Filmmaking / Directing

Ask Me Anything | Feb 4–5 (Tomorrow)

Hi everyone, I’m Joshua Young, an AI consultant focused on ethical integration in the film industry, and a 42-time award-winning screenwriter, director, actor, and producer with over 20 years of experience.

My role is simple. I act as an AI translator for creatives. I cut through the hype, the fear-based headlines, and the marketing noise to show filmmakers how AI can support their workflow without replacing them or diluting their creative voice.

My guiding principle is: Tools, NOT Terminators.

AI is not a future threat. It is already embedded in our industries, our tools, and our daily lives. Like the arrival of the internet, digital filmmaking, and streaming before it, AI represents another major shift.

The problem is not AI.

The problem is misunderstanding it.

This AMA is about finding the balance. AI as an assistant, not an artist replacement.

What This AMA Will Cover

- How to use AI without losing your creative voice

- Where AI is genuinely useful in a filmmaker’s workflow

- Where AI should not be used

- How to set boundaries so AI serves your intent

- How to separate real tools from hype and fear-based narratives

- What informed early adoption actually looks like

I will be answering questions throughout Wednesday, February 4th and 5th, so bring your questions and your curiosity.

Example Questions Members Can Ask

1. How can writers use AI without replacing their unique voice and vision?

2. What parts of the filmmaking process benefit most from AI right now? Hint: Workflow WITH a human monitoring it.

3. Where should creatives draw a hard line with AI?

4. Does using AI hurt a writer or director’s credibility?

5. How do you prevent AI from steering story, tone, or character?

6. What is the biggest misconception filmmakers have about AI?

7. Can AI realistically help indie or mid-budget projects survive?

8. How should skeptical creatives start experimenting with AI safely?

I've been thinking a lot about representation behind the camera this awards season, and I'm genuinely excited about what I'm seeing.

Chloé Zhao just earned eight Oscar nominations for HAMNET. Coralie Fargeat's THE SUBSTANCE became A24's highest-grossing film ever and dominated the conversation last year (even if ANORA WON...).

These aren't just good for a female director success stories. They're masterclasses in filmmaking. Period. And yet, we're still having the same conversation we've been having for decades: where are the women?

As of right now, only one woman (Kathryn Bigelow for THE HURT LOCKER) has ever won the Oscar for Best Director. One. In nearly 100 years of the Academy Awards.

I work with writers and filmmakers every day and I see just as many talented female screenwriters as male ones. But when it comes to getting behind the camera, the barriers multiply. Financing becomes harder. Studios second-guess. Budgets shrink. The "prove yourself" bar gets set impossibly high.

What gives me hope this year is that the work is undeniable. Chloé Zhao, Coralie Fargeat, and so many others are making films that are technically ambitious, emotionally resonant, and commercially viable. They're not asking for permission anymore...they're just making great cinema.

While I'm rooting for Chloe, 2026 is going to be Coogler's year. And he also deserves it.

But here's the thing: we shouldn't have to wait for a woman to make a masterpiece to justify giving her a shot. Male directors get to make mediocre films all the time and still get another chance. Female directors have to be exceptional just to stay in the room.

So my hope for this year's Oscars? That we see another woman win Best Director. Not because of optics, but because the work deserves it. And my hope beyond that? That we stop treating female directors like unicorns and start treating them like what they are: filmmakers.

With talent like Witherspoon and Kidman using their names to champion work by women, I'm hopeful we'll see some change. Interestingly, TV has embraced change more quickly with women directors killing it. So is the motion picture industry just inherently traditional and old-school? Or is change coming?

While actively making The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan stepped into the role of President of the Directors Guild of America, at a moment when the industry is facing major shifts around AI, production slowdowns, union negotiations, and long-term sustainability for working creatives.

One line that stood out to me was Nolan calling directing “a lonely profession,” and how being involved with the DGA has given him space to have real conversations with other directors about both creative and business realities. That honesty feels especially relevant right now.

This article raises some big questions for filmmakers at every stage:

How important is it for active, working creatives to step into leadership roles during turbulent times?

Do you feel connected to your peers in the industry, or does the work often feel isolating?

What responsibilities do established filmmakers have to help shape the future for those coming up behind them?

I would love to hear your thoughts, especially as negotiations, AI conversations, and production realities continue to evolve. What resonated with you in Nolan’s perspective, or what concerns are top of mind for you right now as a filmmaker?

