Writer and Pitch Deck Creator Hired Through Stage 32

Writer and Pitch Deck Creator Hired Through Stage 32

Writer and Pitch Deck Creator Hired Through Stage 32

Maurice Vaughan
Maurice Vaughan
3 years ago

I’ve been meaning to post my Stage 32 success stories for a while, but I’ve been busy with, well, working on the jobs I’ve gotten through Stage 32. I’ve had jobs where I wrote feature scripts, rewrote scripts, gave feedback on scripts, co-wrote short scripts, and more. I’ve also made pitch decks for writers and directors, and recently, I was hired to make three pitch decks for a writer and now friend, Andy Carpenter.

One, Two, Three

During the spring of this year, Andy contacted me about making a pitch deck for his script TOW. He was so impressed with the pitch deck that he hired me to make a pitch deck for his script KEEPER. Then he hired me for a third pitch deck! It was for his script LINGER.

I’ve been rehired before after doing a great job on a project, but a third hire? A three-peat? I was surprised (but glad)!

Writer and Pitch Deck Creator Hired Through Stage 32

How I Got The Jobs

The biggest thing that got me the first job was being active on Stage 32. If I wasn’t active on this platform, Andy might’ve never seen me, and I wouldn’t have been hired to make his pitch deck.

The second biggest thing that got me the first job was having pitch deck samples. I sent Andy some of my own pitch decks as samples. Producers, directors, production companies, etc. want to see what you can do before hiring you. My advice: Keep samples on hand. Samples like short scripts, feature scripts, Director Reels, Acting Reels, Composing Reels, and short films.

What got me the second and third jobs was making a great product (pitch deck) for the first job. Do great on a job, and you might get rehired (or a "hat trick").

Writer and Pitch Deck Creator Hired Through Stage 32

You Can Get Work on Stage 32

I tell people this all the time: Be active. That’s how you get jobs on Stage 32. Be active in the Lounges, the Blogs, the Job Section, the Writers’ Room, and the Browse Section (they’re near the top of the platform). Make posts, ask questions, and comment on people’s posts. Post your scripts in the Logline Section of your page. Post your videos in the Video Section of your page.

I also tell people this all the time: Build relationships. And really, if you’re active on Stage 32, it’s going to lead to building relationships, so Be Active and Build Relationships go hand in hand.

Speaking of relationships, I can’t forget to say this: Maintain relationships. After you build relationships, maintain them, which means sending “thank you” notes (postal mail and email), stay in contact with those people, check on them to see how they’re doing, support their projects, hang out with them (in person or virtually), and so on. You can build a thousand relationships in the film industry, but if you don’t maintain them, they won’t do you any good. Not that you’re only building relationships in the industry for what you can get out of people. You should want to maintain your industry relationships just because those people are your friends.

Writer and Pitch Deck Creator Hired Through Stage 32

Here are some other things you can do to get jobs on Stage 32:

1.) Build Up Your Craft: The better you are as a writer, director, actor, animator, etc., the more jobs you’ll get hired for.

2.) Act Professional: When you interact with people on Stage 32, act professionally. If they see you’re unprofessional, they might not hire you.

3.) Make Sure You Have a Profile Picture and a Bio on Your Page: When a producer, director, etc. looks to hire someone, they want to see who that person is (profile picture), and they want to know about that person (bio).

4.) Be Persistent: You can be a great writer, actor, director, etc., and do everything I mentioned in this blog, but it’s still hard to get jobs sometimes, so you need persistence. Keep trying, keep applying.

A Great Conclusion!

Andy optioned his scripts TOW and KEEPER! Double congratulations, Andy! You can check out Andy’s projects on his Stage 32 page.

I hope this blog helps you take the plunge and start seeing the opportunities available to connect and get work on Stage 32, and I’m looking forward to hearing YOUR success stories!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Emily at emily@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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About the Author

Maurice Vaughan

Maurice Vaughan

Screenwriter

Email: storytelling200 (gmail) I'm a screenwriter, ghostwriter, commercial writer, and pitch deck designer. I'm also a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I write micro-budget scripts and low-budget scripts in different genres, mainly Horror and Action. I like writing flawed characters and unique stori...

