Screenwriting

The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (FilmTT) is hosting a Business of Film Workshop, together with training partner Stage 32, from Thursday, September 5 – Sunday, September 8 2019. The workshop aims to bridge the gap for working professionals who are interested in continuing to improve their production skills (“both above the line” and “below the line”), focusing on critical positions where there are currently gaps in expertise. If you live in the Caribbean area Register Here! The Business...

For the past few weeks we’ve been featuring videos in our crowdSOURCING series hosted by Stage 32 CEO, Richard “RB” Botto. RB authored his best-selling book, Crowdsourcing For Filmmakers, Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd to light the way for indie filmmakers and other creatives looking to make their mark with independent projects. In the new video below, he talks about how to use crowdsourcing to build an audience. “Boots on the ground,” as he says, are needed to carry the message of your...

Don't touch that dial! The biggest television writing contest of the year is back and better than ever! After an awesome series of meetings for last year's winner - Christine Torres - Stage 32 is proud to launch the 5th Annual Television Writing Contest!  Television is at the height of its Golden Age and there are unlimited opportunities for writers with unique voices and fresh stories! No matter what format you write in – sitcom, drama, serialized, procedural, mini-series, limited series – we...

Is your writing on the money? But there is no money in your pocket to pay for contest fees or pitching time? Do you want to get noticed? Score your first screenwriting credit? Then keep reading. I've been writing for six years. Entered my screenplays into contests. I even traveled to a pitching festival in Los Angeles. (I live in Holland.) But all of this costs money, money this screenwriter, working a part time job, did not always have. So how was I going to get noticed, then? I had to sit...

In our ever so wonderful and creative La La Land, there is a crowded little neighborhood called Development Hell. The real estate that sits there can potentially be worth millions, but the building phase is excruciating long. So long, actually, that the developers and architects behind it often give up altogether or turn it over and sell it back for scraps. This is the sad place where creativity and passion are replaced by stagnancy and frustration. If you've ever optioned a project, that...

Is the trend to query production companies instead of reps with a script? It's a question that many Stage 32 members have asked in the past in our lounges right here on the platform. Now Richard Botto and Jason Mirch handle the question for a writer during the free "Ask Me Anything" webinar hosted by both gentlemen. A hint on how they responded? Query letters are tough. And if you have attachments to your film, maybe a letter can help. But don't dive in with a blind letter. Click below to hear...

As the result of my winning the Stage 32 TV Writing Contest, Jason Mirch and his team have been setting meetings up for me all over town. It’s been a whirlwind water bottle tour! And all the industry professionals I’ve met with so far, have really positive things to say about their association with Stage 32. One of those meetings was with Brooklyn Weaver of Energy Entertainment. Brooklyn is a very intelligent and personable guy with a ton of knowledge about the film and TV industry. We met at Ch...

My last post took us off the timeline a bit. (Thank you, Quentin Tarantino and Malcolm Gladwell for teaching us it's ok to meander in our stories and recollections.) So allow me to redirect to my humble beginnings: My friend Brian gave up an opportunity of a lifetime two hours into the first day of shooting. I was neurotic; concerned I would unwittingly reveal this fact to my mother every night as I recounted with her my days on the set. Every time the phone would ring at night I was terror...

If you're a creative of any kind - actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, or any below or above the line talent - crowdsourcing is the tool you need to give yourself a competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace.  Winning champions of you and your work is essential! But did you know that you could crowdsource just about anything including locations and equipment for your project? It's true and it's proven! All it takes is your time and effort. Today's video explains why Crowdsourcing is...

Once again, Stage 32 is honored to present to you the 4th Stage 32 Short Film Program at the 2019 Hollyshorts Film Festival. Not only will the winners' films be screened, but festival goers can also take in a panel at the festival featuring Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard Botto and Indie Film Hustle Founder, Alex Ferrari. Here are the weekend details: Friday August 16, 2019 at 6:00pmPanel: How to Build a Huge Audience For Your Projects and You As a FilmmakerBuilding an audience for your proje...