Tips

This blog may be stating the obvious and I don't want to come across as condescending, but I just thought I would impart a piece of advice I gave to a client of mine. I have found while doing my job as an editor, that I have a great responsibility, not just to the authors I work with, but to the work itself. It's not just about spelling and grammar, it is also about what is best for the story and looking at something from the point of view of the reader. I do know, of course, that authors thin...

It’s a fact of writing that projects need multiple drafts. But that’s not what I’m talking about in this article. Instead, sometimes you might need to completely take apart a project, throwing out every previous draft, and starting over. Sounds extreme? It is. But it’s something I recently experienced. To properly explain this, I have to give you some background on the project in question. I’ve been working on the sequel to my third book since 2017. At the time, I was ambitious that I w...

Keeping in mind the old expression that “it takes ten years to become an overnight success,” as much as we all would love a shortcut, a golden ticket, a Fast Pass, the truth is that you DO have to put in the time and get the reps. BUT, the good news is that along the way you’re starting to build the foundation to eventually make a successful pitch from, to whoever it is that you’re trying to get in front of. I’m not only talking the talk, but walking the walk, having recently seen a culminatio...

On a daily business, often questions come up about calculation and payment of Residuals. If Residuals are not paid by the Distributor (often a studio or a major distribution company) and Residuals are not paid from the budget either, how does the Production Company comply with its Residual obligations? In independent film and TV, two parties are essential in the process of calculating and paying Residuals: the Collection Account Manager or CAM, and the Payroll House. In this article we w...

You've made a short film. You've put in your time, effort, blood, sweat, tears, and perhaps even some serious money into your project. Your goal isn't only to get your film seen, but to get it seen around the world and by people who can make a difference in your career. Would being screened by an Oscar qualifying film festival matter? How about having it screened for over 1,000 executives including managers, agents, producers, film financiers and more? Look no further. The most prestigious s...

  Happy Sunday & Happy Mother's Day! I've got my coffee in hand and your weekly dose of content coming in hot - grab your coffee of choice and let's dive right in. First up, since "May the 4th Be with You" was last week, I thought it would only be fitting to share some Star Wars content. Scene Spotlight has a fascinating behind the screens video covering the innovative virtual backgrounds that were used to film The Mandalorian. In this video, they talk about the technological and creat...

Welcome to Atlanta! Where the Actors Play. Waaaay back in 2005, if you were living in Atlanta and looking to jump into this crazy business called acting, conventional wisdom would have told you to make the move to Hollywood and start there. And even as recent as 2012, if you came to Hollywood and mentioned you were from Atlanta, you would be met with a shrug of the shoulders, and maybe even a look of disgust. Flash forward to 2022, and if you were to move from Atlanta to Hollywood, ears would...

We have many different names for the fear that comes along with creative pursuits. Sometimes we call it “Imposter Syndrome.” Sometimes we call it “Resistance” (because, I think, sometimes we hit writer’s block because we’re listening to fear). Sometimes we call it “The Inner Critic.” But no matter what we call it, the effect it has is the same: it’s Snow White’s poisoned apple, that creates a paralyzing slowness that congeals until it looks like death. Fear and I have a long-standing relations...

Hello Creative Army! Read any of the trades right now and our industry is in a rapid state of change. From streamers in the race for original content, to companies making acquisitions and, of course, the Great Content Gold Rush still in full force, it's a lot to keep up with. The entire Stage 32 team is on the phone every day to keep their fingers on the pulse of what's happening. It's exciting time for you as a content creator - whether you work in film, television or digital - and it's equ...

  Whether you are making Hollywood blockbusters, indie darlings, or passion projects in your back yard marketing your film on social media is incredibly beneficial. However, you may not be sure where to start. This article hopes to give you a guide offering tips and advice on using social media as a filmmaker. Create a Plan Work out what you are wanting to share and when you are wanting to share your posts. Take time to work out your target audience and post at the best times for them in...