Hi all. Query. I've already pitched last year and need a tiny bit of help with my comps. From a time perspective and after reading some Stage 32 info on comps (some saying to leave them out), just wondering which service offers this help to get this series up and going. I'm a little concerned as I saw on socials today in the USA or surrounds, another filmmaker with a similar movie poster (very similar in fact), and though my loglines etc are private, and two lovely producers already have my work and pitch via Stage 32 I'm concerned.
Anything Goes : Question for pithc by Sacha Douglas
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Sacha, I completely understand why this feels concerning, but I want to give you some industry context that might help put this in perspective.
It's extremely unlikely that a filmmaker stole your idea or concept. Here's why:
- Similar ideas happen all the time. Hundreds of thousands of scripts are developed every year across the globe, and with a finite number of story archetypes, genres, and cultural moments inspiring writers simultaneously, parallel thinking is incredibly common.
- Studios regularly receive multiple pitches on the same concept in the same quarter. Not because anyone copied anyone, but because writers are often responding to the same trends, news cycles, or cultural conversations.
This is exactly why ideas are not copyrightable, only execution is. Copyright law protects the specific expression of an idea (your script, your dialogue, your unique characters, your plot structure), but not the underlying concept itself. Two people can write completely different scripts about the same premise, and both are legally protected.
What matters is how you told the story. Did you create distinct characters? Original dialogue? A unique structure or thematic approach? That's what's protectable. A logline or pitch—no matter how compelling, isn't enough to claim ownership.
The industry moves fast, and ideas overlap constantly. The best thing you can do is focus on your execution: write the script so well that even if the concept is similar to something else, your voice and storytelling make it undeniable.
Let me know if you have questions or want to talk through this further. The team and I are here to help: success@stage32.com.
Hi, Sacha Douglas. I second what Geoff said. It's happened to me before. I either rewrite my script so it's really different than the other script/movie, keep pitching the script like it is, or rewrite the script from a different angle.
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Thank you.
Also after reading about comps from a Stage 32 article...I'm considering either leaving it out (leaving it off -was advised in the article here- even though comps are on the Stage 32 template), or gettting some assistance? That is the only part to alter slightly.
I have so far not found many comps similar (only partly in tone) that are recent and as per that article struggling.
I thought there was a service here that helps, even if its a tiny amount. Am I better off focusing on sending the script on for reads here instead?
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We have a logline polish service that allows you to get suggestions from executives: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=22.
You're welcome, Sacha Douglas. Great idea, Geoff!
Thanks Geoffrey, shall take a look. The logline though I believe not to be the issue, helpful feedback as already two pitches have liked it.
The main issue is about leaving out the comps as per Stage 32 article. Though Stage 32 template (for everyone to access) suggests it must be included. Is there a service for comps assistance? Then I'm ready to continue pitching. Thank you so much for your help too. Bring on 2026. Otherwise, I'll continue focusing on sending on the script out as the priority. Thanks for any help. I tried accessing some old films that MAY have some similarities, and one recent film that has a similar tone. Buta a per the write-up on Stage 32 comps, it may be more damaging to add them, than not. Any services for comps or pitches? Thanks so much.