Screenwriting

If you think not writing a TV bible for your series is okay, think again. Studio and indie producers are asking for them, and there are a million reasons why having one can serve you. Okay, maybe no a million. But enough.  Here are a few: 1) A bible can help you, the writer, understand your characters and your world better than you thought.2) A bible can give the producer faith that you know your world and are prepared to discuss the series with confidence.3) Creating a bible can help y...

I started my creative writing journey as a hybrid poet and storyteller. I remember sitting in the back of my parents’ car at the age of 7 or 8 writing haiku poems in my notebook. I loved the beautiful but intense creative pressure of the haiku form -- trying to capture the essence of things in 17 syllables is extraordinary. Later, as I learned more about poetry, I moved into sonnets and villanelles -- both forms that have strict syllable counts and metrical requirements. But I also have come to...

It is an honor and a privilege to bring you the worldwide premiere of the 5th Annual Stage 32 Short Film Program! Below you will find seven amazing short films to watch that were carefully curated by Stage 32's panel of leading industry executives. Our esteemed panel of judges is made up of top producers, managers, development executives, and Oscar-winning filmmakers. These films are only available for viewing Thursday 12/17/20 - Sunday 12/20/20 Plus, join the filmmakers for a live Q&A this F...

Blood Family + Film Family = Efficient and Successful Production Now, when you read this headline, it’s important to note that the original quote - “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb” - was meant to say that blood shed on the battlefield creates a stronger bond between soldiers than simple familial or genetic ties. I guess you could say the same about blood shed on film sets, however, I know a filmmaker that recently combined his Blood Family with his Film Family...

My screenplay, THE EYE OF OWUO, was the Grand Prize Winner in the Microbudget Horror Script Competition presented by Stage 32, Trick Candle Productions and Glasshouse Distribution. The grand prize not only included a $5,000 option agreement, but a mentorship and the opportunity to have the screenplay greenlit with a $100,000 budget through Trick Candle Productions and Glass House Distribution. One may assume that the screenplay was perfect as written. After all it’s a contest winner. Right? Ex...

Happy Sunday Creative Army! I've got my coffee and hand and your weekly dose of content coming in hot - grab your coffee of choice and let's dive right in. First up, Outstanding Screenplays has curated a collection of 10 screenwriting tips from Oscar-Winning writer, Taiki Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, What We Do in The Shadows). Taiki talks about how to make your characters relatable and funny, writing by hand first, and the importance of listening to your own voice and following your own career pat...

Gather round and let me tell you about the year I fell in love with gift-giving again. About five years ago, my family decided we would save money by only buying gifts for the kids and we would do something “homemade” for the adults. We tried compiling a family cookbook, we assembled DIY food and baking mixes, and then we landed on a goldmine - the annual Family Film Festival. No, the films we screened were not all a family genre, but rather that the only ones who could participate were family....

Let your artistry define you; the power which makes such definition very important is what I bring to your attention and you’ll find out as soon as you’re done strolling down memory lane with me. The year was 2000. The year that had been long-awaited by the world; I wonder if there has ever been or if even there will ever be a New Year’s Day excitedly celebrated and ushered in at its midnight commencement as was the one of the year 2000. “It’s the new millennium!” was the chant of the day. L...

As the tumultuous year of 2020 draws to a close, it's inspiring to see the hard work and energy generated from Stage 32's 6th Annual November Write Club. So many people from around the world jumped in, set goals, checked in throughout, gave and received encouragement from fellow members, and a few even won some prizes for their efforts! While traction on a project is its own reward, it is also so fun to see those who put in the time be recognized! Do you know what else is fun? Taking that new sc...

Happy Tuesday, Creative Army!   Well, we did it. We made it to the end of 2020. I believe you will welcome me in saying, hasta la vista to this wild year. 2020 has been a challenge, to say the least, but it has not been without a silver lining or two (or twenty...if we're being optimistic).  To wit:   The Stage 32 community has exploded and we have welcomed over 100,000 new members from across the globe in our last nine months alone. Activity, network requests, and postings are at an all tim...