Screenwriting

CASE STUDIES IN DISGUISE Quietly in the background, decades of independent production has given me something of incredible value; project case studies and laser-focused insight. This cumulative past experience now reveals just how much consideration my films have had locked into them from the get-go. (Left to right) Sean O'Grady, Kim Michelle, and Kathleen Murtagh in a production still from Al Carretta's 2024 feature 'It Starts In This Room'. In Autumn 2024, I released my 23rd (Thirst) a...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? Whether you’ve been writing, filming, editing, or just taking time to dream up your next big idea, I’ve got some fresh inspiration to keep that fire lit. So grab your coffee, and let’s dive in. First up, let’s talk about the start of something great. I’ve always believed the first few moments of any project are crucial. You’ve got one shot to hook your audience, and how you deliver that opening can make all the difference....

In over 15 years of working in the entertainment industry, I’ve learned that there will be many ups and downs in a dream pursuit. There will be obstacles, and good days, and opportunities, and rejections. The High Achiever (a.k.a. you!), needs a game plan through it all. The High Achiever needs to handle all of these moments intentionally and carefully, in a way that effectively keeps them on the path to success. That’s why I developed the 10 Pillars of the High Achiever. Here are the 10 pillars...

Happy Thursday, Stage 32 Community! At Stage 32, we know your script is more than just a document; it’s your calling card, your passion project, and potentially, your big break. But once your script is polished, where do you go from there? That’s where Stage 32 Pitch Sessions come in. Whether you’re seeking representation or trying to sell your script to a production company, these sessions give you a real shot to be heard by top-tier professionals actively looking for material. Through Stag...

Hello, Stage 32 Community! March is in the rearview mirror, and spring is in the air! I hope wherever you are, the air is clearing, the breezes are getting warmer, and the flowers are blooming! And now, what we’ve all been waiting for! Our monthly tip of the cap to some of the amazing and talented members of the Stage 32 community, highlighting their successes in this past month. Sharing the successes of these hard-working writers and creatives, seeing their hard work turn into progress, is...

Happy Tuesday, Stage 32 Community! If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that the path to success in this industry is rarely linear, but with the right education and guidance, your momentum becomes unstoppable. Every day, I get to connect with so many of you: writers, directors, producers, actors, and crew who are putting in the work to build meaningful careers. And it’s my absolute joy to help you find the tools, resources, and industry mentors that can move your projects forward and g...

Writer's block, the worst enemy of my creative mind, has been the talk of much contemplation and study in the realm of writing and psychology. The Breakout Principle, a concept that I use as a shift into mental focus to overcome obstacles, has emerged as a potential antidote to the paralyzing effects of writer's block. This method has served me well. At its center, writer's block is a psychological barrier and is internal, not external. It impedes the creative flow of ideas and words. It often...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? Whether you’ve been writing, filming, editing, or simply dreaming up your next big idea, I’ve got some inspiring content to fuel your passion and keep you moving forward. So grab your coffee, and let’s dive in. First up, let’s talk tech. Technology is reshaping the entertainment industry in more ways than ever. From post-production tools and screenwriting software to animation programs and platforms like Stage 32 that educa...

Happy Spring! As we welcome a new season, life often calls for a shift—not in speed, rather in perspective. In this case, I am talking about how we choose to see abundance in our creative lives. Abundance is not always about having more. It is about knowing when to move and when to pause. For many, the times in our industry are still uncertain. With shifting trends, new business models, and redefining technology (think AI), you might feel like life is pulling you faster than you can keep up....

Let me start by saying, I’m not a writer. My professional world is built around cinema camera lens design and engineering (big shoutout to the Cinematography Lounge!). But when you’ve spent 17 years living with a writer and former development executive who eats, sleeps, and breathes story structure, character arcs, and prestige television… let’s just say it starts to rub off. In our house, conversations about film and television are as regular (and passionate) as debates about what’s for dinner....