You're welcome, Mariia Rudenko. Have you thought about taking a filmmaking webinar or class on here?
I definitely want and will at one point. I’m just now polishing 4 scripts! (feature, TV pilot, episode for existing show and another feature), and physically don’t have time.
I also thought of taking acting class:)
You're busy, Mariia Rudenko! Here's the Filmmaking Education whenever you're ready (www.stage32.com/education/search?term=filmmaking). I'm looking forward to seeing your next film!...
Expand commentYou're busy, Mariia Rudenko! Here's the Filmmaking Education whenever you're ready (www.stage32.com/education/search?term=filmmaking). I'm looking forward to seeing your next film!
thank you so much for good advice and all the support Maurice Vaughan !
You're welcome, Mariia Rudenko. Hope you have a great weekend!
Bravo!
Pamela Jaye Smith Jack Binder thank you guys so much!...
Expand commentPamela Jaye Smith Jack Binder thank you guys so much!
hi Matthew Kelcourse ! thank you so much! and congratulations to you too! this is so exciting! although this year AFF Second Rounder is as far as I am getting as in the email they congratulated me but...
Expand commenthi Matthew Kelcourse ! thank you so much! and congratulations to you too! this is so exciting! although this year AFF Second Rounder is as far as I am getting as in the email they congratulated me but also said that I’m not making it to the semifinals. I’m still very happy!
and I wish you the best of luck and may your spec make it to the winners! keep me posted!
Congratulations, Matthew Kelcourse!
Matthew Kelcourse yes, totally! and yeah, I’m querying literally all the time haha. Pitches, competitions, coverages etc. contacting everyone I know, everyone I don’t know :)
Hi guys! So after your amazing support and very helpful recommendations I dared to try and shoot my first short film. It's very amateurish with a lot of mistakes, inconsistencies and flaws, but I put my heart into it, and it's my first! A big deal for me. Scared to share, but here it is -- https://y...
Expand postHi guys! So after your amazing support and very helpful recommendations I dared to try and shoot my first short film. It's very amateurish with a lot of mistakes, inconsistencies and flaws, but I put my heart into it, and it's my first! A big deal for me. Scared to share, but here it is -- https://youtu.be/xb-8ODparnY?si=IT1xikldJmCIlkPP Special thanks to my folks who agreed to become actors for a while.
It's actually funny and inspiring ..what camera did you use ?
thank you a lot Brightman Majiduh ! it was a selfie camera of iPhone 14 ProMax
my main question is what software for video editing would you guys recommend? Google gives million variants, but what is your experience?
For editing, Resolve is a favorite among many filmmakers. There’s a free version.
Another free software I’ve heard recommended is Shotcut.
I’ve used Resolve, but I prefer Premiere, part of my Adobe subscription.
thanks a lot for advice Mike Boas ! Will check them out!
RB, Amanda, Nick, Ashley Renee, Maurice, and Co, thanks for all the great work you're doing...and, among other things, encouraging screenwriters and TV writers to have more than one script in those portfolios.
And thank you for introducing Cayla Tyne as one of Stage 32's new executives.
Last night, Ca...
Expand postRB, Amanda, Nick, Ashley Renee, Maurice, and Co, thanks for all the great work you're doing...and, among other things, encouraging screenwriters and TV writers to have more than one script in those portfolios.
And thank you for introducing Cayla Tyne as one of Stage 32's new executives.
Last night, Cayla called me to discuss "Pixie Dust," the screenplay I uploaded to her eleven days ago.
She really liked it!
Cayla and I had a fantastic conversation...in fact, it ran for 41 minutes instead of 30. She encouraged me to discuss other projects I've come up with...and I talked about some of the period pieces I've cooked up.
As a result, one of the other projects she wants to look at is "Small Flyers."
It was time for me to seek coverage from a Stage 32 executive...and I'm glad I did. (And having 28 scripts under my belt sounds a whole lot better than me trying to place all my bets on only one script.)
