Introduce Yourself

I have new films, ideas which I wish to sell to producers or directors for a legal contract for high prices

Welcome, Grace! what a journey, and what a backdrop to develop a love of storytelling. Growing up between two cultures and finding your voice later than expected is actually a tremendous creative asset, and the supernatural world you're drawn to -- angels, witches, hunters -- feels like it has real cinematic potential. So glad Stage 32 has been part of that path for you. Since you're continuing to grow here, be sure to check out the Navigation Blog at https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-p... and the Platform Walkthrough Video at https://www.stage32.com/help?category=how-to-navigate-stage&parent=341676 to make the most of everything available to you.

@Daniel Vossen that's get what project are you working on, it would be fantastic to keep in touch. you are shooting your project in Sicily. Where?

@Sam Rivera thank you very much

I will look at the platform Guide

Nice to meet you Gareth Taylor. So what kind of stuff are you working on now?

Me I'm in post with my first feature film.

Hey Gareth Taylor .

Gareth Taylor!! Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, my friend! Have you been working on anything new that you’re excited about?

Ashley Renée Smith Vital Butinar My latest feature premiered 2 weeks ago. Here's the trailer: https://vimeo.com/1172795610?fl=tl&fe=ec. Besides this, I shot a commercial last week and have a documentary coming up in April. Sadly, this is as busy as I've been in the last year. It's been painfully slow.

Gareth Taylor That is very artfully shot. Dig the angles and lighting choices. Your department brought the Thunder visually. Let’s connect and talk shop when time permits. Sending positivity your way meanwhile.

- JD

You're not just a creative, Charmane. You're an entrepreneur! Love this world vision. Your own multiverse. Very smart in this climate where IP is so valuable.

Thank you, Geoffroy — I really appreciate that. I’ve been very intentional about building these projects as interconnected worlds, so it means a lot that that vision comes through. It’s an exciting space to be creating in right now.

Charmane Wedderburn I’m always happy to see you jumping in and sharing your progress with the community.

You’ve been building so much momentum. Keep sharing these updates. It not only holds you accountable, it also shows others what’s possible when you stay consistent and keep moving forward.

Cheering you on as you head into your shoot and your signing. Big moments ahead!

Thank you so much, Ashley — that truly means a lot.

I’m staying consistent and trusting the process. Excited for what’s ahead

Welcome, Charmane -- a short film shooting next month, a book signing on the horizon, and an entire multi-platform universe in development is a seriously impressive slate! Don't miss the FREE Heated Rivalry Script Breakdown Webcast at https://www.stage32.com/education/products/heated-rivalry-breaking-down-... -- great insight for anyone bridging page and screen. What corner of the Cougarverse are you most excited to bring to life first?

Congratulations to Mata Hari on reaching the quarter-finals, Judith Pajer! I am such a huge fan of historical drama. Your project sounds terrific.

Thank you so much, Sam Sokolow — I really appreciate that!

I’ve always been drawn to historical drama as well, especially stories that explore identity and transformation. Mata Hari has been a very personal journey in that sense.

Really glad it resonates — and excited to see more projects like this finding their way to the screen.

Hi Judith Pajer, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and congratulations on Mata Hari reaching the Quarterfinals, that’s a fantastic accomplishment. Since you’re working as both a writer and an actress, I’d encourage you to stay active in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting). Both are great spaces to connect with creatives, share insights, and build relationships across both sides of your craft.

You may also really enjoy the Writer’s Room, especially right now. It offers access to working industry professionals and Open Writing Assignments where producers and executives are actively seeking material. You can explore a free month here:

https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

And next week is a great time to jump in, the Writer’s Room will be hosting a live Zoom Q&A with the showrunner of the hit series Heated Rivalry, which is an incredible opportunity to hear directly from someone actively working at a high level in the industry, on an emotionally rich, character-driven series.

Hi Ashley Renée Smith

thank you so much for the warm welcome — I really appreciate it! And thank you for your kind words about Mata Hari, that means a lot.

Ashley Renée Smith

— Judith

Welcome, Judith -- a Mata Hari project reaching the Quarterfinals is a fantastic early signal, and the writer/actress combination gives you such a powerful lens for writing complex female characters. Make sure you catch the FREE Heated Rivalry Script Breakdown Webcast at https://www.stage32.com/education/products/heated-rivalry-breaking-down-... -- invaluable for any writer developing character-driven drama. What drew you to Mata Hari specifically as your vehicle for exploring those themes?

Hello Sam Rivera, your commitment to filmmaking and to this community is appreciated.Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

I am a storyteller. Ello Sam.

