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Embracing Unexpected Opportunities In Your Career

My travels as an author, screenwriter, and feature magazine article writer have allowed me to visit some very exotic places all over the world, and it all started in The Bronx. I attended a Hollywood film school and graduated with honors. I also have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I am a Six Sigma Master Black Belt. I guess you could say it was a unique education. But I learned a lot of things that they don’t teach in film school. And I’m still learning. Screenwriti…

Announcing the 10th Annual Short Film Contest

Hey, Stage 32 Community! The most prestigious short film competition on the planet is back! You've made a short film. You've put in your time, effort, blood, sweat, tears, and perhaps even some serious money into your project. Your goal isn't only to get your film seen, but to get it seen around the world and by people who can make a difference in your career. Would being screened by an Oscar qualifying film festival matter? How about having it screened for over 1,000 executives includ…

How Did You Get That Gig?

When I was a tiny baby screenwriter with no experience, no credits, no hope, no foot in any door, and no connections in the industry, I thought that landing a gig where I would be paid to write was almost impossible to achieve. Until, one day, a producer reached out to me and said… “I have two costumes and a barn. Can you write me something?” That sentence led to a series of events that have now culminated in my first TV show being greenlit. Was it magic? No. It wa…

Coffee & Content: How Do You Overcome Negativity?

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 essay by Film Stack, they’re diving into the turning points of Tom Hardy’s career, his setbacks, his relentless rise, his toughest productions, and the reason you don’t see him in as many films as before. This is the story of an actor who fought his way bac…

Stage 32 Certification at Focus London 2024!

Hi, Stage 32ers! After an amazing and truly inspiring experience at Focus London 2024 representing Stage 32 Certification, a long-time vision and dream of our CEO Richard “RB” Botto, that I am so fortunate to help bring to life, I am returning home to continue our work of democratizing the production industry with greater enthusiasm than ever (and it was already through the roof). I was so excited by the Stage 32 panel I hosted on telling authentic, original stories from w…

Why Filmmakers Must Study Birdman: Lessons in Screenwriting, Dark Humor, and Storytelling

A wonderful piece of ART – that’s the only way I can describe Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). But who am I to judge? This movie doesn’t need my validation; it has 193 wins and 484 nominations to its name, including 4 Academy Awards, such as Best Picture and Best Director. Made with a modest budget of $18 million, it grossed over $103 million worldwide, proving that daring, experimental cinema can resonate with audiences and critics alike. But here&rsqu…

Announcing the 2nd Annual Period Piece Screenwriting Contest

Hey, Stage 32 Community! The ONLY Period Piece Screenplay Contest in the World is Back! Ever dreamt of seeing your period piece script come to life on the big screen or streaming on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality! Our Grand Prize Winner will get a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $5,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an education package and will be flown to LA to meet in…

Coffee & Content: Traits You Need To Succeed In The Entertainment Business

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 Film Courage interview, Carole Kirschner shares 5 traits that you need to succeed in the entertainment business. Carole spent fifteen years as a television development executive, former Vice President of Television for Steven Spielberg's first Amblin Entertainment, and a Comedy De…

Coffee & Content: In Praise of Great Exposition & Pitching Experiences

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 essay by Thomas Flight, he’s breaking down the elements that make for great exposition in your dialogue. Exposition in film and TV has a mostly bad reputation, but it’s really just another tool in the writer's toolbox. This video examines examples of exposition, …

Red Carpet Roll-Out: December 2024's New Executives & Education at Stage 32!

Happy Friday, Stage 32 Community! Our Stage 32 Team has been working diligently to bring in new educational and mentoring resources and opportunities to this fantastic community! This December, you'll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, film commissioners, financiers, award-winning writers, producers, directors, cinematographers, authors, actors, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or represented such projects as THE …

Happy Thanksgiving From Stage 32: We Are Thankful For YOU

Happy Thanksgiving, Creative Army! On behalf of the entire Stage 32 team, I'd like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. We are so proud of our ever-growing creative community and we are beyond honored to provide every one of you a safe haven to connect, be inspired, and come together to make your art. We are all extremely grateful for the members of this community and for the incredible relationships and friendships that have bloomed this year. Truly, we feel blessed. As …

Say, “Thank you”: Why Gratitude is Your Superpower

This Thanksgiving, my invitation is to pause and consider the role gratitude plays in your writer’s journey. Gratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it is the way, the path to navigating challenges, strengthening your resilience, and fueling your process. Think of gratitude as your superpower. Find Strength in the Challenges You Have Overcome Think about the struggles you have faced and conquered in your creative life—the dragons you have slain, all the times you broke …

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