Producing

Thanks for sharing the article, Ashley Renee Smith. As a writer, I could set my unscripted series ideas in other countries. Thanks for the idea.

One advantage I think comes with producing unscripted content abroad is there are a lot of cultures and stories to build shows around.

Beautiful Sandra Isabel Correia How are you doing?

Hey Elmare Hendricks Great topic that gets to the heart of successful film production! Team assembly is often where great scripts either come alive or fall apart, and each approach has distinct advantages depending on your project's scope and budget.

The Hybrid Approach Works Best:

Most successful productions use a combination of all three methods strategically:

Your Core Team (People You Know):

- Key department heads you trust completely - DP, editor, sound designer

- Collaborators with proven chemistry who understand your creative vision

- Reliable professionals who'll problem-solve when challenges arise

Casting Agencies/Professional Services:

- Lead roles that require specific skills or name recognition

- SAG talent when you need union actors

- Specialized crew positions (stunt coordinators, VFX supervisors) requiring specific expertise

Word of Mouth/Networking:

- Emerging talent hungry to prove themselves

- Local crew who know the area and can work within budget

- Recent film school graduates with current technical knowledge and enthusiasm

Strategic Considerations:

-- Budget Allocation: Spend your money where it matters most - usually lead actors and key technical positions that directly impact quality.

-- Project Requirements: A contained drama needs different team assembly than an action thriller or period piece.

-- Timeline Pressures: Known collaborators work faster because they understand your communication style.

-- Creative Chemistry: Sometimes the most qualified person isn't the right fit for your specific project's energy.

What's your experience been with different assembly approaches? Any surprising successes or lessons learned?

Elmare Hendricks

I believe in discovering new stars.

In 2016, while casting The Last Broadcast — a film set during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution — I couldn’t find the right lead through agencies or open calls. So I searched through thousands of profile pictures myself. Then I saw him. I didn’t know if he was an actor, but I messaged him.

He replied: he was an actor, and this role was his dream. We met, he admitted he might not “fit” the usual mold — but I asked, “Can you play it?” He said, “Yes.”

He belonged in Hollywood. And so did others I found this way.

My advice: don’t just cast actors — cast stars.

Even in big films, giving unknowns a real chance creates magic. They give everything — and audiences feel it.

Patrick Kovács apologies for my late reply, I was finishing off a project. I love your method of going about your projects and how you took time and did your research in how you went about casting your talent. your heart is surely in this , i can tell. all the best with the projects that you are working on

No worries, Elmare, thanks for your message! :)

I think the best advice a filmmaker can get is: "You are the first audience."

When you're writing or making the film and you see the world come alive — that's you being the first to experience it.

And hey, surprising the audience is always a good thing, right? ;)

Production rollercoaster. Hey, Michael Fitzer. I like to use the unique things about locations and things in the locations to come up with scenes for my scripts.

Second Avatar is really good, but first one is the best Maurice Vaughan. Now, I am waiting for the third. You must watch. Batman of course:)) there are so many :))

Wow Alana Koster, now you are ready for 28 Years Later :))

That’s a magnificent program for tomorrow Ashley Renee Smith :)) Let us know your opinion about 28 Years Later :))

i love the poster!

Me too Seun Arowojolu :))

Sandra Isabel Correia i appreciate that but I actually did everything except direct my short. Wrote, produced, art direction, etc. got to give notes though! :)

I thought you directed Xochi Blymyer , but who knows will be your next step! I loved the short, Alexia :)) I never forget about it. Very well written, produced and directed. I am cheering for you for your next step :))

I Love this question., FOR ME , i love producing with a passion. I think my mix is writer and producer. I don't have a technical bone in my body hahahah, I love this question, I have seen my friend who I admire a lot, as a amazing producer and director, how she uses the equipment with such ease, I love that for her. Then again we as creator have an amazing superpower of doing more then one thing and succceding at it.

Thats a beautiful reply Elmare Hendricks. "we as creator have an amazing superpower of doing more then one thing and succceding at it." It's real, we are creators in all senses and we have that superpower, we are unique. I love writing and directing. I believe that producing comes naturally to me because of my business background. It's something I learned to do, but writing and directing are in my veins hehe.

Sandra… this made me pause and really think.

I genuinely enjoy producing — just stepping back and watching the process unfold. There’s something fulfilling about shaping the vision from behind the scenes.

But honestly, the reason I often find myself directing is the fear of regret — that feeling when you see what a project could have been… and it gets lost in production, sometimes because of ego or misalignment.

So yes, if the right hands are on a project, I’m happy to stay back and support.

But if not — I’ll step in. Because for me, it’s always about protecting the soul of the story.

I have the same questions Elmare Hendricks, but also I think we need to adapt for the challenges that’s AI will bring to the future.

