Filmmaking / Directing

You're right, John D. Stanfield. And great advice ("A way to do this is considering working with someone with experience in international co-production"). Audiences in different countries are attracted to different things, so I think it's smart to cater promo to specific audiences, which I'm guessing the producer, someone on the team, the distributor, or the international co-production company would handle.

Maurice Vaughan - I have thought about teaming up with creative to create however I haven't considered making an anthology feature. Honestly my first time seeing the word, did a quick google search to grasp the concept. Please feel free to point me in the right direction to do additional research. I'd like to learn more and see if this is something I would be interested in bringing to life. What Anthology would you recommend me check out for reference?

I wrote an anthology script and had a short story published in an anthology book, Cyrus Sales, but I don't have experience with making anthology movies. If I find any anthology resources, I'll send them to you.

I've mainly watched live-action Horror anthology movies, like Trick 'r Treat. I don't think I've seen any animated anthology movies.

Here's a list of animated anthology films: www.imdb.com/search/title/?keywords=animated-anthology

And here's a list of live-action anthology movies: www.imdb.com/list/ls097356696

Cyrus Sales, this post is a perfect blend of truth and humor, what a fantastic snapshot of filmmaking in Dallas. Your honesty about the competitive spirit there really resonates, and you’re so right: every creative industry demands that level of commitment and persistence. But it’s also refreshing to hear how strong and supportive the Dallas film community is. That kind of ecosystem can make all the difference, especially when paired with the cultural richness you described.

Cyrus Sales , that’s so cool. Living in a area where you breathe filmmaking industry everywhere, and easy access to others filmmakers, makes the journey exciting. Here in Lisbon, Portugal, our community is big in soap operas and not filmmaking. We are a small community and that’s why I am always looking to be global. Thank you for sharing Dallas vibe.

I just came from Houston Cyrus Sales and I think they share the same traffic issues. On the flip side, I absolutely love the people of Texas. I've lived in quite a few states and have not seen the hospitality and sense of community in Texas be beat. Do what you do, friend. No matter how saturated the market may be, there's no one else like you.

Congratulations, Derek! Hope you continue having success!

Wow...nice going Derek! Congratulations!

GOOD LUCK !

Hi, Mugs Cahill. I'm rooting for you to find an Irish producer and complete your Seed & Spark submission! Hope you enjoy the trip!

That's awesome Mugs Cahill. Hope you have a safe journey and find that producer! Let us know how Seed & Spark works for you.

That sounds like an incredible adventure, Mugs Cahill, what an exciting way to spend July! Galway Film Fleadh is such a fantastic festival for networking and discovering new talent, and your plan to scout locations and build your crew while you’re there is such a smart move.

If you haven’t already, definitely check out Week 2 of the July Filmmakers Club—this week’s theme is all about creating cross-cultural collaborations and international storytelling. Couldn’t be more aligned with your goals, and if you complete the challenge by Friday, you’ll be entered to win a free Stage 32 webinar!

You can join in here:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-2-strategies-for-...

Wishing you all the best with your Seed & Spark campaign and finding the perfect Irish producer, can’t wait to hear how it all comes together!

Hi Mugs. I'll be at the Fleadh too so it would be great to see you and any other stage 32 members there. I'm heading over on Friday and I'll be there until late Monday. I'm a composer with UK, Irish and French nationalities btw. Hope you have a wonderful and productive time in Ireland and hopefully see you soon.

I would use a real amputee. It would give your story gravitas and build in an automatic audience. Not to mention the script would vastly improve with input from an authentic actor. Detail would give insight and depth.

i am more on the environment side so I can't tell about character animation but, I will suggest you go to CGHero and ask freelance artist to do it for you. it can get expensive though.

Great question, Anthony McBride! VFX can absolutely be a powerful tool, but in this case, hiring a VFX artist to key out an actor’s leg in every single shot could end up being far more expensive and time-consuming than you might expect, especially for a short film or mini-feature with a limited budget.

On the other hand, casting an amputee actor not only brings authentic physicality and lived experience to the role, but it also supports representation and gives a platform to talented performers looking to build their credits. Many actors with disabilities are actively seeking opportunities like this, and the authenticity they bring can deepen the emotional impact of your story in ways VFX can’t replicate.

Is there a specific reason you’re leaning toward VFX instead of casting? Curious to hear more about your creative vision here.

Obviously it’s your choice creatively but it would be a missed opportunity not to cast an actor with a disability in the role. Having worked in Network TV as an executive in Inclusion (DEI) for several years, I can tell you this community is often underrepresented in the industry. It’s the largest minority group, yet has the least visibility on screen. I beg you to reconsider using VFX. Trust me when I say, the disability media coalition groups will not be happy about this type of representation on screen, respectfully. I say this with kindness and peace. ❤️

Thanks al for your opininons. Since it's a short, I'll have to weigh my options.

Oh very cool and congratulations. I'm also just in the middle of production of a feature film and also couldn't get any funding so we decided to do it without a budget. The only problem is, there are multiple locations like a biker bar, a plane, airport, etc.

So you'll get there slow and steady, with peace of mind! :)

Lyndon Booth, this is such a real and honest look at the rollercoaster of indie filmmaking, thank you for sharing it. The fact that you’re diving back in, especially with a stronger script in hand, shows serious resilience and creative growth. Pre-production is always daunting, but you’ve clearly learned a lot from the last go-round and you’re applying it with intention this time. You’ve got a whole community here cheering you on.

If you haven’t yet, I’d love to invite you to take part in Week 2 of the July Filmmakers Club, this week’s challenge is all about creating from your part of the world and being resourceful. It sounds like you’re already living that! Here’s the link:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-2-strategies-for-...

I know how hard it is raising money. The best way to do it is to shoot a proof of concept. I ddi that for my feature film The Luring. Shoot a screen that has a hook. That can capture the eye of your investors. I would stay away from AI because that can cause problems if an investor expects your film to look a certain way and it doesn't and they may think it's misleading.

Thanks all! Great advice, especially about shooting a proof of concept. I actually can shoot a scene or two for free, maybe that'll get the big wigs talking

You're welcome, Lyndon Booth.

Thanks so much Lyndon Booth ! Attending film festivals is a great way to meet producers!

You got this! Keep on

Parisa Shelton Thanks so much! Same to you!

This is such a solid and inspiring post, Jackie Letkowski, thank you for sharing your journey and the advice you’ve received! It’s a huge milestone to have financiers interested, and you’re absolutely right: those pre-production steps are often what separate a great script from a fundable project.

The pitch deck guidance and LLC strategy are especially helpful reminders for anyone looking to protect themselves while moving forward professionally. If you’re looking to build out your materials even further, you might want to check out Stage 32’s Education on pitch decks and packaging (https://www.stage32.com/education), or even schedule a Script or Pitch Deck Consultation with one of our executives to get direct feedback from decision-makers by emailing Success@Stage32.com.

Also, since you’re actively moving your projects forward, I’d love to invite you to join this week’s July Filmmakers Club challenge! We’re focusing on cross-cultural filmmaking and giving away a free Stage 32 Webinar to one participant. You can find the blog and this week’s creative prompts here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-2-strategies-for-...

Keep us posted on your progress—you’re doing incredible work!

Ashley Renee Smith Thanks so much for your feedback! I will definitely work to complete the second week challenge! I actually met a few great filmmakers from other countries at both the Beverly Hills Film Festival and the Garden State Film Festival. I recently interviewed an award-winning filmmaker from Norway for my podcast "Film Nerd Pictures Presents..." If it helps, I could post the episode if it will help give others insight :)