Filmmaking / Directing

My latest film, Frontier Crucible, debuts tomorrow in theaters and streaming services, and I'm currently reading the critics' reviews. I thought this one from The Hollywood Reporter was interesting:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/frontier-crucible...

It documents the high quality cinematography, and performances given by William H Macy and Thomas Jane. It goes on to declare the film "shrug-worthy", a faithful adaptation of a pulp western story originally penned in 1961 by Harry Whittington.

That got me thinking. In a world bathed in a deluge of science fiction, and seemingly obsessed with a more perfect future society, are the classic stories of Cowboys and Indians simply irrelevant to modern audiences? Does the rugged self-reliance required to survive in a world where government power is limited to non-existent, simply too alien for a people focused on how current government intersects with social media posts?

I suppose we'll see.

Here's my thoughts on why The Sopranos is better. Do watch the video and share your thoughts. I'm looking forward to it.

Also, please do subscribe to the channel

After years of waiting, rumors, and delays, HBO has finally locked in a premiere date for Euphoria Season 3. Mark your calendars for April 2026. The long-awaited new season is officially going into production, with most of the core cast returning. It's been a minute, but the feeling of impending chaos and incredible fashion is coming back to our screens.

One of my favorite bits the showrunner has offered is that "Maddy [Demie] is working in Hollywood at a talent agency for a manager," only because that is literally what I was doing when I first entered the industry!

Read more from Variety: https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/euphoria-season-3-release-date-april-...

During my 50-year career in the film business... (Yes-it has been that long!)... I’ve been blessed to have worked on dozens of wonderful productions, traveled the world and spent quality time with hundreds of very talented and compassionate filmmakers. I’ve also learned many valuable lessons! And the most important lesson I learned is to never, ever, ever (I mean NEVER) lose your PASSION!

Passion is what sustains you through long hours, creative doubts, and the weight of responsibility that comes with directing. It fuels your determination when things go wrong and reminds you why you started this journey in the first place. Without passion, talent and technique can only take you so far.

Remember: Passion is perhaps the most important desire you need to have for a long and fulfilling career in this business. To be a great artist, you must have great passion. Without passion, you will end up thinking about your career as just a job - not as an art.

As a creative person, you need to support others in your never-ending quest to help create “visually compelling stories with believable characters who make us feel something.” That is your job!

Please believe me when I say, that to succeed in this business you must have complete confidence in yourself! You must have faith in your talent and ability! You must have the courage and tenacity to stick it out no matter what the world throws at you.

I also want to make sure you realize what kind of career you have chosen to spend your life in. The film business is not just a job or a career - it is an Artistic Lifestyle which means you need to live and breathe your art every day from now on.

Working in the entertainment business will determine which city or country you will live in. It will determine who you work with; which friends you hang around with; and which lovers you will live with. It will shape your daily rhythm, your lifestyle, and how you measure success. This industry will become a major part of your identity, influencing your values, choices, and long-term goals.

You also need to get used to the fact that, as storytellers and artists, you will never have a “normal job.” (It's also the reason why you will rarely be home on the weekend to have dinner with your family!) Your schedule will constantly shift, your income will fluctuate, and your work will demand emotional and creative investment at every stage.

And finally, this creative path you have chosen requires sacrifice both personal and professional, but it also offers freedom, meaning, and the chance to leave something lasting behind. It reminds you to protect your curiosity so your work continues to grow with every project while guiding you toward a deeper understanding of "why YOU create" so your choices shape a story that reflects your unique place in the world. :)

Hey everyone,

I just launched the Kickstarter for my new short film SUGO, a gritty, character-driven crime/drama I’ve been developing for a long time. This project means a lot to me, and we’re building a small but passionate team to bring it to life.

If you’d like to check it out or offer any feedback or support, here’s the link:

Director, producer, and cultural icon Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, Highest to Lowest) boards the New York City subway for an unfiltered 15-minute conversation about movies, art, legacy, and the city that shaped him. From fatherhood and fashion to why he still believes film matters, Spike keeps it honest, sharp, and full of perspective… the way only he can.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghi1n_RkOb0)

If you love hearing directors talk about the artistic roots behind their biggest projects, this is a beautiful look at how Wicked found its cinematic identity. Jon M. Chu returns to the Curran Theatre, where he first saw the musical over twenty years ago, to unpack the emotional, personal, and creative journey that shaped Wicked: For Good, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omG-lFNFpg8

In the video, Chu reflects on:

- How seeing Wicked with his mother changed the trajectory of his life as a storyteller

- Why his filmmaking instincts are grounded in theatre, audience perspective, and emotional proximity

- How he and his team approached building two films at once, shot simultaneously

- His “emotion wall” approach, focusing on what the audience should feel in each scene before making technical decisions

- The surprising moment during rehearsal for “For Good” that reshaped the entire sequence

- The role of instinct, collaboration, and risk-taking on a massive musical production

It’s an intimate and generous breakdown of directing at scale, filled with insights about visual storytelling, musical structure, and the emotional truth at the heart of adaptation.

