Filmmaking / Directing

That’s a great point, Maurice — combining locations is such a clever way to stretch a budget. It’s amazing how a few simple changes in set dressing or camera angle can completely transform a space. Thanks for sharing that tip!

Absolutely, Martin — I love that mindset: limitations as design prompts. It’s such a creative way to look at it. As for lighting tricks, I often rely on bounce light from practical sources — a lamp, or even a white wall — to create natural-looking depth without extra gear. How about you?

Couldn’t agree more, Jack — the right location can do half the storytelling for you. I love how unique architecture or outdoor textures instantly elevate a film’s visual tone. Smart scouting really is an art form

You're welcome, Vincent Weberink.

The passion behind the filmmaking to tell a story!!!

With so many more new productions being shot in the UK these awards are going to matter more and more.

I use mood, feelings, characters, situations, objects, places, and themes in my scripts to make emotional connections with my audience, Geoff Hall.

I agree that what a film - or any piece of art - means to an audience or any person in an audience is none of the creator's business. Art occurs when there is a complete communication. If a tree falls in the forest and there's on one to hear, does it make a sound? No, it doesn't. Sound happens when something projective interacts with something receiptive - and art is the same way. As for mood and feeling being part of it - of course it's unavoidable that there is a mood projected in your film. I don't think that can be adequately conveyed in a script, outside of dialog and action like anything else. It's the director's province, no? So a writer-director, or a director working on an outside script will naturally do that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2zRZPLSlyU -- I found this about Kubrick.

Hi, Behnam Hojati. Some of your post didn't show up. You can edit your post by clicking the downward arrow to the right of your name, selecting "Edit Post," and reposting the text.

Thank you for your help

You're welcome, Behnam Hojati.

Behnam Hojati Rhythm and timing is vital of course. I hope you are sensitive to performance within that mix. Because audience connects ONLY with people and performance. So pacing and timing must support performance. Too often, the technical editor gets caught up with a visual pacing that undermines performance. When that happens, the edit succeeds in spite of the pacing, not because of it. For example, I have worked with many truly great actors, whose performances are remarkable. One observation I made, that is all too common, happened when shooting Shark. I watched in awe as James Woods delivered a speech to the jury 7 takes in a row, each take with an entirely different delivery, each take astoundingly powerful. The takes were to give different approaches, not for any error in delivery or problem with camera or sound. Watching his performance, which was immaculate, I knew that of all his great performances I had seen in the past, many had been rendered less effective by obsessive cutting - pointless reaction shots, or other cuts made on the assumption that people can't bear to watch something for more than a few seconds at a time (Which is nonsense). This is something that as a director I had known already, and was sensitive to in the edit process, but it drove it home hard.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

Thank you, Shadow I completely agree.

Sometimes editing has to serve the story and the performance rather than the rhythm itself. When a scene carries genuine emotional weight, cutting too early can fracture the narrative and disconnect the audience from its pulse.

A strong performance deserves space to breathe — that’s when rhythm becomes storytelling, not just timing.

— Behnam | 7stcut

You know! as a believer, a calming before the storm, yet "THE STORM" that has encompassed all there is to identify; I UNDERSTAND THIS!!! I am an empath!! a holistic soul, spiritual, yet understanding, and all that takes on "UNDERSTANDING " at a level it no longer is understandable!!! I AM A CREATIVE yet I somehow, somewhat understand!!!! I AM A CREATIVE!!!! I have never admitted this allowed ESPECIALLY in such a "OPEN" forum that will most likely ridicule me, and mock me, BUT I GET DOWN SOULFULLY on a level most won't or can't comprehend!!! AND THAT IS WHERE TRUE STORY TELLING COMES TO LIGHT!!! I am HERE!!! for ANYONE, especially on an "empathic" level can come to feel safe!!! I don't always feel "safe" but I am sure in what I know; I'm still learning, HOWEVER WE CREATIVES are worthy, and so much more than what we think!!! I NEED TO TALK!! FIGURE OUT MY ABILITIES and connect with ALL like minded creatives!! ARTISTS!! All are welcome!!!

Thank you, Amber — your words resonate deeply.

True creativity often begins where reason fades and feeling takes over — in that quiet, uncertain space between light and shadow.

Your openness is powerful; it reminds us that empathy itself is a form of art.

