Screenwriting

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Hope you're all having a cool, creative weekend. First up for Coffee & Content this week, an analysis of one of the greatest cat & mouse films ever made, Heat.  What makes Heat such an epic film?  Well, truthfully, there are many factors, but at the top of the list is the structure and pacing.  This is a meticulously crafted film and our first video takes a look at how writer/director, Michael Mann, got the job done in spades. Next up, a look at how legendary directo...

Conquering Our Craft2018 Stage 32 Writing Successes   You all are crushing it in 2018, setting a pace for an all-time record number of requests, meetings and more this year. Pitch sessions, script coverage, consultations, contests and more are leading to Stage 32 Writer successes every day. Here's to celebrating past successes and creating new opportunities as we work together to conquer the screenwriting craft!     Understanding Success "It's all about people. It's about networking...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Let's get after it. This week for Coffee & Content, another two videos designed to instruct, motivate and inspire. First up, it's How to Motivate Yourself to Write Every Day from Diane Callahan.  Whether you're writing screenplays, novels, short stories or even blogs, I think you'll find this one to be a kick in the ass. Next, from our friends at DSLRguide, it's 50 Tips for Filmmakers.  This one covers a ton of ground from the craft to the business.  Dig in and enj...

As creative artists one thing we often do is work tirelessly on our craft. One thing that sometimes get lost is the "business" of the business. Today, on our YouTube channel we released a video from Stage 32ers Sam Estes and Michael Hobe who are sound designers on films such as INCEPTION, THE DARK KNIGHT, INSIDE OUT and more. In this video Sam and Michael go over an important tip on how to get hired as a creative.  And, remember, if you haven't subscribed to our YouTube page, make sure you do...

I know you treat reading the trades as part of your job, so I'm sure you saw the news on Deadline this morning!   Read more here We're thrilled to be partnering and joining forces with National Lampoon to find the next great comedy writer.  National Lampoon is, of course, one of the most iconic names in comedy and the new ownership of Co-CEO's Raj Singh, and Kevin Frakes and award winning producer, Robert Barnum, are ready to take the brand to new heights.  The National Lampoon crew is com...

Hello, creative army!  Miss me?  All apologies for the lack of Coffee & Content these past 2 Sundays.  Cannes was a wall to wall, all out affair - and a very productive one at that.  I'll be sharing some news from the fest and market soon.  We have some extremely exciting opportunities and initiatives in the works that will be of major interest to our incredibly talented members. Today, however, let's get back to consuming some quality content.  This past week, I had the pleasure - and I do me...

In 1993, nothing inspired me more than Mariah Carey’s hit song, “Hero,” which was about finding the hero within yourself even if there were no heroes around you. I was 12-years-old and I had started writing screenplays two years earlier at the age of 10. I was a kid and doubted that people took me seriously when I called myself a writer. I never knew that Mariah Carey would be even more of an inspiration to me than she was through that song. In the latest issue of People magazine (April 23, 20...

In publishing, you hear the word NO a lot. From your own critique partners and beta readers --"NO, this scene doesn't work." From agents -- "NO, this isn't right for me to represent." From editors and publishers -- "NO, we don't have room in our line for this." Sometimes, NO is a good thing. For example, when your scene could use a little more work or when you're career is heading down the wrong path that isn't right for you anyway. But sometimes, NO has nothing to do with your book and your t...

So you’ve finally caught on that the easiest script to get made is horror. It’s global, it’s cheap and it’s the most made genre with independent investors. So what do you need to know?   1) Low Budget If You Are Not Established There are so many genius horror movies that take place in a house or a hotel or in the woods. Why? Because you only need one location. Monsters are tricky, but ghosts that you never really have to see (Paranormal Activity) are cheap. The cheaper your budget, the...

Recently during the 2018 Film Con Hollywood at the LA Convention Center we spent time with Stage 32er and panelist Jennifer Winberg, who is a Digital Specialist from MXM, an entertainment industry marketing & advertising agency. Jennifer has had a storied career in digital and has worked with Lionsgate, SONY, FOX, Gravitas Ventures and more. Today we've posted a video from Jennifer on our YouTube page as she gives advice on how to break into entertainment. Click here to hear Jennifer's advice!...