Cayla, thanks so doggone much for joining the Stage 32 team!
Amazing! Great stuff Jim Boston !
Thanks a bunch, Jason!
Totally concur Jim Boston you gotta have a large portfolio of scripts when a Producer or Manager comes-a-callin.
28 Scripts! That's incredible Jim Boston! Wishing you much success.
Mark and Jane, thanks for the encouragement...and Jane, congratulations on selling "The Mix-Up!" (Here's wishing you both more and more success!)
thank you so much Jim Boston and Andre Reid ! this community we have here is also a big achievement for all of us!...
Expand commentthank you so much Jim Boston and Andre Reid ! this community we have here is also a big achievement for all of us!
Congratulations!!
Sometimes that one "yes" can make all the difference Mariia Rudenko!
of nos (is it correct to say “noes”?), and I was just telling my husband: jeez I need a win to see I’m taking the right direction, to keep going. it was th...
Expand commentyes Nick Phillips totally! lately I had a lot
of nos (is it correct to say “noes”?), and I was just telling my husband: jeez I need a win to see I’m taking the right direction, to keep going. it was the best start to the day when I opened my email and saw “Congratulations! Request from your Stage 32 Pitch.. “. I mean OH MY GOD someone wanted to to read my work!
thank you Christine Capone ❤️☀️
hahah Dan Guardino good point! my husband would totally agree
I would say A Star is Born is a good example of antagonist/lover being the same character
right Pat Alexander ! thanks for one more very good example!
Im old; this type of genre was big in the 1990's: Fatal Attraction, Body Heat, Basic Instinct, The Crush..
After two divorces, I'm inclined to see all lover interests as antagonists.
Hello my name is Aisha i am new here. I just finished my very first film! It's been a whirlwind of learning, challenges, and pure joy, and I'm so excited to share this project with the world someday.
While Netflix might seem like a distant dream right now, that's definitely the ultimate goal I'm work...
Expand postHello my name is Aisha i am new here. I just finished my very first film! It's been a whirlwind of learning, challenges, and pure joy, and I'm so excited to share this project with the world someday.
While Netflix might seem like a distant dream right now, that's definitely the ultimate goal I'm working towards. I know it takes a lot of hard work and talent to get there, and that's why I'm considering enrolling in a film school to further develop my skills.
So, the film community – I'd love your recommendations! Are there any incredible film schools you'd recommend, anywhere in the world? I'm open to exploring all options and would love to hear about your experiences or what programs have a strong reputation.
Thank you so much Christopher Maes will look into it
Pat Alexander thank you
Welcome Aisha Abubakar congratulations on finishing your first film, that’s a big achievement! the journey is longer, but Dreams come True! Believe!...
Expand commentWelcome Aisha Abubakar congratulations on finishing your first film, that’s a big achievement! the journey is longer, but Dreams come True! Believe!
hi Aisha Abubakar ! wow congratulations on your first movie! this is a big big accomplishment! it gives me a push to be more active making my first short film. as for film schools I attended few scree...
Expand commenthi Aisha Abubakar ! wow congratulations on your first movie! this is a big big accomplishment! it gives me a push to be more active making my first short film. as for film schools I attended few screenwriting workshops in NYFA and am absolutely in love with these guys. They’re determined, inspiring, real professionals. I heard from other students good reviews about their directing/producing classes as well
Stage 32 Certification, Aisha Abubakar. Here's a blog with more information about it: www.stage32.com/blog/the-future-of-film-school-is-here-stage-32-launches-global-entertainment-career-certification...
Expand commentStage 32 Certification, Aisha Abubakar. Here's a blog with more information about it: www.stage32.com/blog/the-future-of-film-school-is-here-stage-32-launches-global-entertainment-career-certifications-3518
And here's the direct link to the Certification Courses: https://certification.stage32.com/#/public-dashboard
If you have any questions about Stage 32 Certification (or any of Stage 32’s Education), reach out to Sam Sokolow and his team at edu@stage32.com.
