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.

This week’s video essay from Film Stack is an inspiring one; it’s called “When an Actress Stopped Playing It Safe”.

Few actresses have risked as much for their careers as Charlize Theron.

She broke out in the late 90s as Hollywood’s newest “it girl” with The Devil’s Advocate, but quickly realized that being typecast for her looks was a creative trap. So, instead of playing it safe, she took one of the boldest swings in modern cinema. In Monster, she gained weight, shaved her eyebrows, and completely transformed herself, body, face, and soul. The result? An Oscar-winning performance that changed how Hollywood saw her forever.

But she didn’t stop there. Theron pushed boundaries again with Mad Max: Fury Road, proving she could lead a massive action franchise and redefine what a female action star could look like. She’s followed that up with powerhouse performances in Atomic Blonde, Tully, and Bombshell, constantly reinventing herself both in front of and behind the camera as a producer.

Charlize’s story is a masterclass in taking risks and betting on yourself. It’s about refusing to stay in the box others try to put you in, something every creative can relate to.

During my last Happy Hour Q&A in the Writer’s Room, I discussed something I think Charlize Theron embodies perfectly: the ability to take feedback, rejection, and risk without taking it personally.

This business is subjective, and it’s driven by people who have to make financial decisions. If someone passes on your script, it doesn’t mean you’re not talented; it might just mean they don’t see the path to making money on that project right now. Maybe before they started listening to your pitch, their dog shit on the carpet, or their girlfriend broke up with them. You don’t know, they’re human beings. But they also have a job to do, and someone to answer to. Even if they love your pitch, their boss might not.

So don’t take it personally. Move on, but don’t move on before you hear the why. Ask for feedback. Learn from it. The moment you understand that rejection isn’t personal, your mindset shifts, and that’s when you start to thrive.

Charlize Theron stopped playing it safe, and in doing so, changed how the world saw her. You can do the same by refusing to let rejection define you. Every “no” is just data, information that can make you sharper, more resilient, and better equipped for your next opportunity.

So this week, I want you to ask yourself:

Are you playing it safe in your creative career, or are you giving yourself permission to take bold risks, even if it means getting uncomfortable?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you’ve stopped playing it safe in your creative journey.

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

Film Stack | When an Actress Stopped Playing It Safe

RBWalksIntoABar | Don’t Take It So Personal!

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