Coffee & Content

Happy Sunday, Creative Army.  Fired up this week to bring you another edition of Coffee & Content. Let's get right after it. Every week, without exception, I receive a few dozen direct messages here on Stage 32 as well as on my Twitter & Instagram accounts from creatives looking for social media advice. Many of the curious identify themselves as introverts.  Also, without exception, I receive dozens of DM's from creatives who have no relationship with me (and many times, not even following m...

Happy Sunday, everyone. Back from the cold of Sundance and into the rain of L.A. Not complaining, mind you, just stating fact. A huge congratulations to all the Stage 32 educators and members who not only had films at Sundance, but were involved in some of the biggest sales up there this year. We'll be updating you on what went on with the Stage 32 family soon. For now, let's warm up with another edition of Coffee & Content. First up, it's on YouTube, but it's just audio. It's also 13 minute...

Greetings from Sundance. It's cold up here! Time to keep warm and informed with a Sundance special version of Coffee & Content. Today, I have two videos from our friends at ScreenPrism. First up, a slew of screenwriters who have had their work screen at Sundance offer their advice on writing, festivals and navigating the business. Next, we turn our attention to directors who have had their films play at Sundance and their advice on techniques, tips and tricks when directing an indiefilm....

Happy Sunday to all. Also. hope you're enjoying and participating in the first Introduce Yourself Weekend of 2019.  Lay the groundwork toward connections that matter! Let's get to the coffee and content... Storytelling, either on the page or in the room, is an art. What makes a good story? Can it be distilled down in a manageable and comprehensive way? Story Greenlight gave it a run and the result is our first video for today, 3 Easy Tips for GREAT Storytelling. Next, I had the pleasure of...

Welcome to the weekend, everyone. Let's jump right into another edition of Coffee & Content, shall we? First up, this one is a couple of years old, but filled with timeless information. From Variety, it's 7 Tips From Screenwriters. Next up, from the good people at Quandary Productions, here are 10 tips designed to help you improve all aspects of your cinematography. As always, I ask you to take the time to share this content with those you think could benefit from viewing. Embrace your s...

Happy New Year, Creative Army. Time for our first Coffee & Content of 2019. Going with a little Colombian dark roast to kick the year off. First up, a heavy dose of inspiration from Casey Neistat (with over 2 million views, no less). Whatever you're looking to take on in 2019, you need to watch this video. No excuses, no stopping. Let's get it done. Next, Christian Bale has received his share of praise and criticism through the years. The praise has come from the way he's fully immerses hi...

Good morning, Creative Army. Welcome to the last Coffee & Content of 2018. We've had some fun, haven't we? Hopefully we've learned a bit along the way. Let's finish strong, shall we? Brian Helgeland has written some remarkable screenplays including L.A. Confidential (one of my personal favorites). In another phenomenal entry of the BAFTA Guru Series, Helgeland discusses the craft, the business, and how to navigate the highs and lows as writer. Next up from This Guy Edits, a look at the e...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army. Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the holiday season. Let's get into the holiday spirit with the gift of giving...Here's some more Coffee & Content. First, from our friends at This Guy Edits, it's 3 Filmmaking Mistakes to Avoid. As usual, this one is comprehensive and insightful. Next up, writer, director, and producer Ryan Coogler talks film school and much more in this chill conversation with the Hollywood Reporter. Hope you enjoy the content and will...

Good day, Creative Army! Let's get after it... First up today, from the good people at Indy Mogul, we have Advanced Screenplay Formatting Tips. If there's one thing we see knock down a screenplay time and time again, it's poor formatting. Let's take it to the next level, shall we? The second video today is by request. Many of you have written in over the last few months asking for some information on shooting documentaries. Ask and you shall receive. Our second video is 7 Fundamental Steps t...

Happy Sunday to all.  Let's hit the ground running today with some strong coffee and even stronger content. First up this time around, from our friends at Variety, some of the hottest screenwriters in the business offer their advice on how to break in and stay in the industry. Next, acclaimed New York acting coach, John Windsor-Cunningham, offers his advice on how to grab the auditioner's or audience's attention with the very first line you say. As always, I ask that you take a moment to s...