Wallace Entertainment

In every film, there are countless individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed but are essential to creating a believable and immersive world. These unsung heroes are the extras—the people who fill the bustling streets, cheer in the stands, or march across battlefields. In Braveheart, the extras were indispensable. They weren’t just faces in the crowd; they were warriors, villagers, and rebels. Many of them stood in the elements, endured long hours, and gave their all to bring 13th-century Scotland to life. I can still remember how their passion elevated the energy of every battle scene. Extras are a testament to the collaboration of filmmaking. They remind us that no role is too small when it comes to storytelling. The next time you watch a film, take a moment to appreciate the depth they bring to the screen. #Extras #Braveheart #BehindTheScenes

One of the greatest disciplines we can commit to as writers is simply showing up to the page every day. Here are three profound benefits I’ve discovered in my career from embracing screenwriting as a daily practice: Consistency Builds Confidence: When you write daily, you hone your voice. The more you express yourself, the more you learn about your strengths, style, and unique point of view. This daily commitment allows you to practice structure, rhythm, and dialogue, cultivating a confidence that can only come through hands-on experience. Discovery Through Exploration: Stories are often discovered in the trenches, not in the flashes of inspiration. Showing up daily allows you to explore characters and scenes in greater depth. In writing “Braveheart,” for instance, I didn’t fully grasp who William Wallace was until I’d lived with him on the page for weeks. Daily writing helps you peel back layers you might miss in a one-off burst of creativity. Crafting Habit Over Motivation: Writing every day trains you to rely on habit rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. The reality is, a writer’s journey isn’t always easy, and motivation comes and goes. But by establishing a habit, you turn writing into a consistent part of your life. It's like working out a muscle, your skills deepen, and your relationship with the craft becomes enduring. Whether or not every day produces brilliant work is irrelevant. What matters is that you’re nurturing the discipline that will serve you when you’re wrestling with a challenging script or refining a character arc. When we commit ourselves to writing daily, we forge not just stories but a purpose-driven path forward. Stay true to the process, and the magic will follow. #Screenwriting #CreativeWriting

The process of bringing a film to life is filled with countless steps, challenges, and triumphs. Having worked on films that took years from inception to release, I’m reminded how each stage requires its own blend of creativity, precision, and perseverance. Here’s a glimpse into the essential stages of creating a film: 1. Development Everything begins with an idea. In the development phase, we nurture that idea, expanding it into a script. This stage is all about honing the story—whether from an original concept, a novel adaptation, or a real-life event. Here, we develop a script, find producers, and set our creative vision. This is where the core of the film begins to emerge. 2. Pre-Production Once a script is greenlit, the pre-production phase begins. Here, we pull together the team that will turn the vision into reality. Casting directors, production designers, location scouts, and storyboard artists collaborate to bring every detail to life before cameras start rolling. Pre-production is meticulous; it’s where we choose locations, design sets, and plan out each shot so that we’re ready for actual filming days. 3. Production The cameras are now rolling. Production is the stage where we capture the moments that will eventually make up the film. Directors, cinematographers, actors, and crew come together on set, sometimes for years, to shoot each scene. Each shot can require dozens of takes or an unexpected adjustment due to weather, lighting, or even instinctive creative changes. In the production phase, everything is dynamic and constantly evolving. 4. Post-Production Once we’ve captured the footage, the film enters post-production, where the magic of editing brings the story together. Editors cut and arrange scenes, composers score music, and VFX artists add effects. It’s a dance of synchronization, where sound, color, and timing all coalesce to create the final film. I’ve often found that some of the most profound storytelling decisions are made in post-production. 5. Distribution The film’s journey ends with distribution. This means getting it out to audiences. Theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and international markets all play a role. A strong distribution plan ensures the film reaches its intended audience and connects with them in powerful ways. Overall Creating a film is a monumental task, requiring vision, collaboration, and resilience at every stage. Each film is a testament to the dedication and artistry of those involved, from writers and designers to actors and marketing teams. Watching it come together—step by step, day by day—is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. #Filmmaking #FilmProduction #Storytelling

Halloween is less than a day away, which means horror movies are making their rounds. But what are the lesser-known elements of the horror genre? The horror genre is often associated with the explicit: monsters, blood, ghosts, screams. Yet, some of its most powerful moments lie in the unseen or lesser-known aspects of horror. This could be the quiet tension, the sound of a distant creak, the shadow of something familiar yet wrong. All of these things engage our imaginations in profound ways. Hitchcock was a master of this, using suspense rather than surprise to let fear simmer. Suspense allows an audience to project their own inner fears onto the unknown, which can be more profound than any jump scare. The power of subtlety and restraint in horror invites us, as creators, to trust in the audience’s imagination. Instead of showing everything, it can be far more haunting to let the shadows do the storytelling. By embracing what we don’t show, we open the door to an uneasiness that can leave audiences on the edges of their seats. #Halloween #ElementsofHorror #HorrorGenre

