Filmmaking / Directing : Our Fearless Leader Rich "RB" Botto's Ask Me Anything (February 2023) by Amanda Toney

Excited for this!! RB is such a wealth of knowledge and has great perspective on the industry.

Very excited for this. LOVE the positivity of the staff, lounge moderators and colleagues!

Question: How do you see the trends in mediums (AI, VR, etc.) influencing the genres of stories we tell?

Question: Is it frowned upon for a screenwriter to send a series pilot and lookbook to multiple producers at once?

Question: How much of your series do you outline in advance by the time you start writing the pilot?

What's the appropriate amount of time to wait after sending a pilot to a producer before following up? I've heard everything from 2 weeks to 2 months. Thank you.

Question: In the past few years the trend for mergers & acquisitions among legacy studios has created a climate of consolidation within the industry - do you think this will have the effect of simplifying/streamlining the studio pitching process, or will it actually make it more difficult because there are less studio execs for us to pitch to?

Hello from Peoria County, Illinois, United States!

Naperville, Illinois

Near Raleigh NC

Tuning in from Rancho Palos Verdes

San Diego

Q: Hi RB, Thanks for your time. I made a film that was in 3 high level festivals in California, had sold out screenings on my tour, and it has an 8.3 rating on imDb yet i have not sold it. I had an "in" to get it to netflix yet they never watched it. I even screened 10 times at the Laemmlesin L.A for this purpose but they didn't show up. I have no agent, no rep, nothing at this point. I get letters from people who have loved my film and they ask, "Why isnt it on Netflix"?. How do I sell my film? No one returns my queries, icluding Jason Blum who I worked with. I just want the people to see this film as it has been called a gift to the world. It would be nice to have it on a platform. Thank you, Matteo from Petalua California

Tuning in from the Sunshine State, Florida

Coming to you from Fort Lauderdale, Florida!

Hello from Las Vegas NV!

Hey! Tuning in from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada! :)

Hello from Virginia Beach, Virginia

Joining from Ann Arbor, Michigan

Sonoma County, Ca.

Somerset in England. Good evening!

Hello from Riyadh - Saudi Arabia :) ..

Tuning in from Montclair NJ!

Hello hello S32! Amanda! & of course RB! from Vancouver Canada!

Hello RB and team, Iowa here.

Hi from Queens, NY!!

Tuning in from South Wales, UK (whiskey in hand, hiding from the rain...)

Tuning in from the UK.

Question: I read that character descriptions in screenplays are getting shorter, sometimes being omitted completely. Have you seen this trend?

I'm from Philly. Home of the runner ups

Abu Dhabi

Greetings from Berlin!

Question: Will the possible industry strike affect indie productions?

Hello from White Salmon, WA, USA

Hi from Chicago,IL

Question: do filmmakers prefer royalty free music they can buy that's already created and available for purchase, or bespoke music? If royalty free music, which licensing company is the most popular? If bespoke music, how/where do they find composers?

vacnouver!

Hello from Chicago. Excited to be here.

Hi from Long Island NY. Hope everyone is well

Like you RB i've put in my 10,000 hours in my craft. I've written 24 features & 4 TV pilots. My question is how does Stage 32 handle 1st time writers compared to old vets like me. All I need is to be repped. Tx Mike in Reno.

Dallas, Texas

Denver. Send HEAT!

Hello from Nevada! :)

Hi Richard! Would be very interested to know you opinion on such topic.

Question:

Imagine you received an awesome screenplay that excites you greatly and you feel it might bring you and you team millions of profit.

And then you discover that the Author is the resident of the territory banned/forbidden for cooperation by US government.

What would you do?

And what would you recommend to such Author from the forbidden location who would wish to sell his screenplay to Stage32 or participate in contest?

For example, should he hide his location? Or there are some other options for cooperation ?

Hello from Mill Valley, CA

Hi, from Norway!

RB, you posted on Twitter, "Goin in" in front of the gates of Paramount Pictures. I was so happy and excited for you and also green with envy. My question is... How did that feel? :)

Thanks to Stage32 Networking, executives, and classes, I am at the point where I'm developing a feature based off my IP. QUESTION: How much easier is it for a good quality product to be picked up by a streamer - one packed up and ready to film?

What are the next steps after you successfully pitch a television series to a producer?

