Stage 32 (stage32.com)

Can you believe we’re only 7 weeks away from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival? Stage 32 is proud to be the official industry education partner of the Cannes Film Festival Marché du Film for the eleventh year in a row. And together with Guillaume Esmiol and the incredible Marché team, we’re giving you insider access to the strategies, tools, and real-world know-how to make your Cannes experience truly count. This Wednesday, March 26th, we’re hosting a completely FREE live webinar with Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re returning with a new project in hand, Guillaume will walk you through what to expect, how to set smart goals, and how to position yourself to pitch, network, and gain real traction at the most prestigious film market in the world. Ready to make your Cannes moment matter? Email our education team now at [email protected] to secure your FREE spot in our upcoming live webinar! #Stage32 #CannesFilmFestival #MarcheduFilm #FilmMarket #Filmmaking #Networking #Stage32Education #IAmStage32 #FilmmakersLife #CreativeCommunity

What does it really take to turn a deeply personal story into a powerful, internationally produced feature film? We’re closing out our 3-part Behind the Scenes series on the international feature ALIX with an intimate and insightful Q&A from the visionary behind it all—writer and director @ana.maria.hermidia.s. If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to how a deeply personal story becomes a powerful film, this is your chance. ALIX made its theatrical debut at the world-famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood, with a premiere so impactful it literally shut down Hollywood Blvd. From that unforgettable night to the years of heart, soul, and creative fire it took to get there, Ana Maria takes us inside her deeply personal journey of bringing this story to life. In this blog, Ana Maria pulls back the curtain on her creative process—from the emotional road trip that inspired the script to the artistic decisions that shaped the film’s surreal, dreamlike tone. You’ll hear how she wrestled with the real-world trauma at the heart of the story, how she built a cast and crew that shared her mission, and how she navigated the unpredictable—and at times unforgiving—conditions of shooting in the Colombian jungle. If you’re looking for guidance on how to stay grounded in your purpose while facing the practical challenges of directing, you’ll find it here. If you want to understand how to approach difficult subject matter with care, craft, and heart—Ana lays it out beautifully. And if you’re simply in need of a reminder that storytelling still has the power to heal, connect, and ignite change—this blog will reignite that belief. This is more than a blog. It’s a masterclass in purpose-driven filmmaking. Stream ALIX now on Amazon, Google Play, or Apple TV—and then head to the Stage 32 blog to learn from Ana Maria’s hard-won wisdom and creative clarity. #IAmStage32 #ALIXFilm #CatalystStudios #WomenInFilm #BehindTheScenes #IndieFilm #FilmInColombia #InternationalProductions #DirectorLife @rbwalksintoabar @official_catalyst_studios @lemoresyvan @cristalaparicioc @robeurbina @nataliareyesg @carlosbardemoficial @carowar @hollyl_pdx @Markgpennell

Our fearless leader Richard Botto drops some incredible advice....out with the old, in with the new. Have a listen and be sure to follow him:

Thinking about attending Cannes this year—or even someday? Let’s be honest—Cannes can seem overwhelming. Over 12,000 industry professionals descend on the French Riviera each year. Nearly 4,000 projects are presented across 33 screening venues. And while the energy is electric, the stakes are high. Navigating that kind of landscape without a plan? It can leave even the most seasoned creatives spinning. That’s exactly why Stage 32 is hosting a FREE live webinar this Wednesday, March 26th with Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, moderated by our very own Managing Director Amanda Toney. This is your chance to hear directly from the person who oversees the entire Cannes market. Whether you’re attending for the first time, returning with a new project, or simply want to understand the landscape before diving in, this session will give you the clarity and strategy you need to make Cannes work for you! You’ll gain practical, real-world insights that will help you walk into Cannes with confidence and purpose. Guillaume will break down how to make the most of your badge, build a smart and efficient schedule, and approach networking and pitching with strategy and intention. He’ll also cover common missteps that trip up even seasoned attendees—and how to avoid them. You’ll get a clear understanding of how each key venue at the festival functions, from the Palais to the Riviera and the Village International, and how to use each space to your advantage. Most importantly, you’ll walk away aligned with what buyers and collaborators are actually looking for this year, so you can position yourself and your project for real traction. Email our Education Team now at [email protected] and we’ll get you signed up! Learn more in today’s blog at Stage32.com! #Stage32 #MarcheduFilm #CannesFilmFestival #FilmMarket #GlobalCinema #IndieFilm #Networking #FilmmakingTips #Stage32Education #IAmStage32

Most filmmakers have a great idea. Few know how to package it in a way that actually gets investors, talent, and distributors to say yes. That’s where Tiffany Boyle comes in. As the President of Packaging & Sales at Ramo Law and a producer on films like Oh, Canada, Joyland, and The Card Counter, she’s been behind the scenes of hundreds of successful projects. Now, she’s pulling back the curtain to show you exactly how it’s done. In an exclusive 6-part advanced lab on Stage 32, starting March 26th, she’ll break down what makes a film package stand out, how to attach the right talent, and what it truly takes to secure financing. If you’re serious about getting your feature film made, this is the kind of insight that changes everything. Seats are limited—email [email protected] to secure your spot. #Stage32 #FilmPackaging #FeatureFilm #GetYourFilmMade #Stage32 #FilmFinancing #IndependentFilm #FilmmakingCommunity #FilmIndustry #ProducerLife #Screenwriting #Filmmakers #IndieFilmmaking #FilmDevelopment

