Filmmaking

My travels as an author, screenwriter, and feature magazine article writer have allowed me to visit some very exotic places all over the world, and it all started in The Bronx. I attended a Hollywood film school and graduated with honors. I also have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I am a Six Sigma Master Black Belt. I guess you could say it was a unique education. But I learned a lot of things that they don’t teach in film school. And I’m still learning. Screenwriting can be a lonely...

When I was a tiny baby screenwriter with no experience, no credits, no hope, no foot in any door, and no connections in the industry, I thought that landing a gig where I would be paid to write was almost impossible to achieve. Until, one day, a producer reached out to me and said… “I have two costumes and a barn. Can you write me something?” That sentence led to a series of events that have now culminated in my first TV show being greenlit. Was it magic? No. It was work. Here’s how it...

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 essay by Film Stack, they’re diving into the turning points of Tom Hardy’s career, his setbacks, his relentless rise, his toughest productions, and the reason you don’t see him in as many films as before. This is the story of an actor who fought his way back from the bottom. He’s...

Hi, Stage 32ers! After an amazing and truly inspiring experience at Focus London 2024 representing Stage 32 Certification, a long-time vision and dream of our CEO Richard “RB” Botto, that I am so fortunate to help bring to life, I am returning home to continue our work of democratizing the production industry with greater enthusiasm than ever (and it was already through the roof). I was so excited by the Stage 32 panel I hosted on telling authentic, original stories from wherever you are wi...

A wonderful piece of ART – that’s the only way I can describe Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). But who am I to judge? This movie doesn’t need my validation; it has 193 wins and 484 nominations to its name, including 4 Academy Awards, such as Best Picture and Best Director. Made with a modest budget of $18 million, it grossed over $103 million worldwide, proving that daring, experimental cinema can resonate with audiences and critics alike. But here’s the catch: this isn’t your...

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 Film Courage interview, Carole Kirschner shares 5 traits that you need to succeed in the entertainment business. Carole spent fifteen years as a television development executive, former Vice President of Television for Steven Spielberg's first Amblin Entertainment, and a Comedy Developm...

Hi, Stage 32! I’m so excited to be part of this special community! I’m also excited to announce that the St. Pete-Clearwater Film Commission and Stage 32 are collaborating to bring Certification opportunities to creative professionals in Pinellas County, Florida. Through this collaboration, we’re helping residents get the education needed to pursue their goals in the production industry at a professional level. What is the St. Pete-Clearwater Film Commission? The St. Pete-Clearwater Film Co...

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community! Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in new educational and mentoring resources and opportunities to this fantastic community! This December, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, film commissioners, financiers, award-winning writers, producers, directors, cinematographers, authors, actors, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or represented such projects as THE SANDMA...

Happy Tuesday, Stage 32ers! As many of you already know, Stage 32 Certification has been bringing new film commissions, institutes, colleges, streamers, and other organizations into the mix as we support film and television workforce development worldwide. This week we’re welcoming The El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission to Stage 32 Certification! The El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission and Stage 32 are excited to partner to bring Certification opportunities to creative p...

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 essay by Frame Voyager, he’s taking a closer look at th...