Featured Articles

In a previous Stage 32 blog (which you can find HERE), I discussed why consulting with a publicist is a good idea before heading into production on your creative project. Working with a publicity team can sometimes feel daunting—especially if you’re not on the same page and don’t speak the same lingo. To complicate matters more, it can be especially intimidating if you’re constrained by budget and taking on the DIY approach. So, whether you’ve worked with a PR team before or you’re going it alon...

In part 1 of this blog series (which you can find HERE), I delved into character and plot development inspired by Nic Pizzolatto's work. Now, let's focus on content aspects: themes, tropes, and conflicts. Unlike the first part, there's no specific order here—it's a writing toolbox to be used as needed. Themes are the flesh of a story, giving it depth beyond the plot. They offer an interesting perspective on everyday life, resonating with audiences long after the story ends. For example, True...

In The Beginning… Five years ago, I made the bold decision to try my hand at writing for the screen. I had just had two musicals (written with the brilliant composer/lyricist Eamonn O’Dwyer) published and licensed by Samuel French at Concord Theatricals and until that point, my experience was mainly in period adaptations for the stage - it was time for something new. Making the decision was the easy part – trying to execute it was almost impossible! I live in the UK, in the predominately rural...

Crafting compelling characters is important for successful screenwriting; with character arcs playing a pivotal role in captivating audiences. Understanding the Heroic Journey as a character arc sets the stage for dynamic and engaging characters that resonate with viewers. Delving into the concept of character arcs, you will explore why they are crucial in screenwriting and how they breathe life into your narratives. By dissecting common character archetypes within the Heroic Journey, you wil...

Stage 32 Certification has been a game changer for me as a producer. The program has been a great experience and an opportunity for me to better understand the film industry in many important ways. The courses have given me a greater insight as to how the film industry works from the ground up and have helped develop my knowledge and skills to better compete as a producer. Each course is taught by a professional from the industry who shares insights into how things really work. One of the...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! First, congratulations to all of you who have already participated in our monthly Introduce Yourself Weekend! Thousands of connections have been made between entertainment creatives and professionals from around the globe. Whether you are a long-time member or brand new to Stage 32, take a moment to pop over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge and say hello before the end of the weekend. First up, in this video from In Depth Cine, they’re breaking down Greig Fraser’...

Networking is too often associated with adjectives such as uncomfortable, artificial, or intimidating. However, there are concrete ways to change your mindset and navigate these situations effectively so it goes back to what it was originally intended for: creating and solidifying meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships, in your industry and beyond. 1) Think About Your Purpose As a film producer, I have always wanted to work with people from all over the world to make authentic fi...

Hi, Stage 32! I’m so excited to be joining this special community and to announce that the Savannah Regional Film Commission or SRFC and Stage 32 are collaborating to bring Certification opportunities to creative professionals in Savannah, Georgia! If you live in Georgia and/or hope to work locally in the Savannah area, this is a great opportunity to make sure that you have the education needed to pursue your goals in production at a professional level. This is one of the opportunities that...

Starting your screenwriting career can be a daunting task, especially for new writers seeking to sell their scripts and captivate audiences with their stories. The Heroic Journey, a powerful narrative framework deeply rooted in well-known storytelling, holds the potential to breathe life into characters, the moral premise, and your dramatic structure. Last week we covered what the Heroic Journey is, where it originated, and when you should consider applying it in your own storytelling. If you...

Last year, I snagged a 2nd Rounder badge at the Austin Film Festival with my script Kira and Henry and sat in on a roundtable led by Larry Postel, a non-represented screenwriter living in Dallas. Larry’s story is unique in that he has managed to have four original spec screenplays purchased, produced, and released since 2020. Larry told us his secret; he sent out query emails after doing lots of research on who would be a good producer for his scripts. He didn't have a manager and I had thought...