Filmmaking / Directing

Here we go, the first trailer for Spielberg’s new film, ‘Disclosure Day’, which takes him back into the world of aliens and UFOs!

Set for a June 12th, 2026 release, I will be eager to see this film. How about you?

https://youtu.be/UFe6NRgoXCM

I believe that to be successful in this business, you need to fully understand the Business of film; the Politics of film; the Differences between film and television; and who the Power Players are - and how to deal with them.

For example: Here is the major difference between working on a feature film and a television series: Television is a Producer's medium and Feature films are Director's medium. This fact alone will give you a distinct advantage when it comes to surviving in the film and TV industry!

Here are 50 tips I believe you need to have, learn or nurture to help you work and survive in the film and television business today:

21. Embrace Feedback: Welcome constructive criticism and use it to improve your work. Learning from feedback helps you grow as a filmmaker. By actively seeking different perspectives, you gain valuable insights that can refine your storytelling, technique, and creative approach.

22. Encourage Teamwork and Cooperation: Filmmaking requires a collaborative spirit by valuing and respecting the contributions of every member of the production team. Open communication and mutual support ensure that everyone works together toward a shared creative vision.

23. Expand Your Skill Set: Diversify your skills to include screenwriting, cinematography and editing. Being versatile makes you more valuable and opens up more opportunities. Actively participate in productions, whether through making short films, attending film school, or offering your services for free on sets.

24. Express Your Creativity: Explore your unique talents and perspectives, embracing experimentation and innovation in your work. Everyone has a special gift; discovering and honing yours can set your work apart.

25. Familiarize Yourself with Industry Norms: Understand the unwritten rules, expectations, and standards that govern film industry interactions. Knowing the politics of the industry helps navigate it more effectively.

26. Flexibility is Key: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, trends, and industry shifts, and be willing to pivot your approach or skill set accordingly. Flexibility allows you to stay relevant and innovative

27. Keep Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and techniques in filmmaking. Attend workshops, take courses, and read industry publications to keep your skills sharp. Continuous learning keeps you competitive and innovative in the industry.

28. Learn to Manage Budgets and Secure Funding: Understand the business side of filmmaking, including budgeting and financial planning. Effective financial management ensures the sustainability of your projects.

29. Leverage Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and social media to distribute your work and gain exposure. These platforms can help you reach a wider audience and build a following.

30. Listen to Feedback: Particularly from those with greater experience, to continuously learn and grow as a filmmaker. Constructive feedback can provide valuable perspectives and improvements.

Next Article: 50 Tips on How to Work and Survive in the "Business" (pt4)

As we close out the year, a final, exciting batch of Open Writing Assignments (OWAs) for 2025 is now live and seeking your best work. These opportunities span animated series for young audiences, high-stakes sports dramas, and culturally resonant thrillers.

This batch offers an extended submission window of 3 weeks, giving you more time to polish and submit your best work. With deadlines extending into early January, this is your chance to start 2026 with incredible momentum.

Here are the latest opportunities:

1. For Engaging Animated Series

A Producer and Showrunner is seeking animated short-form series for young female audiences (ages 2-5 and 5-10), inspired by the spirit of Brave, Frozen, and Kim Possible.

2. For Innovative Animated Projects

A Manager of Development at a TV production company seeks animated projects with unique, innovative twists and strong points of view, in the vein of Gravity Falls, Over the Garden Wall, and The Wild Robot.

3. For Contemporary & Elevated YA Drama

A Producer and Director seeks contemporary projects, including elevated YA and emotionally resonant character pieces, comparable to Didi, One Battle After Another, and How to Blow Up a Pipeline.

4. For High-Stakes Sports Stories

A Producer and Showrunner, working with top-tier talent, seeks sports projects with the intensity of F1: The Movies, The Smashing Machine, and The Iron Claw.

5. For True-Crime Features & Manuscripts

A Manager/Producer at a literary management company seeks crime features or manuscripts, ideally based on true stories, with the impact of Reality, Killers of the Flower Moon, or Monster.

