Introduce Yourself

Welcome Adedayo.

Emma Wilson Welcome to the community!

It’s great to see someone with both a legal and creative background supporting emerging filmmakers that balance is really important, especially when projects start moving toward production.

As a director and writer, I’m currently developing a character-driven feature and navigating that space between creative development and the business side of things, so it’s always valuable to hear perspectives from professionals working with producers and financiers.

Wishing you a great experience at Cannes hope it leads to some exciting collaborations!

Nice to see you here Emma Wilson!

Welcome Emma! Nice to chat with you here! I’ve been a Stage 32 member since 2021. I am a screenwriter and script consultant with my own script consulting and pitch coaching business. I also co host the Pitch Practice sessions Thursdays on Stage 32 and I’m on the Pitch Tank webcast Wednesdays as a judge. Reach out anytime!

nice to meet you here Emma ! I have a project that I feel could get your opinion on , it’s a tv series independently done and I know you of all person will understand the difficulties. nice to meet you hit me back if you can chat.

What is your mandate for your future production slate? Interested in low-budget horrors?

Hi Naveen, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you!

As you continue developing your screenplays and looking to collaborate, 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). Those are great spaces to share your work, join conversations, and connect with writers, directors, and producers.

You may also find it really helpful to reach out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. If you tell them more about your projects and your goals, they can help guide you toward curated resources and opportunities that align with where you want to go next.

Your work sounds like it spans very different tones and genres. What draws you to balancing social realism with sci-fi and comedy in your storytelling?

Hello Ashley,

Thank you for your suggestions it was great meeting you.

When it comes to writing, I’ve always wanted to explore a new space I call the “Reality Genre,” where stories reflect the world as it truly is, without sugarcoating. I believe audiences today and in the future need honest, grounded narratives that act as a reality check. This idea was the driving force behind my first book, "Unsold Virgin".

With science fiction, I’m exploring a different question: if humanity were to start again from zero, how would we design our future? Would power structures still exist? How would human emotions evolve in such a world? I believe human emotions are at their most vulnerable in these scenarios, and that creates powerful, meaningful storytelling.

I’m still exploring these ideas, and I hope to one day fully realize this vision.

Thank you again for your time and insights.

Hello Naveen Miriyala Welcome to Stage 32. If you’re interested in deeper conversations with writers, industry access, and live webcasts, the Writer’s Room can also be a strong resource. There’s a free month available so that you can explore its perks: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

Welcome aboard!

What a beautiful way to describe your work. I can already imagine how moving it must be. Personally and culturally rooted stories always hit different.

I'm looking forward to seeing more from you!

Lovely to meet you! Well done for reaching the quarter-finals! What was the competition? :)

Hi Jores Philippe, Jr., welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and congratulations on The Hands That Beat The Drum making the Quarterfinals, that’s a huge accomplishment, especially as you head into pre-production.

I love how clearly your cultural perspective shapes your storytelling. As you continue building and connecting, I’d encourage you to stay active in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing). Those are great spaces to share your process, talk about pre-production, and connect with other writers and directors working on personal, culturally grounded stories.

What has been the most important element for you in translating your personal and cultural experiences into something cinematic on the page and on screen?

Hey Ashley Renée Smith , thank you so much for the warm welcome — really appreciate it.

Honestly the most important element for me has been specificity. Not just “a Caribbean family” or “an immigrant story” — but this family. This drum. This subway station. This specific silence between a father and a daughter who love each other but don’t fully see each other yet.

I’m Haitian. I grew up between two languages, two cultures, two versions of myself depending on the room I was in. That tension is something I know in my body. So when I write it, I’m not researching it — I’m just remembering it. And I think audiences feel that difference on screen whether they can name it or not.

The cinematic part comes from trusting that specificity to carry the emotion. I don’t need to explain the culture. I just need to show the drum, show the hands, show the daughter watching her father from a doorway — and let the audience find themselves in it.

Currently deep in pre-production and excited to connect with writers and directors in these lounges. Thanks again Ashley.

Hello Jores Philippe, Jr. If you’re interested in deeper conversations with writers, industry access, and live webcasts, the Writer’s Room can also be a strong resource. There’s a free month available so that you can explore its perks: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

Hi Szabina Györei, welcome to Stage 32 and huge congratulations on making the Quarterfinals!! It’s always inspiring to see someone pivot into a creative path after building such a strong career elsewhere.

As you continue building momentum, I’d encourage you to become a regular contributor in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). Jumping into conversations, sharing your process, and connecting with other writers will help you grow your network and visibility.

You may also really enjoy exploring the Writer’s Room, especially with your goals around representation and developing vertical series. It offers access to industry professionals, exclusive discussions, and Open Writing Assignments. You can try a free month here:

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

What drew you specifically to writing for vertical series, and what do you enjoy most about that format?

Honestly, it started with wanting to improve my English — both my listening and writing skills. As a hopeless romantic, I stumbled upon some vertical series episodes on social media, and I was instantly hooked. After watching a few, I thought — why not try it myself? I wanted to see if I had a natural talent for storytelling. What I love most about the format is the intimacy of it. The close-ups force actors to convey incredibly deep emotions, and as a writer, that's a beautiful challenge to write for.

Thank you so much for your help and the links you shared — I still feel like a complete beginner in this world, and every bit of guidance means a lot to me.

Congrats Jackie Letkowski !

Jackie Letkowski, huge congratulations to you! Making the quarterfinals is such an exciting milestone, and it’s wonderful to see your work recognized alongside so many talented writers.

Moments like this are such a great reminder that your voice and storytelling are connecting. What kind of project did you submit, and what are you most excited to keep developing next?

Jackie Letkowski, congratulations!

Hi Nebukadresia Lungwecha, welcome to Stage 32! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here on the platform. It’s great to meet you, and I love your ambition to pursue an international acting career.

This is a great place to start building those connections with both peers and mentors. I’d encourage you to spend time regularly in the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing). Joining conversations, asking questions, and sharing your journey will help you get noticed and start forming real relationships.

You should also take some time to explore Stage 32’s Acting Education (https://www.stage32.com/education/collections/acting). There are some really valuable classes and resources there that can help you build your skills and better understand the industry as you grow.

You have a clear vision for where you want to go. What’s one step you’re planning to take this year to move closer to your goals?

Nebukadresia, welcome to Stage 32. It’s great to see young creatives with clear goals and passion for storytelling and acting. Stay consistent, keep developing your skills, and connect with others in the community. Wishing you success on your journey toward becoming an international actress.