Screenwriting

Good Morning, Creative Army! Now matter how you plan on spending this Sunday, it never hurts to start off with some really informative content and a great 'cuppa Joe to spark the creativity and get you rolling on your current (or soon to be) project. So let's start this edition of Coffee & Content with a closer look at two thrilling feature films, Gillian Flynn's GONE GIRL and Jordan Peele's GET OUT. From our friends at Lessons from the Screenplay, we take a look at Gillian Flynn's, GONE GIR...

Every Saturday I share a link that is film related to our blog. Sometimes those links are found in different news feeds, other times I find them right here on Stage 32. If they stir up a good conversation, then to me, they're worth sharing. This one did ruffle some feathers, but let's give it a read and finish the conversation with a healthy debate. I will start by saying: The pilot I just shot is written by me and includes flashbacks and narration. When I first read the article linked below...

Times, they are a changin.' And that's really good news for anyone out there with a script that you feel speaks to an audience of 50+ If you've got a script that includes Baby Boomers and mature characters, this is the contest for you! Last year, Stage 32 and Gidden Media joined forces to find the next great rom-com scripts. Two Stage 32 writers, Julie Cross and Rachel Kempf, were chosen by Gidden Media and received $7,500. Both Julie & Rachel have been working with the Gidden Media team...

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” (Or Jill a dull girl.) Our modern world is out of balance because obvious nose to the grindstone work is how we define ourselves, and is seen as the only activity worthy of merit. Not true.The creative, who, to outsiders, looks like she or he is “doing nothing” or “has a lot of free time,” actually is working during those non-structured times. Work brings joy, yet don't let the joy deceive you into a 24/7 work life. That kind of life won't work...

I'm afraid of heights. I don't like climbing ladders. But I also like to get where I want to go, even if it means going up high. The most important thing I have learned in trying to raise money for my first feature film is that I needed to start small—at the bottom of the ladder. Of course, I didn't do that. The first thing I did was try to get a feature made from one of my science fiction/horror novels, the budget of which I estimated would be in the $50 million range or higher. After two y...

Good Morning, Stage 32 Family! Hope your summer is going well! From the looks of our mid-year check in, it looks like it's going great for many of you! We get lots of questions on editing, and, no doubt, it's one of the more interesting aspects of the business. How many times have we heard it said, "The film was saved in editing." If you believe this to be true (and even if you don't), get your coffee or tea ready as film editor Sven Pape takes us on a journey with television editor, Josh Be...

Many people at Stage 32 often dream of getting their first real writing, acting, or directing credit in a big studio feature, but this can result in overlooking a truly valuable platform: The short film. A short film can help build your resume, get your work seen, or lead to even bigger and better opportunities. And while I never dreamt it could lead to so much, these ideas were the impetus behind my desire to make Crybaby, a 16-minute short film that I wrote, starred in, and co-directed with...

During his free Ask Me Anything webinar, Stage 32 CEO Richard "RB" Botto and Director of Script Services Jason Mirch fielded a question regarding the fast track to becoming a successful writer and actor. Basically, is there a way to shorten the path as a writer or actor? Hear what the duo has to say by clicking the video link below!   Click Here For RB's and Jason's Advice!       Remember, if you haven't subscribed to our YouTube page, make sure you do so you don't miss any of our a...

Good morning everyone! It's Monday and we are kicking off another exciting week of creative work. Can you believe we are already at the end of July! The summer is flying by, and at Stage 32, we have a lot to be excited about. I want to let you in on a little behind-the-scenes with Stage 32.   This summer has been one of our most successful yet, with writers in our community being optioned, signed, and requested through connections made through Stage 32.   If you missed my blog last week, I...

Good Morning, Creative Army! This edition of Coffee & Content focuses on ways we can use CGI, graphic design, and camera movements to up the ante with our filmmaking. First up, computer generated imagery is being used more and more, especially in action films. If you're interested in what films like ATTRACTION and SAN ANDREAS look like without special effects, pull your coffee cup closer to you. Because 7 Movies Before and After Special Effects is going to show you. Next up, our friends at...