In the meantime, check out the Creator Playbook, a streamlined, and very helpful guide to all creators looking to leverage the platform.  The second edition came out last week.

On a more pure social collaboration level, Stage 32, a new site for filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, crew, agents, etc., is quite live and active, with over 10,000 members in more than 120 countries.  While getting funding is part of what the site enables with networking, it’s also about casting, getting crew, finding directors and classes, and just getting advice.  We love the registration via Facebook and how easily it’s integrated there.

The founders of Stage 32 are in the filmmaker’s corner.  The two are Richard “RB” Botto, a screenwriter/actor/producer and Curt Blakeney, president of Edge Public Relations.  They’ve made it a very personal experience, with your home page containing all the things you have added and want to add, suggestions of networking, wall communications.

We’ll be watching in the months ahead to see how it grows, but it’s certainly active, with multiple projects being added at all hours.  Any social network is only as strong as the socializing it attracts, but the tools are here on Stage 32 for filmmakers to connect in meaningful ways — not just in a contest.

As content creators ourselves, we understand what a long journey it can be to develop your own original ideas into successful projects. And we know how important it is to have the right forms of support along the way. There are not many organizations out there who are dedicated to helping emerging artists.

The Alliance for Family Entertainment who have been involved with getting such shows as “Gilmore Girls”, “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Friday Night Lights” on the air are sponsoring a FREE contest. (Full Disclosure: UC is involved with this project! YAY!) They’re looking for comedy screenplays having to do with the modern American family.

The winner will receive $5000, guidance and input from John Wells, whose work includes ER, Third Watch and The West Wing.

Dust off that :30 minute screenplay you polished last year or finish up on the one you started a couple weeks ago. THIS IS WIDE OPEN AND READY FOR THE TAKING!!!!

Submit and additional details here: ComedyWriterContest.com

DEADLINE: October 28th at 11:59 am ET.

Gap partnered with Cool Hunting on a pop-up retail store in New York City that doesn’t appear to sell any Gap products. The reason being, the Cool Hunting staff were in charge of curating products that are from NY-based companies only  - especially those with innovative and well-crafted products. It also appears there isn’t much in the way of clothing offered, just really cool stuff. Still, where’s the hometown love Gap? We want a Cool Hunting shop in San Francisco! Check the photos below to see some pics of the really awesome store. I want one of the kimono-wrapped skateboards. (via PSFK)

I love that brands are recognizing the opportunity in partnering with tastemaker blogs. Corporations really struggle at being cool. They’re way high-profile and there are too many levels of approvals and sign-offs and conservative higher-ups that stifle creativity. Even “cool” companies like Apple and Google still face lots of criticism on their brand image.

Blogs, on the other hand, have nothing else to focus on but being cool and relevant. They understand the “now” more than anyone and people really trust their opinions. Like a creative agency, bloggers can offer an extremely valuable perspective towards brand identity – and they have their own audience too (but at a cheaper price than hiring a celeb). Think of a Pitchfork-curated record store or a Gizmodo gadget store. The idea is completely scalable too. Brands can work with local focused bloggers to target specific regions. I want to see more of this…

I just know that Myspace could have made a killing if they’d thought of this back in the day. Anyways, if folks have had any experience with Radar, I’m really curious to hear about it.

(via New Work)

“nosfeROCKtu is a creative competition that challenges artist to collaborate across mediums to create a cohesive coupling of silent film and live music. The event will benefit ART START (www.Art-Start.org) , a Non-profit Organization that helps nurture the minds of under served children and teenagers through a variety of creative workshops.”

For more info and to participate go here

Oh, and save the date if you’re in NY… Urgent Content and Urgensia Fam will be in the city to connect you live on 2/16.  Stay connected on the @UrgentContent twitter feed for additional info.  Cristal for the first 2 people that show up.

Hi there!

In anticipation of the Fiesta’s US launch, for the next chapter of the Fiesta Movement we’re handing over creative direction for the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta’s advertising and promotion to our fans.

You’ll need a creative vision and passion for the Fiesta. We’ll provide the public spaces and help connect you to local creative talent. Together, we’ll bring your ideas to life.

Your team will also have access to an all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta for the duration of the program (with gas and insurance) and a shot at winning a brand new Fiesta for yourself and your teammate.

If you’re a fan of the Ford Fiesta and are up for a challenge, grab a local friend , and fill out the application below to apply. We’re looking for 20 teams from around the country.

You can fill out the application in immediate succession, one teammate after another. Or, if your teammate isn’t nearby, you’ll be given a code at the end of your half of the application, which you can share with your friend privately. He or she will simply come to the site on their own time, and enter the code to fill out their half, picking up where you left off.

In the application, you’ll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and your teammate: your names, where you live, education, job experience, and vehicle history. You’ll also be asked to highlight your creative backgrounds, describe your vision (through text or video), and point us to any work samples either of you may have online.

Tackle the application in any order you wish, but please ensure that your information is complete before you hit Submit. All applications must be completed and submitted by February 7, 2010.

Thank you and good luck!