to his craft with a renewed passion and dedication, I had written a series of whimsical short stories that were well-received by readers. However, life and its responsibilities took center stage, and I put my writing on hold to focus on other things. During my hiatus, I lived life with no regrets. I gained a we...

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, the director of SHAZAM! and its recently released sequel, David F. Sandberg digs into one of the biggest challenges every filmmaker faces: communicating their vision. You might see what you want on screen clear as day in your mind, but if you can't clearly communicate it to your actors and crew...

Do you have a screenplay that didn’t get into a competition? A film without distribution? An idea that you just don’t know how to make a move on? I have been in all these positions and more than once. So how do we move forward as artists when the world seemingly continues to push back on us? This is the big question and I hope to provide some insight based on my real-world experience. How I work hard to "fail up" as a filmmaker. For anyone who has read my previous blog posts, you’ll know that...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! First, congratulations to all of you who have already participated in our monthly Introduce Yourself Weekend! Thousands of connections have been made between entertainment creatives and professionals from around the globe. Whether you are a long-time member or brand new to Stage 32, take a moment to pop over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge and say hello before the end of the weekend. First up this week, we have a video from StudioBinder on writing subtext. I see...

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change, individuals and industries alike are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The film industry is no exception, with many professionals and companies taking steps to minimize their environmental impact. As a 30-year veteran in the film industry and a 6-year neophyte in sustainability, I've seen firsthand the need for sustainable practices in film production. It's no secret that the industry is known for its lavish...

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 have a fantastic video from CinemaStix looking at how the John Wick franchise was able to get made while being made by "no names." Now, were Chad Stahelski and David Leitch really no-name creators? Absolutely not. These were two stunt performers who pushed back against the idea that as perfo...

Have you ever worked on a stage play? One of the first things you do in rehearsal is figure out where everyone is supposed to stand. Nobody remembers their lines as everyone is holding scripts. They walk from this mark to another mark, trying to make the actions interesting and motivated. That’s called blocking. According to Wikipedia, "blocking is the precise staging of actors to facilitate the performance of a play, ballet, film or opera".   In filmmaking, that can be done in the re...