Your job sounds interesting - wonder if there's something similar here in England :D (desperately looking for a new job! Amidst my potential screenwriting career...)

Nice to meet you, Sam Rivera. Cheers.

Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Sam Rivera! =)

Sam Sokolow Thank you, Sam.I really appreciate the guidance. I’ll reach out to the Success Team and explore the next steps. Grateful for the support.

Gurpreet Singh Don't miss our Free Writer’s Room Q&A with Showrunner Jacob Tierney Tomorrow at 3PM PT: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/portal#webcasts

The blend of high-concept and emotional depth you're drawn to is a great instinct. Since you're just getting started here, be sure to check out the Navigation Blog at https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-p... and the Platform Walkthrough Video at https://www.stage32.com/help?category=how-to-navigate-stage&parent=341676 to help you find your footing.

Hi, Gurpreet Singh! Cheers to Introduce Yourself Weekend! So great to have you jump in and share a bit about yourself again. So excited to hear from your script, THE HIMALAYAN GATE. Also, sharing our ON DEMAND event coming soon in Stage32! Join our FREE script breakdown for HEATED RIVALRY, Join here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/heated-rivalry-breaking-down-...

Gurpreet Singh, thank you for reintroducing yourself, it’s great to see you continuing to show up.

I’ve most often seen you active here in the Introduce Yourself Lounge and occasionally in the Writer’s Room Lounge, which is a great start. As you continue growing as a screenwriter and start exploring directing and acting, I’d really encourage you to branch out into the other lounges as well, especially the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing), and the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting).

And with your background in video editing and motion graphics, I’m sure you have a lot of valuable insight that could be incredibly useful to other creatives in the Post-Production Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/post_production) as well. Sharing your experience there could open up some really meaningful conversations and connections.

If you make it a habit to participate weekly, asking questions, sharing your progress, and joining conversations, you’ll naturally build more connections, learn more about both the craft and the business, and find yourself in more meaningful discussions.

I also recommend reaching out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you tell them more about THE HIMALAYAN GATE and your goals moving forward, they can help guide you toward curated resources and opportunities that align with where you want to go.

And I’d love to invite you to our Community Open House happening this week. It’s a free session where I walk through how to use Stage 32 more strategically, build real industry relationships, and make the most of the platform as you grow your career:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-march-2026-communit...

Keep going, Gurpreet. It’s great to see your consistency, now it’s just about expanding where and how you show up.

I actually know Christopher Lockhart. He’s the nicest guy in Hollywood. I just got active again in his “Inside Pitch” Facebook group, but missed any notice of that. I’ll check your link. Years ago he was the deciding factor on my attending a screenwriters conference so I could meet him in person. Small world :-)

Such a small world! Christopher is totally the nicest guy in town. So cool!

Truth. Several years ago he was kind enough to submit this script to the story dept. of his then agency, ICM, where I received a very detailed agency coverage report. And while it just fell short to a pass on story, I was thrilled to get a consider as a writer :-). Though given the elite status of the agency,, as an unknown unsold writer, I stood a 0% chance of actual representation. But to this day I’m still grateful to Christopher for that experience.

Don't be afraid to workshop your logline in the Screenwriting Lounge as well. Lots of talented writers hanging around who would be happy to help! Even if it's just unlocking new wording or ideas you can take to the next level, a quick workshopping is invaluable!

Hi Roscoe Plikerd, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and I already appreciate your sense of humor, that line about your ex-wife got me.

You’re absolutely right though, a strong logline and pitch can make all the difference in getting your work seen and taken seriously, especially in comedy where voice is everything.

I’d encourage you to spend time in the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) and the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). Both are great spaces to share your ideas, get feedback on your logline, and connect with creatives who can help you refine both your script and your pitch.

You may also want to reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you share your project and your goals, they can help guide you toward resources, feedback opportunities, and even introductions that align with what you’re trying to accomplish.

I’d also love to invite you to our March Community Open House webcast happening this week. It’s a free session where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32 strategically, build meaningful industry relationships, and make the most of the tools available here:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-march-2026-communit...

Really glad you’re here, Roscoe.

Congrats on the nomination!

Hi Sandra and congratulations on your accomplishment. Like you I like stories with emotional depth because it makes you feel more connected with the character. It also makes you think. There's nothing like watching a movie or reading a book that has you thinking about it or replaying it in your head for days - even weeks after. It's essential to any story.

Thank you, Haley Mary

You are right, Devon Callahan, likewise. It’s essential to any story. Happy IYW.