Is my treatment complete? How often are you asked to share yours (before or after) executives are willing to read the script? I used the "Writing a Screenplay Synopsis" Resource Sheet graciously shared by Stage 32 (thank you!), but I haven't seen an actual sample. I'm willing to share mine if that i...
Expand postIs my treatment complete? How often are you asked to share yours (before or after) executives are willing to read the script? I used the "Writing a Screenplay Synopsis" Resource Sheet graciously shared by Stage 32 (thank you!), but I haven't seen an actual sample. I'm willing to share mine if that is allowed. In its current format, it is 8 pages long.
Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and sharing your experience! I feel pretty good about my treatment. It wasn't too difficult to write, which probably means I am getting closer to creating a concise verbal pitch.
title
genre
logline
theme
world
characters
synopsis
oh, and of course my name, mail, telephone etc...
Expand commenthi Melanie Lang ! my treatments are normally 8-10 pages long and contain the following:
title
genre
logline
theme
world
characters
synopsis
beats with sequences
oh, and of course my name, mail, telephone etc
Happy 4th of July, Alejandro Marello.
You're welcome, Melanie Lang. Are you a Writers' Room member? There's a weekly Pitch Practice that can help you with your verbal pitch.
I have literally NEVER been asked for a treatment for one of my scripts. Like, EVER ever. lol
I've been asked to write treatments when hired to write a script - they want a treatment or outline done t...
Expand commentI have literally NEVER been asked for a treatment for one of my scripts. Like, EVER ever. lol
I've been asked to write treatments when hired to write a script - they want a treatment or outline done to greenlight before I go to script.
I've been asked for onesheets (one page synopsis) of my scripts.
I've been asked for pitch decks for my scripts (I don't really have any, I'm only just recently starting to try making some).
But nobody has EVER asked me for a treatment of one of my scripts in my entire screenwriting career...
Was shocked and amazed to learn "SHERMAN OF SHERWOOD" was submitted for another OWA. So excited! Thank you, Stage32. For so long my writing sat on shelves (er in my computer) and was read only by my closest inner circle of friends and peers. Thanks to your team and this opportunity, the circle is expanding.
Good on you for taking those scripts off the shelf and getting your work out there, Ian Milne. Glad to see it's paying off. Inspiring.
Thanks Richard "RB" Botto and all! Appreciate your support.
Absolutely, Ian Milne. Keep charging, my friend.
You go, Ian Milne !
Way to get that script off the shelf Ian Milne! You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!
I can’t express my happiness enough that both my short films “When Crows Fly “ and “Jesse James Gang Rides Again” have been upgraded to semi finalists in the short film competition. I’m excited to see the winner. Congratulations to all other semi finalists.
Congratulations Debra Kurtz
Congratulations! How exciting!
Congrats, Debra. Where can I read Jesse script, please? jedpower@verizon.net
Great job by you Debra Kurtz !
That's amazing!! The best to you in this contest.
thank you a lot Robin Gregory . What you’ve described is really close to what I often experience. sometimes it works to be in the moment, sometimes I find it hard though. Nice catch about kids. True....
Expand commentthank you a lot Robin Gregory . What you’ve described is really close to what I often experience. sometimes it works to be in the moment, sometimes I find it hard though. Nice catch about kids. True.
Nick Phillips yeah, deadlines work like that for me. the closer to deadline it is the faster I write. Even inspiration comes from nowhere
gotta try to indeed do it every day same time Thom Reese !
For me, writing is a hobby. I'm retired and I do it because I love it. I don't push myself at all. If I'm not feeling it, I don't write that day. Once I lock into a fun story, it writes itself. The wo...
Expand commentFor me, writing is a hobby. I'm retired and I do it because I love it. I don't push myself at all. If I'm not feeling it, I don't write that day. Once I lock into a fun story, it writes itself. The words just pour out. Sometimes that takes a long time to happen. Ideas need to germinate, ruminate, bounce off your friends, endure criticism - mostly my own. Once you latch onto one, the magic just happens. At least for me.