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20 Comments on Maurice's Article

Daniel Stuelpnagel
Screenwriter, Author, Producer
Great and inspiring to see all of the solid foundations of your success Maurice, thanks for sharing those details !!
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks for commenting, Daniel. Sorry for the late reply.
2 years ago
Rosemond Perdue
Distributor
Maurice, congratulations on these assignments through Stage 32 and a big thank you for sharing your tips. I especially liked your reminder to not only connect but to stay in contact and maintain your contacts. And YES have a contact photo on your profile. Simple but makes all the difference in connecting and building trust. This inspired me to reach out to some connections today to "rekindle".
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks, Rosemond! Yes, it's so important to maintain relationships. Sometimes it's hard to do that when you're so busy, but just taking a few moments to say "Hi" to someone again and ask how their projects are going can do wonders. Glad the blog inspired you!
3 years ago
Gabrielle Nehring
Screenwriter
Love it!
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
I'd be glad to help with your pitch decks, Gabrielle. Keep me posted.
3 years ago
Gabrielle Nehring
Screenwriter
No worries. Always glad to see good things happening for good people. I might have to hire you in the future to help with my pitch decks!  :)
3 years ago
Christian Nommay
Screenwriter, Transmedia Producer, Author, Content Creator, Motion Graphic Design
Congratulations, Maurice!!!
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Hope you and your producer find the right production companies and partners. I don't think I've seen a printed version of RPG. Curious to see what that looks like.
3 years ago
Christian Nommay
Screenwriter, Transmedia Producer, Author, Content Creator, Motion Graphic Design
My producer and I are still looking for production companies and partners for the anime adaptation, and I'll soon release the printed version of the RPG's second edition.
3 years ago
Kevin Jackson
Animator, Director, Screenwriter
Congratulations Maurice. This is great.
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
I really appreciate it, Kevin Jackson. Thanks for reading the blog.
3 years ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Ah, Maurice. I always smile, and then rejoice when I read your posts. It’s so great to hear of your successes with getting work from Andy. Well done, man, I’m really thrilled for you. I look forward to our zoom/skype/carrier pigeon conversation. Take care.
3 years ago
Geoff Hall
Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Maurice Vaughan from your lips to god’s ear, Maurice!
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Carrier pigeon conversation. Haha Thanks, Geoff. Always great to hear from you. I'm looking forward to our Zoom meeting, but more importantly, I'm looking forward to your feature films and successes!
3 years ago
Enza Fangio
Screenwriter, Content Creator, Author
Maurice, that’s fabulous! Blessings for success in all your endeavors. From the articles and your comments, you’re a mentor for many of us that are slowly getting our feet wet with Stage 32. I was a member months before I introduced myself. I finally decided to take the plunge after I received emails asking if I was just a lurker
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thank you, Enza Fangio! I don't think I've ever looked at myself as a mentor. I was a lurker too! https://www.stage32.com/lounge/introduce_yourself/Maurice-Vaughan-Ex-Stage-32-Lurker Glad you decided to take the plunge! I'm sure you're going to see the benefits of it!
3 years ago
Brywn Philips
Screenwriter
Very exciting, Maurice! Thanks for sharing your insights, congratulations.
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks, Brywn Philips! Glad to share my insights. Hope they help members get jobs and opportunities on here.
3 years ago
Wendy Appelbaum
Screenwriter
I love this and I think I speak for a lot of people who appreciate your feedback and encouragement. These stories are so important for the rest of us to hear :) You are a great role model for just jumping in...
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks. I'll be in touch about drafting the pitch. I appreciate it.
3 years ago
Wendy Appelbaum
Screenwriter
Ha Ha :)  but yeah your concept is awesome and others will think that too.. I will even help you draft your pitch for it :)
3 years ago
Connie Barretta
Author, Screenwriter
Maurice, this is fantastic!! So excited for you! You’ve helped a lot of people along the way! So deserved!
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thank you, Connie. I've helped a lot of people, but I've been helped by people more. :)
3 years ago
Wayne Jarman
Actor, Crew, Screenwriter, Stage Manager, Director, Editor, Author, Camera Operator, Photographer (Still), Playwright, Set Builder, Voice Artist
