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 featured video essay comes from FilmStack and takes a closer look at the quiet brilliance of Cillian Murphy. Most actors spend their careers chasing the spotlight. Cillian Murphy spent his time avoiding it, and still became a star. After breaking out in 28 Days Later, most would’ve headed straight for Hollywood. But Murphy stayed grounded, choosing stage work, smaller films, and his home in Ireland over celebrity status. He didn’t do talk shows. He avoided media tours. He just focused on the work, and the work spoke for itself.

Christopher Nolan saw it early, casting him again and again in films like Batman Begins, Inception, and Dunkirk. Then came Peaky Blinders, a show that grew by word of mouth and performance power. And finally, Oppenheimer, a role so demanding and so perfectly suited to Murphy that it turned the world’s spotlight directly on him… whether he wanted it or not.

It’s a reminder that when your work is excellent, it will find the right eyes. Which brings me to another point: short films still matter.

I know the industry gets caught up in features, series, streamers, and big sales. But if you have a bold idea and a sharp, creative voice, a short film can still open doors in powerful ways.

• A short can be a proof of concept for something bigger.
• It can be a calling card that shows your visual style and storytelling chops.
• It can earn festival acclaim and even distribution.
• And maybe most importantly, it can build a following, especially if your goal is to create something shareable, bite-sized, and bold.

Agents, managers, execs, they do watch shorts. I’ve seen firsthand how they can help writers and filmmakers stand out from the crowd. But you need to know what you’re making it for. Is it a standalone story? A concept teaser? A festival piece? An audience builder? Let your goal shape the execution and marketing plan. Learn more in my video here.

How do you view short films in your own career? Are you planning one, watching them, or using them as a launchpad? Let’s talk in the comments.

As always, we love sharing inspiration, tools, and insights that help fuel your creative fire. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them. And don’t forget to tag us (@Stage32) if you do. You can keep up with everything we’re doing on the Stage 32 YouTube and by following me on Instagram and X: @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

FilmStack | When an Actor Didn’t Want to Be Famous - Cillian Murphy

RBWalksIntoABar | Do Short Films Still Matter?

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