As applicable to shorts as to features. In post now with a short - and so many of your tips would have been useful both in production and in the early edit. Thank you for ideas for what to look for when meeting with editors on the next one.
As applicable to shorts as to features. In post now with a short - and so many of your tips would have been useful both in production and in the early edit. Thank you for ideas for what to look for when meeting with editors on the next one.
I really want to learn how to be a director. What are your tips?
here’s a quote from James Cameron: “Pick up a camera. Shoot something. No matter how small, no matter how cheesy, no matter whether your friends or sister star in it. Put your name on it. Now you’re a director.” The rest is just negotiating your rate.
Drink heavily, take lots of hallucinogens, wear jodhpurs and carry a riding crop.
Practice. Just go for it and make something, anything, and go from there.
When it comes to directing, what is it about directing that compels you the most? I ask this because I want to be a director and I really need tips.
Josiah Bhola Hillaire Josiah, tips won’t help you be a director.
First ask the question why do you want to be a director? Then - What is there within you that moves you towards this? Do you have the sk...
Expand commentJosiah Bhola Hillaire Josiah, tips won’t help you be a director.
First ask the question why do you want to be a director? Then - What is there within you that moves you towards this? Do you have the skills to understand and nurture the talent that surrounds a production, in front of and behind the camera? Are you someone who can see the bigger picture, to tell the story and make the production successful?
If you can answer those questions and none of your answers have anything to do with a (false) sense of the romance of being the man, the director, then maybe you can start on this journey.
Try with short one and you Will find do you Want to be Director or not...
The surprises (though we tend to dwell on the bad ones). When an actor (or DP or editor or ...) brings an interpretation you never dreamed of and it's so much more amazing than what you thought was "p...
Expand commentThe surprises (though we tend to dwell on the bad ones). When an actor (or DP or editor or ...) brings an interpretation you never dreamed of and it's so much more amazing than what you thought was "perfect" in your mind's eye. When an audience responds differently than you expected (especially when different from previous audiences to the same film). Examples - your big ta-daa moment gets no reaction but a throwaway moment gets a big response. Even a negative response can be enlightening (sometimes it's the wrong audience, but sometimes you just guessed wrong - but that's OK - make another one!)
Hi, All! My name is Jim, I'm a writer/director based in Los Angeles (but I'll always be a Chicago boy - Go Cubs!)
It's been a few years since my thesis film (meaning I need a new directing sample or two) and most of my film school network is mid-career now, so I need a new NETWORK. I'm ready to do th Expand postHi, All! My name is Jim, I'm a writer/director based in Los Angeles (but I'll always be a Chicago boy - Go Cubs!)
It's been a few years since my thesis film (meaning I need a new directing sample or two) and most of my film school network is mid-career now, so I need a new NETWORK. I'm ready to do the WORK but I might need some help spreading the NET. Who wants to play? Happy to help anyone else in your diabolical misadventures. (I know, I posted something like this last year, but then I dropped back into writing mode).I'm looking to shoot a gruesomely dark comedy short in the next few months (single (stage) location plus a parking lot).
Last time, my crew was mostly classmates and we were all under the protection of the film school's legal paperwork, agreements and insurance. This time will obviously be different. Methinks I'm in need of a producer! (but that's for the Jobs section) Aside from that, my eyes and ears are open! Pitfalls? Common gotchas? I'm mostly worried about what I DON'T know to look out for. I could learn a lot by helping some of you-all on your projects!
Thank you Emily/Gigi and Maurice - the short film contest. (sigh) Too bad my last film is more than a wee bit older than three years (absurdly more than a wee bit).
And Maurice, thank you for pointing...
Expand commentThank you Emily/Gigi and Maurice - the short film contest. (sigh) Too bad my last film is more than a wee bit older than three years (absurdly more than a wee bit).
And Maurice, thank you for pointing out that post on networking (which I did see, but is a valuable resource), and I needed the pep talk from RB's quick vid on networking for those who are apprehensive about networking! Those two items got me to jump back on here this weekend. I've got to make it more of a habit!
