Financing

I know this isn’t a must-know topic for introverted, bathrobe-wearing writers who hate talking to people almost as much as they hate leaving the house, but I went to Cannes Film Festival for the first time, and thought I’d weigh in to tell you about my experience. I’m an author, screenwriter, and fairly newish producer of ultra-low budget movies. I use the term movies, not films, to show you that anything I make as a producer (or write for that matter) will never be up for the Palm D’Or or ev...

I have had the honor of being a member of Stage 32 since 2013. To say “It’s rough out there” is like saying “the weather is nice” during a tornado. It’s not just rough out there in the entertainment world right now. It’s brutal! It’s a climb out of the pit of Hell’s despair. Imagine this: You are living a happy-go-lucky life until your twenties, when all of a sudden, your brother or sister kills himself or herself. Five years later, your best friend also dies by suicide. And then five years l...

Rejection has a way of feeling final. In an industry built on gatekeepers, opportunities, and timing, a single “no” can land like a verdict rather than a moment. It’s easy, almost automatic, to associate rejection with failure, with being stuck, or with the idea that all your hard work somehow didn’t matter. But that interpretation misses something important. Rejection, uncomfortable as it is, can be one of the most effective forces shaping your career. The Familiar Weight of "No" Most c...

And...we're off! The 2026 Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, and Stage 32 is all over the Croisette! For those of you who weren't able to make it to France this year, we want to make sure that you, too, are part of the action. Stop what you're doing right now, pick up your phone, and go follow our fearless leader, Richard "RB" Botto, and Managing Director Amanda Toney: Instagram @stage32 @rbwalksintoabar X @stage32 @rbwalksintoabar Facebook @stage32   We are LIV...

The Cannes Film Festival is almost here, Creative Army! In just a few short weeks, the global film community will once again gather on the Croisette for one of the most important, electric, and opportunity-filled events in our industry, the Cannes Film Festival and the Marché du Film. And this year marks something special for us at Stage 32. We are proud to be returning for our 12th year as the official Education Partner of the Cannes Marché du Film. For over a decade, we have worked side...

In the captivating world of filmmaking, securing financing is often a pivotal step in bringing creative visions to life. However, the process of finding suitable investors can sometimes resemble navigating a maze filled with hidden pitfalls. In recent years, the call for transparency in film finance has grown louder, and for good reason. Filmmakers, both seasoned professionals and aspiring creators, are frequently approached by individuals or entities offering funding opportunities that appear...

As we get closer to the Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film, kicking off in just a couple of weeks, I want to take a moment to share two of the most exciting updates shaping this year’s market experience. As many of you know, Stage 32 is proud to be returning for our 12th year as the official Education Partner of the Cannes Marché du Film, and every year we look closely at how the market is evolving so we can better prepare you to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you. This...

As an independent producer, I'm always planning my next project. With a stack of screenplays (many of which are my own), and no Mr. Moneytree waiting to spread his love, it can be challenging. This is why I've taken the Robert Rodriguez approach when it comes to filmmaking. For those of you unfamiliar, Robert Rodriguez's first feature film, El Mariachi, had no crew. And almost no budget. At a meager 7k, he was the writer, director, cinematographer, location scout, sound, and editor. With inflati...

The data doesn't lie. What producers and buyers want right now is different than what writers write. They want scripts that are efficient. Scripts that can attract talent and directors. Scripts where the story doesn't just move forward…it is propelled forward.Catapulted. Every scene earning its place. Every page keeping the reader hooked and turning to the next one. Lean. Mean. Purposeful. I recently spoke with a literary manager whose sentiment echoed what we've been hearing consistently ac...

Happy Sunday, Creative Army! Let’s kick things off with a huge shoutout to everyone who has already jumped into this month’s Introduce Yourself Weekend. Thousands of creatives from around the world are connecting, sharing their stories, and building relationships that can lead to collaborations, opportunities, and lifelong friendships. If you haven’t made your introduction yet, you still have time. Head over to the Introduce Yourself Lounge before the weekend wraps. Be bold. Introduce yourse...