Screenwriting

For the last two years, I have been working on my screenplay, THE POSTCARD. It is based on the true story of my Great Grandparents and all I wanted to do was write a little thing about their story, that wouldn't take too long, I thought around a 20/30 minute short... Two years later, I'm still writing it.   The postcard my Great Grandfather Harry sent to my Great Grandmother Rebecca from the Titanic in 1912.   I was doing okay, but as I was writing it, I found that if I was going t...

Becoming a screenwriter is a truly incredible process, that will challenge you, reward you, disappoint you, but never bore you. That being said, it’s important to go into this path with eyes wide open, and know the truth about being a screenwriter. These are the top 5 myths about being a screenwriter that you should know first. Myth #1 - It Doesn’t Involve Much Writing Although screenplays are short, usually from 90 to 100 pages, with a lot of empty space on the page, they can actually be mu...

Getting paid for being a filmmaker is an art form and rarely taken to heart, so artists starve for their craft. This image of the "starving artist" must not and should not be perpetuated. Most people believe that the work of a writer, a producer, a filmmaker is based on passion alone, and as a result it is assumed that all artists are meant to work for free, or to get paid later, because their passion for the craft will make them accept work under any condition, including the freebies or the inf...

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...

Oh hi there, I just got back from LA. “Umm... what?” Yeah, I write movies... I mean, not “movie” movies, at least not yet, more-like blueprints for movies-- you know, ​screenplays​. A pause. There’s always a pause. “Sir, this is a hospital.” Okay, a little background: I’m from New York. No, not the city. Long Island. Yuck! That accent, I know. That little dude who terrorizes bagel shops-- yep. That is home sweet home. And I work in healthcare. I’ve got a good, responsible job tha...

Good Morning Creative Army! Here's to another cinematic Sunday here at Stage 32. We've got some hot new content for your today. Got your coffee ready? First up, our friends over at Film Riot teach the subtle art of making cinematic end credits. Have you ever heard of a "snorkel lens"? These handy little lenses effortlessly ensure a cinematic vibe. End credits are an often overlooked footnote to an otherwise amazing film, watch this video to make sure your film ends with a bang. Secondly, w...

As we inch ever closer to a brand new decade (2020 here we come!), the passing of time has got us reflecting on the past ten years. Undoubtedly, the past decade has been filled with crazy innovations and adventures in the world of filmmaking. In honor of this upcoming milestone, IndieWire put together their picks for the Top 100 Movies of the 2010s. This list has everything - foreign films, animated films, Oscar winners and everything in between. As the temperature drops outside, cozy up...

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...

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...