Hi Everybody!
I’m Ashley Smith, Head of Community and Blog Manager here at Stage 32. If we’ve connected in the Lounges, at events or festivals, on a Stage 32 webcast, or through the blog, I’m so glad to see you again. And if you’re brand new, welcome. Truly. You’re in the right place.
Introduce Yourself Weekend is one of my favorite times of the month because it’s where everything starts. New connections, new collaborations, new momentum. This is where you stop being “a profile” and start becoming part of the community.
Before Stage 32, I spent many years working in scripted development and talent management, supporting television and film projects in development with studios and networks like Amazon, FX, Paramount TV, Universal TV, Sony TV, MGM, and Legendary Global. I had the privilege of working closely with writers, producers, authors, and directors, helping shape projects from early drafts through greenlights.
At Stage 32, my focus is connection, clarity, and momentum. I help shape our community spaces, curate the daily blog, host events, and support members as they navigate the platform and their goals. What motivates me most is helping you move from “stuck” to “in motion” by engaging strategically, building real relationships, and taking aligned action instead of just lurking and hoping something happens.
Outside of work, I love binge-watching great series, traveling, cooking, puzzling, and playing video games and board games. I’m a lifelong comic book reader and a huge fan of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and romantasy, which absolutely influences my own writing. I’m also a crazy dog mom and completely obsessed with my puppy, Rupert.
One of my biggest goals this year is continuing to push forward on my fantasy novel. Long term, I want to be a published author and create stories that offer escape, catharsis, and a sense of being seen. Stories have done that for me my entire life, and I want to pass that forward.
More than anything, I want to be someone you can rely on here. Whether that’s pointing you toward the right lounge, the right resource, the right introduction, or simply encouraging you when you need it. Community works when we show up for each other.
I also host a quarterly FREE Community Open House, a live webcast event where you can meet other members, ask questions, and learn how to use Stage 32 in a way that actually supports your goals. The next one is in June, and you can save your spot here:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-june-2026-community...
So let me ask you this: what’s one thing you’re currently working on, or dreaming about working on, that you’re ready to take a real step forward on this month? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
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Yes it is my friend and Captain Ashley Renée Smith! You are the heart that drives this community and I am honored to call you friend. You are ABSOLUTELY someone that I have always felt I can rely on and we could not have asked for a better Head of Community. I also have zero doubt your novel is going to rock the world with the heart behind it.
I can't wait to share what I've been working on with a couple of our valued creatives here on Stage 32 and I also can't wait to set foot on set! It's going to be so much fun.
Right now, I'm focused on finding the right executives for my animated work. I'd love to be able to continue working with my colleagues on live action while having a parallel lane of animated work.
Finally, I've got a new game for you...."Ghost of Yotei". Holy smokes, it's awesome.
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Hi Ashley and All,
My name is Ray Fontenault.
I’m currently developing two character-driven, family-oriented feature films and am looking to connect with producing partners or executive producers aligned with packaging and financing strategy.
PALS FOREVER is a grounded, emotionally resonant drama inspired by my life with my twin brother, who passed from glioblastoma. The story follows twin brothers across a lifetime—from childhood adventures through adulthood—culminating in a powerful exploration of love, loss, and memory. Tonally, it sits in the space of Brian’s Song and The Sandlot, blending nostalgia, humor, and emotional depth.
SNOW FALLS is a Christmas drama centered on a father at a breaking point who must confront the man who abandoned him before he becomes the same kind of absence in his own family. Designed for broad, multi-generational audiences with evergreen appeal, the project includes a Letter of Intent from platinum recording artist John Berry and underlying IP through a published novelization.
Both projects are in active packaging, with scripts, pitch decks, supporting assets, and original music in place. My focus is aligning with the right partner to help advance toward director attachment, cast, and financing.
If this aligns with your current slate, I’d be glad to share a concise two-page pitch and materials for either project.
Appreciate your time and consideration.
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The beating heart of this community. Thank you for everything you do, Ashley!
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That sunshine smile! Love it! Thank you Ash for always being available and thank you for supporting this community so much! I'm so glad you are part of this amazing team - appreciate working with you and learning from you!
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These weekends are always interesting. Amazing how varied our members are!
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Hello,
Happy IYW to you, and thank you very much for the passion and dedication you bring to the community.
For me, this is a new step in developing my script even further.
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Appreciate all you do for the community Ashley Renée Smith !
