The sun is shining, a cool breeze is whistling, and the chatter of social gatherings is buzzing in the distance. Even outside of Los Angeles, beyond restaurants and open-air malls, we are seeing life slowly crawl back to normal (if we can even call it that now), both in our personal lives and in production. You’ll note RB’s recent Coffee & Content was all about being on set. The man knows what’s up! With good weather and good health comes a rush to get back to work. What are you working on? What productions are popping up in your area?

Don’t worry, those in development and post-production will benefit from this new momentum as well. For now, however, the focus has shifted to getting ourselves back on set and taking those scripts to screen! Some Stage 32 members celebrate wrapping production while others are ramping up, and of course, there is always a space to discuss how to improve our strategies! Sharing resources, insights, and victories is a great way to contribute to the lounges in a positive and constructive way.

Today’s collection of Stage 32’s Top 10 Lounge Posts are a fantastic collection of posts that get us jazzed for getting back on set or motivate us to keep contributing in anticipation of our next production! Not seeing a topic you’d like to talk about? Try searching the Lounges by going to the Lounge landing page, entering a key phrase in the top, right search bar, and seeing what conversations have already begun. Still no dice? Start the conversation yourself! The Stage 32 community is incredibly uplifting, so don’t be afraid to jump in!

PRODUCING:

1. We did a thing!

• Two of our Writer’s Room members (Marriannjely Marval & Chaun Lee pictured below) got together and made a film! And it all starts with a conversation here on Stage 32. Follow this thread for more behind-the-scenes information!

Pictured left to right: Marriannjely Marval, Chaun Lee, and their sound guy, Gerel

2. First Feature

• Another film completed by a Stage 32 member - chat about it with him here!

3. Amazon buys MGM - how y’all doin’ with that?

• And while independent film is still soldiering forward, so too are the big studios. Let’s discuss it here!

FILMMAKING:

4. Meet a new filmmaker for 30 days

• From Cedric Benjamin (pictured below). What a great challenge to help network and get out of your comfort zone! Why not challenge yourself to meet more people in production as well?

Pictured above: Cedric Benjamin, actor from Luke Cage (2016) and New Amsterdam (2018).

5. No “action” yelling on set? What do you think?

• I’m not sure I knew this, but what a great idea to get you thinking about how you wish to work with your on-screen talent!

6. Rules for Filmmaking Filmmakers

• Sharing insight and asking for feedback - this is what it’s all about!

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

7. Trying out my new BLACKMAGIC 4k cinema camera

• The great thing about returning to set is geeking out about gear! Anyone else use this camera?

COMPOSING:

8. Free Gear

• When films are back in production, it gets everyone else moving, too! It’s a great time to share resources and help each other out.

Dark Horse Comics Logo, Fair use

TRANSMEDIA:

9. Dark Horse Comics starts a gaming and digital entertainment division

• Just when you thought the forward momentum was just in film and television, these announcements pop up! Definitely ruminate with your fellow Stage 32 members about what this could mean for you!

SCREENWRITING:

10. I am looking for the screenwriting Maxims

• Such a great thread for sharing some wisdom and getting a TON in return!

Honorable Mention:

Johnny K. Wu’s Film is done and winning contests!

In case you’re hooked and want more good mojo, check out our previous Top 10 Posts, too!

Don’t forget - you can bookmark any “evergreen” posts, whether by topic or by opportunity. You can also share the post by clicking the “share” button on the bottom, right-hand corner of the post. Not sure which lounges you are subscribed to? You can confirm your subscriptions here.

No matter where you are in your process, you are always welcome to start the conversation in the Stage32 Lounges! Not sure where to start? You can DM me or email me at K.Ross@stage32.com For now, why not start with the links above? Click, read, comment, and start a post of your own! I look forward to seeing each of you in the lounges!