Introduce Yourself

Hi Ayesha Simra, welcome back, it’s great to see you here again.

It sounds like you’re stepping back in with a really clear creative focus, and I love the direction you’re exploring. As you continue developing your feature, I’d definitely encourage you to reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you share more about your project and your goals, they can help guide you toward the right resources, feedback opportunities, and connections that align with where you want to take it.

It’s great to see you diving back in. What’s been the most interesting discovery for you so far as you refine your process on this new project?

Hi Ashley Renée Smith, thank you, I appreciate that!

One thing that’s been really interesting for me is realizing how much of the story comes from what the character is avoiding rather than what they’re actively doing. It’s changed how I approach scenes and made them feel more layered.

Hey Ayesha Simra welcome back. Exams are rough but glad you made it. That internal side you're describing is where the best psychological stories live. What the characters avoid or misread says so much. What's one thing your main character isn't ready to confront yet?

Hi Sam Rivera, thank you! Yeah, that’s exactly the space I’m trying to explore.

I think the main thing she’s not ready to confront is the reality of her loss. She holds on to a version of the past that feels safer, so a lot of her reactions come from trying to preserve that rather than facing what’s actually changed.

And that tension between what she knows and what she accepts is where most of the conflict comes from.

Ayesha Simra well said, stepping away for a bit and creating a more holistic view, even at an unconscious level, can be just what the doctor ordered sometime (that pun was not intentional, I swear lol) - sounds like your character could use a higher vantage point on her experience as well. Excited for your project :)

Very inspiring indeed! Congratulations to you on everything that you've achieved! Good luck to you for the future! I am also trying my best to open my own metaphorical door; a hard thing to do, frustrating at times, but also rewarding ... when bits of recognition and acknowledgement come.

Sarah Hilton The struggle is real! Good luck on your journey as well. Success or bust!

Claudia Guerrero-Zalokar Nice to meet you as well. I’m glad we’ve connected.

Oh I know how that goes Joe Ellis They especially like to put in an appearance during video calls.

Joe Ellis, thanks so much for reintroducing yourself here.

I see you pop up in conversations periodically in the Animation Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/animation), and it’s always great when you do. I’ll just say, consistent activity really makes the biggest difference when it comes to building relationships and staying visible for opportunities, so keep that momentum going. What you’ve built with Trifecta is incredibly impressive, especially taking it from self-publishing all the way to major bookstores and conventions like Comic-Con. That kind of initiative and follow-through says a lot.

Since you’re working across comics and screenwriting, you might also enjoy the Transmedia Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/transmedia). There are some great conversations there around comics, adaptations, and multi-platform storytelling. It could be a great space for you to share your experiences and even start conversations around your favorite projects or what you’re currently exploring.

I’d also recommend reaching out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you tell them more about Trifecta, your adaptations, and your goals, they can help guide you toward resources and connections that align with where you want to go next.

You’ve already built something strong with your IP. What’s your next big step for Trifecta, expanding the series, or pushing further into screen adaptation?

I’m a scriptwriter specializing in crafting engaging screenplays that capture audience attention. I offer script writing, editing, polishing, and professional formatting services. I also adapt books and stories into compelling screenplays.

"concepts that blend drama, thriller, romance, and even sci-fi, neo-noir elements?" Are you writing my life story?

Sandunika Peiris , welcome! That lived perspective is exactly what separates stories that resonate from stories that merely entertain.The blend of drama, thriller, romance, and neo-noir across your projects tells us your creative imagination is running in multiple directions at once — and the Writers' Room is a wonderful place to channel all of that with people who will take it as seriously as you do. Grab a free month and come connect: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

Great to meet you, Sandunika Peiris! And I can totally identify with your journey. I was studying martial arts and theatre in high school, and after a year of doing theatre professionally decided that becoming a Massage Therapist was a better way to regulate my life before exploring more creative pursuits again. Sometimes we just have to pace ourselves, ya know? And I totally get that - I enjoy the blend of art & science in my practice, too!

