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"I’m the guy that does his job. You must be the other guy.” – Mark Wahlberg playing Dignam is The Departed. When I expressed interest in writing another blog here on Stage 32, there was one topic I had been looking to address for a while, but also one that is quite timely in light of what’s going on in the entertainment business: Professionalism. It’s the reason I led with Mr. Wahlberg’s quote from the Oscar-Winning Best Picture, The Departed. I&rs…
As we get ready to take in the Academy Awards this Sunday, I am tempted to think about some of my own memorable Oscar Moments and the lessons that those moments have taught me over the years. And, not only are they some of my fondest memories to date, but they read like a list of what to do and what not to do. As you can see below, I got to hoist Ernie Borgnine’s Best Actor Oscar from 1956 that he won for portraying the title character in Marty. That was nearly a decade ago. I am…
Blood Family + Film Family = Efficient and Successful Production Now, when you read this headline, it’s important to note that the original quote - “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb” - was meant to say that blood shed on the battlefield creates a stronger bond between soldiers than simple familial or genetic ties. I guess you could say the same about blood shed on film sets, however, I know a filmmaker that recently combined his Blood Fa…
“I say luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it.” - Denzel Washington I knew an actor once who liked to utter that famous phrase by the Roman philosopher Seneca, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Such a well-known phrase that I titled my last Stage 32 blog after it. Funny thing was, when that actor got their opportunity, they were not prepared. And, they could have used a lot of luck. They were ner…
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” - Roman philosopher Seneca As you can see above, it was the Roman philosopher Seneca who first uttered those poignant words, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Since then, it has become one of the most repeated phrases by hard-working dreamers everywhere. And I can’t think of any better words that should describe the attitude that people involved in the entertainm…
As we get ready to take in the Academy Awards this Sunday, I am tempted to think about some of my own memorable Oscar Moments and the lessons that those moments have taught me over the years. And, not only are they some of my fondest memories to date, but they read like a list of what to do and what not to do. Sam, Oscar, and Ernie … As you can see above, I got to hoist Ernie Borgnine’s Best Actor Oscar from 1956 that he won for portraying the title charac…
To IMDb or Not to IMDb? Indeed, that is the question, lately… here on Stage 32. Many experienced players on this site – myself included – are surprised that this is even a debate. How can having your credits listed on the actual, “Internet Movie Data Base,” be harmful to your career? Moreover, if it even helps you a little bit, in such a competitive business, how can you resist doing so? Obviously, there is a little sarcasm in the above paragraph. IMDb …
I’ve often heard Dan MaxXx say on Stage 32 that you should, “Build your own tribe,” and I couldn’t agree more. It simply means build relationships, build your contacts and it will help you put deals – and productions – together. Unfortunately, I think a lot of people - both on Stage 32, and on a wider scale, those attempting to enter the industry – have failed to get that message. Many newbies – and younger entrants – to the indust…
You know all those things that filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors bemoan about here on Stage 32? Can’t raise the finances to make a movie. Can’t get distribution. Can’t get a break. 'Getting Grace', a film starting Daniel Roebuck, on a film scroll in a movie theater. Well, I know a guy who would disagree with you and is proving anything is possible. And not just any guy, but the man who played the second lead of Cliff Lewis on Matlock, Dr. Leslie Arzt on LOST, mov…
Lead Producer Sam Borowski and Lead Actor Daniel Roebuck pose on the bench on set during In This Moment's recent shoot in Bethlahem, Pa. "I’ve said this so many times, but there’s a magic when you have a really good actor in a really good makeup.” – 7-time Oscar-Winning Make-Up Artist Rick Baker. When I was asked by Amanda Toney to pen a post about my recent experiences producing In This Moment, a short film designed for film festivals, distribution, and Oscar-…
"I’m the guy that does his job. You must be the other guy.” – Mark Wahlberg playing Dignam is The Departed. When I told Rosalind Winton that I wanted to write another blog here on Stage 32, there was one topic I had been looking to address for a while, but also one that is quite timely in light of what’s going on in the entertainment business: Professionalism. It’s the reason I led with Mr. Wahlberg’s quote from the Oscar-…
Having been a full-time writer-director/producer for the past 15 years and having taught my twice-monthly 'So You Want To Be An Actor' Workshops for the past seven, I'm often asked by young - and in some cases, older - actors how they can best achieve their dreams, but, sometimes, I think what they need to be asking is 'what pitfalls should I avoid'. It's frustrating for me because I frequently see many actors making the very same mistakes in their career - often things that requir…