Thank you for the opportunity to become a part of this community and the experience of winning the TV pilot competition. It has been an honor. Amazing feedback on the writing; however, it is representation that is stopping the series from going to the next steps. Any advise on getting representation?

Question: how important is having a twitter following, or an online presence, for a writer looking to be staffed?

Hi RB. What’s the most sought out film genre at the moment that big productions wants to produce.

The only thing my Yale screenwriting professor did not prepare me for is the Ageism that exists in Hollywood. The attitude I get from all these 30-something Execs is "Why would I want to work with Santa?" I don't have 10 years to finally get a studio meeting like my fellow student Creighton Rothenberger for his "Olympus Has Fallen." No Lit Mans will even talk to me. I am shooting my 10th SAG Short next month for the SAG-Aftra Member Showcase reopening after 4 years. Any other ideas?

It should be based on minutes viewed now

Question: what future plans does Stage 32 have? What future classes do you plan to bring to us?

in 2023, what will be in more demand? Features or TV/Web series. Are Mid budget features losing their sheen?

Are there any trends re: topics? racism, law enforcement is the story I have been working on. Wondering what is hot/not.

Great video about reading the trades: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbFxCXggWUj/

Question: Why is your lava lamp orange like Cincinnati instead of green like the Jets?

Will stage32 attend this year's Cannes film festival?

Question: What is considered an ideal contract with a company for a first-time screenwriter?

Best online stage ever here! Here since 5 years blessed to found great contacts in filmbusiness kept my projects going. For all the new screenwriters here, this is the greatest online community ever thanks RB Botto and his team. Keep creating and learning the craft.

@stuartpackeractor walks into a bar x

I'm casting for my next feature, and would like to cast (hopefully) at least one B actor. Since mine will be an indie with a budget of under 1M, how can I approach actors with the strategy of using back-end points? Also is it better to ask around to see if anyone knows the actor(s) personally, or always go through their agents and/or managers?

I'm a music composer. How to do I picth my music to producers or directors? Or anyone else in the industry.

Greetings from India RB, am loving the educational and community side of Stage 32. My question relates to the financing of premium television outside of the platforms. There seems to be a trend toward premium drama series being financed by global distributors via their associated production companies with whom they have slate deals as opposed to congested platforms. Such as All3Media, Freemantle and other global operators who seem to be making and syndicating without anchor broadcasters attached. Your take please?

Question - any link too a course about how-to protect your story idea?

I have 2 questions... 1) I was always wondering does Stage32 has any plans for getting into its own Production and producing movies/series? And, 2) Is there anything we can do to improve the overall pitching process with executives and make it a little bit more interactive?

Most of us know Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, are there any other trades you recommend?

I'd like to soley create (and sell) scripted television shows; is that possible to do without staying on as a writer for the life of the series? Can I simply be a show creator and operate as a non-writing producer/consulting producer (or not) instead? And if so, what's the path?

HI RB and congrats on your latest project is sold. Is there a demand for assistants or coordinators for those who want to break into the industry? I have taken classes, written pilots, and done background work in a career workshopping program prepping to pitch. Is it frowned upon to put Career Break on a resume due to an extended parenting break?

Who are the big business voices you're tuning into today. Who are you following for your business advice?

Is there any benefit to an author being the person to write the script based on their own books? Does it tend to help if you have written both?

Any advice how to advance more in the industry (from an office PA to a writer in a writers' room)?

What can we do as content creators amongst our stage 32 to leverage our expertise to engage differently with network/distributors? i.e., I have film financing/

fundraising background

I read a few scripts that were on the top of black list. But the most mind-blowing

the script was the 10th position "dying for you". Are they kinda rigged?

Very specific Q. I wrote and produced an award-winning short last year and want to pitch a streamer on making it into a 6-8 episode show I have an outline for. Advice?

P.S. I just want to be paid writer, not producer.

How do I put together a short film if I don't have a large budget? Do film festivals still accept & consider films filmed with iPhones?

See themissedflight.com

Writer here. what genres are hot now and what genres do you see coming into demand? I've heard happy comedy and family content but am seeing action and thriller demand.

Hey RB, authentic representation is very important to me. How do I present myself and my writing to be seen by those who are looking for this kind of representation?

Mark Wahlburg wants to bring more film production to Las Vegas. Are any studios looking to build sound stages here? Lots of available land.

Loving these insights RB ! I am writer, director from India. What are your thoughts on using short film as a proof of concept for a feature and what are the best avenues to take it forward in the current market?

