Tips

  If you’re a feature screenwriter like me, the following are probably your mantra: Economy with words. White space on the page. 120 pages or less. As mantras go, it’s not going to set the world on fire, but it works. It takes some getting used to. Writers, by their very nature, love words and often have a tendency to waffle on, using very long sentences to describe something that actually you could’ve described perfectly well in three words, but where’s the fun in that? You’ve probab...

If you’re reading this, then chances are you need a new perspective on your acting career. Many of us subject ourselves to unhealthy expectations from this crazy business. We unknowingly compare our careers to 100-yard dashes or corporate ladders. We expect that one step leads to the next in a predictable, linear fashion. We think that if we’re motivated, we can get to that finish line (series regular, red carpet, etc.) in record time. Despite the countless books, teachers, and mentors out th...

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...

Music Composer, Musician, and Sound Designer Michael Hobe has been on set with other talented crew members with films like: The Dark Knight, Sherlock Holmes (1 & 2), Inception, Rango, Pirates of the Caribbean IV, and The Dark Knight Rises. Being on set of these massive productions has taught him a number of things, including the plus side of keeping up with all that the Digital Age has to offer us.Michael caught up with us at the Stage 32 offices to talk about why filmmakers need to embrace and...

“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...

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...

Over the past few years, we here at Stage 32 have been thrilled to be recognized throughout the industry as the leaders in online film craft and business education. This past spring, we joined forces with Cannes to help provide education throughout the festival. November will be our 3rd straight year as the official education partner of AFM. And last month, we joined forces with one of the most prestigious, and one of the few Oscar qualifying short film festivals in the land, Hollyshorts, as not...