That's actually why I came up with #StoryMath - soon to be a YouTube Channel and book. It's not ready yet, but here is the channel if you'd like to start following ahead of our launch: https://www.youtube.com/@storymath.online

Otherwise, I spend most of my time in the Stage 32 Writers' Room, so if ever you need accountability or more regular activities throughout the week to keep your projects moving forward, feel free to join me there! I host a guided script exchange on Mondays (6pm PST) and Thursdays (12:30pm PST) which could be super helpful as you revise your script. For more info, you can drop me or Geoff an email at WritersRoom@stage32.com Cheers!

Amanda Toney — appreciate that. At the moment I’m developing a short called Melt as a character-led proof-of-concept, alongside a few other original ideas I’m shaping for Sumai Pictures. I’m also continuing to pursue acting work, so I’m keeping both sides of the career moving. I’ll definitely check out the webinar — thanks for sending it.

Dwayne Williams 2 — appreciate that bro. I’m focused on developing a few character-driven ideas at the moment, including Melt, while building and continuing to pursue acting work. I’ll definitely check out the Open House too — thanks for pointing me to it. What you working on at the moment?

Greetings, Kyle Bell. It's great to have you in the S32 Club.

You’re welcome, Kyle Bell. Glad that helped. Melt sounds like an interesting direction, I’m looking forward to checking it out as it develops. I’m currently finishing up a few dark fantasy projects and starting a new one as well. Do you have a logline ready for Melt yet?

Hi Kyle Bell, welcome back! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on Stage 32. It’s great to see you jumping back in, and it sounds like you’ve got some exciting momentum with Sumai Pictures and your projects.

As you rebuild connections and keep things moving forward, I’d really encourage you to stay active in the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting), the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing), and the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing). Consistently showing up in those spaces, joining conversations, and sharing your journey can make a big difference in building the kinds of relationships that lead to opportunities.

You may also find it really helpful to reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you tell them more about Melt, Sumai Pictures, and your goals, they can help guide you toward curated resources and connections that align with what you’re building.

You’re clearly focused on long-term partnerships and character-driven work. What’s the current vision behind Melt?

Hi Francisco, always good to connect writers from other parts of the world! A few resources worth knowing about as you develop this further:

- The Writers' Room is where serious writers connect with industry professionals, access live webcasts with working executives, and get their projects in front of people who matter. With a complete bible and a structured trilogy, you're exactly at the stage where those conversations become valuable: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

- Stage 32's education library includes webinars specifically on transmedia development, IP packaging, and pitching complex formats to international buyers — all directly relevant to what you're building.

- And keep an eye on Open Writing Assignments — producers and executives post specific requests here, and international genre material with a strong structural foundation is exactly what many of them are looking for.

What market are you targeting first?

Hi Geoffroy,

Thank you for the guidance — I really appreciate it.

My primary target market is international, specifically the U.S. and global streaming platforms. While the story is deeply rooted in Mexico (Morelos), its core themes — memory, identity, and love beyond system control — are universal and designed to travel.

I see El Mercado de las Sombras as the entry point: a contained, character-driven sci-fi thriller with emotional depth that can connect with audiences similar to Severance or Dark.

From there, the larger universe (Código Singularidad) expands the IP into a multi-season, multi-timeline narrative with strong transmedia potential.

That said, I’m also very interested in positioning it within the Latin American market as a strategic starting point for production, while maintaining global scalability.

I’d love to explore which path you think is most viable from a development and packaging perspective.

Best,

Francisco

Great to meet you, Francisco Paredes ! Okay, I have to ask - are you _actually_ a "Weather Person"? Or rather, are you looking for that work right now? If not, I would take that off of your list of titles on your profile because it doesn't support your Thriller/SciFi project you're promoting.

