Tips

Over the last 20 years, I have employed a lot of people for crew positions on features that I have produced and directed. As much as I would love to say I use the same crew every time, unfortunately, that is not always the case. When starting out, the logical choice of course is to hire people with the most credits on their resume, however, that is not necessarily the smartest approach. As I reflect back on the films I have crewed, I have learned a few things that I would like to pass along to y...

Hey, Stage 32 Community! The best action/thriller movies combine intense, well-choreographed action sequences with a gripping, suspenseful plot, strong character development, exciting action set pieces, and unexpected twists to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Classic action/thriller shows like CSI or GAME OF THRONES are some of the most watched series of all time and keep spawning spin-off series. Current action/thriller franchises like JOHN WICK, MISSION...

Welcome to July Filmmakers Club, Stage 32! Week 1 of July Filmmakers Club was an absolute blast! For any of you who missed it, you can go back and ready last Monday’s incredible blog HERE, jump into the Filmmaking Lounge to catch up with everyone HERE, or watch my live Q&A with Daniel Sol from HollyShorts on our @Stage32 Instagram HERE. This week, we’re talking all things CREW. Most people, inside and outside of the industry, have familiarity with the primary “above the line” crew positions...

Small feature films are roads to much bigger projects. A positive, proactive 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 does...

Happy Summer, Stage 32! I have some exciting news to share! "Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want" has been recognized as the winner of the National Indie Excellence Awards in two categories: Wellbeing Winner and Personal Growth Finalist. The National Indie Excellence Awards honor presses that go the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect. That now makes four awards my book has won, and I share all of them with those who have been suppor...

My name is David Banks and I’ve booked over 100 national commercials. I was even a featured guest at Film Con LA a handful of years ago and was asked how it’s seemed so easy for me to book spot after spot and what’s my magic touch. How it’s easy? That’s quite funny. Although it may appear like I have some kind of “magic touch,” my current method never fell into my lap. It was derived from MANY years of hearing no after no after no and having no clue how to remedy the situation. Rather, it ca...

This is possibly the least popular, but most vital piece of the overall filmmaking process; the documents and releases. Why do documents matter? They are the paper trail, the proof of quantifiable evidence of spending, the necessary schedules and details that the cast and crew rely on, and they protect filmmakers by providing permission for the use of items, locations, etc. throughout the process. Most importantly from the filmmaker’s perspective is the need for documents to be in order so that...

Welcome to July Filmmakers Club, Stage 32! Every movie starts with the best intentions, and in particular, one singular intention: make a great movie, period. Produce a film that connects with audiences, makes the audience feel something, and maybe even provokes them. If you’re really lucky, it can send a message and enact awareness and change. And of course, you hope that it earns a gazillion dollars at the box office so that those involved can perpetuate their careers as filmmakers. As the s...

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community! Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in as many new resources and opportunities as possible to enrich your experience here in our community! At Stage 32 you have direct access to award-winning industry executives and professionals who’ve written, produced, developed, created VFX, and represented acclaimed projects such as ANYONE BUT YOU, GRAN TURISMO, BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE, BLACK BIRD, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, TOKYO VICE, THE WHITE LOTUS, WE OWN...

Happy Thursday, Stage 32 Community! I hope that the last month has been joyful and productive for you all! Our Stage 32 Education Team has certainly been hard at work to bring incredible education opportunities and resources to this fantastic community. This July, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, showrunners, actors, consultants, dialect/voice coaches, authors, script coordinators, VFX artists, attorney...