Screenwriting

We all need a little help, every now and then. One of the greatest things about being a writer is that there are so many tools out there designed to help us. The problem is, people don’t know they exist. When you’re a writer, you have to be a Jack (or Jill) of many trades and learn not just about writing, but about editing, and the business itself. It’s all part of honing our craft. And while, at times, the task may seem daunting, I’ve discovered a lot of online resources that I’ve found to...

As a new screenwriter ready to submit your script for coverage, it is essential to thoroughly proofread, edit, and scrutinize your work to ensure its success. In this comprehensive guide, I will provide you with a general checklist of 10 essential tips that will empower and inspire you to confidently refine your script. From examining the structure and flow of your story to reviewing dialogue and character development, these tips will hopefully help you take your script to the next level and inc...

Hey Stage 32ers! We love celebrating this community and all that you've all achieved, and we know you do too! We wanted to make sure that all the successes you've garnered are getting their proper due so keep reading to learn all about signings, deals, meetings, script requests, and so much more from the month of March... Congrats to Mark Palmer who signed a Shopping Agreement with industry professional Valerie Idehan after connecting through a Pitch Session! You can read about how this deal...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? I have some content here for you that is sure to get the creative juices flowing, so grab your coffee, and let's dive in. First up, this video by From The Frame digs into the perennial debate on aspect ratios. Which framing is best? But there's a nuance to this debate that the pros and cons often miss: the director's intent. Using examples from TITANIC, DUNE, OPPENHEIMER, and more, you'll see just how filmmakers compose the...

In 2020, I wrote a Stage 32 blog about how to use struggles as creative fuel: When Life Gives You Lemons, Open a Lemonade Company - How to Use Struggles as Creative Fuel. In the last paragraph of that blog I wrote: "Although I did not find a new well-paid job, I would not change it for the world. And I have confidence in the universe." Shortly after posting my blog on Stage 32, a published author contacted me mentioning that she read my wonderful blog and would like to connect. This was...

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community! Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in as many new resources and opportunities as possible to enrich your experience here in our community! At Stage 32 you have direct access to award-winning industry executives and professionals who’ve written, directed, produced, filmed, developed, performed, and represented acclaimed projects such as 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE HOLDOVERS, STRANGER THINGS, SOUND OF FREEDOM, SOUTH PARK, THE WALKING DEAD, INTE...

Happy Thursday, Stage 32 Community! I hope that the last month has been joyful and productive for you all! Our Stage 32 Education Team has certainly been hard at work to bring incredible education opportunities and resources to this fantastic community. This April, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, showrunners, animators, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or repres...

I’m a professional comedian, actor, and “wannabe” writer. For over 22 years I’ve been performing as a stand-up comedian. When I was studying law to get my law degree, and then when I was working as a prosecutor I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be a “stand-up comedian”. But it happened. Pursuing a career in the performing arts was never something that was considered an option when growing up in the 80s. My dad was old school, he was a military man and he hammered it into me that, “You go...

As a follow-up to my previous blog, "Script Analysis 101: Understanding The Key Elements That Make Or Break A Screenplay," today's blog dives further into the intricate world of script analysis. From character development and dialogue to plot structure and theme, this comprehensive guide is designed to empower and inspire new screenwriters as they navigate the complex terrain of script coverage. I hope that this blog will serve as a trusted guide, offering insights and practical techniques to he...

Want Success? Stop Listening to the Hollywood Narrative! Is it just me, or does it feel like Hollywood is set up to make you fail? Obstacle, after obstacle… Rejection, after rejection… It’s *almost* not even worth trying. And I can say ‘almost’ because those of us who still believe in the magic of our dreams, have a passion so strong that we are going to go for it, despite all of the hardships we hear about. If you are one of those people, like me, I want you to really listen to what...