Screenwriting

Has science found the answer to maintaining audience engagement consistently during a movie, by eliminating filmmakers 'blind narrative spots?' Although a scientific approach to filmmaking can provide an evidence based framework to maintain audience engagement, many filmmakers perceive a scientific approach to filmmaking as ineffective, which limits creativity. However, scientific research studies can determine what engages audiences, by measuring viewers reactions to different story structur...

You know when you’re a filmmaker and you move to Los Angeles away from all of the resources you’ve worked tirelessly to secure? A fresh start? No? Oh... Me neither...   Just kidding.   Earlier this year, I moved to Los Angeles with my best friend and co-collaborator, Courtney Birk, from Baltimore, Maryland. A 2700 mile drive to further pursue my film career. Being in a brand new city, I was at a loss for cast, crew, and locations. After finally getting settled (beyond finding a survival...

One of the biggest challenges filmmakers and screenwriters face is to keep their creative energy fresh and high, while working on projects that ask years of endurance and at times don't feel creative. What often drove us toward filmmaking - the excitement of creating stories - can quickly become the thing we connect with the less as we work toward building our careers: handling deadlines, finding an agent, raising money, applying to festivals, answering casting calls and the 100 other tasks...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Let's brew some dark roast and enjoy some content.  How about it? My first video today comes from Teppo Haapoja who lends some thoughts on how to up your storytelling game by grabbing all the shots you need to assure you're not getting caught short in the editing room. Next, I have an oldie but a goodie.  It's a fantastic TEDx talk from visual artist, actor, writer and director Taika Waititi called The Art of Creativity.  Consume, bookmark, revisit. As always, my o...

I received an amazing testimonial recently that really humbled me and gave me such a feeling of success and achievement, that I really feel as though I have 'made it'. There's a saying that says something like... 'Everyone is famous among those they know' and I really do honestly feel like that right now, the testimonial really lifted me and made me feel as though I must be doing something right and I'm so chuffed with it, my head really is too big to get through the door and I am unashamedly sh...

We want to give a huge shout out to Ron Newcomb for having our fearless leader, RB, as a guest on the Film Trooper podcast. This is an inspirational and motivating podcast filled with a ton of advice and information to help you as a creative. RB talks about how many filmmakers get wrapped up in how to "crowdfund". Most filmmakers are too focused on having people give them money to help make their movie. Most filmmakers don't stop and ask, "What can I give back to the people I'm asking money from...

Sorry I missed you guys last week! It's been a whirlwind these last few weeks attending and speaking at iTVFest, Austin and now AFM. It's also been enormously rewarding. Never gets old meeting so many inspiring and talented Stage 32 members. Further, it's been fascinating to hear the tales and strategies of various creatives and executives as it relates to this ever-changing landscape of writing, filmmaking and distribution. I hope to share more in the coming weeks. In the meantime, how about we...

We're excited to announce that our fearless leader has been featured on The Huffington Post with an in-depth interview from journalist Yitzi Weiner. In the interview RB talks about his background in the industry, his recent book that has just been published, Crowdsourcing For Filmmakers: Indie Film and The Power Of the Crowd, building a brand and an audience, the Stage 32 platform, the importance of community for all creatives and best practices toward achieving your goals.  This is a heavy dose...

I am honored to present to you the worldwide premiere of the 2nd Annual Stage 32 Short Film Program. This program was curated by the incredible industry executives who judged our Short Film Contest and features 7 amazing directors (from 4 countries) all with bright futures ahead. This is the same program that played at the 2017 Hollyshorts Film Festival and the 2017 Richmond Film Festival. The films and the filmmakers will also be exposed to over 500 more industry executives working with Stage 3...

Happy Sunday to you all.  Hope you're also enjoying and participating in Introduce Yourself Weekend! Today, I have two immersive videos for you to enjoy.  First up, it's a collection of 29 screenwriting mistakes from our good friends over at Film Courage.  Next, Roger Deakins gives you an intimate look at his personal connection to cinematography. Brew yourself a nice cuppa, kick back, and enjoy the content! Cheers! RB 29 Screenwriting Mistakes   Roger Deakins - Personal Connect...