What resonated with you most from Chu’s process: the emotional mapping, the theatrical influence, or the way he embraces instinct on set?

“Making a movie is the art of visually telling a compelling story with believable characters who make us feel something." Peter D. Marshall

Let’s break this down.

“Making a (good) movie is…” the ART of VISUALLY telling a COMPELLING STORY with BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS who MAKE US FEEL SOMETHING.”

The ART: emphasizes creativity, imagination, and the aesthetic aspects involved in the process. It suggests that making a movie requires artistic vision and skill. A director must shape tone, rhythm, and style in ways that enhance meaning and emotional depth. Great artistry in any film will elevate even simple stories into powerful cinematic experiences by revealing the deeper truth beneath each moment and turning modest material into something unforgettable.

of VISUALLY: the importance of all the visual elements in movies because films rely heavily on images and visual composition to convey the story. Framing, lighting, color, and movement all contribute to meaning without words. Every shot becomes a storytelling choice that reveals character, emotion, or theme as the camera shapes how we understand the world of the film and the people living within it.

Telling a COMPELLING STORY: has to have an engaging and interesting plot that captures the audience's attention. A good movie must have a well-structured story that draws viewers in and keeps them invested. Conflict, stakes, and character change are essential to keeping the story dynamic. Without a clear story engine, even great visuals can fall flat because images alone cannot carry meaning without a force that propels the story toward something that matters.

with BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS: stresses the need for film characters that feel authentic. Audiences need to connect with the characters on an emotional level, believing in their motivations and actions throughout the film. Realistic flaws, contradictions, and emotional depth help bring characters to life. Strong performances are only effective when grounded in a clear, believable character arc because audiences connect to growth, struggle, and change more than isolated moments."

who MAKE US FEEL SOMETHING: emphasizes the emotional impact a movie should have. The goal is to arouse feelings in the audience (joy, sadness, fear, excitement). Emotional engagement is a key measure of a movie's success. Emotional reactions create lasting memories and audience connection. A film that moves people will often be remembered more than one that simply entertains since audiences carry the meaning of the experience long after the details fade.

Amazon says it will encompass “a team of creatives, business professionals and technologists to empower creators to responsibly integrate GenAI into content production through proprietary tools and services”.

https://deadline.com/2025/11/amazon-ai-studios-matt-newman-1236603477/

We’re kicking off December with a brand-new batch of targeted Open Writing Assignments (OWAs) for 2025. These opportunities come directly from a powerhouse group of producers, showrunners, and executives looking for the next Palm Springs, Parasite, or Beyond the Lights.

With a direct line to top-tier talent and companies, this is your chance to get your work onto high-level desks. But the window is short—submissions close Wednesday, December 18th.

Here’s what the industry is actively seeking:

1. For Your Sharp, Theatrical Comedies

A Producer & Showrunner is seeking comedy scripts in the vein of Palm Springs, Someone Great, and Punch-Drunk Love.

2. For Grounded Genre with a Major Twist

A Manager of Development is looking for grounded genre projects with unique twists and a strong POV. Think the bold originality of Parasite, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

3. For Character-Driven Thrillers & Horror

An Acquisitions Executive seeks character-driven thrillers and horror with budgets under $10M, comparable to the intensity of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Revenge, or Drive.

4. For Faith-Based & True Stories

A Manager/Producer is looking for faith-based features, preferably under $5M and based on or inspired by true events, in the spirit of I Can Only Imagine and Miracles from Heaven.

5. For Gripping Political Dramas

A Producer and Director is actively seeking political stories with the high-stakes drama of The Post, The Ides of March, or Political Animals.

6. For Music-Centered Projects (Scripted & Unscripted)

A Producer & Showrunner seeks both scripted and unscripted projects centered on music, inspired by hits like Beyond the Lights, The Idol, and Rhythm + Flow.

If your script aligns with these comps and visions, this is your direct pathway to submission.

Ready to submit? Go here! https://www.stage32.com/writers-room

Good art is a reflection of society and the role of any artist is to hold up a mirror to society and shout to the world, “Look what I see!” And that’s the most important task filmmakers will be doing with your creative lives: to live your dream and tell your stories to the world!

If there is one thing I know to be true working in this industry, it is this: “Good news takes five years to travel – bad news takes a day!” So remember that every setback is an opportunity for growth, and every challenge is a chance to innovate.

Embrace your unique voice and perspective, for it is what will distinguish your work in a crowded landscape. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and never stop learning from both successes and failures.

Believe in your vision, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and never lose sight of the impact your stories can have on the world.

This work demands courage, not just in your ideas but in how you live your life. Your commitment to truth and imagination has the potential to reach far beyond what you can see today. Every decision you make becomes part of the creative legacy you leave behind.

And finally, no matter what creative path you have chosen, you are also an artist, and you are not an artist because you’re good at it. You are an artist "Because You Are Driven To It." This drive shapes how you see the world and will continue to influence the choices you make in every story you help bring to life. :)