Filmmaking

I’m proud to share how my Stage 32 Certification equipped me with the skills to produce and release Paradise Falls: A Christmas Story, a film that has set a historic record for Central American cinema. The certification gave me essential knowledge, from project management to international distribution, that helped me navigate the complexities of a global release with confidence. Thanks to those tools, Paradise Falls: A Christmas Story achieved an unprecedented milestone: premiering in 11 count...

The creative spirit of Limpopo, South Africa, has always been undeniable, and today, our region’s filmmakers are poised for an even brighter future. I am thrilled to share that the Made in Limpopo Film Hub Screenwriting Workshop has partnered with Stage 32 Certification to offer a transformative opportunity: the winner of our workshop will receive a free Stage 32 Certification course, which is an unparalleled pathway to professional development and industry recognition. We are thrilled that Stag...

Hello, my fellow creatives. In this survival guide, I will be focusing on a checklist and things to keep in mind when shooting a documentary or good old fashion interviews. There are many ways to skin a cat, and it is up to you to test and refine what works so you can effectively handle any curve balls and do your job efficiently while keeping on schedule. Choosing The Right Space It goes without saying that picking the right location for your documentary or interview is important. Does it ma...

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. Let’s start with this insightful roundtable by Panavision, where a group of world-class DPs share the tools, routines, and instincts they rely on throughout the filmmaking process. From essential items like viewfinde...

In March, my daughter passed on a free trial membership to a platform called "Stage 32 Writer's Room." I wasn't looking for anything like this because, frankly, I didn't even know it existed. I've spent my entire adult life in education and the medical field, so all of this was new to me. Where I Started: Before Stage32 In 2023, I was exhausted: traveling cross-country to help care for my dad with dementia, while still working full-time and homeschooling our son. It was emotionally and physic...

Hollywood’s Unicorn Problem: Are Dev Execs Getting Squeezed Out? The traditional development pipeline is broken, and the latest wave of layoffs proves it. After talking with execs, former execs, and producers at every level, one trend is undeniable: Hollywood is betting on individual unicorns over development infrastructure. Studios and top production companies are cutting development teams and walking away from costly overhead, instead leaning on smaller, filmmaker- or talent-driven shops. I...

Podcasts are a unique way to communicate with a desired group of listeners in an episodic format. Podcasts are designed to appeal to a niche audience; therefore, you have the opportunity to zero in on exactly who you want to talk to and what your topics should be. You’re straight-up targeting people. You never know… Your thoughts and opinions could very well resonate with a horde of like-minded folks and maybe even sway some of those who have different opinions from what you chat about on your...

"You're not good looking enough to be a lead actor. You're not ugly enough to be a character actor. You're an average looking guy in his 30’s. Maybe start thinking about what to do after acting" This is what a former agent, the man who was meant to be representing and guiding my career, said to me when I asked to meet and discuss why I hadn't been called in for any auditions for the best part of a year, and how we could work together to fix it. Despite attending acting, accent, and stage comba...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Let’s kick things off with a huge shoutout to everyone who has already jumped into this month’s Introduce Yourself Weekend. Thousands of creatives from around the world are connecting, sharing their stories, and building relationships that will lead to collaborations, opportunities, and lifelong friendships. If you haven’t yet made your introduction, you’ve still got time! Head over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge before the weekend wraps. Be bold. Introduce you...

Welcome back to TALKING BUSINESS: Insights from the Independent Film Industry, hosted by Stage 32 Certification International Liaison, Thought Leader, and Business Consultant David Zannoni, of Freeway Entertainment and Zannoni Media. In TALKING BUSINESS, I sit down with top professionals from across the entertainment industry to uncover the business behind the art—from film financing and deal structuring to distribution strategy and international co-productions. Whether you’re a producer, inve...