I like your attitude, David Paulsen! It's pretty much the way I get things done, too.
Hello everyone.
I have not introduced myself in awhile and here it goes!
This is why I write:
I grew up around the industry as a kid.
My Uncle was a Sound Producer for Universal Studios for 34 years and he was honored to have worked with Howard Hughes and my dad got the golden watch given to my uncle f...
Expand postHello everyone.
I have not introduced myself in awhile and here it goes!
This is why I write:
I grew up around the industry as a kid.
My Uncle was a Sound Producer for Universal Studios for 34 years and he was honored to have worked with Howard Hughes and my dad got the golden watch given to my uncle from Mr. Hughes when he retired.
I got to eat with my uncle, ask questions, go to his massive house on a hill overlooking LA, all of this made a big impression on me and why I love movies and writing.
Since I was a child I went to the movies pretty much every weekend as a kid and worked hard at my
dad´s service station and or mowed or raked lawns for the money I needed for the ticket and snacks. I guess you could say, it is in my blood.
Thanks for reading!
There are boxes of them Sydney S and my sisters have them now.
Hi Mark! Impressive post! I'd love to connect and talk more. My late cousin George Axelrod co-wrote the 1952 three-act play " The Seven Year Itch" with Billy Wilder and also worked on the screenplay a...
Expand commentHi Mark! Impressive post! I'd love to connect and talk more. My late cousin George Axelrod co-wrote the 1952 three-act play " The Seven Year Itch" with Billy Wilder and also worked on the screenplay adaptation. So I guess the A&E is somewhat in my blood too--just a late bloomer on this end...:)
The watch is probably valuable as a collectible!
Thanks for sharing, welcome :)
thanks for the welcome
Hi guys! I want to shoot a short film, but have zero experience in it. Please how do I do it with minimal investment? where do I learn it? I bought a course on Udemy, but would appreciate different opinions.
P.S. idea for the movie is already there, screenplay will write shortly. The problem for me...
Expand postHi guys! I want to shoot a short film, but have zero experience in it. Please how do I do it with minimal investment? where do I learn it? I bought a course on Udemy, but would appreciate different opinions.
P.S. idea for the movie is already there, screenplay will write shortly. The problem for me is to actually shoot it:)
thanks tons for your thoughts and help❤️
photo credit: Edward Goooh Collection/Getty images
Mark Deuce I think so too! thanks
Hi Mariia Rudenko - you are going to learn so much making your film - it's truly exciting. You've gotten terrific advice here from the community. I'll add 2 tips from experience:
1) Feed the crew & cas...
Expand commentHi Mariia Rudenko - you are going to learn so much making your film - it's truly exciting. You've gotten terrific advice here from the community. I'll add 2 tips from experience:
1) Feed the crew & cast as well as you can. I'm not suggesting breaking your budget - you can be creative - but shoot days are long and hard and if folks are fed - and feel taken care of - it goes a long way attitudinally and that makes a big difference - you want your last hour of shooting to feel as energized and focused as your first hour each day and that rarely happens if people are hungry or feel that hasn't been a priority.
2) Sound is HUGELY important. Audiences can be forgiving on a lot of levels if they can hear the story clearly and aren't pulled out of the experience in the unique way that poor sound can bring about. They make mics for iPhones that work pretty well in a pinch. But spend some extra time planning how you are going to capture good sound.
I also highly recommend this Stage 32 webinar called "Everything You Need To Make An Award-Winning Short Film" - Tash Ann has so much experience in this format: https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944908402995
That is the daily double, Sam Sokolow. No doubt!
Kapow!
Nobody has mentioned "story" (everybody thinks they got that on lockdown).
A great story is still the cheapest way to make a short. 1 location. Small cast. Tons of twists.
And if you're shooting...
Expand commentKapow!
Nobody has mentioned "story" (everybody thinks they got that on lockdown).
A great story is still the cheapest way to make a short. 1 location. Small cast. Tons of twists.