You can read the full article here:

https://deadline.com/2026/02/christopher-nolan-explains-dga-president-th...

https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/markiplier-cries-iron-lung-indie-film-global-box-office-debut-1236649636/

This week, I'm working on protecting my creative energy by saying no more often. Not every opportunity aligns, and burnout helps no one, not you, not your collaborators, and not your work.

For the last few months, my life has been completely dominated by moving and projects that required my full attention, which meant my writing was quietly shelved. Since October, I’ve barely been able to give more than a few passing thoughts to the characters and world I’m deeply obsessed with. There just weren’t enough hours in the day.

Now I’m at the point where I have to be intentional. I have to make the time. That means committing to routines that prioritize me and my writing each week, and that also means saying no.

In my personal life, I’m often the person people go to. The planner. The organizer. The caretaker. The next-in-line southern matriarch. It comes with a lot of responsibility, pressure, and a never-ending to-do list that I never explicitly signed up for.

If I want to protect my creative work, I have to protect my energy. And to do that, I have to say no, and be okay with it.

What’s something you’ve learned to say no to in order to say yes to your work?

Share what’s helping you grow. You never know who might need to hear it.

“Story World” refers to the creation of the entire fictional universe in which the story takes place, encompassing everything from the characters and story to the setting, tone, and atmosphere.

21. Create Detailed Settings and Locations.

Go beyond the primary settings to include detailed descriptions of locations, considering how they reflect the broader world. Think about the history, culture, and physical details of each place. This level of detail helps in visualizing the world and making it more immersive for the audience.

Consider how the environment influences the story, such as weather conditions or local architecture that may impact the characters' actions and experiences. This approach helps to ground the story in a tangible, lived-in world that feels real and complete. Integrating local traditions and daily life.

22. Incorporate Cultural and Social Norms.

Define the cultural and social norms that govern the characters' world. This includes traditions, rituals, language, and societal rules. These elements add depth and authenticity, making the world feel lived-in and complex. Research real-world cultures and societies to inspire these norms, ensuring they are consistent and logical within the story's context.

Including these norms can also highlight conflicts and tensions within the story, providing additional layers of intrigue. This nuanced approach can deepen the audience’s understanding of character motivations and the societal pressures they face.

23. Design a Consistent Visual and Aesthetic Style.

Establish a consistent visual style that reflects the world of the story. This includes decisions about color palettes, architecture, clothing, and overall design. Consistency in visual elements helps to reinforce the setting and mood of the film.

Work closely with the art department, costume designers, and set decorators to ensure that every visual element supports the story's themes and tone. This continuity enhances the audience's understanding, making the world of the film more believable and captivating.

24. Develop a Rich History and Lore.

Create a detailed history for your world, including significant events, legends, and cultural myths that shape the present-day setting. This background can influence the plot and character motivations, providing context for why the world is the way it is.

Think about how historical events have left their mark on the physical environment and incorporate these elements into the script. This history should be referenced subtly through dialogue, settings, and character backstories to enhance the depth and believability of the world.

25. Establish Consistent Technological and Magical Systems.

Define the rules and limitations of any technological advancements or magical systems present in your world. Clearly outline how these elements function, their origins, and their impact on society. Ensure that these systems are consistent throughout the story to maintain believability.

If magic exists, determine who can use it, how it is learned, and its consequences. Similarly, for advanced technology, consider its accessibility, the societal changes it brings, and any ethical implications. Consistency in these systems helps to create an immersive world.

26. Create Detailed Maps and Geography.

Develop detailed maps and geographical descriptions of this world, including cities, landscapes, landmarks, and significant locations. Consider how natural features like mountains, rivers, and forests shape the world and influence the plot.

Understanding the geography can help with logistical planning for scenes and provide a tangible sense of place. This visual aid helps both the filmmakers and the audience visualize the world more clearly, making it more believable.

27. Outline Economic and Political Structures.

Define the economic and political systems that govern this world including the types of governments, power dynamics, trade systems, and social hierarchies. Understanding these structures can add layers of complexity to the story, influencing character motivations and conflicts.

Consider how wealth is distributed, what resources are scarce or abundant, and how political power is attained and exercised. This helps in creating a more realistic and intricate world where the characters operate.

28. Develop Unique Languages and Dialects.

If your world includes different cultures or species, consider creating unique languages or dialects. Even simple linguistic variations can add depth and authenticity. Develop basic phrases, naming conventions, or slang that characters from different regions might use.

This linguistic diversity can help distinguish different groups within the world and add a layer of realism. Collaborating with a linguist can ensure that these languages are consistent and believable, enhancing the audience's immersion in the world.

