Inspirational

Happy Friday Creative Army!   Hoping you are all feeling well and staying safe!   As you know, it has been an insane couple of weeks here at Stage 32. Last Monday, we announced that we are screening all films affected by the SXSW cancellation on Stage 32 to our network of financiers, producers, development executives, distributors, and more. The media support has been overwhelming, and our initiative has since been covered by over 75 news outlets including Variety, CNN, Screen Daily, and m...

Small feature films are roads to much bigger projects. A positive, pro-active 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...

I didn’t know it at the time, but as I submitted my script Desperate Times into the 6th annual Search For New Blood Contest, my life was about to change. Having entered a previous Stage 32 contest for romantic comedies and not even making it into the quarterfinals, I was wary about trying again, but I had a horror script I was passionate about and figured it was worth a shot. After entering, I tried to put the contest out of my mind and got to work on a new script as a distraction. It...

Happy Sunday Creative Army! For the last week, it has been non-stop here at Stage 32. Ever since we announced our screening initiative to help filmmakers affected by the SXSW cancellation, support from the media and the Stage 32 community has been constant and awe-inspiring. On behalf of my entire team here at Stage 32, we thank you for your epic support. We may have even shouted our thanks from a rooftop or two. The submissions are rolling in, and we are thrilled to be giving these displaced...

Hello Stage 32! As you have likely heard by now, Stage 32 is screening the films affected by the recent SXSW cancellation (more info here, here, & here). The response has been magnificent, and we here at Stage 32 are in awe of the boundless support the entire world has for independent film. When we first made the announcement on Monday, Variety, Screen Daily, IMDb, and Broadway World were quick to share our message. Since then, we have had over 50 publications, blogs, and fellow entertainmen...

Hey guys. It’s been a wild 96 hours or so around these parts. Since conceiving the idea of assisting the filmmakers impacted by the cancellation of SXSW by screening their films here on Stage 32, we’ve been working non-stop. (If you missed yesterday’s announcement, click here.) It’s been an adrenaline-fueled period of logistical planning, development, programming, graphic design, PR writing, working with the press, interviews, and about 100 other things I’m likely forgetting. We’ve been fueled...

Hello Creative Army! We really need your help in spreading the word! As you have likely heard by now, the 2020 SXSW festival was canceled due to concerns about the health and safety of attendees and the Coronavirus. As filmmakers, producers, screenwriters, and actors ourselves, all of us at Stage 32 are devastated for everyone impacted by the cancellation of SXSW.  Over the last few days, we have heard from hundreds of Stage 32 members who played a part in the films impacted by the cancell...

Good morning, Stage 32 Creative Crew! It’s a brand new week and we are excited to kick it off with some huge news! We are excited to announce that author and screenwriter Greg Mania has officially signed with Cohn/Torgan Management for literary representation! As you probably remember, Greg was the winner of our 4th Annual Comedy Writing Contest with his original pilot, “Mania”. As part of his winning the contest, in October, Stage 32 sent Greg on about a dozen meetings with literary managers...

When I first started writing screenplays, I was a former newspaper journalist with five novels and two novellas under my belt, all traditionally published.I thought screenwriting would be a piece of cake. Wrong answer. It was more like ignorance soufflé with a side order of "What the hell am I doing?" I quickly learned that screenplays are as different from novels as novels are from newspapers. So, as most people with a PC or a Mac would do, I began searching the internet as well as perusing...

Let's talk about the art department folks! Like any department in production, there are multiple moving parts and countless people involved in creating the world of a film. For the production to run smoothly, it is essential that everyone on set knows the specifics of their particular role.  Today, we are going to talk about the set dresser. Studio Binder has put together a handy little guide detailing the differences between a set dresser and a set decorator, how to create mood boards, and so...