Filmmaking / Directing

Good writing is so much harder than most people think. The time and effort it requires is substantial. Especially in the beginning. If it's a spec script you just have to be committed to the idea and committed to getting it done. Try to find at least some semi-regular number of hours that you can devote to it per day, week or month. Also, it helps if you know what the f*** you're writing about at all times. The good news is, at some point, if you're doing your job right, the script will develop a life of its own and that will make the process easier, faster and at least a little more fun.

When I'm in doubt I like to research what proven screenwriter's do or have done. Charlie Kaufman says he spends a lot of time distracting himself on the internet... We're all human. I've come to realize that even when I'm not locked in to my laptop or notebook, you can be thinking about your story while you're out and about. Questions answered or ideas gleaned via observation. Everything has the opportunity to add to your story or characters and at some point something clicks and you can't stop writing.

The real challenge is coming back to the story and re-writing it; polishing it. For me it takes about 6-7 drafts to get a nice gemstone.

Write 'em... if you're doing specs, you have all the time in the world...If writing commissioned work deadlines attached, you'll get paid so you can focus on the writing job only...

Tony, it's just my point of view but I think you ought to read a few screenwriting/story development books where you'll find answers to the many questions you have. Think about your question: Narration vs. linking.

Or Google. Guess it's an Aquarius thang.

Are you talking about Linear and non linear or parallel story structure ?

Unfortuantely I missed it ;((((( when will it be on demand?

Already available, Aray! Here you go: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Ask-Me-Anything-with-Stage-32-CEO-Richard-RB-Botto-F-2020-Edition

All past editions (for all interested) are FREE to watch and can be found under the Education tab on the menu bar as well.

Thanks Richie!

Sorry for my late response. I couldn't attend the AMA live due to technical mishaps on my end. I was able to listen to it on demand and one of the topics that really stood out to me was regarding the relationship between behavior and branding, especially online. I have been on the Internet long enough to understand that what you do can color others' perceptions of you and define your public image. The same applies to what you don't do. This is why I try to be considerate with the choices I make, especially in regards to how it would affect my potential career. It may seem like a better option to say nothing publicly (confession, I'm also an introvert) but that will not get you anywhere. It was just recently that I realized my approach to promoting myself was misguided; namely, I wasn't doing much promotion. This was especially true on Stage 32 and I'm just now making an effort to push myself more on this platform by taking advantage of what it has to offer and seeking stuff out that relates to my passion. And I will do it in the most professional and selfless way possible. Otherwise, no one will take me seriously if I give the impression that I'm not serious about my creative pursuits.

Thrills me to no end that this was your takeaway, E. Thank you for sharing. To all others reading this thread, the entire AMA is available for free On Demand under the Education tab. Enjoy and feel free to come back here and comment on your favorite takeaways.

Hi, Adam. Decent short film. I liked it. My favorite part was when the actor's reflection talked to him (2:08 minute mark). That was his reflection, right?

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the concept what do it? Why people choose to shoot on smart phone. Is it just because every one has one? There are so many cheap cameras out there that actually can make it so much easier in the post and elevate the project to the new hight. Just my 2 cents.

Ha ha! I thought this was great! The mandolin at the end - was like watching The Godfather! Nice work!

Asbestos underwear helps too.

I am not a director yet, and I am quite new in this business; but I think a director has a good understanding of the "meaning" of the screenplay. A director is more likely to be successful if he has written the script himself.

Problem-solving... Especially when it comes to finding creative ways to avoid having to say "fix it in post."

Well the essential thing is to be able to articulate your vision to the actors and crew and then trust their skills to get them to meet your vision. I would say learning basics on taking shots in a way that they can be edited together to get a film is all you need to start. To mitigate the risk, you can start shooting on a phone and make a zero budget film. Also you can't really define solid understanding as learning is a never ending process. So you keep learning as you go and keep getting better with every film you make. Hope that helps !

vision, listing skills, determination, and team player.

It took me three minutes of searching on Google ... I recommend you Google as well.

I don't know either.

I found several when I Googled...

Okay, what are they.

Tony, as I mentioned before you need to take the initiative and invest your time in doing things instead of just asking a question and hoping to get an answer. If you are taking time and posting questions here then you can take the time to read and search Google.

Heartbreaking news. The Up Series is truly the most profound documentary series in the history of cinema... Michael Apted was one of the greats :)

I would say the pitch deck is actually a development tool to sell the project, and the series bible is a pre-prodction tool, and ALL development materials are subject to PR use LOL!

Ah, I see. Thanks Kay.

Cooper Union in the house! Your font work is great, Hannes :)

I am very very proud to say that the shoot was 100% safe. Cast and crew was very small. We all tested before. We stayed masked the whole shoot unless actors were doing a take or we were eating. We stayed distant otherwise also. I cleaned constantly, had sanitizer everywhere. I ordered food from Panera so there was nothing 'shared' in that sense.

A few days after production we all got retested. ALL NEGATIVE. More to come in the creative parts....

Looking forward to seeing it. Keep us posted.

Just to update everyone, the first trailer is here at:

https://youtu.be/ktSEUOrjyP4

or

https://vimeo.com/497720437

Congrats. Awesome. Cheers to you!!! Watched your trailer now! Loved the three strong women and diversity!!! Whooo hoo!

Congrats on wrapping "The Jubilee Cake", Wayne! :)

We're shooting for a series, like The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror, or The Creep Show. And shorts are sometimes critically acclaimed.

I'm a strong advocate of the short film but it's true that there is little chance of economic profit from them in an open and completive market. There is however an economic market for industrial and promotional films (I've made recruitment films for rural fire and police departments, hospitals & doctors @ $1,000 per finished min. But that's not what you're talking about. A tv series is a whole nuther issue entirely.

Thanks, Doug.

Curious. What are you planning to do that Quibi didn't, including A-list talent like Sam Raimi and Jason Blum, $100,000 per minute budgets, and a pandemic when folks are desperate for something to watch but decide to watch something besides Quibi instead? Even a free 3 month trial stirred little interest.

We haven't worked out the particulars with marketing yet, Erik. I just know we have good stories; really good stories. The rest can be worked out. Professionals know how to do that. And frankly, your dream-killer attitude is not welcome.

No look back at ground-breaking black filmmakers would be complete without showing classic films such as Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" (1989) and Mario Van Peeble's "Sweet Sweetback's BaadAass Song"(1971), films which were way ahead of their time. But perhaps the festival is only interested in more recent films.

New Jack City, Paid In Full, Love & Basketball,

I would go with this one...

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10195452/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_26

Love And Basketball, Dead Presidents, New Jack City, Love Jones

Check out the YouTube channel for StudioBinder. They have tons of videos on pretty much everything, direction, production, coloring, camera movement, with great examples.

Cory Roth Okay! I'll check this outtt!! :)

Angie Walls oh I will subscribe now! Yas! Thank you!

Amy, a bit of self-promotion here. I recommend my two books "Directing Feature Films" and "The Film Director's Bag of Tricks." And, beyond that, check out my interviews at Film Courage at https://bit.ly/31A8N3l.

Im a bit late to this party... but I recommend 'Making Movies' by Sidney Lumet. A must read for all aspiring directors. its a small book and might be considered dated by many, but it goes through each stage and demystifies the process, giving filmic examples of each point.