29. Integrate Technology and Tools.

Define the technological advancements and tools available within this world. Consider how technology impacts daily life, communication, transportation, and industry within the world. This includes futuristic gadgets, unique machinery, or even magical artifacts if it’s a fantasy setting.

Understanding the technology available to characters can influence plot development and problem-solving within the story. Ensure that these technological elements are consistent and logical within the world, enhancing its authenticity and depth.

30. Use Costumes and Makeup to Reflect the World’s Culture.

The design of costumes and makeup is essential to world-building as it reflects the cultural, political, or social dynamics of the characters and their environment. These visual details also convey character status, occupation, and personality traits, helping to deepen the audience's understanding of the world and its inhabitants.

NEXT ARTICLE: The “Subworld” of a Movie

One of the most common questions we hear across the lounges is:

“What recent success stories have Stage 32 members actually had?”

The answer is: a lot, and we share them regularly on the Stage 32 Blog, so don’t forget to check it each week. Today’s blog is a big one.

Our Director of Development Services, Geoff Faugerolas, just published a powerful roundup of 80 verified Stage 32 success stories from the past year, and more importantly, he breaks down what those wins have in common and how you can apply those lessons to your own journey.

- Writers signing with managers and agents

- Projects entering development, securing options, shopping agreements, and attachments

- General meetings that actually led somewhere

- And yes, projects getting produced and released, such as Neighborhood Watch & No Address, which had back-to-back nationwide theater releases last year.

Read the full blog here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/land-your-first-win-what-you-can-learn-from...

What stood out to me most is that none of these wins happened by accident. Every success involved intention, follow-through, and patience. Often over months or even years.

If you’ve ever wondered: Am I doing the right things? Does this actually work? What should I be focusing on right now? This blog answers those questions with real data and real examples from members just like you.

This blog answers those questions with real data and real examples from members just like you.

And if you’re not sure where to start, remember, you can always reach out to our team at success@stage32.com and they’ll help you map your next step.

Tell us- What part of the development process do you find most confusing or intimidating right now, pitching, follow-up, contests, or something else entirely?

https://youtu.be/aBPtOVS-2jQ?si=GO3Z1sOXylLGBGf5

“Story World” refers to the creation of the entire fictional universe in which the story takes place, encompassing everything from the characters and story to the setting, tone, and atmosphere.

11. What is the story “beneath” the story?

You need to identify the deeper themes and messages that lay below the surface story. This could include themes of love, betrayal, redemption, or sacrifice. Understand the layers of meaning and how they resonate with the audience on a more profound level. Know the story on the surface and know how to bring the story to life.

Exploring these deeper layers adds richness and complexity to the film, allowing for multiple interpretations and a lasting impact. This depth of understanding can also guide directorial choices, from visual motifs to character development, ensuring an impactful story.

12. Develop the subtext to make it believable.

What do your characters really want? This can be done through dialogue and certain mannerisms and looks. Subtext involves what characters are thinking or feeling beneath the words they speak, often revealed through body language, pauses, or tone of voice. For instance, a character might say one thing but mean another, which can be shown through subtle cues.

The tension between their spoken words and true desires can create depth and realism, enhancing the audience's understanding and engagement. By carefully crafting these elements, you can convey complex emotions and motivations without explicitly stating them, making the story more layered.

13. What are the central motifs, images, and symbols?

You need to identify the recurring motifs, images, and symbols that appear throughout the film. These help reinforce the central themes and messages. These elements also help create a visual pattern that is repeated throughout the film, becoming part of your visual concept or style.

A recurring motif of broken glass can symbolize shattered dreams or fractured relationships, subtly reinforcing the narrative's emotional undercurrents. Similarly, symbols like a recurring object or setting can add layers of meaning, guiding the audience to a deeper understanding of the film's themes. By carefully integrating these motifs and symbols, you can make the story more engaging and memorable.

14. Create image patterns that show up throughout the film.

What are the key visual motifs or patterns that appear throughout the film? This could include recurring images, colors, or symbols. These visual elements should be strategically placed to reinforce the film's themes and emotions. For instance, using a specific color palette can evoke certain moods or symbolize particular concepts.

Repeating certain symbols or imagery can subtly remind the audience of underlying themes and messages, creating a consistent visual story. This technique enhances the storytelling by adding layers of meaning and making the film's visual style more distinctive and memorable.

