Latest Blogs

This was the first and last question I was asked as a student in film school. Is it something that we see on a big screen? That can’t possibly be the answer, you can see just about anything on a “big screen” these days and most cinematic experiences now happen in your home. I remember playing Metal Gear Solid on my PlayStation and remarking that it was quite a “cinematic experience.” Yet, when I watch the news, I don’t feel like it’s a cinematic experience. So, in this, I can understand the d...

Ever been to - or coordinated - a wedding? A special birthday party? Perhaps a charity event, musical concert, or film festival? More than likely, you have benefited from a wonderful person employing Location Scouting for a truly enjoyable experience. Or possibly been rudely introduced to the perils of poor Location Scouting when you couldn’t park, packed all the wrong things, and couldn’t find a clean bathroom. Preparing for a film shoot is not too dissimilar from any other live event. But be...

Happy Tuesday, Creative Army! We’re keeping the momentum going this summer by continuing to bring Cannes to you, one powerhouse panel at a time. As you know, Stage 32 proudly celebrated our 10th anniversary partnering with the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival this May. Our programming featured some of the most influential and innovative minds in the business, sharing unfiltered knowledge on what it really takes to get your projects made in today’s ever-changing industry. Today, I...

Hello Stage 32 Community! I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Stage 32 Brand Ambassador for Poland! I’m a film producer, editor, and President of Women in Film & Television Poland, and I had the pleasure of connecting with the Stage 32 team this year at the Cannes Film Festival. My film journey began in Los Angeles, and over the years, I’ve produced internationally recognized projects that have screened at festivals from Cannes to Berlinale to Mumbai. I’m especially passionate about...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Hope your July 4th weekend has been full of laughter, fireworks, and just enough peace to let those creative gears turn. Whether you’ve been writing, filming, editing, or dreaming up your next big idea, I’ve got something for you today that blends entertainment, education, and a little bit of “how not to do it.” So grab your coffee, and let’s dive in. This week’s featured video comes from the team at It Was A Sh*t Show, a brilliantly irreverent and informative se...

To have or not to have production insurance- the most important question. Short answer? YES. Always, yes. Production insurance is a necessary part of the production process that many independent creators love to avoid, whether to “save” money or avoid all the paperwork. However, much like car, health, and any other business insurance, it is a MUST! What does production insurance do? It covers rentals, liability, injuries while on set, vehicles operated on set, and even copyright claims. If p...

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community! There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the word “development.” It’s one of those industry terms that gets tossed around constantly, but when you ask five different people what it means, you’ll probably get five different answers. That’s why this week, inspired by a recent conversation in the Writer’s Room Lounge, I want to pull back the curtain a bit. In honor of July Filmmakers Club, we’re getting real about what filmmaking actually looks like, the good, the...

Bending the rules of physics is acceptable in fiction, as long as writers apply the logic consistently. As audiences, we suspend our disbelief all the time, immersing ourselves in imagined worlds. But we can only go so far before the narrative becomes implausible. While creative license is often employed, staying close to realistic science can be a way to keep your audience grounded and engaged. Nothing kills a story for me faster than something so wildly unrealistic it yanks me right out of the...

Before we do anything else, let’s get the trite, buzz-wordy - and largely inaccurate - piece of non-advice out of the way first: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” It’s pithy and sounds so wise. And you’ve heard it so often that it basically just folds into any conversation you ever have about how to build your network. It’s also one of those nothing phrases that people say without really digging into it deeper. The first major problem with it is that it’s not who you know, but i...

Happy Tuesday, Creative Army! If you weren’t able to make it to Cannes this year, don’t worry—we’re still bringing Cannes to you. As I mentioned last week, Stage 32 celebrated our 10th year partnering with the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival this May. Our panels were packed with powerhouse insights and practical strategies from the most respected minds in film and television. And the best part? We’re sharing every one of them with you, right here on the Stage 32 blog. Today, I’m...