Coffee & Content

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Trust you're all having a great weekend?We're still buzzing from what was a remarkable and inspiring day at the Stage 32/LA Acting Studio's 1st Film Con Hollywood.  We'll have more updates about and some cool video from the event coming soon.  Until then, let's get to this edition of Coffee & Content. First up, how about 2 dudes talking acting?  It's Film Acting Tips: How to Act on Camera, with Chris Mack.  I love the conversational and relaxed tone of this vid.  Almos...

Hello, my fellow creatives.  Happy Sunday. Hope you are all enjoying and participating in what has been a very lively Introduce Yourself Weekend! Today for Coffee & Content, I'm bringing you some voices with years of experience talking directing and screenwriting. First up, legendary director, Ridley Scott waxes poetic on the craft of directing.  As usual, no pulled punches from Sir Ridley.  Nothing more for you to do with this one than pour yourself a full cuppa and kick back. Next, fro...

Greetings from rainy Los Angeles, and Happy Sunday.  Coffee is brewed, let's get to the content. One of the most inspiring dudes I've met over the last few months is filmmaker, Matt Alonzo.  Not only is Matt a ridiculously talented guy who handles just about everything - shooting, lighting, editing - but he also aims to educate and motivate wherever he goes.  The idea of giving back and paying it forward is part of his DNA.  An example of this?  This week, Matt will be teaching filmmaking to o...

Good morning, 32'ers.  Happy Oscars Sunday. Don't forget, it's not too late to get your Oscars ballot in.  Prizes and bragging rights are at stake.  Fill out your ballot here. Leading up to the ceremony, I have two more videos for your enjoyment as part of this edition of Coffee and Content. First up, a classic and extremely celebrated video of Michael Caine discussing acting in film.  Next, from Actualized.org, comes a terrific video on overcoming writer's block.  Whether you're writing...

I know, I know...A little late with the coffee and the content this morning.  I have a good excuse.  I spent a good part of the last few days prepping for my seminar - Crowdsourcing and a Screenwriter's Journey - which I presented to an incredible group of passionate and committed screenwriters yesterday at the Scriptwriters Network.  It was an inspirational and rewarding day I won't soon forget. The video for this event will be available in a couple of months and I'm excited to share it with...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  And for those celebrating in America, I hope you're having a fun, relaxing and creative holiday weekend. For this edition of Coffee & Content, I have 2 more videos designed to motivate and inspire. First up, a cool vid from the helpful minds over at Creative North - 5 Huge Filmmaking Mistakes to Avoid in 2 Minutes.  Well, the video runs almost 4 minutes, but it's still more than worth your time. Next up, how about Stephen King sharing some writing tips?  Good by yo...

A very happy Sunday to you all.  Hope you're having a fantastic and creative weekend and are gearing up to make next week a positive one.  Let's see if I can assist with a jumping off point by presenting you with some quality content. First up, a true gift from one of the most revered, respected and outspoken screenwriters in film history, William Goldman.  When it comes to writing, as Bill famously said, no one knows anything.  But when it comes to the craft and navigating the business, Bill...

Getting some things done up here at the Santa Barbara Film Festival this weekend, so I'm grabbing my coffee to go and leaving you to enjoy (and share) the content! First up, I have a truly enjoyable and insightful tutorial on how to best film at night. Next, it's an in depth interview Rian Johnson, writer/director of The Last Jedi, discussing his screenwriting techniques. As always, I ask that you pay it forward and share this content wherever possible.  And, of course, I welcome your thou...

Happy Sunday, everyone. Between the Sundance Film Festival and our incredible Women Creating Change event with Hollyshorts in Hollywood, it been an exciting, productive and inspiring last week and a half. I'm rewarding myself with some Death Wish Coffee and some screenplay reading.  Care to join me? It's my pleasure to present the 10 screenplays nominated for an Oscar this year.  Download em, save em or print em out.  They'll likely only be available for so long. As you've heard me say a...

Another Sunday, another edition of Coffee & Content.  I'm going a little French press style this morning...How about you? I'm truly excited about this week's C&C.  I have two vids that are simply off the charts. To kick things off, I have a video from the fine creatives from Mango Street.  This one is titled Take Your Filmmaking to the Next Level, and as per usual with their content, I think you'll find there's something to take away no matter what your experience or skill level. Next up,...