Trending Articles

I have been working on my teleplay for my TV Rom-Com, NUMBER 54, since 2004. Yes, it’s been twenty years of working on and polishing the Pilot script. I would sit at my desk and write a little, scrap it, and start over. I felt something was missing, but what was it? After twenty years of writing and rewriting, I finally figured it out. It was too long and it wasn’t funny enough. So as a member of STAGE 32 since 2015, I decided to write my best rendition and pitch it to someone who could help fin...

Happy Tuesday, Creative Army! 2024 was Stage 32’s 11th year on La Croisette at the Cannes Film Festival and our 8th year as an official education partner of Cannes Marché du Film! It was amazing to see so many people from our global community show up to celebrate, network, and support each other. We had Stage 32 members screening their films and closing big deals, showcasing the immense talent that we’re lucky to foster here every day. We also had members attending and hosting panels, furthe...

Crafting captivating narratives is an art form that elevates screenwriting to new heights. If you’re seeking success in screenwriting, understanding the concept of beat sheets is paramount. These guides provide a roadmap for plot development and creating engaging narratives. In this exploration of the Heroic Journey as a beat sheet in screenwriting, I will unravel their significance, their applications, and how they intertwine with the timeless allure of the Heroic Journey. Join me on this fi...

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, in this video from Just An Observation, they’re analyzing Jeremy Allen White's award-winning performance as Carmy Berzatto in FX's The Bear. Specifically, his masterful ability to lean into Carmy’s physical stress, anxiety, and personal trauma in unique ways that amplify the story. It’s a showc...

I received my master’s degree in Composition and Technologies from the University of Colorado Boulder and I couldn’t wait to start working in the industry. My journey has been incredible and I worked hard to get where I am. You have to start somewhere, so I began my career working for Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL) as his primary assistant, working on sound design, additional composition, studio music tech, conducting and orchestration. During those years with Junkie XL, I worked on several films in...

In a previous Stage 32 blog (which you can find HERE), I discussed why consulting with a publicist is a good idea before heading into production on your creative project. Working with a publicity team can sometimes feel daunting—especially if you’re not on the same page and don’t speak the same lingo. To complicate matters more, it can be especially intimidating if you’re constrained by budget and taking on the DIY approach. So, whether you’ve worked with a PR team before or you’re going it alon...

In part 1 of this blog series (which you can find HERE), I delved into character and plot development inspired by Nic Pizzolatto's work. Now, let's focus on content aspects: themes, tropes, and conflicts. Unlike the first part, there's no specific order here—it's a writing toolbox to be used as needed. Themes are the flesh of a story, giving it depth beyond the plot. They offer an interesting perspective on everyday life, resonating with audiences long after the story ends. For example, True...

In The Beginning… Five years ago, I made the bold decision to try my hand at writing for the screen. I had just had two musicals (written with the brilliant composer/lyricist Eamonn O’Dwyer) published and licensed by Samuel French at Concord Theatricals and until that point, my experience was mainly in period adaptations for the stage - it was time for something new. Making the decision was the easy part – trying to execute it was almost impossible! I live in the UK, in the predominately rural...

Crafting compelling characters is important for successful screenwriting; with character arcs playing a pivotal role in captivating audiences. Understanding the Heroic Journey as a character arc sets the stage for dynamic and engaging characters that resonate with viewers. Delving into the concept of character arcs, you will explore why they are crucial in screenwriting and how they breathe life into your narratives. By dissecting common character archetypes within the Heroic Journey, you wil...

Stage 32 Certification has been a game changer for me as a producer. The program has been a great experience and an opportunity for me to better understand the film industry in many important ways. The courses have given me a greater insight as to how the film industry works from the ground up and have helped develop my knowledge and skills to better compete as a producer. Each course is taught by a professional from the industry who shares insights into how things really work. One of the...