Hey from Greenville, North Carolina! Thanks for having this "AMA," RB! Thanks for moderating, Amanda!

Thank you for the opportunity to become a part of this community and the experience of winning the TV pilot competition. It has been an honor. Amazing feedback on the writing; however, it is representation that is stopping the series from going to the next steps. Any advise on getting representation?

Any advise for introverts on networking? :P

This is really good!

I am developing a feature from my IP - how would you go about recruiting excellent Stage32 talent - director/producers etc...that will not open the flood gates at the job board? I am looking to package and get the project filmed myself...step by step of course. I've spent 5 years back and forth with executives and Stage32 education getting ready for this point. PART 2 of question:

Is there a pipeline via Stage32 I can utilize to gain some exposure for a finished product?

www.badrabbitpictures..com to present an idea of project.

RB's potpourri of excellence lol

Greetings, everyone and thank you to RB! For the opportunity to share my project.. I'm happy to be here to meet my possible new team? And start a great Film/TV Series Project. In CA.

Hi RB, do you think Interactive shows or movies have future?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, RB! I was wondering - do you see any developing distribution platforms that consider short form content? Besides YouTube -- (looking for potential monetizing platforms that can be used to attract investors to a short project.)

I did use the Question/Chat box but in case it's not transferred: With RBs suggestion about writing both a Bollywood and Hollywood version of the same pilot or feature what happened when one side is sold? Can you still sell the other. I am in this situation at the moment. I am working with a Producer with feet in both camps and not sure whether he will find funding first within India or Europe.

So excited to "show up" here! It's 3:53AM in the Philippines! Learning so much from this brilliant human being! :)

What do you think will be the future for indigenous stories and representation in film and television? ❤️

I agree with RB about Hulu.

Hey, RB. It's MB coming in from the valley of the sun. Better late than never. RB dropping dimes. Onward and upward everyone.

Love it!

Excellent advice. Thanks All!

How do you handle delays in having your questions answered by the board of directors? management? support?

Examples

During a board meeting, my social media pages is displaying the following

A couple having sex

A woman twerking

I sent so many messages to support I just gave up. I made a comedy out of it by saying if they were auditioning for one of my projects, they were at the wrong meeting.

By the way, I handled it by posting my membership in Reputationdefender.com which I have been a member for over 10 years. The weeks that these things happened impacted my reputation and credibility as a business and CEO. You have probably read some of my posts regarding these things which I’m turning into comedy sketches.

Not being able to post my business material. Or having an admirer send you pictures of his personal stuff, discussing it with him by explaining that you could be his mother.

I ask because when time is crucial and money, how do you handle it as a professional and positive member of the organization?

My background is Human Resource Management and having worked on such a high level where customer service is paramount.

https://www.stage32.com/profile/753105/about

Please have support fix my link to have my photos pop up properly.

I have been part of writers' groups, and the people were great and top-notch. They inspired me to keep writing, but there was no feedback. With Stage 32, I feel like I have direction, education, and the ability to ask questions and get helpful answers.

Stage 32 is amazing! Thank you so much for all you do for all of us! :)

What are the essential components of.an effective series bible as part and parcel of tv pilot pitch?

Never change RB, love your authenticity! :-)

What is/are the significance of your rings?

Any writers here working on scripts about climate change effects? Finished a feature Genre Scientific Fantasy Drama. Would love to talk about it.

I love RB's perspective on rejection!

Thanks RB, that's quite reassuring !

Hi RB --- I have 2 projects, 1-pilot and 1-teen comedy feature that are placing in multiple script competitions just the last 2mos. I think I'm at 9 placements between the two. What is the best way to bring these projects, that are getting a lot of traction, to the attention of the industry professionals that are looking for content?

Thank you RB for your time. This is priceless!

If I have shorts on my YouTube channel I can still sell? They have bankable stars like Jaeden Martel and Ed Asner.

Agree RB, more streamers are interested in shorts now. One of my short films is currently streaming on Disney+ in India and has just crossed 200k views :)

Thanks RB for answering :) Learned a lot

Thank you for the How to edit your trailers webinar. In reviewing IMDB and now my own, I needed this. As always you and the team have the resources.

Lastly, what if a person close to you is unhappy with your success, how do you handle it if you have done everything you could, I mean everything?

