The place to discuss, share content and offer advice and tips on all things filmmaking and the craft of directing. From pre-production to on set practices to navigating the industry and beyond, this is your forum
Looks like the SAG-AFTRA is officially expanding into the vertical space! We all know how significant this union is for actors across film and television, but now they're stepping directly into the vertical scape.
They've officially ratified a new deal to produce branded content, audio, and video for...
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Anyone going to the Austin Film Festival this year? The team and I will be going and we'd love to see you there. We'll be announcing special perks and events there. And if you'd be interested in joining us over Zoom to prep, start mingling with fellow Stage 32 members and receive festival tips, let us know if that's something you'd be interested in!
I appreciate the concept but I don't appreciate that everything gets a label. Playing in the minors isn't a guaranteed entry to the majors. As someone who's lucky to even get less than a minute, a sce...
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Did you get my letter?
MARC GINSBURG
In CHRYSALIS – THE FAMILY ADVENTURE(S), three...
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<img src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABDgAAAkkCAIAAAB2sVj4AAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAANzQklUCAgI2+FP4AAAIABJREFUeJzsvXl4FMed+P2t6jk0MxrdtwS6kDgEAnFfMje+sHG8+MTENouddexsNsmuX2+y+3s3b/b57RFv...
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I’m so excited for Austin Film Festival this year! It’s one of my favorite events because we always get to meet so many Stage 32 members in person and make incredible new connections.
If you’re attendi...
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Not true but not false. Success is rare and most personal projects don't recoup their costs or lead to major career breakthroughs. However, Spike Lee, Robert Rodriguez, Quinten Tarantino and a slew of others were extremely lucky in their talent and marketing campaigns to create a film that started t...
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I think a marketing campaign is one of the most important things for a movie's success, James Woodland. And they don't have to cost a lot. Indie filmmakers and filmmakers can come up with creative mar...
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That’s a really thoughtful perspective, James Woodland, and I agree completely. Success in this industry often comes from the intersection of talent, timing, and tenacity. Even the filmmakers who “mad...
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New Article Just Published!
From extreme close-ups to wide shots, framing isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. I break down how shot choices shape audience connection and storytelling impact.
Would love your thoughts—espe...
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Great article, Sergey Martinov! Thanks for sharing it! Knowing about different shots helps me write scripts.
Hi All.
I just finished my first full feature movie trailer using AI. If this feature comedy were to be green lit, I would want to film it with real actors, so it acts as a concept for the general gist and pace of the movie.
It's a growing field with AI video model systems being valued in the hundred...
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I recently sat down with Anthony Tombling Jr - a filmmaker and composer who co-runs the independent production outfit Unit 3 Films. With over a decade of professional experience in film and music, and a creative journey spanning nearly two decades, Anthony brings a wealth of insight across long- and...
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Must-watch interview, Steve Conway! One thing Anthony said that stood out was a lot of directors weren’t asking him to score their films and he was a little frustrated, so he started making his own mo...
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Thank for sharing Steve Conway
Thank you, I enjoyed this
Video games, Maurice!
I've been thinking about writing video games, Jon Shallit.
Hey everyone!
Back in the day, I LOVED the film "Clue" with Tim Curry. I remember going to the theatre and seeing not just the regular poster for the film, but each character got their own poster. Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, the whole cast!
Fast forward 40 years and I'm acting, writing, d...
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Hey, Brandon Keeton! I loved Clue! Congratulations on finishing Stories! I think character posters are great for promoting projects! I make them to promote my scripts....
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Great topic. I have made Independent movies only myself. I financed them, directed and with only one exception, I shot them all myself, and edited them also.
This is very cool. I don't have an answer but I like the idea! Tangent story - my friend who's a huge Clue fan had a Clue screening of the original last summer - and it was great to see.
Great idea, Brandon. I can see doing it for a series of linked novellas, too. It is definitely time to watch Clue again. Best to you all with all your creative projects.
I think that’s a great idea Brandon Keeton
Build excitement and anticipation with these strategies.
In this post, you can find 5 Ways to Engage Audiences Before Your Film’s Release.
1. Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share sneak peeks from the set.
2 Interactive Social Media: Polls, quizzes, and live Q&As keep fans engaged.
3. Teasers and Trailers: D...
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These are great ways to engage audiences before a film’s release, Vincent Weberink! As an audience member, I prefer teasers and trailers over the other things, but the trailers can't be too long/give...
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Thanks, Maurice! Totally agree — the best trailers tease just enough to hook you without spoiling the magic. Finding that balance between curiosity and reveal is an art in itself.
You're welcome, Vincent Weberink. You're right. And sometimes I don't need to see a trailer. I just need to read the logline to want to watch a movie....
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Helpful ideas, Vincent. Thanks.
Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian of Proximity Media discuss pushing boundaries in Hollywood storytelling and the vision for their media company
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK8e1lwjn4E)
Thanks for sharing the video, Pat Alexander. It's a must-watch! One thing that stood out was when Ryan Coogler talked about everyone fighting for everyone's attention. There are so many movies, show,...
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I've been testing a workflow that layers generated landscapes over real-location stock images to help visualize shoot potential and VFX integration. It’s meant to speed up production by aligning creative and logistical planning early. Would this be more useful for producers, or should I just stick t...
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That's a production design issue, when a project is in preproduction, for the director and design team. I don't know that it is even relevant to the producer before then, TBO.
The reality of set life.
The very BEST I’ve ever “scene” and wisdom beyond the moon and back
It's like that with directing, writing, etc., Abram Christian. Being able to pivot is SO important on set, writing a script, etc.!
Love this. I went through the same, only worse! And somehow, it got made.
A strong theme can leave a lasting impression. Here’s how to amplify it:
1. Weave it Subtly: Let the theme emerge naturally through the story.
2. Create Relatable Characters: Audiences connect through shared emotions.
3. Use Visual Metaphors: Symbolic imagery reinforces your message.
4. Leverage Sound a...
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I do all of those except Leverage Sound and Music, Vincent Weberink, especially Visual Metaphors. Thanks for the Leverage Sound and Music idea.
A film that nails theme for me is Jordan Peele's Get Out...
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That’s awesome, Maurice — Get Out is a perfect example! Peele weaves theme through every layer, from dialogue to visual cues. And yes, sound and music can add another emotional thread — even subtle choices can amplify tension or meaning. Glad that tip resonated!
The most recent example for me is Paddleton. That movie really moved me. I am sure it spoke to me in a way that most movies do not and are not designed to do. My favorite movie of all time - Schindler...
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Sam RiveraThis is such a fascinating shift to see, and honestly, it feels like the right move for where the industry is heading. The way audiences consume content has completely changed since Quibi’s...
Expand commentSam RiveraThis is such a fascinating shift to see, and honestly, it feels like the right move for where the industry is heading. The way audiences consume content has completely changed since Quibi’s time, short-form, vertical storytelling is now part of the mainstream ecosystem. With SAG-AFTRA stepping in, it brings a much-needed layer of professionalism and protection for performers who’ve been navigating this space without a clear framework.
Hi! I don't watch vertical videos. Most of all, I want to buy a tablet and get rid of my smartphone forever.