Coffee and Content: From The Clone Wars to Your Script- The Force of Preparation

Coffee and Content: From The Clone Wars to Your Script- The Force of Preparation

Coffee and Content: From The Clone Wars to Your Script- The Force of Preparation

Happy Sunday, Creative Army!

Have you had a creative weekend so far? Whether you’ve been writing, filming, editing, or simply dreaming up your next big idea, I’ve got some inspiring content to fuel your passion and keep you moving forward. So grab your coffee, and let’s dive in.

In honor of Star Wars Day, we’re celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Lucasfilm Animation. Take a few minutes to watch this beautiful tribute video featuring the team behind The Clone Wars, Rebels, and more, as they reflect on two decades of innovation, storytelling, and collaborative magic. It all started in 2005 when George Lucas launched Lucasfilm Animation at Big Rock Ranch. His vision? Create a fully CG Star Wars TV series unlike anything the world had seen. The result was The Clone Wars, which introduced unforgettable characters and paved the way for a new era of animated storytelling.

In the video, Dave Filoni shares how George would push the team beyond the limits of the technology of the time, challenging them to do or do not, as Yoda famously said. The studio grew into a tight-knit family of artists, technicians, and overseas partners, building worlds and crafting stories that would inspire millions. From Clone Wars to Rebels to the present day, Lucasfilm Animation has shown what’s possible when creativity meets perseverance, and the power of animation to move hearts.

As one team member says in the tribute, “We’ve all grown up together making these stories. And 20 years later, it’s just a little hard to believe.” It’s a great reminder of what’s possible when you commit to the long game and keep pushing the boundaries of your craft.

Now, let’s talk about your project. You’ve got a great screenplay- awesome. And what?

This is a philosophy I’ve shared for years: The “And What?”

You wrote a script. And what?

It’s based on IP. And what?

You have a producer attached. And what?

You’ve locked in a name actor. Fantastic. But still—And what?

The truth is, executives don’t want to have to do all the heavy lifting. They’re looking for you to bring a project in that’s already packaged, polished, and market-aware. Every “And what?” you answer adds value. It’s not about perfection, it’s about preparation.

In this short video, I break down exactly what I mean and how you can start asking the right questions of yourself to position your project for success.

In the comments below, tell me: What’s YOUR next “And What?” on the project you’re working on right now?

As always, here at Stage 32, we love to share stories and knowledge with our fellow film fans. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them! Tag them below! You can keep up with all of our content by subscribing to the Stage 32 YouTube. For more inspirational, educational, and motivational content on all things entertainment industry, follow me on Instagram and X @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, & creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

StarWars | Lucasfilm Animation 20th Anniversary

Coffee and Content From The Clone Wars to Your Script The Force of Preparation

RBWalksIntoABar | My “And What?” Philosophy

Coffee and Content From The Clone Wars to Your Script The Force of Preparation

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About the Author

Richard "RB" Botto

Richard "RB" Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Richard "RB" Botto has created the online platform and marketplace designed to democratize the entertainment industry, Stage 32. By leveling the playing field for all film, television and digital content creators and professionals worldwide, Stage 32 provides networking and training opportunities as...

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19 Comments on Richard RB's Article

