Inspirational

In car parlance, I might be a barn find -- a dust-covered vehicle that’s been unearthed after many years of storage. I wasn’t exactly in storage but I was in the barn for 40 years, inching toward the door -- i.e. my lifelong goal to be a working actress. I worked 9 to 5 and was a single parent and couldn’t get an LA agent, so I simply did what I could around those parameters. For decades. At times my forward progress seemed imperceptible. Then in 2022, I went from zero ability to get an agent,...

“If I fail, I accept and I learn. If I succeed, I will learn and celebrate. My happiness is in me and not in other people." My own words encapsulate a mindset that every writer-turned-entrepreneur should adopt. Writing is not just an art but a potential business. Why I Am Writing This Blog I joined Stage 32 a year ago, and my background couldn't be more different from the world of screenwriting. As a Portuguese entrepreneur, I pioneered female entrepreneurship in Portugal and founded the f...

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 by Vanity Fair, Wicked Director Jon M. Chu and Cinemato...

I remember seeing the van speeding toward my vehicle. When it struck, the impact sent a shudder through my nerves. Fortunately, I had enough sense to lean away from the window, so my head didn’t smash through the glass but only slammed into it with a mild “thud”. I was left with a bump on my head instead of a concussion, or worse. The car, sadly, did not fare as well: it was a write-off. Later, I learned that a piece of the engine had been propelled through the bodywork and had missed me by i...

Hey friends! The ONLY Female Driven Screenplay Contest in the World is Back!  Ever dreamt of seeing your female driven script come to life on the big screen or streaming on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality! Our Grand Prize Winner will win a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $5,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an education package and will be flown to LA to meet industry professional...

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 by In Depth Cine, he’s analyzing the most common 4 reasons why starting a career in filmmaking can be so difficult. All of his points are topics that I’ve spoken on before and we provide many courses right here on Stage 32 where working professionals can help you better understand...

Happy Holidays, Stage 32 Community! We hope everyone had an excellent time with family, food, and friends! It’s that time again, everyone! This is our monthly salute to just some of the fantastic members here at Stage 32 who have achieved some success in this past month. Highlighting these milestones never gets old. We truly, truly enjoy celebrating the successes of these hard-working creatives, it’s why we do what we do at Stage 32. We are very aware of the the passion and effort you all p...

Creating Paradise Falls: A Christmas Story has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. This film is more than just a Christmas story; it’s a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of collaboration across borders.   As the producer and founder of Café Cinema and Café Televisión, I have always been deeply committed to my craft, striving to deliver work of the highest quality. This dedication has earned me international recognition in the industry, a responsibility I ca...

Happy New Year, Creative Army! Hope you all had a terrific holiday season and are now ready to launch into 2025! Those of you who have been around the site for a while know that on New Year's Day, we utilize the Stage 32 Blog to discuss and share our plans for the coming year. So... What are you looking to accomplish in 2025? What are your creative goals? What skills are you looking to learn? What fears are you looking to overcome? What strategies are you planning on implementing...

There’s a natural soul-searching during this time of year. Do I spend money on my loved ones, or is quality time more important? Have I been spending too much time investing in my work, or not enough? Am I living my best life NOW, or am I still in survival mode? Whether this reflection is brought up by family visits, relaxing vacations, or making plans for the new year, it all comes to a pinnacle as we shift away from celebrating holidays and into starting anew in January. As someone born on N...