Filmmaking

Finding Myself in After All When I first read the script for After All, I was deeply moved by how honest and human it was. The story follows three generations of Southern women navigating family, trauma, love, and loss, and I could see my own Texan family in them. Their dialogue, humor, and the quiet strength behind each of them all felt familiar and true. What struck me most was how the script found humor even in the most painful circumstances. That’s real life. No matter how heavy things ge...

In today’s market, one thing has become crystal clear: your logline is everything. It’s your first impression, your calling card, and often your only shot at capturing an executive’s attention in a crowded marketplace. We’re seeing more and more that executives are sparking to high-concept ideas rather than slice-of-life projects. Why? It’s “easier” to market. A clear, compelling concept that can be explained in one sentence is what gets scripts read, meetings taken, and deals made. Your logli...

Happy Tuesday, Creative Army! Every November, the entire global film industry converges for The American Film Market (AFM) — the premier film acquisition, development, and networking event where more than $1 Billion in distribution and film financing deals are closed each year on completed films and those in every stage of development. More business-oriented than any other motion picture event, AFM is where thousands of professionals from all corners of the industry come together to develop,...

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 comes from Vanity Fair: How EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick Created “Golden” From KPop Demon Hunters. EJAE and Mark take us through a rare, intimate look inside their creative process as they unv...

In these dangerous times of excessive greed, cruelty, and oppression in too many places around the world, we count on our artists and activists, policy-makers, and regular people to recognize and counter this Love of Death & Destruction. Why does it happen? How can we best address it towards that ideal of “The greatest good for the greatest number”? Some of you may be creating fiction pieces, historical, contemporary, or futuristic, about oppression, killers, war, and destruction. Some...

“You have to let it all go, Neo. Fear, doubt, and disbelief. Free your mind. — Morpheus, The Matrix There is freedom that comes with detachment. It is often misunderstood—seen as indifference or withdrawal—when, in truth, it is one of the most liberating practices a creative person can learn. Detachment gives space for peace, clarity, and new ideas to flow. It is less about stepping away and more about loosening your hold on what you cannot control. Why Detachment Matters Holding on too t...

The team and I just returned from the Austin Film Festival, and I can't underestimate the power of putting yourself out there. After talking with hundreds of writers, filmmakers, and producers over the past few days, it's clear that creatives are increasingly thinking globally. Multiple filmmakers approached us to share how they're shooting internationally, partnering with global production companies, and leveraging local tax incentives to push their projects forward. New production hubs are e...

Producing an independent film is an exercise in patience, collaboration, and controlled chaos. The journey of bringing After All to life was no exception. In this blog, I want to pull back the curtain on what producers actually do for your film, and how the right producing team can make all the difference when navigating the unpredictable world of indie filmmaking. The Early Stage: Building the Foundation In the beginning, when the script is finished and the director’s vision starts to crysta...

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. The team over at Corridor Crew recently dropped an incredible video: ONE YEAR of Work for TEN SECONDS of Film. If you love The Matrix, filmmaking, or just watching artists push the boundaries of what’s possible, this...

In this survival guide, I'll be focusing on a checklist of things to keep in mind when shooting a horror film. It's no surprise that horror films cost less to produce and shoot. A good example is Jordan Peele’s Get Out. James Wan made his career with the SAW franchise. Horror films bring in lots of money at the box office, and audiences flock to the screen to get their fright on! With that in mind, let's dive right into the belly of the beast. Costume & Make-up Design If there is one thing...