And if you're shooting a pilot, save that for another time.
https://howtostartyourscript.wordpress.com/
Love your vibe!
Instant follow :)
Keep me in the loop!
Dave
yes, totally agree Sam Sokolow ! pizza and beers are already included in my film’s budget. Thanks for pointing out the sound. I also read about it. Will dig more on the technical side of this question...
Expand commentyes, totally agree Sam Sokolow ! pizza and beers are already included in my film’s budget. Thanks for pointing out the sound. I also read about it. Will dig more on the technical side of this question.
David Santo thanks a lot for the link and encouragement! happy to connect!
I agree with Richard "RB" Botto on building your arsenal and cultivating scripts that show off your unique voice. That's what excites reps and showrunners looking to staff. The courses that Tom Lapke...
Expand commentI agree with Richard "RB" Botto on building your arsenal and cultivating scripts that show off your unique voice. That's what excites reps and showrunners looking to staff. The courses that Tom Lapke are fantastic and the educators are world-class. One other nugget of advice that I've heard from multiple managers and agents - when you're looking to sign with your first rep, it's helpful to have several samples in the same genre. They are looking not only at your voice and talent but they factor in how they are going to sell you as a writer and make money in the relationship - that's what they do - so if each script is in a different lane, it can be tougher for them to see the initial pathway to success. So have a couple of single camera TV scripts or mulit-cam TV scripts or original feature scripts - as opposed to one of each - and help them see a business model. Of course, in success, you can spread your wings and write what you want - Aaron Sorkin can write a Broadway musical at this point if he chooses - but a focus on one-hour TV drama when he started out was helpful in launching his career.
Sam Sokolow thanks so much for precious advice. I act...
Expand commentTom Lapke thanks for tips and this great list of labs and courses. Will absolutely check them all out! is there one with workshopping pages option?
Sam Sokolow thanks so much for precious advice. I actually always thought the opposite, making myself come up with ideas in different genres, but actually always wanting to stick to what I do best - dramedy. What you recommend makes a perfect sense indeed! thank you so much again
Richard "RB" Botto Amanda Toney thank you guys for the info
What great advice from everyone! I agree with everything that you should show your voice!
Mariia Rudenko Here are some options that will cover what you are looking for:
What Do I Cut? How to Approach Your Script Rewrite
How to Better Rewrite a...
Expand commentMariia Rudenko Here are some options that will cover what you are looking for:
What Do I Cut? How to Approach Your Script Rewrite
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8948284096819
How to Better Rewrite and Polish Your Feature Screenplay or Pilot
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944868884787
Your Guide to Proper Script Formatting
https://www.stage32.com/education?p=9242220855603
Let me know if you need more recommendations!
Tom Lapke thanks a lot! already checking those out!...
Expand commentSam Rivera thanks for encouragement ❤️
Tom Lapke thanks a lot! already checking those out!
It is almost my one-year anniversary with Stage 32, and I want to say THANKS!!! After participating in over 50+ pitches, numerous workshops, and entering your contests - I have made it. I have one screenplay in production, one optioned and a Manager -- all thanks to Stage 32!!!
My manager signed me...
Expand postIt is almost my one-year anniversary with Stage 32, and I want to say THANKS!!! After participating in over 50+ pitches, numerous workshops, and entering your contests - I have made it. I have one screenplay in production, one optioned and a Manager -- all thanks to Stage 32!!!
My manager signed me after my pitch of Last Woman on your site. After she took my screenplays to Cannes in her Lookbook, she's had over 20 requests for my scripts and sent them out to directors and producers. I'm so grateful that I would highly recommend Stage 32 to anyone who needs that little push to get their career started!!!
That's awesome. Thanks for sharing your story!!!
Amazing, congrats!
That's awesome! Congratulations!
Congratulations Sandi. That’s awesome!
I know it is 7 months old but this is amazing to see!!! It made my day better, I wish you all the best Sandi!
