Filmmaking

Trying to stay competitive as ‘just a screenwriter’ in a world of multi- hyphenate writer-director-producers or the trans-hyphen ‘content creators’ is kind of like an old school boxer competing against today’s mixed martial artists: Even if the boxer is a straight-up brawler he’s still going to have a tough time in the ring. But over a decade ago, when I was starting out, being a spec screenwriter with a knack for concept-driven comedies was a viable thing. I sold my first script, land...

Today, I'm extremely proud to share some of our most recent success stories. Many of our successful writers were inspired to record a video speaking to how they found success. Others have provided written testimonials. All of them had one thing in common: they put in the work and never gave up or in. It's my hope that you will be able to draw inspiration from their stories. My heartfelt congratulations goes out to each and every one of our successful writers. All we ask is that you remember us...

History does not record if Otto Von Bismark was twirling his waxed Prussian moustache when he declared “Politics is the art of the possible”. He meant that dreams and ideals are nothing if we don’t grapple with the real world, and work through real problems to get from where we are to somewhere closer to where we want to be.   For those trying to make their way in the film or TV world in the 21st Century, I would say movie making is the art of the possible. For every thousand people who like...

Hey guys. As you know, we here at Stage 32, besides offering networking and education, pride ourselves in giving our members access and exposure wherever and whenever possible. Therefore, it thrills me to no end to announce that the winners of the 1st Annual Short Film Contest have been covered by leading indiefilm industry site, Indiewire.   I want to thank Indiewire reporter Elle Leonsis for her comprehensive coverage not only of our filmmakers, but all the other Stage 32 events and h...

The results are in…     Over the better part of the last two months, our judges have viewed hundreds of short films directed by our incredibly talented Stage 32 filmmakers. We’ve received thousands of pages of feedback. Within, one word came up over and over and over again:   Wow.   Having watched over 100 of these short films myself, and having attended numerous short programs at film festivals all over the world, I couldn’t agree more. The work we received was staggering; beautif...

The Film Industry was never my intention nor career choice. Unlike most, for me, it just happened. I had moved to Los Angeles in the early 80s to start up a consulting business and had the good fortune to befriend a few actors. I was only in L.A. for a year when one of them asked if I would be interested with working on a small movie. Curiosity got the best of me and I accepted. The first week of pre-production I was a Production Assistant, by the 2nd week I was the Location Scout and that of co...

The August 2015 edition of the On Stage With RB webcast was a smashing success with over 3 hours jam packed with information! It's now available on-demand for you to watch for FREE! RB’s first guest Joe Bohn (1st AD) talks about how it’s vital to behave on set in order to make for a positive on-set environment. He breaks down what, in fact a 1st AD does on set and that you have 2 bosses – a director and a producer. They discuss how everyone on set has an opinion, but it’s how you phrase your c...

Today we bring you another installment of the Film Courage series with Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard Botto. In this video, When Should Someone Be Fired Off A Movie Production, RB goes over why being professional and putting your best foot forward is key to being part of a team on a film, TV or theater project. When someone is a disruptive force on a project and throws the balance off, he offers 2 key pieces of advice on how to deal with the situation in this 6-minute clip.   The entire...

It has always been my mission to give our members unparalleled access and exposure so that their work could be seen by people who can make a difference in their careers. There is creative talent on every part of this planet and everyone deserves a shot no matter where they live in the world. United, a creative community like Stage 32 cannot be stopped! When I met Elliot Grove, the founder of the amazing Raindance Film Festival, I knew he shared the same passion. I was instantly drawn to his de...

We're excited to bring you behind the scenes today as we stream live on Periscope for the very first time! Join us in this new capacity as we stream what happens live in the Stage 32 office before, during and after our popular monthly broadcast! Today we'll be giving you backstage access to On Stage with RB with special guests Joe Bohn and James Kicklighter. No matter where you're at anywhere in the world, you can tune in see the behind-the-scenes!     If you ever wonder what it takes t...