Hi Sandra Correia! Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! Love seeing everyone pop in and reintroduce themselves—glad you’re here! Congratulations on your short script, Soul Mated! Also, we wanted to invite you to our ON DEMAND event happening tomorrow in Stage32! Join our FREE script breakdown for HEATED RIVALRY, join here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/heated-rivalry-breaking-down-...

Good to have you back, Icon -- the focus on tension, pacing, and how a scene feels visually rather than just reads is exactly the kind of thinking that separates writers who direct from directors who write, and the graphic design background probably sharpens that instinct even further. Psychological thrillers live and die by those exact qualities so it sounds like you're in the right headspace. Don't miss the FREE Community Open House on Wednesday, March 25 at https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-march-2026-communit... -- great way to reconnect with the community. What's the tension-building technique you've been most focused on lately?

Josiah Cosgrove It’s always easier to connect when you can put a face to a name; that personal touch really matters when networking online. If you need help, here is a step by step guide: https://www.stage32.com/help?category=getting-started-top-things-to-do&parent=234238

Hi Josiah,

Really drawn to this premise. it feels visually distinctive and emotionally grounded, which is a strong combination for animated storytelling. I’d love to hear what stage the project is at and where you most need support right now (story structure, character arcs, or visual development).

Happy to review any sample material if you’re open to it. I think this has clear audience and series potential.

Best Regards,

Elara Wright

elarawrites133gmail.com

@Elara Wright, thanks. I sent you an email featuring the entire series bible. Tell what you think about the ending, I would really appreciate it.

Laura Hammer, I did what you said and shared the synopsis in the animation lounge. Tell me what you think.

Hi Josiah Cosgrove, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and your project sounds really heartfelt. I’d encourage you to stay active in the Animation Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/animation) and the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). Those are great spaces to connect with both writers and animators, share your concept, and start building relationships with people who may be a good fit to collaborate.

I also want to echo Laura’s advice, uploading a real photo of yourself to your profile instead of an animation will go a long way in helping you network here. People are much more likely to connect when they can see who they’re talking to, and it also helps with visibility across the platform.

And since you’re working in animation, definitely take a look at Stage 32’s Animation Education as well, there are some fantastic resources there:

https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/animation

Really glad you’re here, Josiah. Looking forward to seeing you around the Lounges and hearing more about your project as it develops.

Hi David DeHaas - it's great to see you here and awesome that you're writing and building your audience on Substack. I just read two of your essays there - very thought-provoking topics and ideas. I see the philosopher at work! As a screenwriter, what genres are you creating in? What types of films and shows do you like?

I have written in a number of genres actually! Recently I've been watching that show 'The Offer' learning about how they made the Godfather!

David, welcome! Screenwriter and philosopher is a pretty compelling combo, and building your Substack audience while developing your craft is genuinely smart strategy! Don't miss the FREE Community Open House on Wednesday, March 25 at https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-march-2026-communit.... What kind of stories do your philosophical leanings pull you toward most?

Hi Catherine! Thank you for reaching out, very happy to connect with you too! And yes...I claim that success!*

Hi Nadya,

Thanks for connecting! I’m Ana Cristina Rodrigues, writer of The Secret of Dubai – Saga Al-Hamdan. Excited to share ideas and hear about your creative process!

Hi Nadya Somoe, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and what an incredible journey, being published over 100 times and now expanding into screenwriting. I love your mission to center strong female leads and create stories where girls can see themselves as bold, complex, and unapologetically powerful. That kind of perspective is so needed and resonates across mediums.

As you continue building in both prose and screenwriting, I’d encourage you to stay active in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Authoring & Playwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/playwriting). They’re great spaces to connect with other writers, share your work, and build relationships with creatives who are exploring similar storytelling paths.

You may also find it helpful to connect with our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you share your projects and goals, they can point you toward curated resources and opportunities that align with where you want to go next.

I’d also love to invite you to our March Community Open House next week. It’s a free session where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32 strategically, build meaningful industry relationships, and make the most of the platform as you grow your career:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-march-2026-communit...

Hi Ashley Renée Smith ! Thank you for reaching out, it's been wonderful connecting with everyone on here already, I'm so glad to meet and network with such accomplished women! I will definitely be looking into the resources you've suggested, and yes to the March open house, it sounds like something that would be super helpful!

Welcome, Nadya -- over 100 published stories is a remarkable foundation to bring into screenwriting, and "I'd rather watch this" is honestly one of the most organic origin stories for a filmmaker. The mission is clear and compelling too, and congratulations on "Things To Say!" Since you're new here, don't miss the FREE Community Open House on Wednesday, March 25 at https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-march-2026-communit.... Of all the strong female characters you've written, which one surprised you most as she came to life on the page?