Screenwriting

  *Inhales* Ah yes, the smell of ammonia mixed with a hint of latex. It’s time for your regular doctor’s visit. Don’t worry, no one is going to ask you to turn your head and cough. Instead, we’re going to examine one of the major setbacks in the writing process. Often times, this drawback will be accompanied by those all too familiar warning signs: Symptoms Irritability/Mood swings Sobbing uncontrollably into your coffee mug Lack of focus An insatiable hunger only chocolate can fix...

You slogged. You toiled. You loaded up your latest draft of your script, took a soul searching breath then hit Send. With your precious cargo now in the hands of a script reader, you wait. And fret. “Is it funny enough?” “Does the B story work?” “Did I mess up my homophones!?” Then the day finally arrives: the script coverage you spent a pretty penny on appears in your inbox. Three words - pass, consider, recommend - could be the difference between having a kick-ass or suck-ass day. You skip rig...

Adam Finer, one of New York Film Academy’s professors at the Los Angeles Campus, is a much-sought after speaker in the film industry. A former literary manager and film producer, Adam spent over a decade as a marketing executive at Universal Studios. Stage 32 caught up with him at Film Con Hollywood where offered advice on the one thing creatives need to do to get their work seen.   Click Here For Adam's Advice!       Remember, if you haven't subscribed to our YouTube page, make sur...

Every Tuesday for the next five weeks we're going to take you on the journey of the feature film, What Lies Ahead, starring Rumer Willis and Emma Dumont. This film is the result of blood, sweat and tears from an incredible group of Stage 32 members. It was written by William Viglione and directed by Rob Gardner. The feature is produced by William, Rob, and producing partner, Joe Burke and co-produced by our very own CEO, Richard "RB" Botto, and Managing Director, Amanda Toney. Stage 32 Script...

Happy Sunday, everyone. Back from the cold of Sundance and into the rain of L.A. Not complaining, mind you, just stating fact. A huge congratulations to all the Stage 32 educators and members who not only had films at Sundance, but were involved in some of the biggest sales up there this year. We'll be updating you on what went on with the Stage 32 family soon. For now, let's warm up with another edition of Coffee & Content. First up, it's on YouTube, but it's just audio. It's also 13 minute...

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 not 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 you...

Imagine being invited to be part of a writing team for a European television show. Or having a producer ask you to rewrite an old script.Also imagine a different producer ask you to tackle a script to bring their story vision to life.Or having a television star and his manager ask you to shape their thin story idea into a feature script. Just imagine.Now imagine doing this without being paid upfront.These are all ventures that I’ve put my sweat, blood, and creativity into with varying degrees...

When it comes to formatting, modeling your favorite show, or creating a TV script that you're confident matches what executives are looking for, referring to an already successful show scripts can be helpful. That's why we're sharing this incredible post from Indie Film Hustle. Not only did they pull together 10 incredible scripts, they included powerful interviews with some of the creators. So bookmark this one. It's perfect for a rainy day. (Note: The Breaking Bad script is not longer d...

Greetings from Sundance. It's cold up here! Time to keep warm and informed with a Sundance special version of Coffee & Content. Today, I have two videos from our friends at ScreenPrism. First up, a slew of screenwriters who have had their work screen at Sundance offer their advice on writing, festivals and navigating the business. Next, we turn our attention to directors who have had their films play at Sundance and their advice on techniques, tips and tricks when directing an indiefilm....

Fiona Faith Ross isn't afraid to tell it like it is. A screenwriter based in the UK, she's had her share of learning curves, all of which have lead to some pretty powerful realizations in her writing career. But this one, taken straight from her own site, gives many a writer good reason to consider format. Of her post, she says: "In my writer's life, I've about covered everything: corporate stuff, magazine articles, technical journals, copywriting, web content, and fiction. You name it; I've...