Just wanted to share my small victory. I just made it to Quarterfinals of ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship 2024. I’m so thrilled!
CONGRATULATIONS!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Celebrate!!!
thank you so so much Francisco Castro and Pamela Jaye Smith ! didn’t go farther than semifinalists, but I’m considering it a great result as well:)...
Expand commentthank you so so much Francisco Castro and Pamela Jaye Smith ! didn’t go farther than semifinalists, but I’m considering it a great result as well:)
You're welcome, Mariia Rudenko. Always-Always-ALWAYS celebrate your victories, big and small!!!
yes Francisco Castro ! I totally do! because every and each one of them matters a lot! actually I’m celebrating this and the AFF Second Rounder one now:)...
Expand commentyes Francisco Castro ! I totally do! because every and each one of them matters a lot! actually I’m celebrating this and the AFF Second Rounder one now:)
hi guys! how do you come up with the specifics of your story? I mean yeah, here you have a general vision and even understand beginning, midpoint and ending. But still need to fill it all up with events, inciting incidents etc.
what helps me is to just write backstories of each character. Even some...
Expand posthi guys! how do you come up with the specifics of your story? I mean yeah, here you have a general vision and even understand beginning, midpoint and ending. But still need to fill it all up with events, inciting incidents etc.
what helps me is to just write backstories of each character. Even some tiny details that might never appear in the screenplay are important as they give me understanding of who really this movie is about.
what are your tricks?
when I started no-budget filming, I borrowed ideas from others. When I gradually learned what works, it became easier for me to invent.
Every time I have an idea, I write it down. So I can use it later...
Expand commentwhen I started no-budget filming, I borrowed ideas from others. When I gradually learned what works, it became easier for me to invent.
Every time I have an idea, I write it down. So I can use it later in some other project. About 2,400 ideas.
My collection with modern urban legends contains about 4,500 items. Plenty of ideas.
That is a great idea Mariia Rudenko and also what I do too along with the backstory of the time period as well.
thanks Mark Deuce ! right? it gives so many new ideas and can completely change the initial plot structure
Mariia, if your initial concept CRACKLES with conflict, the story writes itself. If your initial concept doesn't crackle, there's no amount of "Fun Bits" which can save it.
Bradford Richardson well of course. What I meant is that when sometimes you get stuck, it’s good to shift attention to something else, like thinking deeper about characters’ backgrounds, setting, envi...
Expand commentBradford Richardson well of course. What I meant is that when sometimes you get stuck, it’s good to shift attention to something else, like thinking deeper about characters’ backgrounds, setting, environment etc. it often gives ideas.
Here someone recommended to pay attention to smells, sounds, weather etc. It helped so much with treatment for my new feature.
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3 people like this
Hi Mariia Rudenko - your film sounds great. I recommend Rick Davis' Stage 32 Webinar on tapping into Donor Advised Funds, which can be great for social impact projects. Rick is a fountain of knowledge...
Expand commentHi Mariia Rudenko - your film sounds great. I recommend Rick Davis' Stage 32 Webinar on tapping into Donor Advised Funds, which can be great for social impact projects. Rick is a fountain of knowledge. Here's a link so you can check it out: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/alternative-fundraising-strat...
2 people like this
thanks a lot Stephen Folker ! Will look for it in Spain where I reside now.
2 people like this
thanks a lot for the tip Sam Sokolow ! Will check it out. I also already bought How to Finance & Produce an Independent Film Between $250K-$2M
3 people like this
I've had my eye on the Filmmakers Collaborative. Not a grant, but a 501c3 that allows a pass-through for tax deductible donations. Requires a $200 membership fee. https://filmmakerscollab.org/fiscalsp...
Expand commentI've had my eye on the Filmmakers Collaborative. Not a grant, but a 501c3 that allows a pass-through for tax deductible donations. Requires a $200 membership fee. https://filmmakerscollab.org/fiscalsponsorship/
3 people like this
Mariia Rudenko how much are you trying to raise?