I'm sure that like everything else, comfort will come with practice. It's like learning how to merge in with traffic on the freeway. I find myself sitting there on the on-ramp sometimes. Go merge!
I appreciate all this positivity and encouragement! Thank you, all!
You're welcome, James P Gleason. RB's videos are great insight, advice, and pep talks. Yeah, networking will become easier as you practice. It did for me. Go merge -- I mean network! :D
Rosalind! I'm inspired by how many times you climbed back on that horse! I keep looking at my horse and shaking my head. It's time to mount up! (And the story sounds amazing - I already have questions, which is exactly what you want from your readers AND YOUR AUDIENCE!) Ride on, Rosalind!
Hi Everyone -
My name is Martin Reese. I've been a member of this platform since 2014. I write sci-fi, fantasy and horror. I've authored a children's storybook called MULOGO AND HIS QUINTUPLE OF TROUBLE. I've won a couple of screenwriting contests such as Stage 32's Micro-budget Horror Script Competi...
Expand postHi Everyone -
My name is Martin Reese. I've been a member of this platform since 2014. I write sci-fi, fantasy and horror. I've authored a children's storybook called MULOGO AND HIS QUINTUPLE OF TROUBLE. I've won a couple of screenwriting contests such as Stage 32's Micro-budget Horror Script Competition with the script THE EYE OF OWUO which is currently in development. Here is a blog about my experience in the early stages.( https://www.stage32.com/blog/Update-on-the-Development-of-the-Winning-Sc...)
I am currently working on a TV pilot called MAJK. I call it a Horror/Crime Noir. I am also working on producing a podcast based on the pilot. Our fearless lead Rich "RB" Botto always says you need to have an entrepreneurial mindset in this business. I take that to heart.
I am a Community Leader for both the Producing Lounge ( https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing) and the Screenwriters Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting).I invite you to check them out. There are great topics there and great conversations. I am also a member of The Writers' Room a great community to meet fellow writers and learn.
One of the folks in this industry I would really like to meet is Jordan Peele. He is living my dream life. He hosted The TWILIGHT ZONE; he adapted LOVECRAFT COUNTRY before I could; and he makes thought-provoking horror films that skirt sci-fi.
Thanks Jason Mirch . Your comments were very helpful. Working on them now.
Hi Martin! I also love Jordan Peele! I loved his comedic work but I really love what he's doing with horror. I've always been a fan but felt guilty about it because of all the misogyny & racism. Still not totally sure how I felt about Candyman, tho
Horror/Crime Noir ... tell me more! Thanks for the reminder that I oughtta poke my head into the producing lounge. And Peele ... <sigh>
Hollywood based action actor and action designer. I graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood. Also the in house Action coordinator for Lunar Door Productions.
Thank you for the warm welcome.
You're welcome, David C Hernandez.
Thank you for such a welcome
Hello Fellow S32 Creatives!
I spoke with a studio executive, through Stage 32, who told me my pilot script "Is Ready!" Very Exciting!
Just wanted to share that it CAN happen.
Best,
Tim
That's great to hear Timothy! So glad you're having success on the platform.
Yey you! So happy for your success - welcome to Stage 32!
Good luck!! And congratulations.
Not much
Loquacious much? :D
Nah -Canadian —sorry
Welcome, Jim! I take it autobiography is not listed in your goals? :)
It's been a few years since my thesis film (meaning I need a new directing sample or two) and most of my film school network is mid-career now, so I need a new NETWORK. I'm ready to do the *WORK but I might need some help spreading the NET. Who wants to play? Happy to help anyone else in your diabol...
Expand postIt's been a few years since my thesis film (meaning I need a new directing sample or two) and most of my film school network is mid-career now, so I need a new NETWORK. I'm ready to do the *WORK but I might need some help spreading the NET. Who wants to play? Happy to help anyone else in your diabolical misadventures. I'm LA based but curiosity travels.
Hi James. I have a short script that I’ve recently completed. It has zombies in it, but leans more towards sci-fi rather than horror, if you’re interested in that genre at all.
Hi Lisa - I'd be happy to put eyes on it. Feel free to send it my way.
