Anything Goes : Screenwriting Open call! by Mona-Lisa Di-Maccio

Hi Philo,

Thanks for your comment — I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I’d probably be skeptical too if I'm being totally honest!. Transparency is really important to me, so I want to clarify a few things.

This project is incredibly personal — it’s inspired by my father’s life work (he’s an 86-year-old visionary artist with over 70 years of painting behind him), and my goal is to honour that while building something bold, original, and emotionally resonant. That’s why we’re calling it a “co-creation” — not to crowdsource ideas without paying, but because we’re looking for a creative partner who’s open to collaboration, nuance, and building a shared vision.

At this early stage, we’re not commissioning a full script. Like an actor’s audition or a director’s reel, the concept outline is a way for us to find someone whose voice, tone, and vision aligns with the world we’re building. Once the core writer is selected, they’ll be brought on in full collaboration with myself and the team, and of course compensated — whether via fee, shared ownership, or both, depending on what’s agreed with our partners.

I truly respect the value of writers and their ideas. And if it’s not the right fit for you, that’s completely okay. But I hope this clears up any concerns. I’m here to build something extraordinary — with heart, intention, and respect at the center. :)

Warm wishes,

Mona-Lisa

Netflix has their own production companies they work with. They don't take pitches or pilots. Do work directly with a production company that is producing a series for Netflix?

Hey Stephen,

You’re right that Netflix typically works through their own trusted production companies and partners.

Yes, to clarify: I’m connected to talent, reps, and others who are part of those production pipelines, but we’re still in early discussions and nothing is set in stone yet. So perhaps the title could be a bit misleading at this stage, and I’ll update it to reflect that more accurately. :) Thanks!

Mona-Lisa Di-Maccio that is so awesome!!!

Hi Amee Decker thanks so much!

Hi Philo Kvetch — again, thank you for continuing the dialogue.

I hear your concerns, and I respect that they’re coming from a place of wanting fairness for writers. I do too (I am an actress too, so I understand the struggles of being on that side of things) That’s why we’ve taken care to be transparent about where we are in the process — this is not about idea extraction, but about building a creative partnership. If we were looking to “collect ideas,” we’d be asking for pages of spec scripts, not outlines aligned with a brief we've already created.

This is a deeply personal project — we’re looking for a writer whose voice can weave into that vision WITH creative freedom. Not to execute on command, and not to be taken advantage of.

For the right person, it’s a rare and exciting collaboration. Wishing you the best regardless, and thanks again for keeping the discussion sharp!! :)

Warmly,

Mona-Lisa

This sounds like an interesting opportunity so I'll check it out. Thank you for sharing it!

Hi Mona-Lisa -- got the materials, many thanks. Any way you can send along an uncropped image (or perhaps a video) of that massive painting your dad worked on for three years? Or post this here?