Introduce Yourself

Congratulations on taking the reins and directing, Jim Cushinery!

Jim Cushinery That Screamfest premiere at the Chinese Theater must’ve been unreal—congrats on that. And “Grandma Did” sounds wild in the best way, bold and heartfelt with a killer hook. I come from the music side myself, so I always appreciate seeing artists move between music and film so seamlessly. An obsession with aging feels like a rich lane to explore. Looking forward to seeing where this feature goes and connecting more.

Nice to meet you on here Jim, and congrats on directing your first feature!

Welcome here! Send me a network ad, and join me Saturday or Sunday on my virtual drop in:

Saturday and Sunday December 20 & 21 · 1:00 – 2:00pm

Time zone: America/Los_Angeles

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qvw-wsxr-ahyOr dial: ‪(US) +1 203-900-4823‬ PIN: ‪336 653 973‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/qvw-wsxr-ahy?pin=1126630982874

Cyrus Sales yes, the Chinese show was indescribably delicious.Full theater of film makers and avid fans. Did a Q&A with all the other directors and everyone was super positive and supportive of each other.

Hey, Sydney S. Happy December Introduce Yourself Weekend! Congratulations on everything you accomplished this year! Happy Holidays!

Sydney S Thank you for everything you do Sydney!!! Happy, Happy, Holidays to you, and a wonderful 2026 for you and yours.

hey Sydney S ! it's been lovely getting to interact with you and the Edu team this year and look forward to continuing. Thank you for the endless energy you put into making sure the members of this 'home' have the opportunity to grow in our craft and interests. you rock. wishing you an awesome Holyday & Get. Some. Rest. lol cheers

Hello, yourself, Meriem Bouziani it's nice to meet you. I'm glad you like my pals.

you're welcome Bill McCormick

Haha I gotta step up my hot sauce game, Bill McCormick. Thanks for the link. Have you thought about writing a story about hot sauce?

There are many scenes involving spicy foods, strong liquor, and scantily clad humans all through my books, Maurice Vaughan

Cool, Bill McCormick. I'm gonna put a hot sauce scene in a script. Thanks for the idea.

Hey, Amanda Toney glad to be here! I like both kids animation and adult animation. I didn’t know about that lab, I am going to see if I can make it in

I know why you came back Gary Jones ! Stage 32 is the most professionally interactive and inspirational place to find People like us (amazing creatives)! I'm fairly new, but have found so many answers and avenues to success here. Love your superhero comic graphic!

Cool, Gary Jones. I like the artwork! Are your comics online?

Maurice Vaughan thanks! yes they are, here’s the link to my webtoon profile

https://www.webtoons.com/p/community/en/u/D1v3rgent

Thanks, Gary Jones. I'll check it out.

Hi R.B. Ripley, happy Introduce Yourself Weekend and welcome. I’m Ashley Renee Smith, Head of Community here at Stage 32.

I love how clearly you defined your storytelling lane, nerve-shredding thrillers paired with deeply human dramedies about underdogs and outcasts who win is a powerful combination. That focus on tension and heart is exactly what resonates with both audiences and collaborators, and it’s great to hear you’re here with a community-building mindset.

You’ll likely find some great conversations and connections in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing), especially since you’re looking to connect with executive producers who love indie, character-driven storytelling. The Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing) can also be a strong place to meet indie filmmakers who are actively developing and packaging projects.

Since you’re seeking mentors and executive producers, I’d also encourage you to connect with our Success Team at (Success@Stage32.com). They can help point you toward curated resources and the right professionals based on your specific projects and ambitions.

I’d love to invite you to join our upcoming November Community Open House webcast, a completely free event designed to help you build connections and navigate Stage 32 like a pro:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-december-community...

Really glad you’re here, Rob. Looking forward to seeing you around the lounges and watching these stories make their way to audiences.

Hi Rob,

Welcome from one writer to another!

Hi Maurice, Ashley and Mandi - lovely to meet you all. Ashley - thanks for the info, it's super helpful. Maurice, I have not yet been to an in-person meeting, but looking forward to it. Any recommendations?

Great to meet you, R.B. Ripley. Here's the link to the Meetups (www.stage32.com/meetups). If you don't see a Meetup in your area, keep an eye on that page for new Meetups. And you're welcome to start your own Meetup.

I love the thought of writing about "underdogs who win" R.B. Ripley So glad you're with us. Happy IY Weekend!

Maurice Vaughan Happy Holidays! :) :) :)

Your Romantic Drama sounds incredible and really unique, Sanna Peth! I can't wait to watch it!

