Hey, Stage 32 Fam!
Welcome back to our weekly Creative Growth Check-In!
Every week, we open this space to reflect on how we’re actively challenging ourselves to grow, whether that’s through hands-on creative work, professional development, or the quiet but powerful process of planning your next move.
Lately, I’ve been deep in festival prep mode, building resources and our rooftop bash for writers and filmmakers heading to the Austin Film Festival. It’s been a great reminder that approaching a festival with strategy is a lot like prepping for a shoot: your shot list, or in this case, your schedule, determines your success. The more intentional you are going in, the more space you have to actually enjoy the creative connections that come out of it.
If you’re planning to attend, don’t miss Monday’s Free Webcast: How To Navigate Austin Film Festival!
Register here for FREE: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/navigating-film-festivals-joi...
I’ll be co-hosting this session with Geoff Faugerolas, Stage 32’s Director of Development Services, and we’ll be sharing insider tips, festival strategies, and networking advice to help you make the most of every moment at AFF.
Now it’s your turn:
What’s one thing you’re doing (or planning) this week that challenges you to grow creatively or professionally?
Even if you’re still finding your rhythm, your progress, ideas, and reflections matter here. Share your update below so we can support, encourage, and celebrate your growth together!
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Hey, Ashley Renee Smith! I was turning my short script into an adult animated series this week, but I found out I'm not into adult animated writing (maybe one day). So, I'm focused on rewriting a feature script. I'm glad I tried to outline my first adult animated series though.
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This week, I'm reviewing bios, loglines and scripts from members to advocate on their behalf and play the matchmaker with executives. It's been energizing to see all the great material from members and figure out how to help them navigate the business.
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I’m just start production course
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This week I'm learning how I can use AI to help move quicker and more efficiently to serve our Stage 32 community. I'm planning to watch some videos on AI innovation over the weekend so I can stay up to speed!
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This week I am finishing content for one of the online courses I'm producing - preproduction even for just sitting down in front of my webcam and trying to sound smart is still challenging ;) lol
Amanda Toney AI all the way!! that's excellent - GPT has been very helpful to me. But one does need to be discerning with what it provides back, for sure.
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That’s such a great takeaway, Maurice Vaughan, sometimes trying something new is the best way to figure out what doesn’t creatively fulfill us, and that’s just as valuable as discovering what does. I love that you gave the adult animated format an honest shot, and it sounds like the process still helped you grow as a writer.
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Thank you for all that you do, Geoffroy Faugerolas. Building careers in this industry is truly a collaborative effort.
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That’s fantastic, Asia Burgudy! Starting a production course is such an exciting step. There’s so much to learn about bringing a story to life from the ground up. Are you focusing more on producing, directing, or the full production process?
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I can't wait to learn more, Amanda Toney!
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Sebastian Tudores It takes real skill to make something look and sound effortless on camera. And yes, I agree about AI, it’s a powerful creative tool when used thoughtfully, especially for brainstorming or refining structure. Still, the human discernment behind it is what makes the final product shine.
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Thanks, Ashley Renee Smith. I got some ideas while trying to turn my short script into an adult animated series. I can use them for a feature script version.
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I’ve have been focusing on how to pitch! Also working so not a ton of time but got to practice a bit w some others and getting my ducks in a row - or projects in a row to have options!
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Get a manager or an agent. I've been very focused on that lately.