Filmmaking / Directing : Ask Me Anything with our Fearless Leader Richard "RB" Botto (May 2022) by Amanda Toney

Ready! Let's go! QUESTION: RB - What would happen if smaller indie creators banded together, like a Borg collective, to pitch at markets or with leaders in the industry?

With the pandemic, how important is it these days to now physically live in L.A.? Should you move before you have a manager, product? Or, can you wait to get a manager and get things rolling, then move?

Glad to be here! Hi, Amanda Toney. How are you?

That's a great idea, Cherelynn Baker.

Vancouver, B.C.

Tuning in from Denver, CO

Hi, everyone. I'm listening from North Carolina.

Lawrence Whitener, only one on IMDb, now in L.A.

Listening in Huntington Beach, CA

Hello, this is Emma from Bath, England. Really looking forward to this session. Thank you RB and Amanda : )

currently in central Maine. Just in case my question in chat isn't seen: how can a non-union actor with many, mostly non-unions credits, get that first union gig and join the union?

this link?

Hello from Berlin!

Los Angeles

Currently watching in Belgian, but I'm a filmmaker/scriptwriter/animator from London UK :)

Let's go! In Denver, CO.

So excited for this today! Tuning in from sweltering Chicago!

Miami, Florida

I am from Port Elizabeth in South Africa, excited to be here

from Kingston Washington... What do you look for in a Pitch?

in Boston, MA

Hey Y'all. Art from Nashville

Hi, I'm in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Tuning in from Chicago!

Monterey, CA.

Somewhere in Croatia

Los Angeles

Los Angeles!

Hi from Israel :)

Brooklyn

Tuning in from Tucson, AZ!

Morning from Honolulu, HI!

Hi, I've written a successful novel and plan to convert to screenplay. I have been recruiting screenwriters on S32 and other sites and most have limited track record or experience. I was thinking to use IMDb to find screenwriters of big budget films. Is this worth pursuing or would it be a black hole? Tuning in from San Diego.

Hi Richard and Amanda. Excited to listen and learn :) Any help with animation.... I'm developing an animated project, would be suited to a limited series on a streaming platform. it's at early script stage with some animated tests. I'm trying to find an animation producer. Any help/guidance in that area appreciated! Thanks man, Lee

So excited to hear all the great wisdoms from RB! In Los Angeles.

San Diego

San Francisco

Great to be here and good to see you RB and Amanda ! This is Swati, Writer/Director from India

Producers are all telling me they can't sell my script because they can't sell me since I don't have the right brand.

Hi Richard! My documentary has been receiving incredible interest thanks to Stage 32, in fact, I had 2 executives request a proof of concept, which I recently shot and am finishing up post on.

My question is, under the scorecard and requested materials, there is an area to upload a script, but I want to either upload my video content or submit a link to the proof of concept footage for the executives to review.

I also had one of the executives request material, it says so under the scorecard, yet by some sort of technical glitch, there isn’t a link like the other one, which I have reached out to technical support for help with.

Just wondering if this could be streamlined in the future to allow for alternate material submissions to executives that request it?

No-no's for queries to managers? I'm an award winning writer and director, but that feels so douchey to type in a query. How do I get them to see I'm legit without sounding full of myself?:)

Hello from Elkhart, KS!

Hi all. Steve from Thousand Oaks, CA here. Question - "How close to the classic 3 ARC story model does a film script need to be to be viable?"

Are there any professional sci-fi script writers who might have any interest in partnering with a first-time writer who has a quality 3rd draft that has already been reviewed by Stage 32 analysts? How would you find them? Thanks.

How would you suggest someone with a mobility challenges, navigate this industry as a writer and actor?

Greetings from Riyadh - Saudi Arabia!

So happy to be with you :) ..

Nice to see you RB & nice to see Amanda Toney :)

Folks - make sure that when you hear something from RB that resonates with you to immortalize it here for the rest of the community. RB drops truth bombs non-stop so make sure that you are sharing the message here and on your social.

Hi, we have pilot script for TV series (5 seasons)..We have a deck/bible ready its a high budget project.. Initial interest from Zero Gravity+ few actors showed interest. Were searching for producer and thinking of building a budget with a professional. It can cost around 3-6K.. Is it the right thing to do at this point ? and when it`ll be a best time to have a budget?

