Filmmaking / Directing

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

Maurice Vaughan
Red Carpet Roll-Out: May 2024’s New Educators & Execs at Stage 32!

Stage 32 is rolling out the red carpet in today’s blog for the new educators and execs joining our community.

You have direct access to award-winning industry executives and professionals who’ve written, directed, produced, filmed, developed, performed, and represented acclaimed projects like “Arri...

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Martin Reese
The Current State of Directing Opportunities.

Fascinating article. Just shows you need to hone a diverse set of skills. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/directors-jail-12358......

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Why It's Never Been Easier to Land in Director's Jail
Why It's Never Been Easier to Land in Director's Jail
Filmmakers who work on the (ever smaller) slate of major studio movies are dealing with risk-averse execs and a still wobbly distribution environment, with their films sitting in the larger ecosystem…
Ashley Renee Smith

This is really interesting, thank you for sharing Martin Reese!

Maurice Vaughan

Thanks for sharing the article, Martin Reese.

"Stripped of nuance, the definition of movie jail has always been: Lose the studio a lot of money and you don’t get to do another studio feature for a whi...

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Sydney Summers

Thanks for sharing!

Karen "Kay" Ross

Mmm... this feels like an extention of teachers being held responsible for absolutely everything when you literally can't micromanage. Interesting...

Allison Caldwell
On-set experience in Canada

Canadian filmmakers and directors! How and where did you get on-set experience? Would love to hear some stories and advice. Thank you!

Sydney Summers

Hey Allison! Stage 32 has job postings on the site, if you want to check out in your area, here is the link: https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs

Sydney Summers
Fundamentals of Directing: From Visualization to Post-Production – 4 Part Class!

Back By Popular Demand - A Stage 32 Directing Class :)

Learn from an accomplished director who's worked for Hulu, FX, Comedy Central, and more!

Includes downloadable handouts packed with information on shot lists and camera levels, pre-production guides, and more.

Being a great director is all about ha...

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Sam Sokolow

Heath is such an awesome resource - talented and generous. So cool that this class is coming back. I can't recommend it more.

Sydney Summers

Couldn't agree more Sam!

Matt Watterworth

Looking forward to it!

Sydney Summers

Few more days to sign up for this class!! Email edu@stage32.com to sign up :)

Mario Leone
Hollywood Cash Cow

Francis Ford Coppola's hard dedication to getting his current movie made, even to the point of selling properties, demonstrates his commitment to his artistic vision.

What we could understand is, Hollywood's current trend towards risk aversion is making it challenging for original works to find buye...

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Geoff Hall

Mario Leone "People are afraid and are sticking to what works." I would amend that sentence, Mario, to 'People are afraid and are sticking to what WORKED.' They assume because it worked once, it will...

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John Gostomski

Seems they are using a business model to reintroduce a subject/genre to a new audience. The business model is safe, tested and repeatable but whether it sells to the market that is another question. W...

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Amanda Toney

Great topic. I give Coppola a ton of credit for the investment he made in himself. If you feel that strongly as an artist that you want to get your story to the screen then anything is necessary to ma...

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John Gostomski

A true entrepreneurial artist! With any industry, I have come to accept what they do with certain IP to fuel the coffers. It is an industry, a creative one but similar to say a car company with new mo...

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Eon C. Rambally

In synopsis, is it an "unofficial" challenge anyhow for filmmakers outside of the Hollywood norm, to be independent or a prudent consensus to acquire new content and entrepreneurs, without the risk factors of investments etc.? Mmmm, I like the challenge anyhow! Then hats off to Coppola!

Maurice Vaughan
Multi-Hyphenate Creatives: You Can Do It All - But Should You?

You know all the tools in your toolbox, but that doesn’t mean you have to use all of them to get the job done. Be smart in your execution and you will not only create beautiful work, but you will also create relationships and a lifelong career you are proud of.” —Annisa Belonogoff

www.stage32.com/bl...

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Sydney Summers

Wonderful blog by Annisa :) Great read!

Paul Rivers
Social Media video example:

I saw this Music video How Lights out by Royal Blood was made

Have you as a filmmaker figured out the best timing to release this type of video.

Before or after the trailer release?

or other?...

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Jordan Black

Hey Paul! There are a lot of pros & cons to each.

With this being an in-depth look at the various setups of shots from the trailer, I'd imagine it would be best to post this type of promo AFTER the ac...

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Paul Rivers

Jordon Black thanks for your input.

Maurice Vaughan
Stage 32’s May 2024 Education Schedule!

This May, you’ll have the chance to learn from knowledgeable industry executives, award-winning screenwriters, producers, directors, showrunners, animators, podcast hosts, authors, script supervisors, attorneys, and representatives. Impressive creative professionals who have worked on or represented...

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Sydney Summers
Webinar coming soon! Pre-Production: The Assistant Director’s Process

Learn From Michael Bishop for his exclusive webinar!

Before the Director, Producer, Line Producer, Production Manager, Location Manager can begin to have a clear understanding on the scope, workflow, and cost of making a film, the next natural step is the hiring of a 1st Assistant Director. This is...

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Sharon Garrison

Interested in hearing your take on being a 1st AD to a relatively inexperienced director. What kind of tasks can the 1st AD take over without appearing to be stepping on director's toes?

Daniel Husbands

This looks like a really good one for aspiring directors to take note of.

Florin Şumălan
Shōgun Series Making of - FX Networks

Here is a list with some making of/behind the scenes/interviews videos from the "Shōgun" 2024 miniseries, maybe you wish to watch:

The Making of Shōgun – Chapter One: Honoring Authenticity: https...

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Maurice Vaughan

I finished watching "Shōgun" last night, Florin Şumălan! Phenomenal series! It's my second favorite mini-series of all time. I'm gonna check out these videos.

Rutger Oosterhoff

Haha, Maurice, I also watched the last episode yesterday. Now everyone is waiting for all out war in season two.

Maurice Vaughan

I hope there is a season two, Rutger Oosterhoff. There's enough story for it.

Kathryn Carmichael

This has got to be one of the stand-out series of 2024, it is phenomenal. The acting, sets, costumes, cinematography, music...it visually one of the most beautiful stories I've watched in a while and...

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Nadean Stone

Watched entire season. A great show. Watched the original many years ago.

Maurice Vaughan
Stage 32 TV Comedy Logline Contest

Exciting news! Today begins Stage 32’s fourth monthly logline contest of the year, and it's a television comedy contest!

The top logline will be given a FREE CONTEST ENTRY to Stage 32’s 4th Annual Television Comedy Contest. And the TOP THREE LOGLINES will be entered to win the GRAND PRIZE at the end...

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Maurice Vaughan
Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Jonathan Jordan!

Jonathan Jordan is having a 24-hour AMA in the Authoring & Playwriting Lounge, focused on “What is a Ghostwriter?”

Jonathan is an award-winning screenwriter, book coach, ghostwriter, playwright, and Stage 32 Thought Leader. He’s answering questions like:

How...

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