2 years ago I read a script from a writer just starting out. It wasn't very good, but she took every note for what it was and didn't take anything personally.
This morning I read her latest screenplay. It's a stone cold killer piece of work.
You can truly accelerate your path when you're open to feedback and check your ego and emotions at the door.
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Congratulations to the writer, Richard "RB" Botto! Being open to feedback and checking my ego and emotions at the door have helped me, like recently with feedback from a Pitch Session.
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100% agree but sometimes easier said than done. I got a script that was semi-finalist in Austin FF, semi-finalist Stage32 Sci-Fi contest, RECOMMEND on Roadmap, then got a 3 on Blacklist - was a massive gut-punch. But... agree, still gotta be open and park the ego!
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This is such good advice. I'm so happy for the writer.
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Your advice is probably good for authors whose goal is to sell a script, not to create a project that the author can be proud of. I'm not interested in money; I want to create a project with my own vision and ideas. It should reflect my worldview and my professional level as a screenwriter. I had a similar experience in Russia, where I came up with an idea for a psychological drama series. In America, these types of stories are known as character-driven narratives. A director expressed interest in the project, but he wanted a typical Russian television-style detective story with action-based plots. I refused because it was a project of my dreams and it was a bit personal. I wanted to put all my knowledge of psychology into this project, so that I could be proud of it, and not just make money from a cheap series that I didn't care about. Feedback is important, but it shouldn't destroy the author's vision.
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Every reader is going to have their own perspectives and preferences, GJ Harvey. This is also why I demand transparency with my work, however. I want to know WHO is reading my script. And, of course, here, you can choose your executive to assure that at least the sensibilities (genre, for example) match the executive's taste or the needs of the prod co they work for. And I always choose a read and call so I can get direct feedback and ask questions. That's a promise I made to myself a long time ago. Full transparency. Full stop. If you need some matchmaking done, just write Geoff and Pat at success@stage32.com
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I am as well, Asmaa Jamil. Very well earned. She put in the work. Repeatedly.
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And no one says you have to accept the feedback, Arthur Charpentier, but the battle for many is being open to the feedback.
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Great advice RB! When giving notes you always hope that they are taken in the spirit of positivity. You always want to see people succeed!
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'notes' are 'feedback' - 'feedback' is a tool used everywhere from business to relationships to nature (where everything has a feedback loop for self-regulation). For creative work it works the same way - to trouble shoot your intended effect vs actual effect. What works, what didn't. etc. That's feedback on the STORY.
Sometimes you want feedback on the COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL of your story - and that's a different beast. Sometimes that's the priority, maybe angling for a specific company's current mandate, or to attach a particular director or actor.
So I agree with Richard "RB" Botto comment regarding making sure the sensibilities of the one providing feedback match yours, the writer's, as much as possible.
And I would add - know what you want out of the feedback. Do you want to know if the reader is left confused at parts? Do you want to know if it's a fit for Paramount+? Do you want to know if it's funny enough?
And EVEN if all you requested was 'Hey, can you read this and tell me what you think?' it would be helpful to categorize your feedback notes into buckets like 'plot issues'/ 'character dev' / 'market positioning within the genre' etc etc.
But the biggest loss of opportunity (and time) is to ask for feedback to support 'confirmation bias' and thereby lose out on a chance to better your story and your craft. Because even the process of deciding which notes NOT to apply will still put you ahead of where you've been.
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I think that's what gets lost sometimes, Ewan Dunbar. If the mission is sound, the reader is always trying to give constructive feedback. Why get defensive when people are leading with honesty. Doesn't mean every note is the right note, just means that the note is coming from a positive place. Up to the writer to digest, parse and apply...or not.
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Killer post, Sebastian Tudores. Absolutely spot on in every respect. And this is why I always recommend writers choose a script read WITH a call here on Stage 32. So you get to ask all these questions directly. Further, you get to understand the actual notes and feedback.
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Richard "RB" Botto it's appreciated :) and excellent advice on the human conversation part of the script read! critical part of the experience.
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We not only forget that everyone is a human being, but that they have a job to do and (most) a boss to answer to. In that framework, criticism will take many forms. But as long as it comes from a place of honesty and empathy, it's all good.
