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Stage 32 Member Finds Success at AFM After Mentoring with Alexia Melocchi

WOW! Five days of intensive wandering, going up one elevator and down another. Pitching my TV series and three screenplays, meeting old friends, and making new ones. That’s what the American Film Market is all about. This was my second visit in ten years to Santa Monica and the AFM, and I was not disappointed. I was on a mission, and Stage 32 prepared me to meet the challenges all creatives are confronted with. What do I do, what do I say, and how do I say it? First, I was given …

How to Attract Allies in the Film Industry

Have you ever fallen in creative love? Perhaps you idly chat about your favorite director, only to discover that you both love their most obscure film best. Over your first coffee date, you playfully square off about who has the worst set stories, but you share a laugh over the resiliency it takes to keep going. Now you're about to start a project, and your new creative ally is firmly entrenched in your corner. 'How in the world did I get so fortunate?' you wonder. If luck favors the pre…

Becoming an Anthropologist with Your Story

Anthropology, simply put, is the study of what it means to be human. A tall order, almost as difficult as the provocation “How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?” from The Sound of Music. Anthropologists, writers, storytellers, and artists are obsessed with finding authenticity. They both know that in order to get to the truth, you have to get deep into the messy zones, the gray areas, and the unknowns. And they are both up for the challenge. To embark on this challenge, …

Writers' Cafe: Offering Support and Connection to Stage 32 Creatives

What keeps you from writing a new screenplay, TV pilot, or pitch? Or finishing the one you started last year? Or composing those dreaded query letters? You might be waiting to find the time to write. Have a million reasons to procrastinate. Feel intimidated by the words FADE IN. Or find writing alone uninspiring and, well, lonely. I was experiencing most of the above in January 2021, when I discovered Amy McGuire's "Friday Study Hall" and Louisa Burton's "Sunday Writers' Cafe" Zo…

Release Your Writing Blocks With "The Artist's Way"

As we head into the last two months of the year, you might feel the pressure of trying to complete those 2022 goals before the year runs out. Sometimes the pressure is good: in fact, I’d argue that this is at least part of the reason why NaNoWriMo and Stage 32's November Write Club are such popular challenges. It’s not unlike signing up for a 5K race to give yourself a deadline for starting those healthy habits you’ve committed to building. But sometimes, the pressure o…

Romance Writer Lands Representation After Stage 32 Pitch Session

I’m lucky. I like to pitch. My father was a traveling salesman and used to talk about his work at the dinner table. I understand the art of the sale. Because of this and what my sister calls our familial blind confidence, I have no fear of getting up in front of people to talk. I like sales. And I write screenplays. That’s how I came to land at Stage 32 Script Services where they offer opportunities to speak with industry executives. You pay for time and expertise, essential…

Coffee & Content: Never Run Out of Story Ideas with These Inspiring Tips

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. We kicked off our 8th Annual November Write Club this past week (and gave out some great prizes on Instagram Live). So many people have already announced their goals for the month, and I'm incredibly inspired by the wealth of creativity and, even more importantly, the support that this community sh…

Stage 32 Official Education Partners of World of Film International Festival

I'm thrilled to announce today the World of Film International Festival in Glasgow, Scotland, has teamed up with Stage 32 as the Official Education Partner. The festival has just begun and goes through November 6th, featuring projects from all over the world. The creators featured in this festival truly embody the collaborative and global ideals that we live by here at Stage 32. Nowhere can you see this better than with NYC-based filmmaker, writer, and producer Stefano D…

9 Directing Tips From Professional Directors

Hey Stage 32ers! We have a fantastic industry creative here, Ryan Little, to share with you just a few of the tips he wishes he'd known when he was first starting out as a director.  As always, we want to make sure that our ever-growing Stage 32 community has access to as many valuable resources as possible through the blog, and that's just what Ryan has brought us today! Ryan Little is a director, producer, and cinematographer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Hi…

Stage 32 Member Produces Short Film Through the Platform's Community

When and where does one decide to make their first movie? In my case, it was a decision made two months ago, on September 2022. Clearly, the most obvious place to make the project (a short about a New Cinema) is the city of Los Angeles. After this decision, I told myself, So far, so good. I've got it made. I've got a lot going for me! You see, for one thing, there was Stage 32. Since joining the community four months ago, I had made productive and unique connections and written a blog…

Rumination vs. Procrastination: How to Use Them For Good, Not Evil

I can see the first sunshine after days of rain, so I’ll put off writing this blog. I want to go outside for a walk. But I’m also using a technique that harnesses the power of procrastination to get the blog in my head so I can ruminate on it while walking. The terms ‘rumination’ and ‘procrastination’ come with a lot of baggage. Procrastination is defined as: ‘the action of delaying or postponing something knowing full well the negative outcome…

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