LOVE that you're making this for an international market! Do you intend to film it in Mexico as well? The incentives there make it well worth it! I second Geoff's recommendations - would love to review your pilot script as part of The Coverage Report, the guided script exchange event I host. Mondays at 6pm PST or Thursdays at 12:30pm PST. Hope to see you there!

Karen "Kay" Ross

Hola Karen,

Gracias por tomarte el tiempo de revisar mi perfil, lo aprecio mucho.

Tienes razón con lo del perfil — lo voy a ajustar para que esté alineado con el proyecto.

Sí, la idea es desarrollar y filmar en México. Justo el contraste entre lo local y lo universal es parte del ADN de la serie.

Gracias también por la invitación al Coverage Report, suena interesante. Por ahora estoy enfocado en cerrar el desarrollo del piloto y el pitch deck, pero me encantaría mantenernos en contacto.

Si en algún momento te interesa leer el piloto, con gusto puedo compartirlo.

Saludos,

Francisco

Great to have you at Stage 32 Damia Escote appreciate you sharing this; it’s a unique approach, and the focus on finding a true creative partner with long-term vision is a great goal. Since you’re looking for someone with strong storytelling instincts, you may find great connections in the Screenwriting Lounge here: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting , where creatives are actively developing stories and ideas across formats.

You can also reach out to the Success Team at Success@Stage32.com —they help members identify the right next steps for their goals, suggest resources, and offer guidance on building connections with collaborators and creatives aligned with what you’re working toward, and explore education resources here: https://www.stage32.com/education . If you’re looking to meet more creatives, I’d also recommend checking out Introduce Yourself Weekend and staying active in conversations—it’s one of the best ways to build real connections here. Out of curiosity, what kind of stories or content styles are you most interested in building around your apps?

Hey @Damia sounds like you're building something pretty cool in Costa Rica. Looking forward to following along your journey when you find a filmmaker!

Hi Damia Escote, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and I really like how clearly you’ve outlined what you’re looking for. That kind of clarity around partnership and vision is key when you’re building something long-term.

As you start connecting here, I’d encourage you to spend time asking questions and engaging in the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing) and the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). Those are great spaces not only to find creatives with strong storytelling instincts, but also to get to know people and build authentic relationships over time.

We also have a job board on Stage 32 where you can post opportunities if you’re looking to bring someone on for their input and expertise. That can be another great way to reach creatives who are actively looking for collaborations like this. You can find it in the top toolbar or by clicking here: https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs

You have a really interesting intersection between tech and storytelling here. What kind of content or tone are you envisioning for these apps, more cinematic storytelling, social-first content, or something in between?

Great to meet you, Damia Escote! And congrats on your successes so far - such a cool background! Lots of great advice from the people above, so I'll just follow up and say - sometimes the best way to start a relationship is to be a fan of the other person's work. Of course you want someone who is dedicated, but I would maybe put together a list of influencers whose work you admire and reach out to them. DMing here on Stage 32 works, too, and sometimes better because it won't get lost in their inbox. But don't miss the opportunity to "fall in love" with your next business partner - because if you don't admire them and what they do, then it's hard to respect them, and if you don't respect them, then the partnership will fall apart.

Just my two cents. Let us know how it goes! Looking forward to hearing more about your journey!

As for me, last year I launched my Off Duty, Thanks! brand (www.offdutythanks.shop - I just made new apparel for Mother's Day!) and this year I'm focusing on publishing my #StoryMath YouTube channel and book. It's not ready yet, but here is the channel if you'd like to start following ahead of our launch: https://www.youtube.com/@storymath.online

Sachin Yadav am sorry I can't explain it here.

you can message me with this number- 08063764403.

Am sorry if am going against the rules.

Sam Rivera am sorry

Thanks for your response. I’d prefer to continue the conversation here or via direct message on Stage 32 if that works for you.

