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Happy Sunday, Creative Army! First, congratulations to all of you who have already participated in our monthly Introduce Yourself Weekend! Thousands of connections have been made between entertainment creatives and professionals from around the globe. Whether you are a long-time member or brand new to Stage 32, take a moment to pop over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge and say hello before the end of the weekend. First up, in this video from StudioBinder, we're looking at the 12 principles o...

Have you ever fallen in creative love? Perhaps you idly chat about your favorite director, only to discover that you both love their most obscure film best. Over your first coffee date, you playfully square off about who has the worst set stories, but you share a laugh over the resiliency it takes to keep going. Now you're about to start a project, and your new creative ally is firmly entrenched in your corner. 'How in the world did I get so fortunate?' you wonder. If luck favors the prepared, t...

Embarking on the journey of becoming a successful screenwriter involves delving into the intricacies of storytelling at various levels. From the cosmic truths that shape narratives to the communal values inherent in cultures, and the quest for purpose within characters' lives, the 9 Levels of Story offer a framework for aspiring creatives. To help you understand these levels better, I'll be discussing them over the next few weeks in a 3-part blog series. By better understanding cosmic, culture...

Happy Thursday, Creative Army! As many of you already know, Stage 32 Certification has been working tirelessly to bring new film commissions, institutes, colleges, streamers, and other organizations into the mix. This week we’re welcoming the Polish Film Institute to Stage 32 Education! Together, we’ll be training people looking to work above and below the line in Poland in support of the rebates, incentives, and the production companies and streamers looking to film locally. This will conti...

There is no Business like Show Business. And possibly that is true, as there is no place, other than politics, that a good or bad reputation can travel faster than a supersonic jet. You have to treat your reputation as your most prized possession in Hollywood. There seems to be a misunderstanding about what reputation truly means. A solid reputation is built on professionalism but even more so on how good a human being you are on a solid ground of authenticity and I, for one, quote more than...

I recently uploaded my 85th feature script onto my loglines page on Stage 32. In a subsequent exchange of comments, RB suggested that I write a blog about how I develop my ideas for scripts. My kneejerk response was, “That’s easy. For me, it’s like making popcorn." Below are the four elements I consider when selecting script topics. With a recent example of the four elements at work from my most recent script.   1) Stay True To Your Core Values   Oscar Wilde may have said, “Be yourself; e...

To have or not to have production insurance- the most important question. Short answer? YES. Always, yes. Production insurance is a necessary part of the production process that many independent creators love to avoid, whether to “save” money or avoid all the paperwork. However, much like car, health, and any other business insurance, it is a MUST! What does production insurance do? It covers rentals, liability, injuries while on set, vehicles operated on set, and even copyright claims. If...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? I have some content here for you that is sure to get the creative juices flowing, so grab your coffee, and let's dive in. First up, in this video from the Writers Guild Foundation, acclaimed showrunner Glen Mazzara (THE ROCKIE, THE DARK TOWER) discusses the challenges of being a screenwriter, advice for new writers, and the importance of including fun in a spec script. It's great insight into what a showrunner looks for whe...

Let's set the records straight for parents of young, and specifically, young adult actors (~16-24) in the entertainment industry. While there is a lot of content about sexual predators in the Industry, there’s very little about other types of abusive, manipulative, and predatory behaviors involving young actors. In an unnatural arena where profit, investment, careers, and social status rely on our kids more than ever, we, as parents, need to remain vigilantly aware that while “magic” exists i...

Many of you are likely aware of the book, The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler. You might also be aware that it’s based on the writings of Joseph Campbell and it applies Campbell’s ideas on the Hero’s Journey to cinema in general and screenwriting specifically. Many of you may have even read Vogler’s book or Cambell’s writings, or both. But did you know that The Writer’s Journey started as an internal memo at Walt Disney Animation Studios while developing The Little Mermaid and Beauty and...