For those who may need funding help with the paid services on Stage 32, https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholars...

Some days winning is just not getting fired from your day job. :(

It's introduce yourself weekend, take a minute to introduce yourself: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/introduce_yourself

Adding on to this talk on mental health, sharing the link for a blog post I wrote recently on Stage 32 - https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-break-negative-thought-patterns-3249

Hello Mr Botto. I am a 23 year old screenwriter. I am going to a pitch session and have been preparing for it for so long. Due to my age, will this impact my chances for representation and tips for going into the meeting?

Attended this session is like having an energy drink and getting a wake up call simultaneously !

This has been amazing, thank you!! Gotta go, the police have arrived. Next time!

When are you putting together another in person networking event Rob?

Hi RB, how can a indie filmmaker get product placement for their project?

Sorry RB =)

The meetings where wonderful; however, the need for representation was stopping for any decision making opportunities. Any advise on getting reputation?

There is an object blocking the C, so your poster reads, "Coffee's for Losers

Not harsh at all.....love it all!

What are the other places to network other than stage 32 for international writers?

Stage 32 Mission: https://www.stage32.com/content/our-mission

Is the logline important? If so, should it primarily highlight the protagonist, the big twist or the film's message?

That is so fantastic! I am so excited for you, RB!

Thank you, Lucy and Desi for the gift of Paramount. Great studio.

Hi everyone. How does one tackle deadlines, without feeling or seeing deadline like a pressure to get your work out there or without rushing the process of the project?

I really appreciate that! This was my first step in reaching my goal. Recently I heard Brian Koppleman on a podcast where he shared his experience in high school and how he didn't allow what the teachers thought of him dictate his future. I unfortunately did. I have been for the past 30 years. Hearing his experience, was an epiphany, it allowed me to figure out where my fear of trying was coming from and silent those voices. However it turns out now, it won't be from a fear of tying.

Thank you for having me in our community. Wishing you all good health and prosperity!

State Tax Credits

If you had a delay in applying and are revisiting it in the new year and the point of contact seems to have the same concerns, is setting up a professional grant committee and ensuring everything is accurate enough?

The delays caused me some personal and business issues. I even had a professional subject matter expert , a member of your bloggers, review their feedback.

Here’s how I’m handling it thus far.

Sent a copy of John Rodsett’s blog.

Sent a copy of State Tax Credit information.

Setting up grant professional committee.

Ensuring my Stage 32 Project Page is ready.

Ensuring that my additional information is ready.

entertainment lawyer recommendations?

2.17.2023 Very well then! I shall pose a query, none have been able to answer correctly- - - word for word as I have written it. This is my riddle a challenge beyond Einstein's Riddle of Who Has The Fish. Which I solved in a little over four hours time. It was said by Einstein that perhaps 6% of the world's population could or would be able to solve his Riddle. It was very cleverly constructed! It took a LOT for me to solve it. I didn't have to. There were answers on-line had I wanted to just see the solve. However, I don't care to cheat. And so I took on the challenge. Afterward, I asked myself the question, :Could 'I' create a riddle that would be so difficult to solve?" And within minutes . . . I had done so. I wrote it down exactly as it came to me. And my guesstimate is that, "Perhaps 1% (Yes! Only one percent) of the world's population will be able to solve it, word for word. Thus far, only two have come close, but nearly ALL have come with truly wonderful attempts/answers. I enjoy seeing my fellow human beings showing such depth and measure. Now then! With all that shared... WHO of you here at @stage32 #stage32 would take on My Challenge to try and solve my Riddle? Hmm! . . . any takers? Well, here is it just for FUN. (I hope) My Riddle is this:

"How does one gain Value from Life?" (<<<--- Yep! That's the riddle that has stumped thousands before you. Do you think you can solve it, where others have not?)

Here's the Rule: The solve must be 'Word for word exactly as I answered the riddle!

Here's the HINT I have given to anyone and everyone who has tried to solve it:

HINT: "Thee answer to my riddle IS WITHIN the riddle itself" Good Luck! :--))

Cheers mates! What do you gain about 'who I am' from what I just shared? Can you define me from this alone?

We shall see . . . :--)) Have a great New Day! HAPPY New FRIDAY!!! Kindly always, Sir Nicholas in Seattle 2.17.2023 12:47pm (pst)

Very interesting, Amanda! Thank you! :)

Definitely. Thank you! Appreciate the information RB is sharing!