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, RB.

Are there opportunities in animation for streaming platforms? Finding it so hard to break into that space, it seems very closed and everything is in-house. Would love to develop my project further with an animation producer and get the pitch seen. Collab would also be great, but finding it hard to get off the ground, I'm writing and doing animated tests myself, but struggling to get it further.

RB's advice about pitching: "You need to know everything about everyone in that room."

Hey Everyone! Jeff Topacio listening from Cerritos, CA

I've written numerous features and a couple of TV show seasons but I wasn't having luck with finding representation through writing contest and query letters, so i decided to just get a cast and crew together and shoot a TV pilot. The pilot is almost done in post production, but what are the next steps to take? Send out sizzle reels? Trailer of TV pilot? wait in lobby of agents and managers

I am a beginning freelance screenwriter. I have been doing it for several years, but nothing serious has come to fruition.

Thanks a lot RB! your answer was very helpful :)

Finalist in Stage32 Drama competition

I've been writing spec content since 2009 but I haven't been able to "break in" yet

First-time and only-time sci-fi thriller writer. I'm retired, but created something special to share.

Great to have you all here! Thanks for letting us know more about your backgrounds, you're in a safe space to contribute here!

Been in the Entertainment Business for 40 Years, as Musician, songwriter, Actor, Computer Animator, and now writer. I will be focusing on Writing for the next 20 years. RB, You have built such a great opportunity and platform for emerging writers and filmmakers. If you were just starting out and have a few features and pilots, would you look for Management or executives to pitch to?

Writer, editor, director with 12 years of experience from the independent side of the industry.

I worked in film and TV running the hair dept.for 30 years.. retired now from Hair dept. writing for 20 years. pitching my projects for 9 years. I've written 5 screen plays

Produced producer, writer and crew member with many battle scars and credits. Happy to be here and meet others.

Tuning in from UK.

Greetings from Dayton, Ohio! So appreciative of RB sharing his wisdom and industry insights!

Hi little bit about me - I am a Director, Producer and Screenwriter and have made 14 short films, won 32 awards and my films have played at 100+ film festivals. We just made a short documentary in London, part of which was shot inside British Parliament. Currently in editing stage. Soon to start work on my debut feature

I have written many scripts and trying to get noticed. Never giving up.

I have recently self-published my first novel. Am looking to determine if it would be adaptable. The genre is political comedy. But the story also has a serious side, as the protagonist's mission is finding a cure for a life threatening disease. I've also written a screenplay but, as a novice, I know it's not close to being production-ready. Looking for direction.

writer, director, producer.. I shot a trailer for my project "Vanities " which I currently pitching

I''m a Prodiucer/Writer who ran an International Filmmakers Organization for 20 years and a Sales & Marketing Company for 11. I am now involved in putting together an International Studio Without Borders or Walls. We are looking for talent above and below the line to make projects around the worlld.

RB's advice: "You are the CEO of you."

Is showrunner can work for % of the equity or they take a retainer or a flat fee - a what would be better option for us? (one of them asked us a fee of 10k annually - is it reasonable?) .

RB's advice: "Read the trades every day."

Relationships are important but when producers you pitched to previously and they loved your work even though they passed on it and you email them to keep in touch and they are negative to you, Just cough it up to them being busy rather than being triggered!

Hi everyone! Greetings from Bulgaria! Thank you very much, RB for all you share and the hope you give us.

What's the name of those trades?

Listening from London - I'm an emerging writer at the point where I'm starting to book meetings and getting low-level development and option deals but still working towards my first credit

Hello, I'm an actor who has written and produced content. I recently wrote a tv pilot that I have three media companies reading our script and pitch deck. Hopefully I'll get a chance to pitch to them. I still love acting but during the pandemic have steered more into writing.

Question: As a new writer getting initial deals and still figuring things out, how much should you sacrifice (in terms of low fees, giving away 100% rights etc) to get your first credit/your script made? I want to sign a deal but I also don't want to cheat my future self!

Kath, the 3 he mentioned are: Deadline; Variety; Hollywood Reporter

@kathkirkland - The trades are Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wrap, Variety.

RB's advice: "Don't be discouraged if you don't get a response every time."

"I'm the CEO of me." Love that, RB!