15. Create a unique sound design that occurs throughout the film.

The director works with the sound designer to create the audio environment of the film. This may involve choosing music, sound effects, and dialogue that enhance the atmosphere of the world. Sound motifs or specific soundscapes can be used to reinforce themes or signify certain emotions.

A recurring piece of music might be associated with a specific character or theme, helping to evoke the intended emotional response from the audience. Unique sound elements can also be used to build tension or indicate shifts in the narrative, adding another layer of depth to the story.

16. What generates (motivates, causes) the action before it happens?

What are the events and circumstances that lead up to the main action of the film? This could include backstory, character motivations, or external forces. Understanding these elements helps build a logical and compelling narrative flow. These can include character relationships, personal goals, or impending threats that push the characters toward the main events.

Identifying these elements allows you to write scenes that naturally lead to the main action, maintaining the audience's engagement and belief in the story's progression. These motivations need to be clear and impactful, as they set the stage for the ensuing drama and character decisions.

17. Use counterpoint to create multi-dimensional characters.

You want to introduce elements of contrast or opposition into the film. This could include contrasting characters, themes, or visual elements. Unless a person is certifiably insane, every one of us can love one person deeply, and at the same time, hate another person or group just as passionately. This technique can add depth and complexity to characters, making them feel more realistic and relatable.

Using counterpoint effectively can highlight the internal conflicts and motivations that drive characters, enriching the story and engaging the audience on a deeper level. By presenting opposing qualities or conflicting emotions within a character, you can create more nuanced portrayals.

18. Interpret the dialogue. (What is the character trying to say?)

Analyze all the characters’ dialogue to really understand what they are trying to communicate. This can help you create more authentic and believable dialogue. (What is the subtext?) Consider the underlying intentions and emotions behind the words, as characters often say one thing but mean another. This deeper understanding can reveal hidden motives and conflicts, adding depth and complexity to the interactions.

Understanding this subtext helps actors deliver lines with the right emotional nuances and expressions, making the scenes more realistic. By interpreting the dialogue carefully, you can ensure that the audience grasps the true meaning and significance of each conversation.

19. What are the key story points, events, beats, and moments?

What are the key moments that drive the story forward? This could include plot twists, character revelations, or emotional climaxes. Identifying these elements helps to structure the story and maintain the audience's interest. These key points should be strategically placed to ensure a compelling progression and to keep the tension and engagement high.

Understanding the significance of these moments aids in pacing the story effectively, ensuring that each beat serves a purpose in advancing the plot and developing the characters. These moments are critical in shaping the emotional journey of the audience.

20. Develop Rich Backstories for All Characters.

Make sure every character, even minor ones, has a detailed backstory that informs their actions and motivations. This depth helps to create a believable world where characters' interactions are rooted in their histories and personalities. These backstories should include key life events, relationships, and personal traumas that shape their worldview.

This level of detail allows actors to bring more depth and authenticity to their performances, making the characters more relatable and engaging. Detailed backstories also provide a strong foundation for character-driven plots and subplots, adding complexity and richness to the overall story.

NEXT ARTICLE: The “Story World” of a Movie (pt3)

Story World” refers to the creation of the entire fictional universe in which the story takes place, encompassing everything from the characters and story to the setting, tone, and atmosphere.

The Story World is about creating the physical, cultural, and social aspects of the film’s universe, including elements like production design, lighting, music, and cinematography, to establish the physical environment, social dynamics, and cultural context that shape the characters' experiences.

The director’s creative vision guides this process, ensuring that thematic messages and emotional depth connect with viewers. By maintaining consistency in the “story world” throughout the film, the director keeps the audience engaged, preserving their “suspension of disbelief” and engagement with the story.

How to Create the “Story World” of a Movie

1. Define the unique characteristics of the story to make a believable film.

Creating a believable film requires defining the unique characteristics that shape its world and story. Even in genres like fantasy and science fiction, the story “must remain consistent within its own set of rules”. These characteristics include the setting, culture, technology, and societal norms that govern the world. Establishing these details with consistency helps maintain “suspension of disbelief” to ensure the audience remains engaged with the story.

The "The Lord of the Rings" series presents a fully realized world with its languages, history, and geography, making Middle-earth feel real within its fantastical context.

2. Research any source that will immerse yourself in this world.

To authentically portray the film’s world, immerse yourself in comprehensive research. This could involve reading relevant books, watching similar genre movies, studying historical events, or even conducting interviews with experts or individuals with firsthand experience in similar settings.

For historical films, research might include visiting museums, reading diaries or letters from the period, and examining historical artifacts. For contemporary settings, observing real-life locations and behaviors can provide valuable insights.

