Filmmaking

Writing a script is challenging in many ways. After you overcome the stress of facing the first draft review and all the reviews after that and then you see the job done it is, without a doubt, a very satisfying achievement. During the process we can make mistakes (yes, even writers make mistakes) with the way we tell the story. This is why we must keep reading and or talking about script techniques. Today I want to talk specifically about three things we must not do when we are writing a horror...

For many of us here on the Stage 32 platform (myself included), sitting at the table with other writer's to flush out a season for TV is more than just an image glued to a vision board. It's a dream. It's why we get up in the morning and flush out storylines and story arcs and practice the art of bible writing until we're blue in the face. It's why we take the part-time job or work the night shift.It's why we sacrifice living large until our words are noticed. And all the while, as we dream...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army. Let's close out the weekend with another strong cup of java and an equally potent edition of Coffee & Content. First up this week, I've been noticing many threads in the Screenwriting Lounge lately regarding the basics and the merits of writing within a 3 act structure.  One such thread reminded me of a video from Click Imagination I viewed a couple of years back.  I decided to dig it up and present it hear for consumption and discussion.  Next Up, another good...

"Animation is so liberating. I can write whatever I imagine!" We've all heard this sentiment phrased one way or another. It's true that practically anything that can be dreamed up can be animated, but someone actually has to animate it. So, the question is, "Just because you can imagine it, should you write it?" As both a writer and an animation director, I've seen some scripts that make animators as crazy as Daffy Duck. I have actually been guilty of writing such scripts. Animated features are...

  Chris Moore is one of the most respected producers and sought after speakers in Hollywood today. From Good Will Hunting to American Pie to the Oscar winning Manchester by the Sea, Chris has carved out something rare in this business, a long lasting and lucrative career with huge projects spanning multiple decades. Additionally, as the founder of Project Greenlight and The Chair, Chris has been at the forefront of champion independent filmmakers all across the globe. It’s no wonder why...

 During my filmmaking career, I've run the gambit on all different sides of production. Back in Baltimore, I worked with skeleton crews writing, directing, and doing sound on my own productions. Since moving to Los Angeles I've found a lot of work on set sound mixing, and I wanted to give some easy, actionable steps that can help all filmmakers, at every budget level, get the best sound possible. My sound kit from “Sexy Dex.” 1) Knowing The Tools Most sound mixers start with what we call a...

What's up, Creative Army? Another Sunday, another edition of Coffee & Content.  Let's kick it off. First up, as you know, most industry readers give a screenplay about 5-10 pages before deciding whether they want to soldier on and spend the next 90-120 minutes of their lives with your story.  So how can you assure your screenplay sings from Page 1?  TOMKAT content provides some insights and some examples to back 'em up in their Writing the Perfect Movie Opening video. Next, I've featured m...

It happened. You lost it. Your passion and motivation are gone. We've all been there. Whether you have writer's block or are in an acting slump, it seems hard to get through it. I've been there too and I want to share the lessons I've learned because of it. Creators create and when that fire withers away, it can be life changing and painful. For me, it was devastating and debilitating. I couldn't cope. It took me ten years to find my footing, after losing everything. I left a great University an...

Just wrapped your latest short film? We have the competition for you! Until December 7, up-and-coming creators in the U.S. can submit their original short films to the 5th edition of the AT&T Film Awards. The AT&T Film Awards Short Film Competition The AT&T Film Awards is accepting undiscovered short films of any genre – with awards for original shorts under 10 minutes, shorts shot on mobile, VR/AR/MR projects, Spanish language shorts, and shorts created by youth ages 13-18. Submissions...

The very best way to learn the art of directing is from those who have learned from the very best. David Rountree, an award-winning feature film director (108 Stitches, CUT!) stopped by the Stage 32 offices to share some sound advice. From sound to crew to how to scout locations, he's got the goods.   David Rountree is the President of Psyco Rock Productions and is a director, producer, screenwriter, and actor based in Los Angeles. He is listed in Hollywood Reporter and IMDb as a Top 10 Up-a...