I'm an experienced European filmmaker getting back in the business in the US...How do I determine the price of my completed teleplay for an international historical 6 episode limited series? Is it a percentage of the budget? Do I negotiate it with the Exec. Producer? Do I need an Entertainment Atty to do the negotiation? Can a screenwriter expect to get a share of the profits after expenses? Thanks, RB. I'm a fellow NYer.

you can get connected to the trades if you are on IMDb Pro

Thanks

Manhattan, KS., location. :)

Love this line - We are artists and we are nothing without support ! Support system for creativity is life blood !!

I'm an experienced screenwriter and a Community Thought Leader in the Screenwriting lounge. If I can give anyone screenwriting advice, let me know.

pie chart

From VA, in LA for a couple of weeks. Screenwriter, been writing for years, now I'm submitting and pitching wherever I can. And rewriting. A lot.

Hi Rich....Dr. Cheryl here.......Do you expect the Industry to remain the same for years to come that was created by Covid?

Dallas Texas

Hi, this is Siddhesh from India. (Actor, Writer)

Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. Casting Director, here :) Salut!

Cute.

Thanks for the pie cart, Laurie.

I love writing, and have written pieces before, however, I'm a first time screen writer as far as really committing to writing a pilot and finishing another episode. I have a clear idea of my protagonists stories where the series is going. I'm about to work on the pitch deck. Taking one step at a time in what feels like a very overwhelming business.

It's been years in the making. Lol. Wonderful answer RB. Thanks.

I agree, don't sit by the phone. Keep creating.

RB's advice: "Write your next thing. Film your next thing... Keep going... Don't just sit back and wait."

@laurieashbourne for the win!

Follow RB on Medium here: https://medium.com/@RBwalksintoabar - he has great articles about how to stay motivated, etc.

Rejection is not failure. OK I'm repeating that. again and again.

RB's advice: "Rejection isn't failure."

Thank you so much for this! With book publishing, you really have to have an agent to get traditionally published. Starting out as a screenwriter, should getting a manager be a primary focus?

@Laurie Ashbourne, isn't the Business (reading the trades, etc.) the third part of the pie? Because networking and relationship building are the same thing. I wrote down the three parts are writing (craft), networking (building relationships), and the business (reading the trades, etc.)

"Reframe the rejection..."

RB's advice: "Rejection is an opportunity. Learn from that rejection."

I sent a short script to a company. After about 3 weeks, they e-mailed me and said that they are considering to produce my script, but that they are still discussing. I replied with a thank you for the update. Heard nothing for the next three weeks, after which I checked in. They said they are still in discussions. How long should I give it, before checking in again?

London, Ontario, Canada.

"Rejection is an opportunity" - This reminds me of Julia Cameron's idea that we should "metabolise pain as energy"

We have a pitch deck that we've been told we need to enhance.. How do we do that? We're looking into a graphic artist to work with us. Is that the right thing to do?

Thank you for all your advice. You often mention that we should do our research about what people are looking for. Forgive me if this is a naive question, but where do you go to find out what people are looking for? Their website?

On last year's "Ask Me Anything" RB answered the question; "What do you do when your significant other not only doesn't support your writing, but actually discourages it?" RB's response, "You have to make the tough choice." I am now divorced and in L.A. pitching my little heart out thanks to Stage32. I shot my 9th short film in Santa Ana during the Super Bowl and am shooting a P.O.C. for Disney, again because of Stage32. There is not one single day that at some point I don't smile and say, "Hey, I'm in L.A."

Great advice to have several irons in the fire! Don't just sit on one idea.

A while back you did a seminar on filmmakers writing memoirs. I've completed a memoir, which includes a lot of exciting material on some great actors that I wokred with. Who do I go to for publication?

Coming from award-winning music/sound design career, penning a serious, contained drama script, complete with an original soundtrack(!).. Are there shortcuts to pseudo-solicited submissions? It is a strong stand-alone, doesn't really need a manager, more a bonafide agent, not gatekeeper.. Any tips on websites, programs, that can "vet" seriousness/worthiness?

Is it true that when enter a pitch meeting network execs are not just reviewing your concept but also interviewing you?

Coming in from the World Series champions Atlanta! Sorry not sorry to anyone from Houston

Thank you for the great answer!

A nicely warm good evening from Germany! Thanks to RB for taking his time!