In "Saving Private Ryan," the filmmakers conducted extensive research on World War II to accurately depict the D-Day invasion and the experiences of soldiers during the war, which added to the film's authenticity and emotional impact.

3. What do you want the audience to know and experience?

It's important to have a clear understanding of what you want to communicate and “how you want the audience to feel.” Research and understand the story so the audience learns something they didn’t know before - about the characters, the place, and the time period.

In "Schindler’s List," the film’s key messages about the horrors of the Holocaust and the power of individual action are conveyed through meticulously researched historical details and deeply emotional storytelling. The film aims to educate the audience about this dark chapter in history while also highlighting themes of humanity and redemption.

4. Find the quality sensation the audience can feel.

Identify the emotions and sensations you want the audience to experience while watching the film. This could include feelings of excitement, fear, joy, or sadness. Determine the specific emotion you want the audience to feel in each scene, then find ways to achieve it through visual composition, sound design, dialogue, and performance.

In a suspenseful scene, you might use tight framing, low lighting, and tense music to evoke fear and anticipation. For a joyous scene, you might employ bright colors, lively music, and dynamic camera movements to create a sense of celebration. Ensuring these elements work harmoniously will deepen the audience’s emotional engagement with the film.

5. What generates the action for a character?

What are the key motivations and desires that drive the actions of the characters in the film?

Understanding what motivates a character can help you create more realistic and engaging performances. Explore the character’s backstory, and personal goals to uncover their motivations.

A character seeking redemption might be driven by guilt and a desire to make amends, while another character might be motivated by ambition and a quest for power. By identifying these driving forces, you can ensure that each action a character takes is grounded in their internal logic and emotional journey, making their behavior more believable to the audience.

6. Everyone has secret lives and fantasies.

Explore the inner lives of the characters and understand their hopes, dreams, and fears. This can help you create more complex and nuanced characters. Investigate their secret desires and hidden aspects of their personalities, which might not be evident on the surface. Understanding these hidden facets can reveal why characters behave in certain ways and how they might react to different situations.

A character might publicly appear confident and strong, while privately struggling with self-doubt and insecurity. By fleshing out these inner lives, you can create richer, more relatable characters whose actions and decisions feel authentic and multi-dimensional.

7. Build an entire past life for your characters.

This involves the process of creating detailed backstories, experiences, and memories for each character that inform their actions, motivations, and relationships in the present story. Consider significant events, formative experiences, and key relationships that have shaped their personality and worldview. (Actors do this and so should you for each character.)

By understanding the character’s past, you can add depth and realism to their reactions and decisions. This comprehensive background helps actors and writers create more believable and relatable characters, making the narrative more engaging for the audience.

8. Understand behavior. Look in the real world for examples.

You need to know what motivates each character in every scene because this will affect their actions and what they do as a result. You should be constantly observing real-world behavior and using it as inspiration for your characters. This could include studying body language, facial expressions, and speech patterns.

Observing people in different situations helps you capture the complexity of human behavior, making your characters' actions and reactions more believable and grounded in reality. By understanding these subtle cues, you can create more authentic and relatable characters.

9. If this film world existed, what is the “conceit?”

In filmmaking, "conceit" refers to the main idea or concept that drives the film’s world or story. It is the fictional universe of the film. For example, in a science fiction film, the “conceit” might be the existence of time travel or alien life that shapes the plot and world of the story.

The “conceit” provides a framework for the audience to engage with the story, offering a fresh perspective or an innovative approach to common themes or genres. This unique element sets the film apart from others, providing a fresh perspective or a novel approach to storytelling.

In "The Matrix," the concept of a simulated reality controlled by machines influences the film's story structure, visual style, and action sequences. Understanding the conceit helps in maintaining consistency throughout the film, ensuring that all creative elements align with the central idea.

10. If this “movie” world really existed, what are the rules?

What are the rules and constraints of the world you are creating? This could include physical laws, social norms, or cultural customs. For example, in a fantasy world, you might define how magic works, its limitations, and its consequences. In a dystopian setting, the rules might include government control, societal hierarchies, and survival challenges.

These rules help maintain consistency and believability within the story, ensuring that all events and actions match the established framework. Understanding these rules allows characters to navigate their world logically and helps the audience to immerse themselves fully in the story.

NEXT ARTICLE: The “Story World” of a Movie (pt2)

https://youtu.be/OXx0jJZv9hg

Watch what Her (2013) really talks about and this film showed about us decade ago.