As a passionate filmmaker, my journey has been both thrilling and challenging. Along the way, I've had the opportunity of invaluable learning experiences through Stage 32. In this blog post, I'll take you behind the scenes of my directorial debut, and share insights gleaned from my experience and my participation in Stage 32's educational courses.

The Stage 32 Experience: Empowering Creatives Worldwide

Stage 32 is a vibrant community of like-minded creatives, where ideas flow freely, and collaboration knows no bounds. Embarking on a feature film from inception to distribution, Stage 32 has been instrumental in fostering my growth as a filmmaker through the three different courses I took that honed my skills and gave me the knowledge to put into my filmmaking journey.

Aimee Schoof's Producing Lab: Navigating The Complexities of Production

Participating in Aimee Schoof's producing lab was a game-changer in my journey towards bringing my film, the horror comedy, "Easter Bloody Easter" to life. Aimee's wealth of experience and insightful guidance equipped me with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of production, from securing financing to assembling a talented cast and crew. Although I had been producing for many years and started my own company, WallyBird Productions, in 2018, I learned so much more. Her mentorship proved invaluable as I navigated the intricate web of logistics and creative decision-making, ultimately laying the groundwork for a successful production.

Heath Cullens' Directing Class: Crafting A Vision

Heath Cullens' directing class provided me with a newfound perspective on visual storytelling, challenging me to push the boundaries of my creativity and craft a distinct vision for my film. Since I was working on my directorial debut, I took his class to further my knowledge of the best practices for directing actors and knowing how to communicate with my crew. He encouraged me to embrace experimentation, explore new techniques, and trust my instincts as a filmmaker. Through Heath's guidance, I honed my directorial skills and developed a cohesive vision that would shape the tone and aesthetic of the film.

Michelle Alexandria's Distribution Class: Navigating the Film Landscape

In Michelle Alexandria's distribution class, I gained invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of film distribution. Michelle's expertise shed light on the intricacies of marketing, promotion, and audience engagement, empowering me to navigate the competitive world of distribution with confidence and strategy. Her guidance proved instrumental in developing a comprehensive distribution plan for "Easter Bloody Easter," ensuring that the film would reach its intended audience and make a lasting impact in the industry.

Reflection & Gratitude

Through these immersive learning experiences, I've gained insights and skills that have been instrumental in bringing my film to fruition. "Easter Bloody Easter" was a collaborative effort fueled by passion and dedication. From the initial concept to the final cut, every aspect of the filmmaking process was meticulously crafted to evoke thrills and laughter in equal measure! It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the unwavering commitment of a talented team.

As I reflect on the last few years making this film, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities I have learned from Stage 32, Aimee, Heath, and Michelle. Their guidance has not only shaped the trajectory of my career but enriched my journey as a filmmaker, empowering me to tell stories that resonate with audiences on a visceral level. Together, let's continue to push the boundaries of creativity, challenge the status quo, and inspire future generations of filmmakers to follow their dreams. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Stage 32 for their unwavering support and guidance. As "Easter Bloody Easter" makes its debut, I invite you all to embark on a thrilling cinematic experience that promises to make you laugh, scream, and sing along! "Easter Bloody Easter," releases March 26 on VOD with our distribution partners Gravitas Ventures. You can even pre-order the film.

Let's all continue to inspire and empower aspiring filmmakers around the world together!

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