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My first screenplay was like that... epic, ensemble, supernatural.... 23 years later, it's still a hope of mine it'll get made one day. One reader told me I reminded her of a young Stan Kubrick and that Stan would love this. (apparently, she dated him)

"Arrival" sat with some producers for well over 10 years. It may be harder to fund an expensive film from an unknown because it will not be read to start with. But great work will be made. Your work will be rewritten by someone that they trust. Not because it is bad. But because it will be insurance in their minds.

An agent doesn't care what it cost to produce because they aren't paying to produce it. However big budget films always take longer to sell but agents represent the screenwriter not just one screenplay. As far as managers go I don't have clue what they think or do.

Craig D Griffiths That's one of the reason my supernatural script has sat in my drawer for 23 years... it's my baby... the one I won't let others "dreck" (as Terry Rossio wrote in WordPlay) All the others? No problem. Hire another writer to redo it as insurance. But my first one I wanted to direct too. As an unknown, it's why I turned to authoring. Easier. And my words stay what they are... good, bad, and ugly. However, the process made me a better writer with stronger and deeper roots than when I naively started back in 1995 and gave up an engineering career to do so. No regrets though.

Welcome Kyle!

Kyle, congratulations on your recent short! Would you send me a link to your short at sdgfilms4@gmail.com? I'd like to watch it. I'm in pre-production on my first faith-based feature. I'm in Cincinnati. Kind Regards, Janice.

I only read a few so not much.

None that I recall. It behoves you to know, understand and apply the basic industry standard format to your script. Your writing style will evolve as you write - there is no need to try to copy someone else's style. Again, story weaving structure is a personal matter that will evolve with writing experience. All the best.

Probably “Chinatown” because it was used as an example in Syd Field’s screenwriting book, a popular how-to book from the 1980s.

Thanks for the input. It stands to reason that one would study the form and content of "the classics" in the industry. It's done in every other field- medicine, law, manufacturing ... Of course, speak in your own voice and write your own story but stories are constructed and stylized. Read on. Write on.

Dan--I've read every "how to" book on screenwriting and had to spend years forgetting the stupid crap the "gurus" preach.

Hi Eric! I hope you can find producers for your scripts.

Thanks, Brian!

Glad to have you here Evan! I went to check out your work on your profile but didn't see anything listed. I'd definitely recommend uploading your work when you're networking so other Stage 32ers know what you do!

Good luck and I wish much success and fun on your journey. To see the pilot our brand new show that was just posted yesterday, go to https://youtu.be/pptbwIwf8hs.

Thanks Amanda, and Lee A the show looks awesome!

Greetings from a little south east in Houston, Victoria!

Hi! Used to live in Houston.

Welcome, Victoria. Nothing beats hands-on experience in this industry. Bet the film production was an eye-opener. Here if you ever want to talk movies and screenwriting.

Thank you! I'd actually like to as I'm trying to get involved in more projects. The film I helped out on was a huge eye-opener, and a ton of fun. I'd like to work on cameras more, and gaffer stuff. I also am having some trouble with my screenplay, so any recommendations anyone has to help out please lmk.

Felix, I like adding synopses to my loglines so that I can help whoever's reading what I've written. (Anything to help a reader go on to the screenplay itself.)

Hi, Felix. Members often post loglines to test them out or just to share their work. Some post a synopsis, or treatments, or screenplays in their entirety, or perhaps just the first 5-10 pages. You can edit or delete whenever and whatever you wish on your profile page. Many choose to include everything so that should someone be interested in their work, it is then readily available for that interested person to read. Or some post work for feedback and ask/receive comments from other members. And some prefer to be contacted first before sharing their work privately, via email, and others prefer to share openly. It’s really up to you! Do whatever makes you comfortable. :)

Thanks very much, Jim Boston, it's good to help a reader. But, Beth Fox Heisinger , if you always add a synopsis, what are the reasons? And if you don't, why? please share your good ideas. It might be useful to me or to others...

Felix, some members add a synopsis (a short summary of the script's narrative) so whoever is interested can get a quick idea of it without having to read the screenplay. Some may post a synopsis publically instead of the script itself, preferring to receive a script read request by an interested party. Posting a synopsis just gives more information about a project. That's it. Some may not post one because they prefer to keep their projects private. Members have their own reasons for why they may or may not post. ;)

thanks very much, Beth Fox Heisinger ... But if maybe I feel like posting one, do I first need to get the script registered?

Just seconding Beth’s comments. I have nothing to add!

Nikki April Lee what’s the difference between a “free” and “paid” script to read?

Beth Fox Heisinger Well, that does put my mind at ease. I just figured if they are downloading the script multiple times on different days then they have to be finding it interesting enough or else what's the point of the redownloads? I just thought I'd reach out before I make a fool of myself writing to CJ. Thanks!

You're welcome, Nikki! I'm glad that put your mind at ease. Myself, I download things multiple times. I will, if say, I forgot I already had or maybe I didn't "save as pdf." Or I'm reading something and forgot to transfer it to another device, so I'll download it again. Or I'll be working on something and think, oh, this reminds me of something I saw a while back, and I'll go hunting for it to double check... Ugh, with my chaotic life, I download stuff multiple times quite often. Lol! I would imagine the same for others. Nonetheless, do reach out to CJ. I'm sure he would wish to help, perhaps take a look at that activity for you, and ease your mind as well. ;) Anyway, I'm happy to be of service. And best to you!

Dan MaxXx Free is the work you are releasing to the public domain. I have a few single actor scripts that people can use as audition pieces if they wish.

Nikki I normally thank people for the download. That opens the lines of communication.

She was just so gosh darned gorgeous; which means, I didn't mind. She actually went on and won Ms. Galaxy a few years ago.,, and was the inspiration for my Cubicle Cardio book (on Amazon)

Good Morning Folks,

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2130882070337174&id=72536616...

I never ate a Vegan I didn't like.

I mean met a Vegan I didn't like. Hell, we all were Vegans until the first group of early man ventured out of the jungle.

Ok, we ate bugs in the jungle, but I don't think that counts.

Congrats Janice! Your right you'll meet a lot of wonderful creatives here. Best to you and all your projects!

Thank you!

Jonas, are you aware that you're doing things backwards? Smart producers first determine they're target audience and what genre will best catch that audience's attention.They then take detailed inventory of what they have at their disposal: budget, locations, crew, time, ideas, contacts, credit cards, etc. ONLY THEN should a script be written to INTENTIONALLY fit within those limitations. If you have not done this, you might consider starting over. The majority of short films are produced for under $5000, which isn't really a big deal either here or in Europe. Make a list of 10 crew or friends and ask each to contribute $500 as your co-producers. Remember, the Cavalry is not coming to the rescue!

I'd forget the profits and fund the short film as a learning experience for you and your cast & crew. It's an audition reel. $4,000 is not a whole lot. Work a part-time job & use credits cards.

I agree 100% with Dan MaxXx , Jonas Klocke –– short films should either be self-funded as a learning experience (or series of them) or crowdfunded, but with the latter route, you'll be doing a lot of legwork, so if you're not prepared for that, then out-of-pocket is the only option.

Congrats!

The stills look great.