Early in a career, it is better to focus on one script/genre that you perfect and pitch, or to build a portfolio of quality scripts to seem more versatile?

The Open Writing Assignments in the Writers' Room are great!

Is showrunner can work for % of the equity or they take a retainer or a flat fee - a what would be better option for us? (one of them asked us a fee of 10k annually - is it reasonable?) .

Still learning my craft in a screenwriting masters and being English, I’m setting my my features and TV series in the UK. Should I be resetting them in the US to increase the opportunities of them being picked up?

Daniel from Italy & Stockholm... Working full furce and full time on my Horror first feature film project.

Love Gabrielle's question - same!

I'm a screenwriter who aspires to be a TV staff writer and showrunner. I'm presently show running an indie animated series, and we're heading into the pitching phase to try to find financiers to aid with production. We're slowly building a social media presence, and I was curious whether its worth spending energy on trying to go the crowd-funding route, or the likelihood of being able to pitch to those in the industry?

I m from Greece, so it's far away from USA... Let's say that Netflix wants my series... How much of my physical presence is needed there?

The Writers' Room: www.stage32.com/writersroom

How do I find financiers?

And Jason is wonderfully responsive, answering no matter what I ask! :)

Hey folks! Jason here - drop me a note at j.mirch@stage32.com - I am the Director of Development Services and the Host of the Writers' Room at Stage 32. Please feel free to hit me up! I am excited to hear from you all!

Never too late. Only too late when you're dead. That's my motto. LOL

Is there any advantage/disadvantage to shooting a pilot/proof of concept for streaming/episodics? Or just stick with writing and pitching scripts?

Tuning in from Colorado. Thanks for chatting with us!

hmm. here's that pie chart.

"Don't create your own 'no.'"

Hey folks! I am the Director of Script Services at Stage 32 and the host of the Writers' Room. You can always reach me directly at j.mirch@stage32.com and be sure to send me a network request here if we're not yet connected.

Hi from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Stage 32 has been invaluable in my screenwriting education, with its free webinars and its paid consultations. Thanks for being a part of the industry to which I continue to aspire!

I turned 50 a few months ago and I am just recently receiving incredible feedback and seeing my projects gain serious traction... so NEVER GIVE UP. The best is yet to come. :)

RB's advice: "Don't create no's for yourself. Don't put yourself in a box."

SO much gold in this conversation!

Hi RB! I wanted to ask you, when a manager signs a screenwriter, does the screenwriter have any say regarding who they send their script to be read by? I hope you and everyone at Stage 32 are doing well and having a great day!! You are so inspirational!!!

Woo hoo - RB's relationship column next up on medium

Is there a formatting style guide for media companies like Netflix?

Inspiration. Aspiration. Motivation.

My own story how I got from there to here is on Stage32 as "I had, HAVE...a dream." How I became a writer with over 300 awards on IMDb in just the past six years.

Any advice for funding a web series?

RB: “Failure is quitting.” Extremely wise words. Onward and upward.

Do you think that with these virtual writer rooms possibly being the norm, that the creativity, chemistry, magic, energy can be as good as in person? I know you kind of answered that some like it either way... what do you think and prefer?

@andre - check out the Netflix webinar where we go through their pitch format: https://www.stage32.com/education?search=chris+mack#:~:text=Edit-,Stage%...

had a bit of fun designing LOL but here's a downloadable pie chart of RB's Rules:

Dropbox or Google: https://www.dropbox.com/s/64wxnujdnv6xhsl/RBsRules.png?dl=0https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DosciyY-dNi4vEehTWvJHNjRSeeFdDJ_/view?u...It may take a moment to load. Were those the 3? :) Can edit if not.

Hey Amanda, I read RB's book and used it to make all my 9 short films. I dropped it off at your mail station when I got here for his autograph. I can pick it up whenever its convenient, but I would like it back to follow his suggestions more. Thanks!

Great pie chart, Pete. Can we use it (post it on Stage 32 and other sites)?

Pete - that is awesome! Can you put Stage 32's logo and @rbwalksintabar on it? I'll get set up as a download when I send out the video

For sure, 100%

Absolutely, Maurice. Thanks for asking!

