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, I’m sharing a fascinating video essay from Vox: Why Your Favorite Movies Fake Their Locations. We all know movie magic shows up in the acting, the visuals, and the sound design, but there’s another trick that makes more films work than you might think: the location. From fake cities to fake snow, and “Colorado” being shot in Canada, this video pulls back the curtain on why location management is often about practicality over accuracy. It comes down to budget, weather, workforce, and that all-important word: incentives.

Vancouver, for example, has become a go-to for holiday movies and big-budget productions alike because it has all the right ingredients within a short drive and filmmakers are getting smarter about using every corner of a location to stand in for somewhere else entirely. It’s a great reminder that as storytellers, we’re always working within limitations and those limitations can fuel creativity. So whether you’re scouting for a short film or writing a feature set in a far-off place, think like a producer and stay flexible. The right location might be closer than you think.

Speaking of creative opportunities, Cannes Film Festival kicks off this week and if you’re attending (or dream of attending), I’ve got some advice for you. The first time I went to Cannes, it was about soaking it all in. Now, after nearly a decade of being the official education partner of Cannes through Stage 32, I prepare months in advance.

Cannes is a whirlwind. Yes, it’s glamorous, but it’s also one of the biggest business events in the world for filmmakers. Whether you’re there to pitch, network, sell, finance, or simply learn, your best strategy is to stay open, observe, connect, and keep showing up. Even if you’re not attending this year, start thinking about next year. You can hear more of my thoughts in this video.

What’s the most creative location substitution you’ve seen in a movie or TV show? Or, if you’ve shot something yourself, have you ever faked a location on a tight budget? Tell us your best tricks in the comments!

As always, here at Stage 32, we love to share stories and knowledge with our fellow film fans. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them! You can keep up with all of our content by subscribing to the Stage 32 YouTube. For more inspirational, educational, and motivational content on all things entertainment industry, follow me on Instagram and X @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, & creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

VOX | Why Your Favorite Movies Fake Their Locations

RBWalksIntoABar | How To Maximize Your Time at Cannes Film Festival

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