James, excellent! It is listed under my loglines, An Experiment in Behavior. I also can just email it to you, if you'd prefer.
Are there any stunt people, or fight choreographers in the L.A. county that want to collaborate on something?
Hmm. I'll have to stick around and hear what answers come back on this one!
I am a retired professor of physiology at the University of Houston. After I retired, still wanting some creativity in my life and believing films to be the highest art form, I started working in films. I wrote, directed, or videoed six narrative or documentary shorts that were shown on local TV. I...
Expand postI am a retired professor of physiology at the University of Houston. After I retired, still wanting some creativity in my life and believing films to be the highest art form, I started working in films. I wrote, directed, or videoed six narrative or documentary shorts that were shown on local TV. I made a feature-length documentary DVD on Houston's Maritime Museum and related nautical history. I worked on two- “real” films on the craft table, set dresser, face-in-the-crowd, and general factotum.
Afterward, I started writing movie scripts. The skills needed in science writing are the opposite of those needed for screenwriting. Surprisingly, it’s hard to go from the rigor of science into the anarchy of imagination. But I love movies, so screenwriting was the way I chose to spend the rest of my retirement. One would guess I’d choose topics that involved lab experiments gone bad, where the protagonist turned into a superhero or a superfly, but for some reason, most of my scripts are teenage adventure stories. I suspect there’s a message in there.
Jeez, David - funny you mention the differences between science writing and screenwriting. I've written a few sci-fi scripts, heavy on the SCI (I never outgrew my paleontology and Dad used to build te...
Expand commentJeez, David - funny you mention the differences between science writing and screenwriting. I've written a few sci-fi scripts, heavy on the SCI (I never outgrew my paleontology and Dad used to build telescopes - so I'm cursed with nerdbrain). My one teen-adventure tale is embedded in a sci-fi scenario as well (sigh)
David Mailman , would you consider the idea these are not opposites? If so e.g., you can think of the abstract as the inviting incident, introduction and background to be the build up, key findings an...
Expand commentDavid Mailman , would you consider the idea these are not opposites? If so e.g., you can think of the abstract as the inviting incident, introduction and background to be the build up, key findings and insights to be the turning points, and adjustments to be resolutions. I can't say much of physiology, although I can imagine all these in kinesiology or sports medicine. : ) Guaranteed it has to be more interesting than any academic paper I've read!
Hi, David. How is it going? Teenage adventure stories sound exciting. Maybe some of the teens are into science. You should be able to write great teenage science characters.
Hello! I'm Cory Johnson a director from North Carolina. I love what stage 32 has done in bringing so many talented people together. I started my film career doing music videos and weddings. Now I'm looking to expand as I work towards features. I'm not the best or strongest writer so I want to collab...
Expand postHello! I'm Cory Johnson a director from North Carolina. I love what stage 32 has done in bringing so many talented people together. I started my film career doing music videos and weddings. Now I'm looking to expand as I work towards features. I'm not the best or strongest writer so I want to collaborate with writers and producers to begin creating shorts or potentially even a feature. I hope someone has a few pieces of work that they are willing to share. Much love and Happy Easter!
Hello cory i am about to star on a script for a movie. get in touch with me maybe we can work together on it.
Welcome in this beautiful network!
Hey Cory! I smell parallel interests! Short(s) before Feature(s). What kind of material draws you?
DANG, RB! I NEEDED this! (Can You Be An Introverted Director?) This is MOST amazing because I didn't realize I needed it! It's great to see someone else who doesn't "check all the boxes" (describing what a director is supposed to be) excel in the field. This was Creative Red Bull, Man! THANKS!! And...
Expand postDANG, RB! I NEEDED this! (Can You Be An Introverted Director?) This is MOST amazing because I didn't realize I needed it! It's great to see someone else who doesn't "check all the boxes" (describing what a director is supposed to be) excel in the field. This was Creative Red Bull, Man! THANKS!! And thanks to David for putting himself out there.
Love hearing that, my friend. Always aim to educate and inspire with the Coffee & Content blog. Glad it hit the mark.
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