Networking

I started to work in the independent film business in 2007. I have since, as an employee, consultant, representative, and executive producer worked for and with global service providers, production companies, individual filmmakers, sales agents, and others in this industry. And although knowledge, expertise, and affinity with the industry are certainly and undeniably important elements as well, I have learned that nothing has been of more importance to my career than building and managing my bus...

WOW! Five days of intensive wandering, going up one elevator and down another. Pitching my TV series and three screenplays, meeting old friends, and making new ones. That’s what the American Film Market is all about. This was my second visit in ten years to Santa Monica and the AFM, and I was not disappointed. I was on a mission, and Stage 32 prepared me to meet the challenges all creatives are confronted with. What do I do, what do I say, and how do I say it? First, I was given the opportun...

One of the best ways to help build a successful screenwriting career is by building a successful network. Thanks to Stage 32, networking doesn’t need to be intimidating or boring. But before we start cold-calling up the A-list, there’s a much easier group of people to contact first - our fellow screenwriters! If you’re still of the mindset that other screenwriters are your competition, let me disabuse you of that notion right now. Your fellow writers ARE your lateral network! Lateral netwo...

Have you ever fallen in creative love? Perhaps you idly chat about your favorite director, only to discover that you both love their most obscure film best. Over your first coffee date, you playfully square off about who has the worst set stories, but you share a laugh over the resiliency it takes to keep going. Now you're about to start a project, and your new creative ally is firmly entrenched in your corner. 'How in the world did I get so fortunate?' you wonder. If luck favors the prepared, t...

What keeps you from writing a new screenplay, TV pilot, or pitch? Or finishing the one you started last year? Or composing those dreaded query letters? You might be waiting to find the time to write. Have a million reasons to procrastinate. Feel intimidated by the words FADE IN. Or find writing alone uninspiring and, well, lonely. I was experiencing most of the above in January 2021, when I discovered Amy McGuire's "Friday Study Hall" and Louisa Burton's "Sunday Writers' Cafe" Zo...

I’m lucky. I like to pitch. My father was a traveling salesman and used to talk about his work at the dinner table. I understand the art of the sale. Because of this and what my sister calls our familial blind confidence, I have no fear of getting up in front of people to talk. I like sales. And I write screenplays. That’s how I came to land at Stage 32 Script Services where they offer opportunities to speak with industry executives. You pay for time and expertise, essentially. Would you like...

I'm thrilled to announce today the World of Film International Festival in Glasgow, Scotland, has teamed up with Stage 32 as the Official Education Partner. The festival has just begun and goes through November 6th, featuring projects from all over the world. The creators featured in this festival truly embody the collaborative and global ideals that we live by here at Stage 32. Nowhere can you see this better than with NYC-based filmmaker, writer, and producer Stefano Da Frè, who will be at...

FOLLOW @STAGE32 & @STAGE32SCRIPTS ON INSTAGRAM TO WATCH SAM MANNETTI, GIGI RAINES, & KAY ROSS GIVE AWAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OF PRIZES LIVE EVERY FRIDAY IN NOVEMBER AT 10AM PST / 1PM EST! All of the inspiration & support that you need to crush your creative goals this month! Stage 32 is rooting for you! Stage 32’s biggest and most feel-good challenge of the year is BACK! Our 8TH Annual November Write Club is here to help you find the power to finish this year stronger than you knew possibl...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! I've got my coffee in hand and your weekly dose of content coming in hot - grab your coffee of choice, and let's dive right in. I have been having a fantastic time here at the Austin Film Festival, especially this weekend at our 9th Annual Rooftop Bash, where I met with hundreds of our Stage 32 members (both new and long-time members). The conversations I've been having with executives on how high demand is for great material and the stories from creatives here a...

Here at Stage 32, we love celebrating every member of our community's "wins," both big and small. And today, we've got a very big win for our fearless leader and Stage 32 CEO, Richard "RB" Botto, who has been named a Film Industry Innovator at the American Film Market. RB joins fellow Innovators Jeff Annison (Co-Founder & President, Legion M), Lindsey Ramey (Head of Global Film, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios), and Alex Ferrari (Founder, Indie Film Hustle) for a panel at AFM on November 3rd. RB and A...