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Hey, Ash. Thanks for nudging me out of the "profile zone." Since I retired from teaching in 2017, I've had some great traction on several features I've written, with 4 optioned and one feature produced, which was in theaters and is now streaming on Amazon Prime.. But, right now, I am focusing on writing episode two for a limited series. I pitched the pilot to a couple of producers and just recently they've told me they have found an investor who wants to finance filming the pilot . I also have a feature which another producer will be securing financing for very soon - hopefully in May. Thanks again for pushing me out of the lurking corner
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Happy to meet you face-to-face, Ashley. Renee Smith.
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One of the goats! Keep crushing it, Ash!
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Beautiful as always, great pic Ashley!
I love how you show up for this community and help people actually move forward instead of just staying stuck.
Really inspiring! Love to work with you!!
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@Leo, this means so much to me, truly. Thank you for such kind words. Having you in this community and in my life is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
I love hearing about everything you’re building right now. The fact that you’re developing both a live action lane and an animated lane is such a smart and exciting move. Animation opens up so many creative possibilities. I’ve actually seen some of the images from Ghost of Yotei and the art looks incredible. Speaking of games, I just got back from a few very fun hours at the arcade with my friends playing a bunch of games.
Cheering you on always, my friend. Keep me posted.
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Hi Ray Fontenault, it’s great to meet you, and thank you for sharing both of these projects with us. A great way to make progress is by being a regular contributor in the Screenwriting and Producing Lounges, where the focus is a bit more on conversation, craft, and building relationships through discussion. You might consider sharing a bit about your process or asking a question tied to these projects. For example, with something as personal as PALS FOREVER, I think a lot of writers would love to hear how you approached adapting such an intimate real-life story into a screenplay, or how you balanced emotional truth with narrative structure.
And if you’d ever like help navigating next steps, packaging strategy, or connecting with the right people here on Stage 32, our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com is always a great resource for more targeted guidance.
Really glad you’re here, Ray, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work and your journey in the community.
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Geoffroy Faugerolas, that truly means so much to me, thank you. I feel really lucky to be part of this team and this community, and I couldn’t do any of it without all of you. We’ve built something really special here, and I’m grateful every day to help be a part of it.
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Lauren Hackney, this made me smile so much, thank you. I feel the exact same way about you. The way you show up for this community and support everyone here is so special.
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David Downes, I couldn’t agree more, that’s one of my favorite parts of Introduce Yourself Weekend.
It’s always incredible to see just how diverse this community is, not just in terms of geography, but in experience, backgrounds, and the kinds of stories people are passionate about telling. You get such a real sense of how global and dynamic the creative landscape is.
And what’s even more exciting is seeing those connections start to form between people who might never have crossed paths otherwise.
Have you come across any introductions this weekend that really stood out to you or sparked your interest?
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Hi Meriem Bouziani, happy IYW to you too, and thank you so much for your kind words, that really means a lot. What stage is your script currently in, outlining, drafting, or revising?
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Amanda, thank you so much, that truly means a lot coming from you.
I feel really grateful to be part of this team and to help support such an incredible community. None of it works without all of us showing up the way we do, and I’m so glad to be doing this alongside you all.
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Steve Dini, this is incredible to read! Four optioned features and one produced and released is no small feat, huge congratulations on that momentum. And the fact that you now have producers attached, an investor interested in financing your pilot, and another feature potentially moving toward financing in May, incredible!!
Thank you for sharing this with the community. It’s exactly the kind of journey that can inspire others who might still be in that “lurking” phase to start engaging and putting themselves out there.
And I’m really glad the nudge helped, because this is the kind of momentum worth celebrating.
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Brenda Mohammed I always feel like it makes the community feel a little more real and connected when we can see each other, even virtually.
Really glad you’re here, and I hope you’re enjoying Introduce Yourself Weekend so far!
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Laquan Copeland, you’re too kind, thank you!
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Sydney, this means so much, thank you.
I really appreciate you saying that, helping people move forward is exactly what I hope to do, and it means a lot that you see that. And I feel the same way about you. It’s such a joy getting to work together. So grateful to be on this team with you.
Ashley, this made my day - thank you! I feel the exact same way. It’s such a joy working alongside you, and I’m so grateful to have you on this team :)
Thank you Ashley Renée Smith
At the moment, I’m in the process of revising my script’s structure and starting a new rewrite.
Thank you Ashley