Coffee & Content: Your Mission- Create Boldly, Stay on Your Path

Coffee & Content: Your Mission- Create Boldly, Stay on Your Path

Coffee & Content: Your Mission- Create Boldly, Stay on Your Path

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.

This week’s featured video essay comes from Frame Voyager, and it’s an absolute ride through the world of one of the most iconic action franchises in film history—Mission: Impossible.

The original Mission: Impossible film from 1996 kicked off what would become a decades-spanning franchise, and this deep dive explores how it all came together. From the legacy of the 1966 TV series, to Tom Cruise stepping in as producer and star, the last-minute script changes, De Palma’s directorial risks, and the wild world of stunts and early digital VFX, it’s a masterclass in ambition, adaptation, and creative problem-solving.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, or fan of cinematic spectacle, there’s something to learn here about how chaos behind the scenes can still lead to box office history.

Now, let’s talk about something I get asked about all the time - what's the secret to being successful in this industry?

Here’s the truth: the real secret to thriving in this industry is understanding that no one has the same path. Stop looking at where others are and using that as a measuring stick for your journey. Their timeline isn’t yours. Their wins aren’t your losses. Instead, set your own macro and micro goals. Celebrate the small wins just as much as the big ones. A finished draft. A brave introduction. A reply from a producer. These are stepping stones, and they all count. Learn more here.

A great way to keep track of your progress and build momentum is by regularly sharing your journey in the Stage 32 Lounges. Let us know what you’re working on, what you’ve learned this week, and where you’re headed next. When you open up about your path, you’ll find support, encouragement, and maybe even a collaborator or mentor.

So let me ask you this—what steps are you taking today or this coming week to move forward on your path? Let us know in the comments.

As always, we love sharing inspiration, tools, and insights that help fuel your creative fire. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them. And don’t forget to tag us (@Stage32) if you do. You can keep up with everything we’re doing on the Stage 32 YouTube and by following me on Instagram and X: @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

Frame Voyager | The INSANE Production of Mission Impossible 1 (1996)

Coffee  Content Your Mission Create Boldly Stay on Your Path

RBWalksIntoABar | What’s The Real Secret to Being Successful in the Industry?

Coffee  Content Your Mission Create Boldly Stay on Your Path

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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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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18 Comments on Richard RB's Article

Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Hi RB, the steps I’m taking next week are simple ones; writing and research, plus Sandra and I are recording an interview with each other for the Seeing Rachel YT Channel, as a way of introducing potential investors and sponsors to us and our project.
a month ago
Alexandra Stevens
Actor, Acting Teacher
Thanks for this motivational article RB. It's good to be reminded to celebrate the small wins as I today I find myself feeling disheartened by the lack of traction towards my goal. However what you say reinforces what I was telling myself, that there have been wins. A big one is pitching an acting teaching workshop for young people to a school who are interested. Yet to see if they will take it on but just the fact I pitched and they are showing initial interest is something good. Working here as an acting lounge moderator has also been a win
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
You're so very welcome, Alexandra Stevens. And yes, it's been one hell of a productive and rewarding trip.
a month ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Congratulations on your wins, Alexandra!
a month ago
Nikolett Mengyi
Set Photographer, Digital Imaging Technician, Cinematographer, Storyboard Artist
Thanks for sharing, I agree with you
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Glad to hear it, Nikolett Mengyi!
a month ago
John Snell
Screenwriter, Actor
Thanks Richard "RB" Botto, I also read the Deadline Hollywood scammer article, great job Stage 32!
a month ago
Anna Kiss
Author, Screenwriter
Hi, RB, I'm glad to read your updates again. When I happened to come across the Stage 32, instantly realized that the network what I was trying to build already exists here, and has been for over ten years — complete and fully functional. I can’t congratulate you and your team enough for how well Stage 32 is put together and run! By the way, spent last 12 days in a very productive way, at least in terms of my goal. I got to know Stage 32 much better and integrated it with my own previous network. The last week I got an inquiry from a film producer who wanted to learn more about what I’m working on and what ideas I’m exploring. He said he’d be open to collaborating on everything from story development to production and distribution. I know exactly how “too good to be true” that sounds, but moments like that still deserve to be celebrated, for sure. What’s amazing is that so many of the questions I have are already answered by what you share with us. In general, Stage 32 is such an inspiring system, and the professionals you have working here make even just reading the emails incredibly valuable for all of us. Thank you for that!
a month ago
Anna Kiss
Author, Screenwriter
Thank you. :)
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Sorry to hear that happened, Anna Kiss! But happy to hear it's been resolved.
a month ago
Kat Spencer
Author, Musician, Editor, Story Analyst
That was fun to watch :) I cannot wait to see the new one. As for your question . . . I think I'm always moving on my path, even if sometimes I'm strolling. My mind is always working. For today, every day, and this week? I am finding ways to blend my worlds together. I write the stories, and I also write the soundtracks to them. It's a unique perspective. Hope you are doing well, RB!
a month ago
Kat Spencer
Author, Musician, Editor, Story Analyst
Richard "RB" Botto Indeed :)
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Better than the opposite, Kat Spencer!
a month ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Good morning, RB. My creative weekend's been great. I finished a pitch deck job, worked on a ghostwriting job, and networked. How's your weekend going? The narrator in the first video said the love triangle got cut out the script. They got outside advice from George Lucas who criticized the love triangle idea. I used to want to put a love story or romantic relationship in every script, but I realized every script doesn’t need one. You said, "Here’s the truth: the real secret to thriving in this industry is understanding that no one has the same path. Stop looking at where others are and using that as a measuring stick for your journey." You're right. And I do different things to bring attention to my projects, like posting a three-word pitch or posting a sneak peek page on social media. The steps I'm taking today and this coming week are working on my projects and networking.
a month ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks, RB. I appreciate it. I saw Stage 32's post captioned "Film prep." Looking forward to hearing about the film!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
And you do that extremely well, Maurice Vaughan! 
a month ago
Vuyolwethu Gwadana
Student, Screenwriter
Thanks Mr Botto. I have recently shared my first logline on the platform and I'm currently working on character development. The fascinating part about my screenplay is the continuous transformation of normalcy and beliefs percisting within the super-egos of consciousness. The main character bewilds the capacity to end a war that is to be inflicted on planet earth by ETs alien to the the existting general knowledge of man.
a month ago
Vuyolwethu Gwadana
Student, Screenwriter
Thanks RB. I shall update the entire logline section within a week. It took a lot courage for me to start the screenplay. Can send you an email?
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Dig your style and approach, Vuyolwethu Gwadana. You're doing it your way. That's all that matters. And please, call me RB.
a month ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
I would agree RB and also add that comparinoia is not only a joy killer but a sure-fire way to divert us from the path that we’re supposed to be on. There are a million nuances that are different in my journey than the next person. So not only do I want what’s best for them but what is the absolute best for me. And that’s going to look different each time - even from one job to the next. Thanks as always RB.
a month ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Thanks Richard "RB" Botto!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Another mic drop, Leonardo Ramirez. Can't add a word.
a month ago
Love it!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Thanks, Wendy Kay 
a month ago
Haley Mary
Actor, Songwriter, Comedian
I love that "Success is taking a step towards the big goal". Rather than thinking success is when we have completed a project, we can think of each task we do is a success in itself, whether that is writing a few pages of a script or even writing down a title or small logline.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Micro goals toward the macro, Haley Mary. And celebrate hitting those micro goals along the way. This is the key to success.
a month ago
Tom Stohlgren
Author, Researcher, Screenwriter
The first “Mission: Impossible” film affected me differently than most viewers. I was impressed by the action, visuals, and special effects, but I was saddened to see the emphasis shifting from “story-telling” to “story-selling.” I laughed when I wondered how the ancient oral storytellers from Homer to Aesop would react to seeing such a film (with apologies to the sight-impaired Homer). Around this time in my life, I became interested in writing novels - historical fiction - and I found myself inserting scenes requiring stunts and special effects. I assume Homer did the same when he told stories of the six-headed Scylla and the giant cyclops. In hindsight, Homer and “Mission: Impossible” taught me that if you can imagine it, you can write it. And if you can write it, a director and producer will figure out how to show it. It’s all storytelling. I agree with RB about celebrating the stepping stones and micro-goals. Stay positive and write on.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Another fantastic post, Tom Stohlgren! Loved every word.
a month ago
Nikolett Mengyi
Set Photographer, Digital Imaging Technician, Cinematographer, Storyboard Artist
Thank you :)
a month ago
John Hacherian
Screenwriter, Producer
Sage advice.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Much appreciated, John Hacherian 
a month ago
Pat Savage
Actor, Director, Music Composer, Musician, Producer
Hey there from Chios one island away from Santorini! Great coffee and content hoss as always. Going into the studio this week to tighten up the voice over on my Showreel and tweek my pitch deck! Vroomin away paisan!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Good on you, my friend. Hope it goes well!
a month ago
Lauren Hackney
Screenwriter, Author
Steps I'm taking this week - using recent feedback to polish my scripts... I'm just confused which advice to go with. Two different producers gave me two different opinions and now it's deciding which way to go. Along with that, I'm drafting out new concepts and writing lots. I like your post RB - I hope my career unfolds organically for me. But it is hard not to compare my path to others. Thanks for this post!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Don't compare your path with others. No two are ever the same, Lauren Hackney!
a month ago
William Joseph Hill
Actor, Screenwriter, Filmmaker
This is great stuff, RB! I love how Tom Cruise has elevated the action genre. And your piece on success is so true. I like to look at other people's journeys to see the obstacles they overcame to achieve the success they have now. To me, success is being able to have sustainability to keep working on amazing projects.
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
And you gotta get punched in the face to learn how NOT to get punched in the face, William Joseph Hill!
a month ago
Film Budget
Producer, Business Affairs Consultant, Creative Executive, Filmmaker, Financier, Line Producer, Production Manager
Exciting to see the Mission Impossible journey. Likewise excellent advise from the field as always! Many of the cliche's are true now as ever: Steady wins the race, Eyes on the prize. Perseverance was my insight from early on which remains my mantra. This industry has numerous and constant headwinds and tribulations. Many quit and will never realize their goals in entertainment. Press on. Keep your overhead low. Learn, improve, grow, and don't ask for permission! Thanks @RB!
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
One theme from Cannes this year, Jack Binder, was getting through the storms. We had COVID, the strikes, the slow ramp up. All of it. But everyone who stayed in the game felt this was the most productive Cannes in a decade. That speaks to your perseverance.
a month ago
Harri-Pekka Virkki
Author, Stunt Performer
Thank you, Richard RB
a month ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Absolutely, Harri-Pekka Virkki 
a month ago
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