Welcome Ezeonu Juliet — grounded, character-driven thriller and legal drama with West African roots and global reach is a genuinely compelling combination, and "quiet tension over noise" tells us everything about your sensibility as a writer. That specificity is exactly what gets the right collaborators to stop scrolling and reach out.

The Writers' Room is a great place to connect with directors, producers, and composers who share that aesthetic. Come join us: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

Hi Ezeonu Juliet, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and I love the clarity of your voice and focus.

As you continue building your slate and looking for collaborators, I’d encourage you to stay active and visible in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing). Consistent participation in conversations is one of the best ways to build real relationships and get your work in front of the right people.

I’d also love to invite you to my next Community Open House. It’s a great opportunity to learn how to use Stage 32 strategically and connect with creatives from around the world in real time:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-june-2026-community...

Your focus on “quiet tension over noise” really stands out. What’s a story in your current slate that best represents that approach?

Hey Paul Hikari - great to meet you! Love the demo man! It sounds great. I love listening to voice over reels. I'm primarily a writer but have delved into voice acting since I write animated features. It just seems like such a fun outlet. Glad you're with us Paul. Happy IY weekend!

Paul Hikari great stuff!!

Great combination of skills and clearly serious about the craft given the contest history.

By the way, Stage 32 is constantly evolving to make sure talent gets in front of the right people — we just launched a new genre matchmaking system connecting writers directly with executives actively searching for specific material right now. Make sure your profile is updated: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Our-executives-are-waiting-...

Our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com is also a great resource — they work directly with members to map out next steps, whether that's identifying the right pitch sessions, consultations, or producer connections for your specific project.

What's the logline?

Great to meet you, Paul Hikari! Oh, my goodness - what a great voice! And I can tell you've been at it a while because your technique is so professional. Such a great reel! If I were you, I'd be angling for either the upcoming Avatar: the Last Airbender continuation or the Firefly continuation - such great opportunities for voice talent! What are you working on? Is there anything we can do to help?

Oh, actually - you probably already know about the Acting Lounge ( https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting ), but as a voice actor, I'd say check out the Animation Lounge as well ( https://www.stage32.com/lounge/animation ).

As for me, last year I launched my Off Duty, Thanks! brand (www.offdutythanks.shop - I just made new apparel for Mother's Day!) and this year I'm focusing on publishing my #StoryMath YouTube channel and book. It's not ready yet, but here is the channel if you'd like to start following ahead of our launch: https://www.youtube.com/@storymath.online

Otherwise, I spend most of my time in the Stage 32 Writers' Room, so if ever you need accountability or more regular activities throughout the week to keep your projects moving forward, feel free to join me there! I host a guided script exchange on Mondays (6pm PST) and Thursdays (12:30pm PST) which could be super helpful as you revise your script. For more info, you can drop me or Geoff an email at WritersRoom@stage32.com Cheers!

Ashley Renée Smith, thank you, my soul sister. Your words always land with such intention. This little milestone for Soul Mated means a lot, especially after the amount of heart, time, and inner excavation this story has demanded. You see the throughline in my work so clearly, and I’m grateful for that.

Cannes prep sounds like its own kind of marathon: the meetings, the energy, the strategy, the magic of those rare in‑person moments. I can imagine how much focus and intuition it takes to shape that experience :)

As for the pitch deck, the most important element for me has been communicating the emotional truth of the story; the radical act of choosing love on purpose in a world where everyone else thinks they have a vote. In a world full of pressure, performance, and control, choosing freely has become revolutionary. We usually only talk about Consent when something goes wrong, but Soul Mated is about what it looks like when choosing each other is intentional, mutual, and transformative.

Thank you, Lauren Hackney. You are always so supportive. I am really proud of your journey, and I am cheering for you. Let's goooo

You too, Michael Dzurak. I hope you had a great weekend.

Congrats—that’s huge!

Thank you, Fred Chalub.

Hey Vital Butinar , love that you jumped in to help a fellow filmmaker with sound. That's what this community is about. And congrats on The Procedure getting another semifinalist nod. What's the toughest part of post on Pure Vortex right now?

