Networking

If you're a mix-tape master, cue up Paperback Writer by The Beatles while you read this. Books. The original hand-held device. This post will teach you how to publish for Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, and even as a paperback and hardcover book. Really though, the hard part is just sitting down to write the darned thing, especially because not writing can be more pleasurable than writing. Currently, this Stage 32 blog post is really just procrastination from yet another editing pass for my 20...

Many people at Stage 32 often dream of getting their first real writing, acting, or directing credit in a big studio feature, but this can result in overlooking a truly valuable platform: The short film. A short film can help build your resume, get your work seen, or lead to even bigger and better opportunities. And while I never dreamt it could lead to so much, these ideas were the impetus behind my desire to make Crybaby, a 16-minute short film that I wrote, starred in, and co-directed with...

During his free Ask Me Anything webinar, Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto and Director of Script Services Jason Mirch fielded a question regarding the fast track to becoming a successful writer and actor. Basically, is there a way to shorten the path as a writer or actor? Hear what the duo has to say by clicking the video link below!   Click Here For RB's and Jason's Advice!       Remember, if you haven't subscribed to our YouTube page, make sure you do so you don't miss any of our a...

Most indie filmmakers I know invest much of their time attending events and seminars about filmmaking. This is both good and bad. Good, because filmmaking is a business of relationships, so putting your best self – your “brand” out there, is always a plus. Bad, in the fact that conversations at these events usually center around, “How can I get my film funded?” What struck me one evening was that I was repeatedly spending my time in a room of broke-ass filmmakers commiserating with other broke...

You probably already know this to be true. Or you've surmised it. But now it's even more glaring, and actor Robert Di Niro is one of many investors stepping up to make it so: New York City is the new Hollywood. And this makes an awful lot of east coasters beyond happy. Outside of the already bustling industry, there's this: "De Niro is part of a group of investors, including his son, that is purchasing a five-acre lot in Astoria, Queens “to build a sprawling production and film studio,” r...

So there I was, minding my own business (not really) in a Facebook group filled with actors when I came across a thread where a fellow actor posed the following question: “Do I really need a brand as an actor? I see all of these posts where it says we need to brand ourselves and I’m freaking out. Does it really matter?” The answers that followed the question were varied, to say the least. And of course they did; this is social media we’re talking about. You can say whatever the hell you want...

Not everyone who lives in Hollywood is from Hollywood. The industry is mixed with folks from all over the world who want nothing more than to fulfill a dream. Making the move is a massive decision, and can ignite a number of mixed feelings, including (but not limited to) excitement and absolute fear. These feelings fester from the moment you cross the city limits. Once in, you look around and you ask yourself, "Now what?"What was once a place that seemed so far away and out of reach is now a rea...

For the past few years we've been doing a mid-year check in to see where all of you are at. What kind of projects are you working on?Have you been killing it with auditions?Where are you with writing? Networking? Pitching? Let's take a minute to do a mid-year check-in and see how - and what - you’re all doing thus far. Are you on track? Do you need a push? Did you change direction entirely?   Let's talk about it in the comments section below. And, of course, if there is the opportunity...

Movies and TV habits are changing with the advent of streaming video services, including Netflix. So what does that mean for writer's looking to pitch to executives? Does streaming now create two different avenues for pitching? Or are the markets the same? Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto & Director of Script Services Jason Mirch address this question in the FREE webinar "Ask Me Anything." Listen as the duo discuss how writer's should approach these markets.   Click Here For RB & Jason's...

Though filmmaking and production are an art and a craft, they’re also a business, especially if the project is a commercial or industrial. So being as professional as possible in your written communications to talent is important and will further your working relationships. Your goals should be to make it as easy as possible for actors (and crew) to work with you and show them you know what you’re doing. 1) Ensure All Communications are Well-Written and Clear What you write and send into the...