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“That’s me in ten years if something doesn’t change.” These words aren’t spoken aloud, but written into John’s features when he finally meets his idol, Chazz, a robe-wearing, Hefner-like man-child still living with his mom (“Ma! The meatloaf!”). In Wedding Crashers, Chazz (Will Ferrell) serves as a clone character: a cautionary example of who John (Owen Wilson) could become if he stays on his current trajectory. According to writer/director Brian McDonald, a “clone character” is a storytell...

Hi, Everybody! I’m the Head of Certification here at Stage 32. Stage 32’s Certification program is the brainchild of our CEO, Rich “RB” Botto, and I’ve had the privilege of working with RB, our Managing Director Amanda Toney, and the truly amazing Stage 32 Education team to help bring this program to life. Like so many endeavors, creative and otherwise, what started as an idea led to meetings and then designs and then execution and then to launch. Now, Stage 32 Certification is working...

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. For years, Matthew McConaughey was the ultimate rom-com star. If you needed a leading man with charm, a mischievous grin, and an easygoing Southern drawl, he was your guy. But then, something changed. In this video essay from FilmStack, they’re exploring McConaughey’s professional reinvention, also known...

You volunteered for service in the military and then decided it was time to pursue your dreams in La La Land. And guess what? Hollywood is recruiting you! They know you have a story to tell, and they can’t wait to hear it. I always knew I wanted a career in entertainment, and as an Officer in the Army, I was selected to be a principal actor in a theatrical commercial for the National Guard, directed by Antione Fuqua (Training Day). After this experience, I packed my bags and moved to LA to be...

Too many creators spend years perfecting their work in silence, only to release it and wonder why no one is paying attention. The problem isn’t the quality of the work, it’s that people weren’t invited into the process. They never had a reason to care before it existed. That’s why I created the motto, “Watch Who You Call Ugly” or "WWYCU". It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a philosophy about transformation, perspective, and growth. The things we overlook, dismiss, or label as “not ready” often...

When developing a television series, a series bible is one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal. It’s your blueprint, pitch deck, and creative roadmap all in one, helping you clearly define the world of your show, your characters, and the overarching themes that make it compelling. Whether you’re aiming to sell your show, secure a spot in a writer’s room, or simply refine your storytelling, understanding how to craft a strong series bible is essential. Why Writing a Series Bible is an Es...

Hello, Stage 32 Creatives! I'm Sandra Isabel Correia. Today, I want to share my unexpected journey on Stage 32. This vibrant community for filmmakers, screenwriters, and creatives has been more transformative than I ever anticipated. My Background I spent part of my childhood in a theater owned by my father in the 1970s and 1980s in a village in southern Portugal. I remember choosing films with him for the theater, and they are still vividly in my mind: Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, Bru...

Whenever I’m asked to critique or fix a script, the first thing I want to know is: what’s the theme? Not the story, not the plot- the theme. The theme in a movie is its underlying central idea or message, explored through story, character, imagery, music, and design. Theme is the foundation, the beating heart, the thing that makes your story about something instead of about nothing. Without theme, ninety minutes of a bunch of people muttering about their problems is just ninety minutes of a bu...

As a writer, I wanted to improve my storytelling and gain more experience. When I reached out to one of Stage 32’s great leaders, K. Ross, asking, "What can I do to improve my writing?" her advice was simple and clear- make a film. Of course, like many writers, I didn’t have millions of dollars to make a blockbuster film. Heck, I didn’t even have hundreds! So, I had to get creative. I joined a 48-Hour Film Festival Group to kick-start my filmmaking journey. Step 1: Find a Crew The closes...

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. Crime stories have long been one of the most popular genres in the world, and f...