Hey there - happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! I hope everyone is gearing up for some holiday time, or family time, or down time or just great-movie-watching time!
I'm a filmmaker and teacher who loves storytelling and storytellers. Yes, the rules always change and the power always shifts and the means of production and distribution constantly evolve and it can be insanely tough but storytelling is magical and, in my humble opinion, ain't going anywhere... ever. And this community proves that every minute of every day.
As we approach the new year, I'd like to share a quick story of gratitude... the very first time I met RB, our CEO and founder, he told me about his vision for Stage 32 Certification - something that could level the playing field and make professional-level training in film & TV production jobs accessible to everyone. He saw what was coming - where we are now - that production is spreading out from a handful of urban centers to happening everywhere and top notch crew and talent is needed all over the place. My mind was kind of blown, to be honest - I knew he was right - and that he, and the Stage 32 team, might be the only ones who could put that idea into action. I started working with RB, Amanda and team to build the program. Almsot immediately, as if they felt it too, this incredible group of high level professionals from all of these different jobs in the industry came on board to teach the Certification courses. Then film commissions from Texas to Croatia let us know that they did, indeed, need this and we started working with dozens of them. Then just last week, Forbes Magazine pubished the article on the impact Stage 32 Certifictaion is having:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereknewton/2025/11/25/meet-stage-32-the-fu...
As I reflect on this year and get excited for next year, I am super proud of and remain humbled and grateful to be a part of this. So just a reminder that I can ever be of any help with Stage 32 Certification or answer any questions please email me directly at Certification@stage32.com.
That's my story. It's great to connect with you all. I'd love to hear about what you're working on and your goals for 2026. Cheers!!
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Happy IYW Sam Sokolow - thanks for all you do brother! I am really enjoying the certification classes, btw. Learning a TON!
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Hey, Sam Sokolow. Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! Hope you're gearing up for some holiday time, family time, down time, or great-movie-watching time too! I plan on spending time with family, watching movies, resting, and writing. My goal for the rest of the year is finish some projects I'm writing and rewriting.
Thanks for everything you do for Stage 32 Certification and the community! Congratulations on Stage 32 Certification growing and all your success this year!
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Hi Sam! Happy IYW and it's great to meet you! I loved reading about your first time meeting RB and how everything fell into place. The universe aligned, huh? That's beautiful and this great platform is an incredible result. Thank you so much for all you do, have done, and will do.
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Thank you for sharing this, Sam! As a storyteller based in Kano, Nigeria, your point about production spreading globally really resonates with me. The Stage 32 Certification is a game-changer for leveling the playing field for international talent. I’m looking forward to a productive 2026!
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Love this—thanks for sharing your story Sam Sokolow . It’s really inspiring to see how Stage 32 Certification has grown and the impact it’s having across the industry. The focus on accessibility and preparing talent for where production is headed feels especially important right now. Congrats to you and the team on the Forbes recognition, that’s huge. Looking forward to seeing what’s next and connecting more in the new year