What’s going on gang??? Man listen, so it’s been about a year since I’ve joined and I haven’t really been on here that said I do follow the platform and RB (whaddup kid) on Instagram. I’ve heard him say just the other day and heard him say many a time how important networking. That said as I agree with him you’ll notice that for the year I have been extremely quiet. I just felt as though I needed to be able to show something you have something tangible or at least in the works prior to engaging.
So here’s the skinny I’ve started writing about a year ago. I started writing my first feature, and from there entered into various short, writing competitions, one of which someone at my gym was conducting. Work with a production company that would produce the winning script. Needless to say they did follow through with the competition Oh well. I did, however, let Someone I became friendly with through the same gym and just having to be a stunt man read the script. his response was so when are we going to shoot? He had a friend who happened to be a stunt as well who was interested in directing and said that he’d like to shoot the short with me. I thought that’s F’in cool. In the mix of all this, my dad passed and he was diagnosed with brain cancer and therefore unable to shoot the short. Again, I do pay attention, although I may not have the networking the way that I should’ve been. One thing that I noticed early on in this business is that no one cares! I say that to say, we all have trials and tribulation. We all are striving to have our stories heard if you sit and wait for the Calvary to come you will be sitting and waiting and sitting and waiting and sitting……You get the point!
So Although I had no idea of what the hell I was doing, I knew I had a story to tell!!! I am a huge cinema geek! I grew up watching Alfred Hitchcock Stanley Kubrick, Benny Hill, David Lynch, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino Christopher Nolan and Rod Serling as a few of my faves. I figured if I could emulate what I saw with them, I may be able to put something decent togethe. so I did what any good American would do nowadays said F it and gorged YouTube videos and Instagram. I had never touched. The camera had no idea what short speed was had no idea how to shot select had no idea how to storyboard had no idea how to do table reads had no idea what blocking was with framing was. I just knew I wanted to shoot my film. I was blessed Crazy enough to believe in my vision and participate in the film so I dragged my little daughter with me had her to hold the boom mic and off I was.
my next challenge was editing OMG!! I figured how hard could it be turns out pretty effing hard!! That only is their fluidity, not only is there sound design not just making sure the levels are right To enhance your message, then there’s color grading………. GOOD LORD!!!
All in all The first day of shooting was July 26. I am beyond a static to say that I am going to be hosting a viewing party come the end of February for My first short that I wrote, produced, filmed, and edited all on my own, MATTHEW 7. Not only have I done that in the process of all this I have also written five shorts in the middle of a rewrite for my feature. I have log lines for three For other series and I will be going into production for my first series come, March
I KNOW I’M OBSESSIVE……MY BAD!
So that’s me extremely ecstatic to be here happy to meet new people, and I am so appreciative of the opportunity to make new friends…. Scream at me!!!(That means please say hi) Lolololol
4 people like this
Great to see you again, Bobby Wallace. My condolences for your dad passing. Congratulations on writing, producing, filming, and editing your first short film! It's inspiring to hear you overcame those obstacles and got all that done!
5 people like this
Great to meet you @Rashaan Dumas! Congratulations on your latest project! I love stories like this that show real perseverance. That's what it's all about! :)
5 people like this
Hey Bobby, love hearing about your journey! Your passion and drive are so inspiring. Keep pushing forward...your hard work is clearly paying off, and I can’t wait to see your short and series come to life! I loved your Rb shout out from Instagram too! Best of luck to you in 2025.
3 people like this
What’s up Maurice Vaughan Thank you brother. Pop wasa good dude, funny, caring and charismatic as F@$&!
4 people like this
Hey Jessica Tanner! What’s shaking Jess thank you much. Dunno, I’ve always the word perseverance has a negative connotation associated with it, right?
So after my playing career I sold insurance, which was my father’s career as well. He taught me to look for 100 No’s, he said don’t count the yes, he said everyone does that, end your day on the 100th no. Interesting perspective….. I think so many of us are motivated by the “Yes” which makes people feel like you’re trying to sell them something…no one wants to be sold.
From there I developed “100 Knows before the 100th No!” Which meant my pitch (wow that legit just dawned on me) contained every reason why someone would typically object and it was more about educating them vs selling them because honestly….I didn’t care if they said yes or not I was looking for another No to collect.
3 people like this
Jessica Tanner are you working on anything new?
2 people like this
You're welcome, Bobby Wallace. I would've liked to meet your dad. What are you gonna do with your short film after the viewing party? Are you gonna submit it to festivals or post it online?
5 people like this
Sydney S. Hey Syd!
Thanks much!!! I think you have to be right? I know I’m new to this business but why would anyone entertain the art of someone who’s not KRAZY talented or insanely driven (I’m the latter
5 people like this
Maurice Vaughan FESTIVALS MOST DEF!!! lol. I’ma student of the game, and I’m not sure if you remember but the year prior to filming I spent maneuvering various film festivals getting the lay of the land. From big too small….. THEY ARE F’ING ELECTRIC!!!! So to be accepted to anyone of them would be a huge blessing and an honor… not to mention the most important part… The networking… I have soooo many projects I need to get done that I know I need to start building a team, I think there’s a great place to look. That said I do have a plan for the internet. I started making micros I’m up to 4 now, after the 10th I plan on releasing 1 every two weeks to strengthen my online presence.
4 people like this
I've heard film festivals are great for networking, Bobby Wallace. You can build a team on here too (www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...).
I hope your film does great at the festivals! All of your films. I'm looking forward to seeing your movies if you put them online!
5 people like this
Fantastic share, Bobby Wallace, and I appreciate the shoutout. Sorry for your loss, but it sounds as if he instilled massive values and fire in you. I hope al the support here will encourage you to spend more time in the community.
5 people like this
Richard "RB" Botto What’s up Cap! Thank you for that and yea I’m learning all pats have led me to this moment! Notes that ii have motion I plan on utilizing the platform to its fullest potential……I’M HERE NOW!
6 people like this
Bobby Wallace hahaha, Bobby. I’ve never seen Benny Hill sandwiched between Stanley Kubrick and David Lynch before!
Now’s the time to grow your network here on Stage32. Great things can happen. I wish you a very fulfilling New Year.
4 people like this
Geoff Hall YA I know……
3 people like this
Looking forward to it, Bobby Wallace
3 people like this
Bobby Wallace - awesome to meet you here in the community! Very sorry to hear about your dad. May his memory be a blessing. You're energy flies off the screen and you have found the right home for you to network, collaborate and contiue to grow as an artist. I'm the Head of Certification here at Stage 32. We offer professional training taught by the top people in their respective fields in disciplines that can leads to production work and make you a better professional in production. It's awesome to be a part of so many creative people's growth and seeing their work elevate. If I can ever be of any help on yoru Stage 32 journey or recommend anything to help you as you continue to create - which its clear that you will - never hesitate to email me directly at edu@stage32.com. Excited to see your work blossom!