In 2020, I wrote a Stage 32 blog about how to use struggles as creative fuel: When Life Gives You Lemons, Open a Lemonade Company - How to Use Struggles as Creative Fuel. In the last paragraph of that blog I wrote: "Although I did not find a new well-paid job, I would not change it for the world. And I have confidence in the universe." Shortly after posting my blog on Stage 32, a published author contacted me mentioning that she read my wonderful blog and would like to connect. This was...

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community! Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in as many new resources and opportunities as possible to enrich your experience here in our community! At Stage 32 you have direct access to award-winning industry executives and professionals who’ve written, directed, produced, filmed, developed, performed, and represented acclaimed projects such as 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE HOLDOVERS, STRANGER THINGS, SOUND OF FREEDOM, SOUTH PARK, THE WALKING DEAD, INTE...

Happy Thursday, Stage 32 Community! I hope that the last month has been joyful and productive for you all! Our Stage 32 Education Team has certainly been hard at work to bring incredible education opportunities and resources to this fantastic community. This April, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, showrunners, animators, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or repres...

I’m a professional comedian, actor, and “wannabe” writer. For over 22 years I’ve been performing as a stand-up comedian. When I was studying law to get my law degree, and then when I was working as a prosecutor I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be a “stand-up comedian”. But it happened. Pursuing a career in the performing arts was never something that was considered an option when growing up in the 80s. My dad was old school, he was a military man and he hammered it into me that, “You go...

As a follow-up to my previous blog, "Script Analysis 101: Understanding The Key Elements That Make Or Break A Screenplay," today's blog dives further into the intricate world of script analysis. From character development and dialogue to plot structure and theme, this comprehensive guide is designed to empower and inspire new screenwriters as they navigate the complex terrain of script coverage. I hope that this blog will serve as a trusted guide, offering insights and practical techniques to he...

Want Success? Stop Listening to the Hollywood Narrative! Is it just me, or does it feel like Hollywood is set up to make you fail? Obstacle, after obstacle… Rejection, after rejection… It’s *almost* not even worth trying. And I can say ‘almost’ because those of us who still believe in the magic of our dreams, have a passion so strong that we are going to go for it, despite all of the hardships we hear about. If you are one of those people, like me, I want you to really listen to what...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? I have some content here for you that is sure to get the creative juices flowing, so grab your coffee, and let's dive in. First up, in this video from StudioBinder, we're learning why good things come in threes. Whether it's dialogue, humor, plot points, visual cues, or a myriad of other elements - the rule of three can often be used to improve a script and even show the strength of the writer. Is there a way that you can u...

The film industry is a unique business. Writers, producers, directors, and performers can truly focus and dedicate their time and resources to their passion. However, at the same time, filmmakers often experience frustration, stress, anxiety, anger, failure, overwhelm, burnout, and resentment as they deal with the daily challenges and complexities that characterize filmmaking. The film industry, for most people, is a high-demanding, labor-intensive, financially unstable, prestige-driven, and h...

It was a sunny Sunday morning, May 9th, 1970. I just sat down for breakfast at a quaint little restaurant in Hollywood. I was going to the MGM auction for a second day. The day before I had snagged a cool prize and it only cost me $20.00. I loved looking for movie props and memorabilia from the golden age of film. My budget was $100.00, so as you may have guessed, you can’t buy much with that. Still, you must remember it was 1970 and one hundred bucks was like a thousand back then. As I sat down...

Howdy, fellow Stage 32 folks!   My name is Stephen Notley. I'm a screenplay contest reader, as well as a screenwriter with a handful of scripts that I've entered in contests various and yon, all while paying out of pocket for oodles and a plethora of script analyses. So, having played on both sides of the script reading court, I thought I'd offer some thoughts you folks might find useful.   I want to start by talking about proofreading. Here's the headline: Proofread your scripts, people!  ...