Maurice Vaughan Thank you so much, I really hope so!

You're welcome, Sanna Peth. Did you read this blog for up-and-coming screenwriters: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...

Hi Sanna Peth - congratulations on your positive feedback. That's huge! Glad you're with us on Stage 32. Be sure to stop by the screenwriters lounge and get to know some of your fellow scribes there: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting

Hi Leonardo - thank you for sharing such a heartfelt story! What a beautiful inspiration behind Agents of C.O.W. - your nephew’s moment is so touching, and it clearly shines through in your work. Thanks for all you do for Stage 32!

Dwayne Williams 2 - that really means a lot my friend. Thanks a ton for your kind words. I hope you have an amazing holiday season with your family as well and that more than your dreams come true.

Sydney S - Such kind words Sydney. And thank YOU for all that you do for the community. You're always so encouraging - it means a lot.

For "Nobody's Heroes" and "Witches and Warriors" they were based on my experiences in Vietnam. For "When Will I See You Again?" It's based on a on-and-off love affair I had with one woman from 1967 to 2012. My next script will be based on involvement in the war between the Sandinistas and the Contras in the 80s.

Thank you for sharing that Michael Elliott 2 - those are no doubt, worthy stories to tell from your experiences and I truly look forward to seeing those on the screen. Thank you for your service sir.

Hey, Holly Fouche. Hope you're having a great holiday season! Congratulations on all the success with Rescue Team 7! I think it's gonna be a hit from the posts and pages I read. Your limited series and mockuseries sound interesting!

I LOVE that picture of you and Bumblebee Holly Fouche. So cool! And congratulations on all those placements. That's awesome!

Holly Fouche Hi again!!!! Yes to all that! Love your energy, love the theme of your projects, and a wonderful year ahead for you :)

Hey, Holly! So great to see you here! Congrats on all your placements this year, especially RT7, that’s amazing. Your projects sound so creative and ambitious, and I love your approach to building connected stories without needing them to rely on each other. Love your energy too! Excited to see what you create next and happy to connect!

Matthew Wach Love the introduction. I'm also a fan of thrillers, drama, sci-fi and comedy with a pinch of horror (use to big into horror...not so much anymore lol). Not too sure if anyone above asked but what are you currently working on?

Randall Scott White It sure is! Haha. Funny enough too, took ChatGPT FOUR tries to create that pic because it kept misplacing letters and numbers.

Its a lot of frustration . I have to use , Dyslexic , so spelling grammar and format . then send to my new co wrighter . If I trusted it for story Always a disappointment !

Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Matthew Wach! That mix of genres and lived experience can turn your stories into something extraordinary. Looking forward to seeing what you create.

What’s one visual scene from a film or game that has inspired you to create?

Hey Matthew Wach Matt-E W, that PSA reference hit perfectly. Love the creative energy you're bringing. Channeling trauma into storytelling is a recipe most writers do so you're in good company! Welcome to the community and looking forward to seeing what emerges from that visual imagination and controlled chaos!

Thank you, Nicholas — that means a lot. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a creatively fulfilling year ahead. Merry Christmas.

Every time I discussed my story with my parents. My mother would say something that she would read in a cliche romantic novels. But these aren't the type of stories I am interested in. Sure, I like romance but it has to be humor and bright like a rom-com should be. Hard to be reason with her, but I love my mother though.

That’s what we love about our mother’s Chase Carmichael they find ways to communicate with us about what they like. I had no idea of how to write but she taught me how to draw. So it’s her way of communicating with you.

Hey Nicholas P Using your parents' experiences and perspectives as source material is one of the most authentic wells you can draw from. Those stories carry emotional weight that pure imagination often can't replicate. A story about realizing too late what you've lost has universal resonance, especially when filtered through generational perspective. Merry Christmas to you too, and thanks for the reminder that our best material often lives closer than we think!

I like to say thank you Pat Alexander and I appreciate you. It’s a great reminder of where we came from.

Hi, Bob Gielow. Hope you're doing great! The Culling sounds interesting! You could make a collaboration post on the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs).

Hi Bob, wow, what a really crazy and cool premise. The concept is very intriguing! We actually have a really great sci-fi webinar that might help you with where you are at to harness it into your script: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-write-sci-fi-that-sell...

Happy IYW, Sam Rivera! Thanks for everything you do for the community! Do you have plans for the holidays?

Sam Rivera Happy, joyous holidays Sam! Love your energy so much, and can't wait to continue connecting, and inspiring all of us here in the Stage 32 community. So funny, when I was at Tisch, I met and took classes / seminars from Buchwald agents, lol!