Great information, Maurice. The constant message that I see (from you and others, including RB) is the value of networking... and Stage32 is basically a Networking site, with add-ons. BUT the basic, most important aspect is meeting others who are pursuing similar goals. CONGRATULATIONS on your success! You're networking (and, obviously, presentation skills) are notable. I am only aware of you because of your friendly approach through un-countable posts, throughout the years. I am left with a feeling of 'Maurice and I are friends' even though we have never met, we are thousands of miles apart, and we will probably never meet other than in the cyberspace of Stage32 and, more recently, Twitter. Thank you for your cyberspace friendship, for your excellent advice, and for your phenomenal networking example.
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Wow, Wayne. I’m floored by your comment and support! Thanks! Yeah, networking is one of the most important things for anyone in the film industry and TV industry. Stage 32 makes it so easy to network. Hope this blog gets people to be more active so they can get jobs and opportunities like I have. I do see us as friends. As your friend, I hope you have a ton of success, even more than me!
3 years ago
Shellie Schmals
Actor, Film Festival Director, Host/Presenter
Maurice, you are a shining example of someone who is always connecting, forever giving of your own time to help others, and working towards your next goal. Your advice is a wonderful resource for everyone on how to jump in and start meeting people here on Stage 32! Thank you! Congratulations on your success and cheers to the next!
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thank you, Shellie! Your comment means SO much. I could say your comment back to you and it would be 100% correct. :) I hope to share more of my successes on Stage 32. I hope to hear about your successes as well!
3 years ago
This was a great introduction for my next pitch!
3 years ago
Hey there I need a couple of pitch decks done and I so enjoyed your entire blog!  It mirrors my approach to the business of networking
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Hi, Hsanni. Thanks for commenting. Which part is a great introduction for your next pitch?
3 years ago
Martin Reese
Producer, Screenwriter, Director
This is great, Maurice! Love it. Great insight and advice.
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks, Martin. Shout-out to you because you gave me feedback on a pitch deck a while back, which has helped me on a lot of pitch decks! It even helped me on the pitch decks I made for Andy!
3 years ago
Maria Glassner
Director, Screenwriter, Singer
Congratulations Maurice! Awesome advice! It sounds amazing to be working for someone who is also a friend. It makes the process that much more fun!
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks, Maria! It's great working for someone who's a friend. Things run sooo much more smoothly. And like you said, it's much more fun.
3 years ago
Jo Gomesh
Screenwriter
Congrats Maurice. Great article!
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks, Jo! Glad you thought it was great!
3 years ago
Sandra Ray
3D Animator, Screenwriter, Visual Effects Artist
Maurice, you are always very supportive and encouraging. I appreciate you. I have just begun my journey in the screenwriting field. I am, although very nervous, trying to build friendships and work on a portfolio with works I am proud to show. I have dabbled in 3D animation, graphic images, and sculpting, but writing stories is my passion. I have been very reclusive and am hoping to break that habit. I work daily on my writing and will submit my script for consultation this week. I look forward to learning what I am doing right and what I have done wrong. I know I have a long way to go before I can land a job. I agree that Stage 32 is the place to be. Congratulations on your success! Your hard work and persistence have paid off for you. Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. For someone like me, you are very encouraging and inspirational! Upwards and onward! :)
3 years ago
Sandra Ray
3D Animator, Screenwriter, Visual Effects Artist
Thank you, Maurice. You're welcome! 
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thank you, Sandra. I really appreciate your comment and kind words. You’re definitely in the right place (Stage 32) as a new writer. With your hard work, supportive attitude, determination, how you’re taking advantage of the resources on Stage 32, and being active on here, I’m sure you’ll get a writing job sooner than you think! Hope the script consultation goes great!
3 years ago
Thanks for reminding me that my efforts will pay off, and in the process you get to meet some great people. It's a win-win.
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
You're welcome, Gayle. Yes, your efforts will pay off, and I'll looking forward to celebrating your victories with you!
3 years ago
Catherine Cole
Screenwriter
Hi Maurice, you continue to walk the walk and talk the talk. A real shining light of practicality, friendliness and support. Congratulations on all your good works! Keep on keeping on!
3 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thanks, Catherine. "you continue to walk the walk and talk the talk." That made my day. :)
3 years ago
Extremely helpful.
3 years ago
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