I love that, Maurice — sometimes the real story hides in the background. A single face out of focus can spark a whole new world.

You're right, Franco Decker. And it doesn’t have to be a movie. You can look at people in the background of shows, commercials, video games, sports games, photos, and videos, and the news, and get ideas for stories.

Exactly, Maurice! Sometimes it’s that random person in a commercial or a quick news shot that suddenly turns into a character in your mind. The smallest moments can start a whole story.

Hey Yanina, The way you tease pre-loss grief? Let’s trade secrets on turning history into gut-punch romance.

Thank you! I appreciate your perspective.

Right now I’m focused on developing my own project,

but I wish you success with your work as well.

Thanks, Yanina Koroleva. I'm looking forward to seeing Virginia — Love Has No Barriers! I hope you have success with it!

And it's Stage 32's November Write Club. It's a chance to connect with writers, directors, producers, etc., and it could help you reach a goal(s). There's going to be prizes too. If you're interested in joining, check out this blog to get ready for Write Club (www.stage32.com/blog/the-11th-annual-november-write-club-is-almost-here-...). The blog for Week 1 of NWC will be out Monday.

Maurice, thank you — I keep noticing your thoughtful comments everywhere. It’s rare to see someone who consistently supports writers with such genuine care. I truly appreciate you taking the time.

And thank you for letting me know about the November Write Club. I’ll definitely take a look. It sounds like a great way to connect more deeply and keep momentum going.

I hope Virginia — Love Has No Barriers continues to grow in the right hands — and I look forward to seeing more of your work as well.

You're welcome, Yanina Koroleva. Thanks. Looking forward to collaborating with you one day!

How did no one say The Mist yet? That ending is BRUTAL!!!

Love and Other Drugs, A Beautiful Mind, Memoires Of A Geisha, As Good As It Gets

Inception was a little unnerving in that I wanted a solid answer Vincent Weberink. Having said that, I admired Nolan's courage for wanting the audience to figure it out. The Iron Giant always brings a tear to me eye. "You stay...I go."

All of these are such great examples! Thelma and Louise, A Beautiful Mind, The Sixth Sense!

Wall-E --> excellent "show don't tell" example.

I can't wait to learn more, Amanda Toney!

Sebastian Tudores It takes real skill to make something look and sound effortless on camera. And yes, I agree about AI, it’s a powerful creative tool when used thoughtfully, especially for brainstorming or refining structure. Still, the human discernment behind it is what makes the final product shine.

Thanks, Ashley Renee Smith. I got some ideas while trying to turn my short script into an adult animated series. I can use them for a feature script version.

I’ve have been focusing on how to pitch! Also working so not a ton of time but got to practice a bit w some others and getting my ducks in a row - or projects in a row to have options!

Get a manager or an agent. I've been very focused on that lately.

These are best answered by your local city hall. If it's your own garage space, and you don't have a big crew, then why bother with a permit? It's not a commercial production, right? If it's on public property, they will have that information. Light balance and the effect fog has on it is your DPs problem and can't be addressed really outside the actual location.

Thanks again — that’s super helpful.

The only thing I’m a little unsure about is that one of my scenes takes place in the middle of a cul-de-sac, just outside the garage. It’s a quiet residential street, but that scene requires fog manipulation to get the right atmosphere for the finale.

I want to be respectful of the neighborhood and avoid anyone calling the fire department if they see fog rolling through the street. I will check in with city hall or the local fire department just to let them know what me and my team are doing. I will also inquire about those permits.

I’m keeping the crew small and using handheld fog units, but I’d rather be safe and transparent than have the shoot interrupted.

Sandra Isabel Correia thank you so much and congrats on your film! I absolutely agree with you, we have such a responsibility!

We have Kerstin Karlhuber. Thank you.

Kerstin Karlhuber thank you for sharing yourexperience :) appreciate - greeting from Italy

Great dialogue here. Thank you for all your ask me anything responses. Having that great team is one I’ve learned is so important.

Xochi Blymyer you're so welcome!

Thanks for sharing the video, Pat Alexander. It's a must-watch! One thing Keaton said that stood out was don't fall into the "build it and they will come" mindset. In my experience, that doesn't work a lot. It takes more than just building something.

This is aimed at gig crew, not creators or producers. As far as that goes, the advice he gives is good.