John Snell
Screenwriter, Actor
At the moment I'm working through coverages and pitches to get my scripts as tight as possible to pass the test, Richard "RB" Botto. And, to learn what I am able here at Stage 32.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Patience, persistence, perseverance, my friend.
25 days ago
John Snell
Screenwriter, Actor
I'll stay patient, but keep moving Richard "RB" Botto, and continue to do what I can with what I have to work with. If I can make it happen it's all good, if not it's still all good, I'm still having a ball!
a month ago
Kat Spencer
Author, Musician, Editor, Story Analyst
Hahahaha, ain't that the truth?! I guess even before I knew this philosophy, I've been living it. Usually doing everything on my own, asking myself a similar question, "Now what?" Guess it pays to be a lone wolf, for a while anyway. We're used to doing the heavy lifting. My next, "And what?" - Turn my novels into screenplays. Thanks for the tribute share. Love the family atmosphere!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
That is a fantastic problem to have, Kat Spencer. Embrace it!
a month ago
Kat Spencer
Author, Musician, Editor, Story Analyst
Richard "RB" Botto Oh, and other "and what?"—connecting with music libraries. I have a never-ending list of things I can do for both myself as an author and myself as a musician. It's a good problem to have. 
a month ago
Pamela Jaye Smith
Author, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Acting Teacher, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
What a rich and deep ongoing legacy. Thanks for featuring this look-see, RB.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Happy to, Pamela Jaye Smith. Thanks for commenting.
a month ago
Pamela Jaye Smith
Author, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Acting Teacher, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
What a rich and deep ongoing legacy. Thanks for featuring this look-see, RB.
a month ago
Pamela Jaye Smith
Author, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Acting Teacher, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
What a rich and deep ongoing legacy. Thanks for featuring this look-see, RB.
a month ago
Mark Deuce
Screenwriter, Executive
Star Wars needs to get back to what their fans want, and not what their narrow minded producers desire to see, which is failing. This is just not me saying this, it is all die hard fans are screaming from the roof tops and many are conveying that Star Wars is Dead. Thoughts?
a month ago
Film Budget
Producer, Business Affairs Consultant, Creative Executive, Filmmaker, Financier, Line Producer, Production Manager
Without a doubt the industry has pushed the work of development and to a large part sourcing (equity) financing to filmmakers. Once their coffers melted in '08'09 they realized they could look for "end zone" product they can take over the line. We as filmmakers must take the initiative, for good or bad. MT4THBWY!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
"We as filmmakers must take the initiative, for good or bad." Etch that in stone, my friend.
a month ago
Lauren Hackney
Screenwriter, Author
Thank you for letting me know 'And what?'. I'm still learning so what happens when you're trying to do all the heavy lifting but you're still new in this industry? I know the actors I would like but I don't know how to even start contacting them. I also need help finding a producer - sometimes I pick the wrong ones. Any advice? Thanks RB!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Absolutely, Lauren Hackney. For my money, this is the most supportive community on the planet. Dive right in.
a month ago
Lauren Hackney
Screenwriter, Author
Thanks RB - I'm going to work harder at networking and getting myself out there. Thank you for the confidence boost!
a month ago
Sandra Isabel Correia
Screenwriter, Executive
RB, what made Lucasfilm Animation so successful was the team and a strong leader, when you have that, you have everything. As a Star Wars fan, I truly admire how collaboration and vision drive great storytelling. For my ‘And What,’ I’m now in pre-production for my short script proof of concept shooting , and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the team I’m building. I’ve challenged them, and so far, no one has said ‘No’, it almost feels too easy! In three weeks, I’ll be sharing the results of my ‘And What’; let’s see where this adventure takes us! Have a great pre-Cannes preparation week :))
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Most welcome, Sandra Isabel Correia.
a month ago
Sandra Isabel Correia
Screenwriter, Executive
Now, I can't ask for more, RB. And I hope to keep this good energy and things flow like this :)) Thank you, my friend.
a month ago
Tony Ray
Screenwriter
I worked in B2B sales for about a month this past year. And while I was terrible at selling internet gateways and phones, I did learn something about selling: you have to be able to counter a person's objections. I think this falls right in line with the "And what?" mindset: basically, have an answer for every question and a solution to every problem. This is where being the most prepared you can be will really make all the difference.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
And if you can bring value on top of that, you're really humming, Tony Ray.
a month ago
William Joseph Hill
Actor, Screenwriter, Filmmaker
May the 4th Be With You! The Star Wars movies and Lucasfilm are what got me interested in movies as a career. So I owe everything to George Lucas, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, John Dykstra and the whole ILM pioneers as well as Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, etc.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Pretty fantastic influences right there, William Joseph Hill 
a month ago
Tom Stohlgren
Author, Researcher, Screenwriter
