Let's set the records straight for parents of young, and specifically, young adult actors (~16-24) in the entertainment industry. While there is a lot of content about sexual predators in the Industry, there’s very little about other types of abusive, manipulative, and predatory behaviors involving young actors. In an unnatural arena where profit, investment, careers, and social status rely on our kids more than ever, we, as parents, need to remain vigilantly aware that while “magic” exists i...

Many of you are likely aware of the book, The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler. You might also be aware that it’s based on the writings of Joseph Campbell and it applies Campbell’s ideas on the Hero’s Journey to cinema in general and screenwriting specifically. Many of you may have even read Vogler’s book or Cambell’s writings, or both. But did you know that The Writer’s Journey started as an internal memo at Walt Disney Animation Studios while developing The Little Mermaid and Beauty and...

To wrap up my recent blog series on understanding script analysis and coverage, I'm delving into the inner workings of the recommendation process and exploring the factors that industry professionals consider when deciding which scripts to recommend. From the potential impact of a positive script recommendation on a writer's future in the industry to the significance of script grading as a deciding factor for acceptance or rejection, I aim to provide new screenwriters with a comprehensive unders...

I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical of Stage 32 at first. But I figured, why not? I've tried pretty much everything else. Joining Stage 32 ended up being a game-changer for my career. It wasn't like anything I'd experienced before. For once, people were reading my work not because they had to judge it for a competition, but because they were genuinely interested. The feedback I got from industry pros was eye-opening and, honestly, exactly what I needed. My screenwriting journey has been quite an...

Independent film projects deal with business and legal aspects all the time. Bigger production companies generally have an in-house or external business and legal affairs manager. This is however less common for small production companies. In this article, we will discuss the role of business and legal affairs in independent film, and explore the areas covered by a business and legal affairs department or manager.     Business and Legal Affairs in Independent Film Business and le...

Hey, Stage 32 Community! The best comedy TV shows seamlessly blend clever scenarios, relatable characters, and impeccable timing to consistently deliver laughter and resonate with audiences. Classic network comedies like THE SIMPSONS or IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA are some of the most watched shows by fans new and old, both live and on streaming. Current shows like ABBOTT ELEMENTARY and TED LASSO have fans waiting on the edge of their couches for a new season. Aud...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Have you had a creative weekend so far? I have some content here for you that is sure to get the creative juices flowing, so grab your coffee, and let's dive in. First up, in this video from Fandango, star and director of MONKEY MAN, Dev Patel, sits down with actor, director, and producer Jordan Peeling to discuss their different directing styles. MONKEY MAN is the first feature film that Patel has directed and Peele's production company, Monkey Paw, was behind t...

We all need a little help, every now and then. One of the greatest things about being a writer is that there are so many tools out there designed to help us. The problem is, people don’t know they exist. When you’re a writer, you have to be a Jack (or Jill) of many trades and learn not just about writing, but about editing, and the business itself. It’s all part of honing our craft. And while, at times, the task may seem daunting, I’ve discovered a lot of online resources that I’ve found to...

Filmmakers have a huge undertaking as they schedule and budget their projects, each piece is vital to the success of the project, and getting everything in place as efficiently as possible is huge. Stunts are a piece of the puzzle that bring joy to audiences and chills to the production team. Why Do Stunts Bring Chills To The Production Team? Stunts have special training involved, multiple safety protocols, stunt coordinators, and many other specialty measures to ensure that the performer...

As a new screenwriter ready to submit your script for coverage, it is essential to thoroughly proofread, edit, and scrutinize your work to ensure its success. In this comprehensive guide, I will provide you with a general checklist of 10 essential tips that will empower and inspire you to confidently refine your script. From examining the structure and flow of your story to reviewing dialogue and character development, these tips will hopefully help you take your script to the next level and inc...