Casting the right actor is one of the most pivotal decisions in filmmaking. The right actor doesn’t just portray a character—they embody them, becoming the emotional core of the story and carrying the audience into the world we’re trying to portray. I’ve learned this lesson many times, but perhaps none more powerfully than during the casting of Braveheart and We Were Soldiers. In Braveheart, I knew I needed someone who could embody both the fierce warrior and the emotional leader. Mel Gibson was that person. He brought not only physicality to William Wallace but also a deep understanding of the human spirit. His ability to balance the ferocity of battle with the vulnerability of loss was crucial to bringing the story to life. Mel also portrayed Lt. Col. Hal Moore in We Were Soldiers, offering the dignity and humility the role demanded. He was able to capture the quiet strength and profound humanity of a man tasked with leading soldiers through unimaginable hardship. The audience believed in Hal Moore because they believed in Mel. As a writer/director, finding an actor who can truly become their character is non-negotiable. The right casting ensures the story’s authenticity and draws the audience in on an emotional journey. An actor, like Mel, who connects with the soul of the character, elevates the entire film, making it memorable long after the credits roll. #Filmmaking #Casting #Braveheart #WeWereSoldiers #MelGibson

Since I was a young screenwriter and songwriter, I’ve noticed that music is the invisible force that breathes life into film. The marriage of these two art forms is not just complementary; it’s essential. Without music, many of the most powerful scenes we experience on screen would lose their emotional depth. Music has the unique ability to speak directly to the heart, bypassing logic and language. It amplifies tension, joy, sorrow, and triumph in ways that dialogue or visuals alone often cannot. In Braveheart, for instance, James Horner’s score didn’t just accompany the story—it became the story. The swelling notes of bagpipes and strings elevated moments of love, loss, and freedom, creating a shared emotional journey for the audience. When I approach a film, I don’t think of music as an afterthought. It’s part of the storytelling fabric from the very beginning. Music shapes mood, defines character, and provides rhythm to the visual narrative. It’s a partner in every frame. For filmmakers and creatives, understanding the power of music is vital. Music can transform a good scene into a great one, and a great scene into something unforgettable. That’s why, in film, music is not just background—it’s the soul of the story. #MusicInFilm #Storytelling #RandallWallace #Braveheart

My screenwriting journey has been filled with many teachers and lessons. One of these lessons is that storytelling transcends time; it’s about capturing the essence of the human spirit, regardless of the era in which a story is set. When I wrote The Man in the Iron Mask, I wasn’t just writing a historical drama, I was exploring the nature of identity, brotherhood, and sacrifice. Those themes are timeless. It's essential—perhaps paramount—to dive deep into the emotional truth of your characters. Audiences may forget plot details, but they will always remember how a story made them feel. So, how do you approach this in your writing? First, you MUST understand your characters. Who are they at their core? Then, let the action arise organically from their emotional story arcs. In The Man in the Iron Mask, the idea of a man living behind a mask wasn’t just about a political prisoner—it was about every person who has ever struggled with their own identity or has been forced to hide their true self. That’s where your story becomes relatable to the audience. Always remember, screenwriting is about painting with emotions. The more authentic and raw you can make that emotional core, the more powerful your script will be. #Screenwriting #Storytelling #ManInTheIronMask

Several new shows have been added to the LIVING THE BRAVEHEART LIFE tour in May 2025. Find your tickets and more info through the Wallace Entertainment link in Randall Wallace's bio. We hope to see you there! #BraveheartAnniversary #LivingtheBraveheartLife

In May 2025, Wallace Entertainment will embark on a US tour for the 30th anniversary of Braveheart. We're kicking things off with a live performance of LIVING THE BRAVEHEART LIFE at the McMenamins Mission Theater in Portland on 5/2/25. You can find more information using the link in Randall Wallace's bio. Cheers, and we hope to see you there! #LivingtheBraveheartLife #McMenaminsMissionTheater #Portland

The essence of a great film lies in its story. It’s not just about the technical aspects, but the emotional journey that connects with the human spirit. Whether it’s Braveheart or Heaven is for Real, the core of filmmaking is tapping into universal truths. Here are a few lessons we've learned at Wallace Entertainment: Define Your Theme: A film’s theme is its guiding principle. Whether it’s love, sacrifice, or redemption, understanding the core message anchors the story and gives it depth. Character is King: People connect with people. Your characters must be real, with flaws and growth. Their journey should mirror the audience's own emotional experiences. Emotion Drives Impact: A memorable film makes you feel something—whether it’s joy, sorrow, or inspiration. Tapping into genuine emotion creates moments that linger with your audience. Collaboration is Key: Filmmaking is a team effort. Be open to ideas from everyone, because the best moments often come from unexpected places. Collaboration enriches the creative process. Perseverance Matters: Every film presents challenges. Believe in your story, push through roadblocks, and trust that your persistence will lead to something meaningful. Ultimately, film is about connection—between the filmmaker, the story, and the audience. Focus on telling stories with heart, and the rest will follow. #filmmaking #leadership #inspiration #WallaceEntertainment