Coffee & Content

Good morning and a very happy Sunday to you all. This week for Coffee & Content, I have two videos I think all can gain from.  First up, with the global success of It, now seems like a great time to take a look at why Stephen King's storytelling and horror expertise has stood the test of time.  You'll get some insight from the master himself with Stephen King's 3 Levels of Horror. Next up, for all the filmmakers, cinematographers and those who are looking to control their own content, it's 1...

Happy Sunday to all.  Hope you are having a fabulous weekend. Today, I bring you two videos I think you'll truly enjoy.  First up, it's a look at how directors can get the most out of their actors by avoiding "Result Direction.” Next up, we look at one of the hottest indie directors of the last few years, Jeremy Saulnier.  Jeremy's first two films, Blue Ruin and Green Room, were not only critical darlings on the festival circuit, but also lauded by storytellers and filmmakers around the glob...

Happy Sunday, everyone. Another two videos this week for you to enjoy with your favorite roast. First up, it's Quentin Tarantino speaking about how films can inspire and influence, but how you can go about finding your original voice. Next, cinematographer James Laxton takes us behind the scenes on the making of Moonlight.  It's a fantastic look at the mind of a terrific artist.  Think you'll find it quite insightful. As always, I ask you to share this content with those you think might...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  And for those celebrating in the States, Happy Labor Day weekend. In this edition of Coffee & Content, I have two videos I believe you'll find most informative.  First up, it's Stanley Kubrick and The Shining.  It's well documented that Stephen King was not on board with Kubrick's adaptation of his epic novel.  In this video we see how and why Kubrick made his choices in what he included, expanded upon and what he left behind. Next up, a look at the first season of T...

Happy Sunday to you all. Today, I have two tremendous videos for you to enjoy with your java.  First up, it's a look at some screenplay lessons from Ex Machina.  I know we have a ton of writers on Stage 32 who have very mixed feelings about this script, so I hope to see some debate in the comments section! Next up, a look at how film editors think and cut by feel.  I absolutely love this video and think you'll find it fascinating as well. Personally, I think this content pairs best with a...

Greetings from Hollywood. It's been an amazing two weeks at the Hollyshorts Film Festival.  Not only did Stage 32 help program a number of the informative and inspirational panels at the festival, but last night we had the LA premiere screening of our Short Film Program.  7 Stage 32 filmmakers had their films shown to a crowd peppered with industry executives.  The response was overwhelmingly positive and many of our filmmakers walked away with meetings and further interest in developing their...

If you've hung around these parts long enough, you've heard me preach time and time again that there's never been a better time to take matters into your own hands and control your own content. The demand for new voices and original ideas is at an all-time high and the avenues for getting your work out there is increasing by the day. But don't take my word for it. Here's an inspiring and motivating dose of reality from Mark Duplass to kick off your Sunday and get your mind racing. Please...

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Happy Sunday to you all.  Hope you're having a fantastic weekend. In this edition of Coffee & Content, we go back to P.T. Anderson and a cut by cut breakdown of There Will Be Blood.  We also turn our attention to Dunkirk director Christopher Nolan and his pluses and minuses as a filmmaker and storyteller. As always, I ask you to share this content where you can on your other social media accounts through the handy share buttons at the top of this blog.  Pay it forward. Enjoy the content an...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Hope you've brewed some strong java because I have some inspiring and motivational content to springboard you into a new week. As you know, we've had some remarkable talent contributing to the Stage 32 Blog over the past 6 years.  Some of these terrific pieces have been buried (although you can always use the Blog search function!) and we've been reviving them and giving them a new audience on Medium. So without further fanfare, here are 5 fantastic and diverse blogs...