Hi,

My name is Manasi and I am a writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles, CA.

Thank you for this platform and all the insight. I had the pleasure of meeting you, RB, at the Austin Film Festival last year. I have been pitching on Stage 32 and my question is - Do all the executives I pitch to, have access to the scorecards from other execs I have previously pitched? Also, a couple of times, the executive requested the material, and once the material was submitted, they never got back with their review and I ended up getting a free pitch. What to do in such a scenario, as I feel I lost a chance at something that could have worked out?

Thank you for all you that you do to keep this platform going.

What will be your process in putting the writers' room together now that you have this project green lite?

This is serious "Platinum Mine" of tangible, practical, insightful information. Thank you, thank you RB!

How to write a pitch deck: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Write-Your-Professional-Pitch-Bible

My twin sister, Ashley Carvalho, went to Sundance with you and Jacob Krueger back in 2015. She remembers your honesty and great convo...it's why I joined Stage32. Love hearing your common sense, so thanks for all your hard work!

Is the sports drama coming back.

There used to be a resource called facts on pacts; for pod deals is there any resource like that now?

This has been so enlightening. Thank you Amanda abd RB. I feel better about the possibilities of repping myself, but will be honest and say that I am still nervous as a new screen writer.

What is your favorite genre?

This was a fantastic Webinar! Thanks again for your time, RB & Amanda!

Do you know you blocked the C on your poster and it looks like Coffee is for Losers

Favorite Comfort food.

Rapid Fire: Best place to network in person for writers who want to write for screen outside of Stage 32, especially if don't have any experience or connections in the industry. Conference? etc.

Steven Speilberg or James Cameron?

Connect with John Mezes here: https://www.stage32.com/profile/816156/about

Rapid Fire: RB, hamburger or taco? Thanks for all the great info RB and Amanda. Onward and upward.

:-) Andy Silverman

Great advice on the entrepreneurial approach RB, you had your project out to 4 production companies until one said take it off the market, right?

Thank you RB and team, over the last three years, I have shared more than my entire life. Being a hr professional where privacy and confidential go hand and hand, also I must have been a spy in another life, I have worked through so many personal issues.

I update my projects almost daily and am excited about writing daily again.

If anyone needs information on myself and projects, visit my project page

https://www.stage32.com/profile/753105/about

This has been great. Thanks so much, RB!!

(With apologies to Groucho...) Ask you anything? What's the capital of North Dakota?

Thank you, Amanda and RB. Fantastic webinar! Thank you for sharing your time with us. :)

Guess my Q wasn't interesting. :-(

My camera went blank and hour ago, but still listening :)

Rapid Fire: RB, what's one genre you want to write (that you haven't written)?

Is there an age ceiling to breaking into the business as a writer?

What a fun idea, Amanda! I definitely will be posting!

Banshees is the best

RB, Who is your favorite superhero, and why?

Rapid fire- Make money or make Art

Favorite vacation place?

I'm gonna resurrect my Instagram and post there. But Facebook is where my network is.

Army or Navy?

What kind of car do you drive?

Andy Silverman - LOL! Just saw that. The Coffee poster issue can be summed up in one word... parallax.

Queens or Brooklyn?!

Thank you, Amanda and RB. Fantastic webinar! Thank you for sharing your time with us. :)

Thanks Amanda and RB for your time! Amazing teamwork.

Wow, the last two hours have been extremely enlightening. As a new screenwriter, your insight has been fabulous! Thank you so much, both of you!

Thanks guys,

Awesome moments with you, RB & the lovely, smoothy Amanda! Fantastic job!

Many thanks, Amanda and RB! Loved it!

And we have to go watch Scorsese movies together!

Thank you Amanda & RB and ALL at Stage32! S32 HAS CHANGED THE TRAJECTORY of my LIFE AND CAREER at a very painful turning point! I am ETERNAL GRATEFUL!!! I AM putting myself out there! THANK YOU!!!!!!

I wish RB answered the question how Stage 32 can help and champion more creatives - not just writers!!

Thank you.

Thanks for the incredible AMA, RB! Thanks for moderating, Amanda! One thing RB said that really stood out was, "If you want a seat at the table and you can't get one, go build a table."

@maurice Vaughan, I'm in my shed building. Onward and upward.

Please let me know when the transcript is available for review.

Thank you Amanda and RB! Love this informative webinar.