Latest Blogs

No matter where you are based as an actor, given the state of the industry over the past few years you have undoubtedly submitted a self-tape audition (or 1,000). If you're based in LA or NYC, before COVID you may have only occasionally been required to self-tape, and when that happened, perhaps you used your cell phone or went to a buddy’s house to have them tape you. I, on the other hand, am based in Atlanta. And in addition to being a full-time actor for almost 20 years, I have co-owned a t...

When you think of great original soundtracks - the best of the best, you probably think of Final Fantasy, Zelda, Skyrim, and even Sonic. Video game music is a genre in itself. It went from 8-bit synthy beeps and bobs to orchestra epic arrangements. The genre has impacted and inspired so many, myself included. I will admit that growing up, I wasn’t into the greats like Final Fantasy or Zelda. I was more into obscure games such as Spyro, Twisted Metal, Crazy Taxi, and such. It is games like thos...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Let’s kick things off with a huge shoutout to everyone who has already jumped into this month’s Introduce Yourself Weekend. Thousands of creatives from around the world are connecting, sharing their stories, and building relationships that will lead to collaborations, opportunities, and lifelong friendships. If you haven’t yet made your introduction, you’ve still got time! Head over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge and say hello before the weekend wraps. Be bold....

We can all agree that it’s nigh impossible for a finished film to be even 90% close to the original screenplay. Budget and logistic constraints can be very limiting for the filmmaker and often the creative vision changes according to the ebbs and flow of the production. Locations are changed, dialogues are added, and sometimes even characters are edited out. As a result, when the filmmaker has finished post and is busy procuring deliverable material required by film festivals or the distributo...

Community. It's the foundation of Stage 32's success and longevity. Creatives and professionals showing up for each other in little ways over time so that we are all better for it; it's a beautiful thing. It is also the heart of the Stage 32 Writers' Room. Perhaps that's why I've been a member for almost six (6) years - and counting!   Not heard of Stage 32's Writers' Room? It's designed to allow dedicated writers and multi-hyphenates to shorten their path to success through elevated resources...

How in the blue blazes is an independent filmmaker like yourself supposed to find a favorable distribution deal and secure profitability for your movie? You’re not. In today’s economy, in every sector of the entertainment industry, institutions are more apt to sell artists and creators the possibility of success than they are to invest in the actual labor that goes into making a film successful. Just like every other sector of the entertainment industry, this unsettling reality tends to make eve...

And...we're off! The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, and Stage 32 is all over the Croisette! For those of you who weren't able to make it to France this year, we want to make sure that you, too, are part of the action. Stop what you're doing right now, pick up your phone, and go follow our fearless leader, Richard "RB" Botto, and Managing Director Amanda Toney: Instagram @stage32 @rbwalksintoabar X @stage32 @rbwalksintoabar Facebook @stage32   We are LIV...

At the time of this writing, the diss track 'Not Like Us' performed by hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar, is still chillin' (with arms folded) at the top of the charts. Since its debut weeks ago, the song has been streamed over 120 million times on Spotify alone. So, unless you've been living under a rock or completely detached from the genre, it is nearly impossible to escape the four-and-a-half-minute triumph. From quirky renditions by social media influencers and celebrities to old white guys t...

Hey friends! The BIGGEST Science Fiction & Fantasy Screenplay Contest in the World is Back! Ever dreamt of seeing your Sci-Fi/Fantasy script come to life on the big screen or stream on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality! This is your chance to turn that dream into reality! Our Grand Prize Winner will win a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $5,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an educat...

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. First up, I’m sharing a fascinating video essay from Vox: Why Your Favorite Movies Fake Their Locations. We all know movie magic shows up in the acting, the visuals, and the sound design, but there’s another trick th...