Optioning My TV Series & Signing a Shopping Agreement From Outside of L.A.

I’m sure many people in this industry outside of Los Angeles wonder a lot about whether or not they should move to the West Coast to make their dreams come true. While I can continue to complain about the fact that my commute to work takes almost 2 hours and things spontaneously combust into flames over here, I completely get it. When you think about L.A., the images of red carpets, talented celebrities, and studios as far as they eye can see come vividly, and it basically is the reality of it. Just talking to people in line at the Burbank Costco or in “da club”, I’ve talked to 10x more actors and writers than I ever did in Minnesota. Even though there are so many physical opportunities here in terms of people and productions, the fact that you have to be in California to have an entertainment career is outdated. With the emergence of avenues like YouTube and Stage 32, people have been able to find success in this industry within their own homes. Take our very own Stage 32er Brent Kado for example. Even with moving to Chicago, Brent was able to maintain his industry contacts through the Stage 32 site, and has even optioned his series and signed a shopping agreement with Indigo Films with the help of WEtv after receiving constructive advice through our Stage 32 pitching feedback services! INDIGO FILMS is an independent television production company with a long-standing reputation for developing and producing exceptional programming across a wide variety of genres. Networks produced for include Investigation Discovery, Nat Geo WILD, Travel Channel and LMN. The project pitch is now in its second round of executive reviews at Amazon! Let's give Brent a huge congratulations in the comments section below!       If there’s anything to take away here, before you decide to quit your job and abandon your old life in the pursuit of your dreams, try everything you can locally. Set a foundation for you to feel like you’re ready to take the next step. Even if you know you’d sacrifice a lot to make your dreams work, remember that there are thousands that are willing to do just as much if not more than you. It’s so important to work smart in this industry, and there’s a lot of opportunities you can commit to through your computer screen. Head over to our YouTube page to watch him talk about his success, how he did it, and advice he has to other writers. And, while you're there, don't forget to subscribe so you always get our latest updates!    CLICK HERE TO WATCH BRENT'S SUCCESS STORY     And, while you're there, don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube page to get the latest updates on our videos as they're released!       About Joseph Dinh: I am currently a Psychology student at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, and have recently finished my internship with Zaza Productions. I write and act, with an emphasis on comedy. I'd love to collaborate with other people and work on projects together, so hit me up if you need help or just want someone to work with! Feel free to check out my work on my reel. Like this blog post? Please share it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email etc) by using social media buttons at the top of the blog. Or post to your personal blog and anywhere else you feel appropriate. Thank you. As always, we welcome thoughts and remarks on ANY of the content above in the Comments section below...Read More

Coffee & Content: Podcasts & Webcasts

To all celebrating, a very happy Easter to you. (And a very happy Sunday to everyone else!) I always believe the holidays are for sharing, so I wanted to take a minute to post some podcats, webcasts and interviews that I hope will provide some inspiration today and as you move along in your creative pursuits. There's something here for creatives of all disciplines and all those multi-hyphenates out there!   National Screenwriters Day with Spencer Robinson, Caytha Jentis, Richard Botto and Hal Croasman Literary Manager Spencer Robinson, Amazon Writer/Director Caytha Jentis, Screenwriter Richard Botto and Screenwriting U's Hal Croasman talk about the current state of the industry - from craft to business and everything in between.       Actors Anonymous Podcast with Weesam Keesh & Jordan Burbank Rich "RB" Botto, was a guest on the extremely popular Actor's Anonymous podcast hosted by Jordan Burbank and Weesam Keesh of MTV's Awkward, The Mentalist and NCIS: Los Angeles. In a lively and spirited hour or so (filmed at the Stage 32 offices), the trio discussed a life in the arts including RB's early days of acting and his pursuits in screenwriting and producing. They also discussed the importance of support in a creative's life, as well as the need to embrace a collaborative and selfless spirit in an effort to win every day.       Industry Spotlight: Jason Roberts (DGA AD for Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Doug Liman, Angelina Jolie) The hardest working man in show business, Jason Roberts, hosted an exclusive FREE Stage 32 Webcast. Jason spent over an hour answering questions and speaking to how he's maintained such a long career while working with such prolific and prominent directors as Doug Liman, Michael Bay, Angelina Jolie and more.        Crowdsourcing and Using Social Media as a Filmmaker  RB sat down with Cineuropa, founded by industry veteran Domenico La Porta. In this video, RB goes over: More about Stage 32 Do's and don'ts for your online presence as a creative What is crowdfunding? What is crowdsourcing? Where the future of film will go in a digital world        The Dave Bullis Podcast - Indie Filmmaking: Festivals, Marketing & More! On the podcast, RB and Dave discuss a wide variety of topics including the Sundance Film Festival, how to market yourself, the state of the film industry and were they think it's headed. If you're a filmmaker this is a must-listen to podcast!       Like this blog post? Please share it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email etc) by using social media buttons at the top of the blog. Or post to your personal blog and anywhere else you feel appropriate. Thank you. As always, we welcome thoughts and remarks on ANY of the content above in the Comments section below...  Read More