Ashley Renee Smith's Reel

From crew member to closing deals on the Croisette, Derek Johnson’s filmmaking journey took a major leap thanks to Stage 32. After 20 years working on set, it was a single Stage 32 webinar that helped him shift gears and start producing his own projects. Six years later, he’s producing full time, attending Cannes for the first time, and celebrating four deals on the table—one of which he landed before joining us at the Stage 32 meetup to celebrate! Derek credits the mentors he met...

“Self-learning is a gift… but too many creatives wait for others to do the hard work for them.” In this quick but powerful video, Stage 32 CEO RB Botto (@rbwalksintoabar) shares his take on why self-education isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, filmmaker, or screenwriter, your success often comes down to one question: Did you go to bed better positioned to succeed than you were in the morning? Watch the video and then tell us in the comments: What’s one thing you’ve done recently to invest in your own growth?

“We are stronger than ever.” Martin Petrov, Festival Director of the International Film Festival Glasgow and Stage 32 Thought Leader, believes deeply in the power of community and perseverance. In this moment of transformation for our industry, Martin reminds us that staying connected, showing up, and building relationships is how we move forward—together. His advice? Keep knocking. Keep pushing. The right doors will open. Watch as Martin shares why festivals like Cannes matter more...

“Through restriction comes innovation.” Meet Film Producer, Founder of Iris Arc Pictures, Stage 32 Thought Leader, and President of WIFT Victoria, Lauren Simpson, whose global perspective on filmmaking is exactly what today’s creatives need to hear. In this video, Lauren shares her honest take on the current state of the industry, how she handles rejection with grace, and the best advice she’s ever received—research everything and move with intention. Because in an oversaturated...

“I have a lot of high hopes about where this is all going.” Grady Craig—SVP at BondIt Media Capital and President of Buffalo 8, joined us at Cannes to share his take on the state of the industry. His outlook? Bright, bold, and full of momentum. In this inspiring moment, Grady also reminds us that taking risks isn’t just part of the process; it’s the whole point. Especially in this business. What risk are you ready to take next in your creative journey?

“You’ll find the light at the end of the tunnel.” That’s the message from Stage 32 Thought Leader, producer, and President of Packaging & Sales at Ramo Law, Tiffany Boyle (OH, CANADA, JOYLAND), as she shares her real-world advice for creatives navigating today’s ever-evolving industry. In this powerful clip, Tiffany opens up about: Why tough times can actually unlock your scrappiest, most creative work How to handle rejection with grace—and keep the door open The best career...

“Whatever you do, do it well—because it leads to what’s next.” We caught up with Stage 32 Thought Leader Katie Patton Pryor (Baton Rouge Film Commissioner, Co-Head of FilmUSA) on the Croisette during Cannes Marche du Film, and she delivered some serious wisdom for creatives. In this powerful video, Katie shares advice every creative needs to hear: How to view rejection as an opportunity, why your next step depends on how well you show up today, and how the film industry is becoming a...

Stage 32 member Linda Pace joined our community in 2019 as a screenwriter and playwright. With help from Stage 32 Education, Script Services, and our Navigating Cannes webinar, she polished her material and hit the Croisette with confidence. Now? Her script is being produced by Donna Smith, former President of Physical & Post-Production at Universal (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). As Linda says: “The best way to go is through something like Stage 32. It’s the only way you can get...

You don’t need more hours in the day. You need a better process. Stage 32 CEO RB (@rbwalksintoabar) breaks it down: The reason most people fail at their goals? They don’t make them attainable. They don’t set themselves up for success. Want to write a screenplay but feel like you don’t have time? Write one page a day. In 100 days, you’ll have a feature film. It’s not about huge leaps. It’s about small, consistent steps that compound over time. Watch this and start setting yourself up to win. What’s one micro-goal you’re setting for your creative journey this week?

We all feel it. The nerves. The doubt. The anxiety. But Stage 32’s fearless leader RB Botto (@rbwalksintoabar) has a simple truth that just might change the way you move forward: The more you do, the less you worry. Every audition, every pitch, every rewrite puts you in a position to win—and builds the confidence to keep going. Missed an opportunity? That’s okay. There’s another one around the corner. Watch this video and keep moving. What part of the creative journey triggers your anxiety the most? Let’s talk about it in the comments.