How does a first-time screenwriter with no rep and only a few distant industry contacts sell a spec script for $1.5 million? That’s the question—and the opportunity—on the table right now. The spec market is hot, global production is booming, and the industry is more open to new voices than it’s been in years. So the real question is… how can you take advantage of this momentum? In this clip from Stage 32 CEO RB Botto’s most recent Ask Me Anything, he breaks down what it really takes—not just for screenwriters, but for filmmakers, producers, and actors ready to make serious moves in 2025. Watch it, and then let’s talk in the comments below: What’s one bold step you’re planning to take this year? #Screenwriting #Screenwriter #Screenplay #Filmmaking #Producing #IndieFilm #Acting #Stage32 #CreativeCommunity @rbwalksintoabar

What makes an action script stand out to a director? How much detail is too much on the page? And how can you write suspense that keeps readers hooked and gives directors the space to elevate it on screen? This Friday, March 21, join award-winning director Danishka Esterhazy (@desterhazy) for an exclusive 24-hour Ask Me Anything event in the @Stage32 Writer’s Room Lounge, where she’ll be answering all your questions about Mastering Suspense and Action From the Page to the Screen. Danishka has directed for Netflix, SyFy, Hulu, Lifetime, Tubi, and Sony Pictures, and is known for her bold storytelling and genre expertise. Her credits include Sniper: The Last Stand (Sony Pictures), The Banana Splits Movie (Warner Bros), the cult-favorite Slumber Party Massacre, and I Was Lorena Bobbitt (Lifetime), which earned her both the prestigious DGC Award and a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction. If you’re a screenwriter working in action, thriller, or horror, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a working director about what makes a script producible, visual, and suspenseful from page to screen. Not yet a Writer’s Room member? You can join in for FREE when you sign up for your first month here: https://lnkd.in/gK7Cxi-5 Don’t miss your chance to ask questions and gain real-world insights from behind the camera. #Stage32 #IAmStage32 #Screenwriting #ActionWriting #SuspenseWriting #FilmmakingTips #Directing #WritersRoom #ThrillerScripts #HorrorWriting #WomenInFilm #DanishkaEsterhazy

What does it take for a film to truly move you? Some stories don’t just stay with you, they demand to be told. ALIX is one of those stories. Critics can’t stop raving about it, and once you watch the trailer, you’ll see why! ALIX is a bold, breathtaking film set deep in the Colombian jungle, directed by the brilliant Ana Maria Hermida and brought to life by the creative powerhouse of Stage 32 and Catalyst Studios. It’s not just visually stunning; it’s a powerful, emotionally charged journey about survival, resilience, and how we hold onto hope in impossible circumstances. With unforgettable performances by Cristal Aparicio (Sound of Freedom) and Roberto Urbina (Snowpiercer & Narcos), this film draws you in and doesn’t let go. Shot entirely in Colombia using the country’s 30% tax incentive, ALIX is as authentic as it is gripping, and a major win for independent, female-driven storytelling. This is the kind of filmmaking that reminds us why stories matter. ALIX is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Apple TV+ (links in bio). Watch the trailer now and let us know what it sparks for you in the comments. #Stage32 #IAmStage32 #ALIXFilm #CatalystStudios #BehindTheScenes #IndieFilmmaking #Filmmaking #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #FilmInColombia #CreativeProcess #FilmmakingJourney @Official_Catalyst_Studios @ana.maria.hermida.s @hollyl_pdx @lemoresyvan @Markgpennell @rbwalksintoabar @cristalaparicioc @robeurbina @nataliareyesg @carlosbardemoficial @carowar

Stage 32 has not one, but TWO films being released in 2025 already! Right on the heels of the February 28th release on 1500 screens of No Address, starring William Baldwin and Beverly D'Angelo (and its streaming premiere on April 4th), comes the April 25th release through RLJE Films of Neighborhood Watch, starring Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Both projects originated through consultation calls on Stage 32. No Address started with writer James Papa connecting with producer/director Julia Verdin, and Neighborhood Watch with writer Sean Farley connecting with manager Chris Bellant. Congrats to all!

If you’re an actor, filmmaker, or storyteller looking to deepen your craft, today’s Stage 32 blog is for you! We’re back with Part 2 of our exclusive behind-the-scenes series on the making of ALIX, a powerful international feature created by Stage 32 members in collaboration with @official_catalyst_studios. In this week’s blog, actors @cristalaparicioc and @robertourbinaofficial take you inside their creative process—from how they emotionally and physically prepared for the demanding roles, to the real-life challenges of shooting in the Colombian jungle, and what it takes to embody complex characters shaped by trauma, survival, and transformation. This is a must-read for anyone looking to understand how actors build layered, honest performances under intense conditions. Their insights are not only inspiring—they’re practical tools you can apply to your own work. Directed by @ana.maria.hermidia.s and produced by Stage 32 member @lemoresyvan, ALIX was shot entirely in Colombia and supported by a 30% production rebate. Our own CEO Richard Botto and Managing Director Amanda Toney proudly served as Executive Producers, continuing Stage 32’s mission to empower independent creatives around the world. Stream ALIX now on Amazon, Google Play, or Apple TV—and head to the Stage 32 blog to learn directly from the actors who brought this story to life! Let us know in the comments- Have you ever worked on a project that pushed you emotionally or physically? We want to hear all about it! #Stage32 #IAmStage32 #ALIXFilm #CatalystStudios #BehindTheScenes #CristalAparicio #RobertoUrbina #ActorTips #CharacterDevelopment #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #FilmInColombia #CreativeProcess #Stage32Blog #FilmmakingJourney @Official_Catalyst_Studios @hollyl_pdx @lemoresyvan @Markgpennell @rbwalksintoabar @cristalaparicioc @robeurbina @nataliareyesg @carlosbardemoficial @carowar