Happy Sunday, Creative Army!

Let’s kick things off with a huge shoutout to everyone who has already jumped into this month’s Introduce Yourself Weekend. Thousands of creatives from around the world are connecting, sharing their stories, and building relationships that will lead to collaborations, opportunities, and lifelong friendships.

If you haven’t yet made your introduction, you’ve still got time! Head over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge before the weekend wraps. Be bold. Introduce yourself. The next great opportunity could be just one connection away.

This week’s featured video comes from Film Courage – Difference Between Story and Narrative. Featuring Adam Argot, a story artist, director, writer, and concept designer who’s worked across film, television, and games for over 15 years, this interview breaks down the nuanced difference between story and narrative, and the insight he shares hits at the heart of what we do as creatives.

He explains how our beliefs, values, and instincts shape the way we interpret story, both as creators and as human beings. It’s a fascinating look at how storytelling connects directly to our psychology. We don’t just write or direct stories; we live them, filtering every experience through the narrative lens of who we are. The stories that stick with us are the ones that challenge, affirm, or evolve what we believe about the world. That’s when story becomes art.

If you’re attending Austin Film Festival, AFM, or any other festival or market this season, now’s the time to put Adam’s lesson into practice by shaping your own narrative as a creative.

At my last Stage 32 Ask Me Anything, I talked about how critical it is to approach festivals and markets with intention. Every filmmaker and writer needs to treat these events not as a lottery ticket, but as a launchpad. Do the work. Don’t just go in, have targets. Know what you’re going for. You don’t need a ton of meetings, but you do need a plan. Too many people go to Cannes, AFF, or AFM with no strategy, and they end up flailing.

Have a logline for your goal, the same way you have a logline for your script. When someone asks, ‘What brings you to Austin?’ or ‘Why are you here at AFM?’, you should have a clear, confident answer that shows you know what you’re doing. That’s what makes people take you seriously. Have fun. Don’t show up desperate. Don’t throw your hard drive or your trailer at people in the hallway. Everyone’s there for a reason, and everyone has something they’re trying to accomplish. Make genuine connections. Ask others what they’re there for. That’s how meaningful relationships start.

Whether you’re writing a script, making a short, or heading into a major industry event, your story and your narrative are intertwined. Your story is what you do. Your narrative is how others perceive it.

So this week, I want you to ask yourself:

What do I want people to remember about me after a five-minute conversation? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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

FilmCourage | Difference Between Story and Narrative

RBWalksIntoABar | Advice For Attending Markets & Festivals

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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