Filmmaking

Small feature films are roads to much bigger projects. A positive, proactive attitude will propel your work. Here is what you need to give your film a fighting chance against the competition. Aim For Attention Successful projects happen when you adopt a realistic approach to their completion. Don’t think too big too soon. Storytelling as a filmmaker is a lifelong learning curve but a positive attitude is everything. A feature film carries the kudos and longevity that short-form content does...

Happy Summer, Stage 32! I have some exciting news to share! "Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want" has been recognized as the winner of the National Indie Excellence Awards in two categories: Wellbeing Winner and Personal Growth Finalist. The National Indie Excellence Awards honor presses that go the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect. That now makes four awards my book has won, and I share all of them with those who have been suppor...

Hello, Stage 32 Family! It’s been another fantastic month in the Stage 32 Community, and we always love celebrating the progress of our incredible members. This is our monthly opportunity to put the spotlight on some of the writers and creatives in our family and share their progress and successes with everyone! We’re so inspired by their hard work and persistence, and it’s made all the more satisfying when that hard work starts to pay off. So kick back, relax, and read on to learn all about...

This is possibly the least popular, but most vital piece of the overall filmmaking process; the documents and releases. Why do documents matter? They are the paper trail, the proof of quantifiable evidence of spending, the necessary schedules and details that the cast and crew rely on, and they protect filmmakers by providing permission for the use of items, locations, etc. throughout the process. Most importantly from the filmmaker’s perspective is the need for documents to be in order so that...

Welcome to July Filmmakers Club, Stage 32! Every movie starts with the best intentions, and in particular, one singular intention: make a great movie, period. Produce a film that connects with audiences, makes the audience feel something, and maybe even provokes them. If you’re really lucky, it can send a message and enact awareness and change. And of course, you hope that it earns a gazillion dollars at the box office so that those involved can perpetuate their careers as filmmakers. As the s...

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 from It Was A Sh*t Show, they’re sharing an in-depth video essay about how difficult it was to make the Academy-Award-winning feature film, Mad Max: Fury Road. Oftentimes, we hear behind-the-scenes production stories from cheery press junkets, success-story headlines, or even feat...

If you are considering attending the Cannes Film Festival Marché du Film for the first time but are unsure whether you will be able to navigate it, keep reading. I was in your shoes before I decided to take the plunge this year! I hope sharing my experience will give you that final push you need and help you make the most of your time there next year. First A Bit Of Context I am a director based in Dubai. Earlier this year, a grounded sci-fi thriller feature film I wrote and will direct was s...

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community! Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in as many new resources and opportunities as possible to enrich your experience here in our community! At Stage 32 you have direct access to award-winning industry executives and professionals who’ve written, produced, developed, created VFX, and represented acclaimed projects such as ANYONE BUT YOU, GRAN TURISMO, BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE, BLACK BIRD, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, TOKYO VICE, THE WHITE LOTUS, WE OWN...

Happy Thursday, Stage 32 Community! I hope that the last month has been joyful and productive for you all! Our Stage 32 Education Team has certainly been hard at work to bring incredible education opportunities and resources to this fantastic community. This July, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, showrunners, actors, consultants, dialect/voice coaches, authors, script coordinators, VFX artists, attorney...

Happy Tuesday, Creative Army! 2024 was Stage 32’s 11th year on La Croisette at the Cannes Film Festival and our 8th year as an official education partner of Cannes Marché du Film! It was amazing to see so many people from our global community show up to celebrate, network, and support each other. We had Stage 32 members screening their films and closing big deals, showcasing the immense talent that we’re lucky to foster here every day. We also had members attending and hosting panels, furthe...