Hi , thanks for sharing. So many of us are asking these questions. We definitely can see the pros and cons of AI. It definitely has many excited and others afraid. Which is understandable. I definitely look forward to using AI more, but I also want to connect with other people and keep them employed. So I desire a balance of both real people and AI If that’s possible lol

P.S. Is this your video? Is this your channel? this video and new AI abilities is so amazing. I just subscribed. I felt led to open Stage 32 the app. I said one notification and I haven’t been on here in a long time. Your post was the Secondamazing post I seen today. Thanks For sharing

You are welcome Patryna Goosby. No, isn't my channel, I only shared here. I desire that balance also, and it's really vital for us to be in balance. Thank you for sharing.

As a filmmaker who loves innovation, I’m also careful about not losing the soul of the craft.

Once we start seeing “AI Filmmakers,” the industry might shift into a race to catch up — rather than pause to question where it’s all heading.

Let’s be honest, challenging times are ahead. Why?

Because fresh, aspiring filmmakers may start skipping the process — the hard-earned lessons older generations went through to develop real storytelling skills.

It reminds me of how digital filmmaking took over from celluloid — mostly pushed by newer filmmakers looking for an easier, faster route. And while that change brought good things, it also meant we lost some of the depth and discipline that came with film.

I won’t bore this post with nostalgia — but let’s face it:

A new path is here.

The real question isn’t whether AI will take jobs.

It’s: Are you ready to brace up for what’s coming?

Thank you for sharing Xochi Blymyer

Thank you for sharing, very insightful

What an inspiring creative journey you've shared! Starting screenwriting at 62 with such clarity of purpose and authentic voice is genuinely remarkable. Your late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and treatment unlocking decades of stored ideas is a powerful testament to the fact that creative breakthroughs can happen at any stage of life.

Your Unique Strengths

Life Experience as Creative Fuel: Your decades in sales across Queensland, meeting diverse people and collecting their voices, gives you authentic character development that many younger writers struggle to achieve. That's invaluable source material that can't be taught or faked.

Fresh Perspective: The film industry desperately needs voices that aren't shaped by film school conventions. Your "intuitive rather than academic" approach can produce more original, emotionally honest storytelling.

Timely Subject Matter: An action thriller set in Antarctica exploring climate change and geopolitical tensions is incredibly relevant. Environmental thrillers are gaining significant industry attention, especially with international scope.

Australian Advantage: Australian productions with international appeal have strong support through government funding and international co-production treaties. Your location gives you access to resources many writers don't have.

Strategic Next Steps:

Professional Development: Consider connecting with Screen Australia and Screen Queensland for funding opportunities and development programs specifically designed for emerging writers.

Industry Feedback: Getting professional script coverage will help identify any structural areas to strengthen before pitching.

Local Connections: Australia has a robust emerging film community. Networking with local producers who understand international co-production could be invaluable.

Your belief in cinema's power to "provoke thought, ignite emotion, and spark change" comes through clearly in your writing approach.That authenticity, combined with your unique life experience, positions you well for industry success.

The world needs stories from voices like yours - don't let industry inexperience discourage you. Your perspective is exactly what makes compelling cinema.

Congratulations on stepping into the world of filmmaking, Mark Minnis!

I tried to produce two feature films way back, and I made a lot of mistakes because I didn't have webinars, classes, blogs, books, etc. on producing. I suggest checking out the Producing Education and Blogs Stage 32 has.

Producing Education: www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Producing

Producing Blogs: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/producing-22

Mark Minnis Best advice: careful and get direct (ie. personal and private) opinions from people who have paid for services before spending your money on anything at all. Above all, don't fall into the trap of thinking that screenwriting contests are important - they are not, except for your fun.

I love your journey, this is absolutely amazing. please see all the resources available, for assistance

Hi, Joseph Evans. Welcome to the community. Stage 32 is having its next Community Open House on June 25th. You can sign up for free here (www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-june-community-open-house-...). It'll help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with producers, creatives, and industry professionals all over the world.

In the meantime, here's a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and make connections: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

Stage 32 has Producing Education I suggest checking out (www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Producing).

I also suggest using your photo for a profile picture. People will feel more comfortable networking and collaborating with you if they know what you look like. And if you have a picture, your profile will show up when someone searches for you. You can upload a picture by clicking the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and selecting “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu, then clicking the red button underneath your location and choosing "Update profile picture."

Congratulations on your progress to date Joseph Evans. Stage 32 has numerous resources to dive into to advance your journey. Good luck with your project!

All the best on your journey. I firmly believe that your project will receive the right partners for it, as Maurice stated there is amazing resources here.

This is such an amazing post, A colleague and I was discussing this the other day. Proof of concepts is a MUST in order to show visually how the film will look like. it enhances the pitch deck, I believe.

Thank you Ryann Goldberg :))

oh, wow! Congratulations Correia

Thank you Daniel Njuna :))

let us know when the movie is done, so that we may enjoy a movie from one of our own

I will Daniel Njuna. Thank you and It’s an honor :))