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A literary agent read my two-page animated script pitch and gave me eye-opening feedback. Thanks to her sharp insights, I improved the story and script in ways I hadn’t seen or imagined. Being open to feedback is truly motivating — especially when it hits right on the nose! :)
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Appreciate you sharing this, Sylvia Melanson. And good on you for being open to receiving those notes.
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Richard "RB" Botto THIS!!! My Pixar mentor and I got along so well because everything he said I saw as how to lead me to my best work, not as a judgement call. It seems to be an invaluable thing to learn, understanding, applying and accepting feedback. Great post! <3 Also stoked for her similar experience! Bet she's just as proud of gaining your reaction as you were to have it! <3
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Leaving the 5 stages of grief firmly in the rear vision mirror is exhilarating, when you receive that coveted recommend.
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That's a great share, Rosie Schreiber. And you're absolutely correct, it is an invaluable thing to learn. Otherwise, you're setting up roadblocks for yourself.
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Funny how that has a way of crystalizing everything, Marina! Congratulations!
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I at least try to see where the feedback is coming from, the note givers perspective and see how things make sense from there. It's usually a genuine attempt to helo you, so at the very least you can get an outside perspective, but who knows? Maybe you'll apply is differently. It's fuel to your redrafting brainstorm.
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Right on, man! If a writer can't take advice from people who already have been where they are and know the road and craft, they need to humble themselves and understand that we are all constantly learning and growing as artists.
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This is one of the best pieces of advice ever, even if it's also one of the most overlooked, Richard "RB" Botto. The first step for writers to truly improve in writing is to accept that they still have something to learn. Without the right mindset, even the best feedback is just a loss of time.
The writers I've met who showed the greatest improvement are not necessarily the most naturally talented, but the ones who were more eager to learn. In contrast, I've met talented people who fail to grow because they perceive every piece of feedback as a personal attack. And it’s always a pity to witness such potential wasted.
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This is why I will only get notes from trusted sources for full transparency, Michael Dzurak.
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And yet, so many are so ego ridden they won't do just that, Callie Currence. It's why so many execs have left broad based social media platforms like X, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. They were tired of trying to help people breaking in only to be told how "wrong" they were. Fortunately, this community is much more open, less cynical, and more focused. As a result, many of those execs have made 32 their primary home.
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Couldn't be more spot on, Chiara Torrisi. Every word. The quicker one learns that lesson, the quicker the car accelerates.
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Richard "RB" Botto,
Absolutely spot on. One of the biggest shifts in my creative journey came when I stopped treating feedback as a judgment and started embracing it as a gift. Every note, whether big or small, is an opportunity to grow—not just as a writer but as a person. I’ve had moments where I bristled at a comment, only to realize later that it opened a door I hadn’t seen before. Thank you for always championing growth, humility, and perseverance in this community. The success of that writer is inspiring—and a reminder that ego doesn’t write great stories. Listening does.
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"One of the biggest shifts in my creative journey came when I stopped treating feedback as a judgment and started embracing it as a gift." - That line alone is pure fire. It IS a gift. Especially when it comes from someone with experience and from a place of empathy and generosity.
"Thank you for always championing growth, humility, and perseverance in this community." I appreciate this more than you know. The whole team does, I promise you. This has been the mission and will be the mission for as long as this joint is around.
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Richard "RB" Botto,
Thank you so much for the kind reply to my comment. That truly meant a lot. I’ve been part of many creative spaces over the years, but Stage 32 stands out as one of the few that genuinely feels built on empathy, generosity, and encouragement. You’ve fostered something rare here, and it shows.
I just wanted to say how grateful I am to be in a space where stories and dreams can grow and be nurtured. Thanks again for everything you and the team do.
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You've hit upon the values and tenets the entire team at Stage 32 embraces and lives, Wyman Brent. Everyone lives the mission. And that won't stop.
Truly appreciate the recognition and you taking the time to drop me such a thoughtful and kind note. Thrilled to have you in the community.
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I second all the positive thoughts on appreciating constructive criticism. The collective energy here is catching. Before joining Stage 32 I’d “Brace” myself for feedback whereas now “Embrace” it.