Hi All!
Just a quick introduction. I'm a professional actor turned aspiring screenwriter. Wrote and produced a short film (The Pony Man) several years ago. It played at a few small festivals but gave me the writing bug. Moved from LA to Savannah GA for work and am now picking up screenwriting again. I've written a few scripts and really focused on polishing my skills and collaborating and working with talented people in the industry.
I'd love to connect with any friendly, passionate, and professional industry people for support and collaboration.
Best,
John
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Hi, John Staley! Happy 2026! Welcome to the community. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...
Stage 32 had a Community Open House Monday. The recording will be up soon. It'll also help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry pros. www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-december-community-open-ho...
Stage 32 also has a blog for up-and-coming screenwriters I suggest checking out: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...
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Thanks, Maurice! Much appreciated.
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John Staley Welcome to the Stage 32 community!!! It's a fantastic place to be and find really, whatever your creative career is searching for, there's so many opportunities to grow, learn and network. Happy New Year!!!
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You're welcome, John Staley. What's The Pony Man about?
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Hi John Staley, happy 2026 and welcome!
I’m Ashley Smith, Head of Community here at Stage 32. It’s great to meet you, and I love that your short film The Pony Man was the spark that gave you the writing bug. That actor-to-writer transition is such a powerful one, especially when it’s rooted in actually producing work and seeing it play on the festival circuit. Savannah is a fantastic creative home base too, there’s a growing energy there that really supports collaboration.
Since you’re actively polishing scripts and looking to collaborate, you might enjoy spending time in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) to talk craft, share process, and connect with fellow writers, and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing) to stay plugged into the production side of the conversation. The Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) can also be a great bridge for actor-writers who bring performance instincts onto the page.
If you’re a writer, I also recommend checking out the Stage 32 Writer’s Room. It’s a space for ongoing education, professional insight, and direct connection with industry veterans, and you can try it with a free month here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip.
If you’re ever looking to deepen specific skills or explore next steps, our Education Team is wonderful at giving personalized guidance on which of our 3,000+ hours of on-demand education might best support your goals. You can reach them at (Edu@Stage32.com). And when you’re ready to think strategically about connections, pitching, or development pathways, our Success Team is always happy to help at (Success@Stage32.com).