Networking

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...

Networking is too often associated with adjectives such as uncomfortable, artificial, or intimidating. However, there are concrete ways to change your mindset and navigate these situations effectively so it goes back to what it was originally intended for: creating and solidifying meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships, in your industry and beyond. 1. Think About Your Purpose As a film producer, I have always wanted to work with people from all over the world to make authentic...

Hi, Stage 32ers! Over the last few months, Stage 32 has raised the bar to invest in YOU by expanding our incredible team with passionate and enthusiastic individuals. Each and every one of us on the Stage 32 staff believes deeply in our mission to provide global networking opportunities, world-class entertainment industry education, and a marketplace connecting content creators with decision-makers, to the members of this great community. We want to connect with each of you to hear about you...

Hey, Stage 32ers! I hope you're all making great progress on your creative projects this week! This weekend is Introduce Yourself Weekend here at Stage 32. To celebrate, we have an in-person meet-up for those in Los Angeles (click here to RSVP) and some advice on how to come out of your shell to connect with our worldwide community from our CEO Richard 'RB' Botto in the vlog below.  If you would like more great industry and career advice, as well as inside access to what's happening behin...

Hello Stage 32ers! My name is James J. Papa. I met veteran film writer/director/producer, Julia Verdin of Rough Diamond Management through a consult call on Stage 32. As a result, I ended up co-writing the socially conscious project No Address with her. It is about the homeless in California. This is my story! How Julia & I Connected We connected through Stage 32’s one-hour script consults. I strongly recommend this to any writer who feels their script is ready, and polished, and wants to t...

Before lockdown, it seemed easier to break into Film and TV. Once in, it seemed easier to get your next job. You just had to be a hard-working and dependable human pinball. But in this post-pandemic WFH world, how can you be a human pinball, creating and networking and getting your work in front of as many people as you can, when there are no other people around you, for you to bounce off? It was easy to be a pinball when I was starting out. My first job was as a production assistant on PBS...

There is no Business like Show Business. And possibly that is true, as there is no place, other than politics, that a good or bad reputation can travel faster than a supersonic jet. You have to treat your reputation as your most prized possession in Hollywood. There seems to be a misunderstanding about what reputation truly means. A solid reputation is built on professionalism but even more so on how good a human being you are on a solid ground of authenticity and I, for one, quote more than...

Last year, Stage 32 was kind enough to publish several blog posts, in which I described my career path, going from an unknown writer in a small country to now being able to have a career in filmmaking. And Stage 32 did what it does best - it sparked connections. A producer based in LA noticed a few of my blog posts, and then noticed my insight on a topic. He decided to get in touch via Stage 32, asking what I was working on. And then, magic happened. Within a month, I had a meeting with...

Happy Wednesday, Stage 32 Community!   Since 2011, the Stage 32 team has been working tirelessly to help you stay connected, creative, motivated, and informed. As always, we are committed to bringing you networking opportunities, education and mentoring from top-level industry executives and professionals, and access to decision-makers around the globe all from the comfort of your own home. Recently, our fearless leader and CEO Richard "RB" Botto hosted an "Ask Me Anything": State of the Indus...

Showbusiness is and has always been a collaborative effort. Even a one-person show needs an audience to be complete, so there’s nobody in this industry - no matter how much success or power they may have - who doesn’t need support when it comes to realizing their creative and financial goals. When we’ve been undersupported in our work and our lives, it’s easy to look at the careers of more established filmmakers and creators and imagine that there comes a point where a person’s privilege empower...