That is exactly what I'm trying to build! I totally find myself in your model :)
The one difference is that my plan is to do everything within one urban fantasy universe ("The Hugoverse"): short stories on Substack, novels, web series, short vignettes. And of course, I write, direct and act (after all, I created Hugo in the first place mostly because I wanted a main character for myself ;)). All this while building the audience around Hugo and his magical world.
Nice! Also love the idea of building in a singular universe. It could definitely make the world building more manageable with each new story/spin-off/etc. I've seen a lot of folks buliding their short stories/novels on substack - a very cool idea for sure.
Haha - same! I have to remind myself every day that all I can do is take one step at a time. And anytime the overwhelm happens ask myself, "Whats the key 20% that needs to get done to hit the goal?" Right now, mine is finish the screenplay. lol Are you on a particular part of the journey?
this is great. Something I’ve been thinking about as well. Right now i have a play that’s doing well right now but down the line im looking to adapt to the screen. This looks like an exciting viable path
Thats awesome! I wonder if you could start out the gate with recording the play performance for digital release. Build an audience through that…then expand into a screen adaption?
yeah I’m in the midst of planning a tour of the show this year & I intend on filming the final performance. possibly packaging it to sell it to a netflix/hulu etc. not exactly sure how, but it’s an idea. any thoughts on that?
You can also check out the filmstack discord. Theres a community growing there that might be able to help as well.
For production - I would recommend recording a live performance with multiple cameras (ideally 1 wide, and 2 getting close ups of key characters, possibly a 3rd for audience reactions if appropriate) this allows for a multicam edit that keeps attention. Same way they get angles from live comedy, live music, or plays that have been recorded for tape.
You can call local production video companies, or local cinematographers to get quotes to figure out the price range for a set up like that. You could also maybe find indie producers who could pull it together for you. You can usually reach out to your local film comission for crew help for stuff like this.
For editing learn or find someone who knows how to set up multi-cam edits. I personally use adobe premiere for this - but im sure there are other tools available. This will allow you to sync multi camera by audio so that you can just pick the best camera angle for the moment. Its a major time saver. Even if it takes a sec to set up.
If multi cams arent possible I would suggest using a full dress rehearsal (if available) to get close ups of performances in "big" narrative or emotional moments. You could also record a couple of different performances to get more editing options.
That is exactly what I'm trying to build! I totally find myself in your model :)
The one difference is that my plan is to do everything within one urban fantasy universe ("The Hugoverse"): short stories on Substack, novels, web series, short vignettes. And of course, I write, direct and act (after all, I created Hugo in the first place mostly because I wanted a main character for myself ;)). All this while building the audience around Hugo and his magical world.
Nice! Also love the idea of building in a singular universe. It could definitely make the world building more manageable with each new story/spin-off/etc. I've seen a lot of folks buliding their short stories/novels on substack - a very cool idea for sure.
Very empowering but can’t help but feel the overwhelm creeping in!
Haha - same! I have to remind myself every day that all I can do is take one step at a time. And anytime the overwhelm happens ask myself, "Whats the key 20% that needs to get done to hit the goal?" Right now, mine is finish the screenplay. lol Are you on a particular part of the journey?
Currently finishing post production!
Huzzah! Post is my fave part. May the last stretch be magical and rewarding.
We’ve spent a year stuck at picture lock trying to find money for all sound elements, but we’re finally making some progress. Bring on a 2026 release!
this is great. Something I’ve been thinking about as well. Right now i have a play that’s doing well right now but down the line im looking to adapt to the screen. This looks like an exciting viable path
Thats awesome! I wonder if you could start out the gate with recording the play performance for digital release. Build an audience through that…then expand into a screen adaption?
yeah I’m in the midst of planning a tour of the show this year & I intend on filming the final performance. possibly packaging it to sell it to a netflix/hulu etc. not exactly sure how, but it’s an idea. any thoughts on that?
Filmstack discord if ya need it. https://vintertainmentstudios.com/p/filmstack-discord-is-live
This was incredibly helpful! Thank you!
Youre welcome! Happy to help!
Alas! I dont know much about traditional distribution to Netflix. I did just learn about Stupid Co here on filmstack - they do zoom meetups to talk distribution. Might be helpful? Not sure. (https://open.substack.com/pub/stupidcobiz/p/what-are-stupid-chats)
You can also check out the filmstack discord. Theres a community growing there that might be able to help as well.
For production - I would recommend recording a live performance with multiple cameras (ideally 1 wide, and 2 getting close ups of key characters, possibly a 3rd for audience reactions if appropriate) this allows for a multicam edit that keeps attention. Same way they get angles from live comedy, live music, or plays that have been recorded for tape.
You can call local production video companies, or local cinematographers to get quotes to figure out the price range for a set up like that. You could also maybe find indie producers who could pull it together for you. You can usually reach out to your local film comission for crew help for stuff like this.
For editing learn or find someone who knows how to set up multi-cam edits. I personally use adobe premiere for this - but im sure there are other tools available. This will allow you to sync multi camera by audio so that you can just pick the best camera angle for the moment. Its a major time saver. Even if it takes a sec to set up.
If multi cams arent possible I would suggest using a full dress rehearsal (if available) to get close ups of performances in "big" narrative or emotional moments. You could also record a couple of different performances to get more editing options.
Hope thats helpful - even if its rambly.