There are few places that test your mental health more than a writer’s room. The others that come to mind are Las Vegas, showing up single to a family reunion, and Cracker Barrel. That might sound like hyperbole, but an intense writer’s room can feel like one long episode of Naked and Afraid — for… Continue reading Surviving the Writer’s Room: Mental Health Tips Every TV Writer Needs to Hear
Month: May 2025
Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of Director of Photography Adriana LaCorte
At Staff Me Up, we love lifting the curtain on what it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry, and our “A Day in the Life” webinar series does just that. In our latest session, we sat down with Adriana LaCorte, an accomplished Director of Photography (DP) and camera operator with over 20 years of… Continue reading Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of Director of Photography Adriana LaCorte
Attending the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): A Practical Guide
Festivals are a fantastic way to network, stay informed, and check out the latest in the industry. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, running from September 4–14, 2025—and if you plan to attend, now is the time to start preparing. To help with that, I spoke with producer… Continue reading Attending the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): A Practical Guide
How To Take Care of Your Mental Health While in a Production
For most of us, mental health is a top priority, because we understand the impact it can have on our daily lives. Taking care of our well-being is essential to maintaining a healthy work/life balance. However, for an actor, life can be hectic. Filming can be during unsociable hours, and emotional prep for a role… Continue reading How To Take Care of Your Mental Health While in a Production
Inside Netflix Director Lucy Gaffy’s Journey from Film School to Sundance
Lucy Gaffy has spent the past decade carving out a dynamic career behind the camera, from award-winning shorts to acclaimed TV dramas. Her credits include The Unlisted (ABC/Netflix), Irreverent (Netflix), Doctor Doctor (Nine Network) and Amazing Grace (Nine Network). Gaffy was also the set-up director for Totally Completely Fine (Sundance/Stan), the opening story director of… Continue reading Inside Netflix Director Lucy Gaffy’s Journey from Film School to Sundance
TV Production Schedule Explained for Writers and Producers
Although the landscape of television has shifted since streaming platforms became a major player in broadcast entertainment, this side of the industry still operates on a recognizable schedule that will help writers and producers gauge the best time to expect pitching opportunities. You may have heard the terms “pilot season” or “sweeps week,” and wondered… Continue reading TV Production Schedule Explained for Writers and Producers
Louis Henry Mitchell on Creativity, Purpose and AI
If you’ve ever watched Sesame Street and felt a sense of joy, belonging, or unexpected emotion, chances are Louis Henry Mitchell had something to do with it. As the creative director of character design at Sesame Workshop, Mitchell has spent decades shaping not just beloved characters but the way generations of children see themselves. Mitchell… Continue reading Louis Henry Mitchell on Creativity, Purpose and AI
Getting Hired From Staff Me Up: Tips for Your Application
Looking for jobs in the film and TV industry can be very challenging if you don’t know where to look. I have found that Staff Me Up is one of the best places to find job opportunities in my area. Whether you’re a production assistant, camera operator or editor, a strong application can make all… Continue reading Getting Hired From Staff Me Up: Tips for Your Application
Essential Skills To Learn That Can Help You Level Up Between Gigs
One of the most unpredictable parts of working in production is the time between gigs. Some weeks you’re slammed, other weeks you’re wondering when the next gig is going to come your way. The downtime can be frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to use that time wisely and develop some essential skills. Instead of… Continue reading Essential Skills To Learn That Can Help You Level Up Between Gigs
How to Move From Production Manager to Producer with Film Producer B.D. Gunnell
The journey to being a film producer is as varied as the people pursuing it. Some gradually climb the ladder from production assistant, while others jump right in. B.D. Gunnell began her journey as a makeup artist, and moved from production management and line producing to producing films. She’s one of the producers of this… Continue reading How to Move From Production Manager to Producer with Film Producer B.D. Gunnell