Inspirational

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Time for another edition of Coffee & Content. First up, a look at developing characters with Aaron Sorkin.  Sorkin has created some of the most memorable and beloved characters of the last 20 years (tell me you don't know everything about every single West Wing character).  Whether working with fictional characters or those actually roaming the earth (The Social Network, Molly's Game) few writers are able to imbibe their characters with as much detail, nuance and defin...

I have to share something with you that unfolded with another screenwriter last week. It happened in a Facebook Group when the screenwriter posted:"How do you stay motivated to write everyday when you're not getting paid?...I'd treat it like a job and be at my desk everyday at 9am, a hour for lunch at 1pm, back at 2 and finish at 5. Really, I would. But writing for free, having no idea if anyone is going to buy your script? In my mind the voice that says "GET A PROPER JOB!" gets louder and lou...

I recently sent a script to a new manager then went on vacation. With that script finished (for now) and vacation behind me, I have to write a new script. As cathartic and rewarding as writing can be, it’s still work. And it’s not always easy to transition to the next project. Like me, you may hear a tiny voice saying “But…but…I just finished a script. And why, oh, why, are vacations so short?” Being the professional that I am, I stop whining and whip myself back into writing shape quickly. He...

Man, you guys brought the goods to the table.  I mean, you had me riled up and as passionate as I've been in a long time.  I'm grateful...seriously. Hundreds of you attended my live AMA (Ask Me Anything) last week.  What was supposed to be an hour of me answering your questions quickly turned into two hours of spirited, inspiring, and motivating craft and industry talk. From acting to screenwriting to filmmaking.  From film producing to film finance to attaching talent.  From making valuable...

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you have always got.” – Henry Ford Actors are incredible humans. Compared to most, actors are often more personable and open. They feel freer than most to access their feelings and emotions. These incredibly brave souls tend to be more in touch with their inner child. They have courage. The majority of them are sensitive and more vulnerable than the average person, yet they dive into a profession where they subject themselves...

Poster for Othello: A Woman's story Constantin Stanislavski once said: "There are no small parts, only small actors.” I always used to read this as the consolation prize catch phrase for wannabe actors, until I realized that reading it this way was making me a wannabe actor. Luckily for me, I was recently cast in a supporting role – which I initially hated. That made me grow both as an actress and as a human. (Here you go, big empathic phrases!) A few months back I auditioned for Othello:...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army.  Time for another edition of Coffee & Content. First up, an oldie, but a goodie from FAST Screenplay.  This is a video I've seen referenced and debated often titled The 3 Fundamental Problems of Screenwriting Development.  I have a feeling this one will dredge up many opinions.  In the vein of Madonna, feel free to express yourself in the comments. Next up, our friends at wolfcrow take a look at the filmmaking and cinematography techniques within the beautifully...

Okay, by now most of us have heard about the pictures of actor Geoffrey Owens working at Trader Joe's that went viral. Many people attempted to shame Owens, completely misunderstanding that an actors life isn't just "one level" or one status, nor is the job a money-making-machine. There are many levels of acting (and writing and filmmaking), some of which require the creative to work other jobs outside of what viewers see on TV. Yet the general public doesn't understand that. Your side job...

Happy Sunday, everyone.  Hope you're all enjoying the weekend. Before we get started, a reminder that I am hosting another AMA (Ask Me Anything) this week, right here on Stage 32.  I'll be answering all your craft, business and industry questions in what is sure to be a lively session this coming Tuesday beginning at 1PM PST.  This is a FREE webcast.  You can register here. Now...Coffee ready?  Let's roll. First up, one of the most celebrated and studied screenplays of all time is Chinatow...

I don't know if you're on Twitter at all, but if you are, you may have seen the #shareyourrejections campaign that flew through the Twittersphere recently. The posts look something like this: I loved it. I loved it so much, I captured some of the very best rejections from filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, and authors with the intention to share them here. You'll recognize some of the names. At the very least, hearing how these creatives were given "the hand" only to come out on top, you'...