I would just like to say, that this platform has so much to offer if you take the time to get to know the members and the staff. I cannot count how many opportunities I have gotten and continue to get through members and recommendations. These all come through the relationship building RB mentioned, all free. I also know that when I need to add something to my arsenal that I can find it here, whether it's a webinar, specific pitch or lab. I count on Stage 32 as my production support go-to in my day-to-day producing and writing. It works if you work it. Gotta fly. Cheers everyone, enjoy the rapid fire!

Thanks for your time Richard! And Amanda :) Any advice for animation? All ideas seem to be developed in-house, therefore it's really tough to get my pitch deck seen. Any advice? Lee (UK based Filmmaker/Animator/scriptwriter)

Since no one else has.

Yes. Will update... with a couple of options

Who knows, maybe it would be your film/screenplay that helps create the next Blumhouse, etc.

Thanks a million for your answer to my question RB!! I am going to keep more avenues open for me... As many as I can, in fact!

"I also know that when I need to add something to my arsenal that I can find it here, whether it's a webinar, specific pitch or lab." Laurie, Stage 32 is like a superstore.

Producers usually do not care what you did in the past or how many awards you won, they usually only care about what you are doing now and if your series will be successful, but everyone is looking for that successful series/film they want to help you get made., so keep plugging along until you find the producer/studio who believes your script is the story they want to tell.

Thanks for putting on this webinar RB I Love you guys!

Thanks, Pete Haase. I appreciate it.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZBocaROgMcFc80Ezop_v72LXGVXIYLf/view?u... Maurice Vaughan most welcome! TY.

Thanks, Pete Haase. I appreciate the chart.

RBs comment on the 'gold rush' rings true to me. In any case, having an abundance mindset is incredibly freeing to creators. If you believe there are opportunities, you'll seek them out

Thank you so much, Amanda and RB. This is wonderful! What's your take on shopping agreements if option money isn't available?

Rapid Fire. What is your favorite book on writing? Except for yours. Lol

Thanks RB for answering my budget question! So important to know where to go. Much appreciated.

Props to Amanda. Great job!!!

What do you think of screenwriting competitions as a way to get your script out there? Are they an effective tool?

Thanks for your time, RB and Amanda Toney.

Shout out to the Stage 32 staff, Netflix, and all of the execs, producers, agents, etc. in Stage 32's Script Services and Education.

Amanda Toney - Thanks for the response and link!

Thanks for the shout out, Amanda Toney!

Thank you for all you do Maurice! We love having you in the community and we love your positivity :)

Thanks Maurice Vaughan! You are generous.

something happened and the webinar dropped out wanted to take snaphot of RB

I appreciate it, Amanda Toney and Susan.

RB's advice: "The only way you're going to build that company -- the company of you -- is to put in the time."

Making me hungry for pie, LOL!

What's your favorite pie, Martha?

The Writer's Room is well worth it. Lots of great interaction and info.

not seeing the today-only discount code..

Come to the Producers lounge! (read that in Vincent Price's voice )

Lounges: https://www.stage32.com/lounge

RB, what is your definition of paradise? Amanda, thanks for being such a fun, nimble juggler with information!

@Maurice, blueberry or cherry!

Thanks for taking the time RB! I feel invigorated listening to your thoughts and stories! Thanks to everyone in the lounge for their time and questions as well.

Thanks for an informative and inspiring webinar!

Won't be this year but I love the Ritz Carlton. Stayed there for Midem.

Today's special code: RBAMA50

Thank you so much for an incredible 2 hours!!

@Maurice, was that a trick question? Guess I should say it's RB's Pie chart for success?

I'm not going to Cannes, but my daughter stars in a short film premiering at the American Pavilion at Cannes:) It's called "The Errand". Logline: when a 10yr old girl is picked up hitchhiking by a 30yr old man, who gives whom a ride.:)

Check out the Open Writing Assignments and the Vault in the Writers' Room, everyone.

Rapid Fire: Who is your favorite actor and actress, RB?

As a screenwriter, not a film maker, how do I figure out what a budget for my script would be? Using film comps?

I will be in Cannes this year. Who, on this call, will be there?

Contact me if you will be there! firstfeatures@mail.com

Blueberry and cherry sound great, Martha. I think my favorite is apple.

Thanks RB for this valuable webinar!

Favorite movie?

See you in Cannes RB!

What is your favorite "pump you up" song?

Adding "Good to Great" for the book reading list