Producing

A $100 million pool for indie films would be incredible for creatives and the NY economy, Richard "RB" Botto! NY has so much talent. I hope the proposal passes. More indie films!

RB, that’s very good news for the Indie Films in New York! Will help with the pricey location! Additionally, it can help my screenplay because I have scenes set in New York. Thanks for sharing the hope :)

It's a smart add on many levels. Much, much different than how Cali approached it.

There is so much to like about this proposal from the extension to 2036, the workforce development commitment, the bipartisan support, the extra juice for filming outside the city to encourage growth. There is competition in New Jersey and New York is smart to fight for their significant place in the industry. New York has always been a great indie film hub and should be a big part of the new wave of indie film production supporting emerging filmmakers, companies and economic models. Agreed that this is a smart apprach and great optics for the state's production community.

All great points, Sam Sokolow. Also, IMO, a shot directly at the heart of Hollywood and the Band-Aid on a wound expansion proposal they recently pushed forth.

I love to hear that, Richard "RB" Botto!

I love hearing that, as well. New models are being cracked around the world to support theatrical distribution and the projections for box office growth are strong - according to Statista, "The worldwide box office is experiencing a resurgence as audiences increasingly seek immersive cinematic experiences post-pandemic, rejuvenating the global media landscape." Very exciting times ahead!

1000% correct, Sam Sokolow. Coalitions and commissions are following suit. See my latest post in the Producing Lounge about the new New York proposal which features a direct clause for independent film.

I just read it and commented on it, Richard "RB" Botto - huge news and a great proposal for New York. Its great to see independent film taking more center stage in the US and across the globe.

The pendulum isn't swinging back, it's snapping.

This is a fascinating article, Richard "RB" Botto. As independent film grows around the world its interesting to read about one the great cimenatic brands in history facing it's own unique challenges (and seeing potential new opportunities). Ownership vs control is a plot unto itself. Hopefully Bond is merely shaken and not stirred.

It's also a "be careful what you wish for" situation, Sam Sokolow. Which makes all the talk about aggressive M&A over the coming years even more interesting.

Awesome webinar that will help so many who are starting out or looking to get started!

Majority of my freelance jobs were by a personal hookup inside; and I was young/youngest PA which means lowest paid. Im from another generation; we didnt have IG, twitter, internet and there was never a Human Resources dept. It was all "who you know."

The job itself is not rocket science. It's physically demanding, long hours.

Anyways my first real PA job I got was by seeing a tv production being filmed on the street. I asked a 2nd AD who gave me a number to call. I called, hired over the phone with zero experience or background check. The next night I was working as a Parking PA overnight watching parking spots. They gave me a flashlight, sound blanket to keep warm and a rental car to sit in.

Starting as a PA is a right of passage for so many. Set PA is one of the only jobs that interacts with every department, so an awesome job to get experience on. One of my first PA jobs was on a movie filming in Minneapolis during winter and my first night I had to lock up traffic a half a mile away from where the shot was - it was like -10 degrees - what I would given for a sound blanket that night.

Old timers call that paying dues Sam Sokolow I was also an office PA. Had to pickup boss' dry cleaning and walk his dog. I got him back. Had access to his credit card. Made sure I got an expensive lunch every time.

Thank you Emma Louise Smith for sharing with us :) It’s interesting to have all of them in one page!

This is an awesome resource, Emma Louise Smith. It's going to be such an active and exciting year for indepedent filmmakers all around the world!

Kid Cudi acting in movies and writing/producing/directing movies, Taylor Swift's concert film, Pharrell's LEGO movie, Charli XCX starring in her own A24 movie. I think we're gonna see more and more music artists collaborate with independent film studios, big studios, and movie theaters, Ashley Renee Smith.

It’s so good when we see different entertainment areas aligning in one and make magic! Now, it’s what we expect! A24 is in my wish list ;)))) Thank for sharing Ashley Renee Smith

Im old enough to remember Madonna starring in movies. At her prime, she was a bigger pop star than Taylor Swift now.

Me too Dan MaxXx :))

The first ever "talkie" in 1927 The Jazz Singer - while containing social and racial elements abhorant to modern society - starred Al Jolson, who was a singer. So many early stars came from vaudeville where singing and being an entertainer was the game. From Bing Crosby to Frank Sinatra to Elvis to Barbara Streisand to to Diana Ross to David Bowie starring in The Man Who Fell To Earth, putting singers in fims has been a staple mash up of Hollywood and movies. Madonna was great in Desperately Seeking Susan and Lady Gaga has put her stamp on cinema, as has Ludicrous, Ice Cube, Gaga, you name it. Even Vanilla Ice got a movie.

Awesome share, David Zannoni. Film clearance can feel wonky or confusing when starting a project but there are few worse headaches and expenses that having to deal with clearnces AFTER you film. This is critical knowledge for filmmakers are every level. Flagging for my network.

Great topic David Zannoni - confusion abounds in what needs to be cleared. Artwork on the walls of locations is often overlooked...until it's not!

Indeed! I'm constantly amazed by the success of Christmas movies. Undying hunger for this genre. Add a musical act. Brilliant.

The best 60 minutes a week in the industry!

Missed Today’s Instagram Live? Catch up and watch the full video HERE: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFgMVK9zNXp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&...

Bravo!!

Such a great lineup of webinars, classes and labs taught by the best of the best. Flagging for anyone in my network that wants to work on their craft and raise their game in 2025. Thanks, Leonardo Ramirez!

You're very welcome Sam Sokolow. Always good to hear from you!

Mike Boas It creates less headaches. Arguing with writers can be depleting. After heated talks with myself, I'm exhausted. I wish I would just shut up and listen to myself once in awhile.

from Democratic republic of Congo, looking forward to having a production

Welcome to the community, John L Bryant. Here's a blog that'll help you navigate Stage 32 and make connections: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

I hope my post about pre-production helps you with your production.

You can find other helpful posts here in the Producing Lounge.

Stage 32 also has Producing Blogs and Producing Education.

Producing Blogs: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/producing-22

Producing Education: www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Producing

Great question, Maurice Vaughan! As a former Development Exec, my process before even getting to the pre-production stage often varied depending on the particular project. If we found a spec script that interested us, then the writer was already attached, so the focus shifted to assembling the right elements—whether that was a producing partner, director, or key talent—to build the pitch together and make the package more enticing for buyers.

If we were acquiring a book, the process was different because we needed to find the right writer to adapt the material. That meant looking for someone who not only had the right voice but also aligned with how we envisioned bringing the story to life. In some cases, if the book was a bestseller or if we acquired a different strong piece of IP, we could package it with the right creative team and pitch it directly to a buyer. If they were interested, they might pay for the script's development, meaning the writer would at least be paid for each draft and revision. But that was rare—more often, we needed a well-written pilot or feature draft as part of the package to engage a network, studio, or streamer.

Even though that script would go back into development with the buyer to tailor it to their needs and audience, having a strong draft upfront was usually necessary to get a deal done.

If we were starting from a story concept, we had to solidify the right creative team first, ensuring we had a cohesive vision before pitching. And once the team was together, the process of getting the pitch materials—and sometimes the script—into the best possible shape was its own, sometimes very long, process.

"My process before even getting to the pre-production stage often varied depending on the particular project." I think that's a helpful mindset to have since each project is different/has different needs, Ashley Renee Smith. Thanks for the insight.