6. For Culturally Specific, Universal Dramas

A Producer and Director seeks elevated, character-driven dramas and thrillers focused on culturally specific stories with universal resonance, like Christy, Woman of the Hour, and Spotlight.

Don’t miss this final extended opportunity of the year to get your script on the right desk. These OWAs are your direct path to producers actively looking for their next project.

Submit Today: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room

Hello I’ve created a musical play — a prequel to Peter and the Wolf. Here’s the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLjYb0CW9IM I’d like to propose it to production companies and eventually release it. I'm looking for advices on how to find those companies and how to pitch to them Thanks Christophe

Hey Filmmaking Lounge,

This week, my creative growth came from a place I didn’t quite expect: a full crash course in new home buying.

I got an up-close look at the sheer minutia involved in bringing a new build across the finish line. Walking through every room to sign off on construction details. Reviewing and signing what felt like a literal binder of paperwork at closing. Spending hours on hold or navigating call bots just to get utilities set up. And yes, standing in line at the USPS during the Christmas season to pick up mail keys in person.

It has been a lot. But it has also been incredibly educational. The last six weeks have taught me more than I anticipated, and this week in particular was the most informative. It reminded me how much patience, attention to detail, and persistence are required in any complex process, whether it’s buying a home or bringing a film to life.

What about you?

What are you challenging yourself to learn right now to grow creatively or personally? A new skill, a new system, a new way of thinking?

We’re all storytellers, and our work is shaped by what we experience, what we notice, and what we learn along the way. Let’s share what’s expanding our perspective this week.

I believe that to be successful in this business, you need to fully understand the Business of film; the Politics of film; the Differences between film and television; and who the Power Players are - and how to deal with them.

For example: Here is the major difference between working on a feature film and a television series: Television is a Producer's medium and Feature films are Director's medium. This fact alone will give you a distinct advantage when it comes to surviving in the film and TV industry!

Here are 50 tips I believe you need to have, learn or nurture to help you work and survive in the film and television business today:

11. Create Opportunities for Luck: Remain open to unexpected opportunities and be at the right place at the right time! Making your own luck involves being proactive and ready to seize opportunities as they arise.

12. Cultivate a Strong Work Ethic: Be diligent, disciplined, and committed to excellence. Success in the film industry often requires long hours, hard work, and unwavering dedication. A strong work ethic ensures consistent performance and high-quality work.

13. Cultivate Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and persevere in the face of adversity. Like any creative venture, rejection, criticism, and failure are common in the film business. Resilience helps maintain motivation and drive through challenging times.

14. Develop a Thick Skin: Criticism is a constant in the film industry. Learn to take constructive feedback without taking it personally, and use it to improve your craft. Embrace criticism as a learning opportunity to refine your skills and grow professionally.

15. Develop a Unique Voice: Cultivate a distinct creative style that sets you apart from others in the industry. Whether through your storytelling approach or thematic focus, having a unique voice can help you stand out and attract attention from audiences and industry professionals alike.

16. Develop Marketing and Self-Promotion Skills: Treat filmmaking as a business to continue making movies for a living. Effectively showcase your talents and secure opportunities in the competitive film industry. Understanding marketing strategies can significantly increase your visibility.

17. Develop Determination and Self-Belief: Navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks encountered on the filmmaking journey. Always believe in yourself and your vision, even when others doubt you.

18. Earn the Respect of Colleagues: Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and leadership on and off the set. Respect is earned through consistent, honorable actions and behaviors, which encourages a positive work environment.

19. Effective Communication is Essential: Practice clear and concise communication with colleagues, cast, and crew to ensure everyone is working towards a common goal. Good communication enhances collaboration and helps to avoid misunderstandings.

20. Embrace Curiosity: Seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth. Maintain an open-minded attitude towards learning, experimentation, and new experiences to stay innovative.

Next Article:: 50 Tips on How to Work and Survive in the "Business" (pt3)

This is why You NEVER Give Up on your Dreams!

“Sinners,” “Creed,” and “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler started his career with $200,000 in student debt before his breakout success.

Link:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/sinners-director-went-from-200k-in...

I recently watched Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and it is truly a masterclass in storytelling and directing. It was purely superb!