George Lucas reminds me of an Irish uncle who visited our family of five boys in Oakland, California. He entertained us with “stories” of his homeland overflowing with wily leprechauns, ferries, changelings, and banshees. Luckily, there was the Church and the saints, Holy Mother, and good Lord to protect us. Uncle Dennis brought our imaginations to life. I learned to tip my hat especially to lone storytellers like Homer, Aesop, Black Elk, Ray Hicks, but also storytellers like George Lucas who have armies of help to bring life to tall tales. RB’s “and what” cautionary advice rings true today. Aesop needs a better agent!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
When you have that kind of influence, that's a life well lived, Tom Stohlgren.
a month ago
Tom Stohlgren
Author, Researcher, Screenwriter
There is no arguing his success story. My Uncle Dennis wasn't a billionaire or famous to anyone but us kids, but that was always enough for me.
a month ago
Sille Larsen
Screenwriter
Wow I love this, RB! The Lucasfilm tribute gave me chills, such a beautiful reminder of what passion and teamwork can build. Gonna share this to my social media! Have a fantastic Sunday!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Always great to see you here, Sille! Appreciate you commenting and sharing the content on your socials!
a month ago
Alexandra Stevens
Actor, Acting Teacher
What a dream to be part of the same collective of creative individuals pushing the frontiers for over twenty years like Lucasfilm Animation. My idea of heaven even though I realise it can’t always be easy. Lots of respect for the “do or do not but no I’ll try’ philosophy. That motivates me to keep going with my projects. I don’t have a screenplay to share my ‘and what’s’ but the ‘and what’ philosophy is relevant and helpful to what I’m working on so thank you RB for the prompt.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Always love hearing when C&C hits the mark, Alexandra Stevens. Appreciate you commenting.
a month ago
Christopher Hannon
Actor, Author, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Assistant Director, Casting Director, Cinematographer, Creative Executive, Videographer
He didn’t just have a script. He built a world. George Lucas succeeded because he treated Star Wars like living mythology. He had the art, the vision, the backstory, the universe. While others said “and what” he kept proving the story already existed. That’s the key. Don’t just show a script. Show them a world they can’t ignore. This is what inspires me, it isn't about making a show, its about making a legacy. Its proof that our stories we carry and worlds we build can outlive doubt, gatekeepers, and even us. Side note, I found it hilarious it is called coffee and content with all the wine bottles in the background. Creatively Poetic, like a mirror to every creative soul, who's poured themselves into a dream, or possibly saved for the right moment, like a good wine deserves. Thanks again RB
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Love the energy and perspective, Chris Thane. The first half of this post is all fire and a mic drop. It may be Coffee & Content, but, as many know, I love my vino. Maybe we'll have to add a late day Wine & Content.
a month ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Lucasfilm Animation has been a huge source of inspiration behind me wanting to write animated sci-fi. And I’m even more inspired by the fact that they pushed themselves to go beyond what is the norm. I love that. And you’re absolutely right RB. I’ve pretty much become used to whoever I work with wanting me to do the heavy lifting so we should never be beyond it. It’s why I’ve fostered a relationship with a local animation company for the last 10 years and not only have they done artwork for my IP, but they’ve listed me on their voice actor roster. I love the relationship that I have with them and I’m glad it was fostered over that time.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
You too, my friend.
a month ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Thanks so much Richard "RB" Botto. Happy Creative Sunday!!
a month ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Good morning, RB. I've been resting, brainstorming ideas for scripts, and networking this weekend. How's your weekend going? It's incredible how big Star Wars has become! You said, "The result was The Clone Wars, which introduced unforgettable characters and paved the way for a new era of animated storytelling." More than anything else, I remember a movie, show, etc. by its unforgettable characters. I think it's sad some executives don’t want to have to do all the heavy lifting and they’re looking for screenwriters to bring a project in that’s already packaged, polished, and market-aware. I don't think it should be that way. My “And What?” on the project I'm working on is the pitch material, like a pitch deck. I'm not attaching a producer, attaching a name actor, etc. That's the exec's job. I'm just going to write an incredible script that execs can't pass on, make the pitch material, continue to network, and pitch the script. If I can get the rights to IP and write a script based on it, I'll do that though.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
You're proof positive that stepping outside of your comfort zone yields the desired results, Maurice.
a month ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
You're welcome, RB. Glad you're having a fantastic weekend. Exactly. Treat networking like a job. I used to treat it like an afterthought. And I've been an introvert and shy most of my life, but networking got easier the more I did it. Seeing networking as making friends/hanging out helped too.
a month ago
Harri-Pekka Virkki
Author, Stunt Performer
Bringing value! Thanks for the reminder! ”It’s not about perfection, it’s about preparation.” Again one more great RB quote. Thanks and have a caffeinated Sunday!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Appreciate the good words, Harri-Pekka Virkki. I've never seen the "throwing shit at the wall" approach work in this business. Gotta prepare, strategize and execute. Well caffeinated already, my friend!
a month ago
Love it!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Thanks, Wendy Kay. Glad you found the vids useful.
a month ago
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