Filmmaking / Directing

Hello everyone,

I have completed a screenplay adapted from my published steampunk psychological romance novelette, The Love That Tastes Like Blood.

I'm currently looking to connect with directors interested in atmospheric, character-driven stories, particularly filmmakers who enjoy exploring visual storytelling within intimate, contained narratives.

I'd love to connect with directors interested in this kind of project and hear about the work you're currently developing.

Best regards,

Sajal Arikazuta.

Who’s heading to Toronto for TIFF and the Market this September?

I’ll be attending TIFF: The Market in Toronto this September and thought it would be great to see who else from the Stage 32 community will be there.

Are you attending as a producer, filmmaker, sales agent, distributor, buyer, or with a project you’re bringing to the market?

Always good to connect with people before a market rather than discovering afterwards that we were all in the same place!

Who’s going to Toronto?

Hello everyone! After a much-needed break from social media to focus on my craft, I’m finally back. This time away gave me the most valuable asset: time to dig through my ideas and completely reinvent my approach to filmmaking.I used to be younger and less experienced, but I’ve grown, and my goals are now much bigger. Today, I want to share my next big step not just with anyone, but with this amazing community.I’ve just finished a tight, high-concept Horror/Suspense/Slasher feature screenplay. It is written to be scalable—perfect for a tight indie budget in a single location, but ready for a bigger production.

Logline:Following a devastating tragedy, a family returns to their childhood home seeking peace. Instead, they uncover a terrifying truth: a masked maniac has been watching them from the shadows since they were kids. But the real nightmare has only just begun.

I am looking to get this script out into the world so I can fully focus on directing my own upcoming project.Thank you all for being such a supportive, wonderful community. Seeing you bring this horror story to life on screen would be incredible.

13. Disappointment: An emotional response characterized by feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction, or disillusionment, resulting from unmet expectations or perceived failure. Disappointment may arise in various life situations, such as relationships, career goals, or personal achievements, leading to feelings of sadness or regret.

14. Disbelief: A reaction characterized by skepticism, incredulity, or astonishment in response to surprising or unexpected information or events. Disbelief often involves a sense of conflicting thoughts, as individuals struggle to reconcile new information with their existing beliefs or understanding of the world.

15. Disgust: An intense emotional response characterized by feelings of revulsion, aversion, or nausea towards something offensive, repulsive, or morally repugnant. Disgust serves as a protective mechanism, prompting individuals to avoid or reject stimuli perceived as harmful or contaminating.

16. Doubt: A state of uncertainty, skepticism, or indecision, characterized by hesitancy or lack of confidence in one's beliefs, judgments, or decisions. Doubt arises from a perceived lack of evidence, clarity, or reliability, leading individuals to question or reconsider their assumptions or convictions.

17. Embarrassment: An uncomfortable emotional state characterized by feelings of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness, typically resulting from a perceived social mistake, faux pas, or humiliation. Embarrassment may manifest with physiological symptoms such as blushing, sweating, or avoidance behaviors.

18. Envy: An emotional response characterized by feelings of resentment, jealousy, or covetousness towards someone perceived as possessing desirable qualities, possessions, or achievements. Envy arises from a sense of inferiority or perceived injustice, leading individuals to desire what others have.

19. Excitement: An intense emotional state characterized by feelings of anticipation, enthusiasm, or arousal, often accompanied by heightened energy and positive anticipation of future events or experiences. Excitement motivates individuals to engage in rewarding activities, pursue goals, and seek out new adventures.

20. Fear: An intense emotional response characterized by feelings of anxiety, apprehension, or dread, triggered by the perception of threat, danger, or harm. Fear activates the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing individuals to react to perceived threats and protect themselves from potential harm.

21. Forgiveness: An emotional process characterized by letting go of resentment, anger, or bitterness towards someone who has wronged you, often accompanied by empathy, understanding, or compassion. Forgiveness allows individuals to release negative emotions and move forward with healing and reconciliation.

22. Frustration: An emotional response characterized by feelings of annoyance, irritation, or impatience, typically arising from obstacles, setbacks, or unmet expectations. Frustration motivates individuals to seek solutions to problems or challenges, driving persistence and problem-solving efforts.

23. Fulfillment: A state of deep satisfaction, contentment, or accomplishment derived from achieving one's goals, desires, or aspirations. Fulfillment arises from a sense of purpose, meaning, or matching with one's values, leading to a profound sense of well-being and happiness.

24. Gratitude: An emotional response characterized by feelings of thankfulness, appreciation, or recognition towards someone or something for what they have done or provided. Gratitude encourages positive emotions, strengthens relationships, and promotes overall well-being and happiness.

NEXT ARTICLE: 85 Character Emotions Found in Movies (pt3)

Forty years ago, Paul Newman wrote Martin Scorsese a fan letter that led to one of the great sequels: The Color of Money. The film gave Newman his only Oscar and gave Scorsese a Hollywood comeback after a rough stretch. It's a reminder that sequels don't have to be cynical. They can be a way for artists to revisit characters they love, explore new dynamics, and even do career-best work. Newman's Fast Eddie Felson returning to the pool hall decades after The Hustler feels like a different kind of legacy sequel—one built on character, not just IP. What do you think? Are there other sequels that feel this essential?