Hey Karen "Kay" Ross nice to see you again. Thank you very much, yeah I'm pretty excited about both. But with the post production on Pure Vortex down to it's final stretch I keep wondering what I'll be doing next. I have some writing to do on another sci-fi feature. But I'm hoping that sooner rather than later I can sink my teeth into production of another feature.

Congrats on the nice store, interesting stuff and also I really hope you get to do your feature. I loved being on set and shooting with the actors, it was really fun! So I hope you get to do that!

What is your feature about?

You know I will post one of these days, I'm just waiting on something. :)

Hey Sam Rivera, thank you. Yeah I'm really psyched about The Procedure. It was actually my first sci-fi feature that I wrote, before I don't know I was kind of scared to even try, but I loved it. I hope that I get to shoot it some day in a not to distant future.

Well I always try to help when I can and there have always been great people who have helped me in the past, so why not. Even if I am recording sound, if I know how to I can help.

I'm actually also mentoring this really cool daughter of some friends of ours who wants to be a filmmaker too. She did her first short a couple of months ago and came to me for advice on how to make the film, then also she needed help with post. But her film placed second on some national student competition, so she's really good.

Post on Pure Vortex, hmm that's a tough one, because I feel like I haven't really gotten to the really tough part which will be the sound mix. But up until now the toughest part has been deciding when a scene works well enough to stop cutting it and then how it fits in with the entire film.

One thing that really surprised me that I haven't had on any short film that I've made is how the production screenplay had more story that we shot, but now when cutting a lot of it is getting cut down and resembles more the pre-production screenplay form. Really interesting.

Now's a great time to be doing micro-budgets. You can build your audience outside of the studio system. Are you excited about BACKROOMS?

Hey Geoffroy Faugerolas, yeah I agree. In our case it's a no budget hehe. But yeah you're right. Actually I saw the trailer last week, looks very interesting.

Hi Alex, happy Introduce Yourself Weekend—congrats on your upcoming release and the recent acquisition, that’s remarkable and exciting progress. Folk horror is my favorite! Have you also ventured into dark fantasy or dark sci-fi as well?

So glad to have you here. So excited to see that you novel is gaining so much traction!

Libby Wright thank you!

Dwayne Williams 2 not really. The next one, which is yet to find a home, is period gothic. And I’m polishing something now that’s strange, I’m not sure quite what it is, and I’m here for that!

Oh, excellent Alex Hunter. Period Gothic sounds fun! I haven’t given it a full try yet, although I’ve definitely flirted with it a bit. There’s something about that atmosphere and era that brings out a darker feel to horror!

Hello Marc Ginsburg, great to read about your project! There’s a wide range of themes and audience reach in what you’re building. It’s always a great time to jump into Introduce Yourself and connect with creatives who align with your needs and goals. If you’re also looking for opportunities, you can check out the Stage 32 job board here: https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs

Have you started putting together a pitch deck or series bible?

Marc, great to meet you—Chrysalis sounds like a bold and timely concept tackling complex, real-world themes through a character-driven lens. As you look to move it forward, Stage 32 pitch sessions and script services can help you connect with the right executives and refine your path to market, and we’re always here to support and guide you!

Hey, Marc Ginsburg! Great to meet you! And if you'd like feedback, I think you'd enjoy joining my guided script exchange in the Writers' Room - we call it The Coverage Report. We meet Mondays at 6pm PST and Thursdays at 12:30pm PST. Feel free to drop me an email if you'd like more info: K.Ross@stage32.com

As for "directing the right way", if you mean directing as in filmmaking, then I would say start small. If you were to shoot a short proof of concept, or storyboard, or make a trailer or rip-o-matic, or even host a table read - all of these things are great steps on the way to a bigger project and will show you something you would not have known if it stayed just you and your script. So, I say GO FOR IT!