Producing

Probably the most coveted of all Hollywood’s many careers and titles, more widely sought after even than the dream of becoming a movie star itself, is the position of “idea guy.” Someone has to be doing this job, according to popular wisdom. What’s more, all the remakes and adaptations we see in theaters today make it clear beyond doubt that this person, whoever they are, is doing a pretty terrible job. If someone is going to sit in a room all day, getting paid millions and millions of dollars a...

As an artist, you’re called to show up in the world. Whether it’s on stage, making a pitch, submitting your screenplay, putting on an art show, you make yourself vulnerable to others over and over again. Making art is a unique process. The initial stages of creating are deeply personal, but, eventually, you need the attention of your audience to bring your creative work to life. Though it began as something private, your art only achieves its purpose and full potential when it impacts someone...

I’ve often heard Dan MaxXx say on Stage 32 that you should, “Build your own tribe,” and I couldn’t agree more. It simply means build relationships, build your contacts and it will help you put deals – and productions – together. Unfortunately, I think a lot of people - both on Stage 32, and on a wider scale, those attempting to enter the industry – have failed to get that message. Many newbies – and younger entrants – to the industry, have not grasped the concept of building relationships....

Stage 32 member Mike was listening to the Filmmaker podcast where Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto was a guest. On that podcast, RB talked about a game-changing moment in his writing career when he started asking for full transparency in feedback. In his FREE webinar, Ask Me Anything, which he hosts this time around with Stage 32 Director of Script Services Jason Mirch, RB talks about exactly what that means, and what it can mean for you as a writer.   Click Here For RB and Jason's Advice!...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! I've got my coffee in hand and the content is coming in hot.  First up, What is a Script Treatment? The entertainment industry is constantly rewriting industry standards (remember when headshots were only acceptable in black and white?). However, when it comes to writing a treatment, the overall idea tends to remain constant. This first video explains what a script treatment is, and the basic elements that should be included.  Secondly, How to Write a TV Show T...

Hello, Creative Army. A few weeks back, I hosted another content packed AMA (Ask Me Anything).  The members of the Stage 32 community who attended live brought their A-game.  We went for 2 plus hours and covered about 2 dozen questions on film, television and digital related subjects.  And now the entire show is available for you to watch On Demand.   Here's just some of what we discussed: - How to raise financing for features - How to find financiers - How to find finishing funds fo...

We interrupt our previously scheduled blog post for this month to share with you the gut-wrenching experience I am having that does have a silver lining and pays dividends emotionally, spiritually, and with character-building opportunities and a definite shift in both the trajectory and perception of my life...again. Oh, we are getting the gifts of growth now. A funny thing happened to me on the way to this post. I was fired from what I thought was going to be a great opportunity. Perhaps you...

You've seen Richard "RB" Botto's free webinar, "Ask Me Anything," right? Sometimes he handles questions on his own and sometimes he teams up with Jason Mirch, Stage 32's Director or Script Services. In this clip from his FREE webinar, RB teams up with Them That Follow film producer, Bradley Gallo. (Bradley does a monthly vlog on Stage 32 called Dear Bradley. It's a must see!) In this short video, Bradley and RB answer the question: How Do You Get Yourself Out of a Creative Rut? Click the l...

Good Morning, Creative Army!   Some really good (and maybe not so good) movie trailers from this weekend have sparked my desire to share some videos that can guide us filmmakers to a place where we turn out some really great trailers for our projects. First, coffee. Next, How to Make a Movie Trailer from our friends at Film Riot. Even when you're short on time, these tips can guide you to a powerful trailer that can attract attention. When you've finished watching that, dig into Good Tra...

One day during the summer after I walked my dogs for 3 miles to the ice cream stand (the walking part is crucial to justify the eating of ice cream), I dragged their tired little stump legs (they're dachshunds) up the ramp and proceeded to place my order: "Baby twist with chocolate sprinkles, please," I said. The nice lady on the other side of the window drew this on the order sheet: I figured she was outright ignoring me, daydreaming of an art class or something. But I continued with m...