Read more about the director and the sequal here! https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/martin-scorsese-paul-newma...

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share a bit more about my goals here. Right now, I’m hard at work on a commercial horror spec script that I plan to sell. My ultimate objective is to fund my own upcoming project, which I am currently raising money for. As a director, I’m planning to shoot a tight, single-location slasher. I’d love to connect with like-minded creators. Drop a comment below if you’re a fan of slashers and horror—let’s connect!

I'm currently spending more time talking with filmmakers and learning from their real experiences—not just assumptions about the industry.

I'd love to hear from experienced filmmakers:

• What has been the hardest part of getting your film in front of an audience?

• What challenges have you faced after completing a film?

• What do you wish you had understood earlier about releasing or promoting your work?

• If you could change one thing about the current independent film ecosystem, what would it be?

I have more questions I'd love to ask, but I'd rather start by listening.

If you've been through the process, I'd genuinely appreciate your perspective. Every experience can teach another founder something.

Looking forward to learning from you all.

My award-winning historical feature, JUST ONE INCH, is ready for production. If anyone is interested in financing this script, please contact me. I am ready to pitch.

NOTE: (There are many more emotions than 85, but this list will get you started!)

1. Anger: An intense emotional response characterized by feelings of frustration, irritation, or rage, typically triggered by perceived injustices, offenses, or obstacles. Physiologically, anger often manifests with increased heart rate, adrenaline levels, and muscle tension, prompting individuals to react with aggression or hostility.

2. Anticipation: A psychological state marked by eager expectation or excitement, typically arising in anticipation of a future event, outcome, or experience. This emotion is often accompanied by heightened arousal and a sense of readiness, as individuals eagerly await the fulfillment of their hopes or desires.

3. Anxiety: A state of apprehension, unease, or worry, often stemming from uncertainty, perceived threats, or impending challenges. Anxiety can manifest with physiological symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, trembling, and sweating, as individuals experience heightened alertness and vigilance in response to perceived dangers or stressors.

4. Awe: A profound emotional response characterized by a sense of wonder, reverence, or amazement in the face of something extraordinary, sublime, or transcendent. Awe-inspiring experiences or phenomena, such as natural wonders, great works of art, or acts of heroism, can awaken feelings of awe, prompting individuals to contemplate the vastness and beauty of the world around them.

5. Bitterness: A complex emotion characterized by intense resentment or cynicism, often stemming from feelings of injustice, betrayal, or disappointment. Bitterness can manifest as a persistent sense of anger or hostility towards others or oneself, influencing attitudes and behaviors in various aspects of life.

6. Bliss: A state of profound happiness, joy, or contentment, often described as a feeling of perfect harmony or fulfillment. Bliss is typically experienced as a transient and euphoric emotion, arising from positive experiences, relationships, or achievements that fit with one's desires or values.

7. Boredom: An emotional state characterized by feelings of monotony, or disinterest often accompanied by a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction with one's current situation. Boredom arises when individuals perceive a lack of stimulation or novelty in their environment, leading to a desire for change or diversion.

8. Calm: A state of tranquillity, serenity, or inner peace, characterized by a sense of relaxation and emotional equilibrium. Calmness allows individuals to maintain composure and clarity of mind, even in the face of stress or adversity, facilitating effective problem-solving and decision-making.

9. Confusion: A cognitive and emotional state marked by uncertainty, perplexity, or bewilderment, resulting from conflicting information, ambiguity, or lack of understanding. Confusion may arise in various contexts, such as complex situations, unfamiliar environments, or unclear communication, leading to feelings of frustration or disorientation.

10. Contempt: An emotion characterized by feelings of disdain, scorn, or disrespect towards someone or something perceived as inferior, unworthy, or morally objectionable. Contempt often involves a sense of superiority or disdainful judgment, leading to negative attitudes and behaviors towards the object of contempt.

11. Curiosity: A cognitive and emotional state characterized by a strong desire to explore, learn, or understand something new or unknown. Curiosity motivates individuals to seek out information, experiences, or challenges, driving intellectual growth, creativity, and discovery.

12. Despair: An overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, sadness, or resignation, often arising from a sense of powerlessness or the perception of insurmountable challenges. Despair is accompanied by a profound sense of loss or failure, leading individuals to feel emotionally drained or defeated.

NEXT ARTICLE: 85 Character Emotions Found in a Movies (pt2)

Anyone else write the first draft longhand? Like with a good ol' fashioned pad of paper and pen. I’ve done some of my best writing in the middle of a Burger King scribbling away illegibly in a spiral notebook with a ball-point pen.

There seems to be something more visceral, more tactile when writing it out, scribbly cross-outs and all, my brain and the pen in a race to see which is faster. I know it takes longer that way (my typing speed is faster than my chicken scratches), but I seem to be able to access my brain a bit more actively that way. And, that also means that my first edit becomes transcribing it into Final Draft.

Am I alone in this? Am I the only one keeping Five Star still in business?