Screenwriting : Posting Loglines & Screenplays to Stage32? by Elvira Drake

I've sold shorts, but not features.

The purpose of posting your loglines/scripts to Stage 32 is simply exposure.

Thanks. So kinda like a portfolio.

Hi T.K. :) The purpose of posting your loglines, or screenplays, or a synopsis, or some combination is to share your work. Members often post as much as they feel comfortable sharing. A lot of writers do prefer to post the first 10 pages of a script. Some prefer to post scripts in their entirety. Some prefer to share scripts privately and post only loglines. Do whatever works best for you. If you haven't yet, perhaps watch the "On Stage With RB" webinar videos for pretty much everything you need to know about how to use Stage 32 effectively plus insightful information about the industry: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/on-stage-with-rb. Also glance through the Stage 32 Success Stories Lounge section: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/stage_32_success_stories. And, perhaps take a look at the Happy Writers Success Stories as well: https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/success-stories. :) Best to you and welcome to Stage 32!

Gives Insight to How a Writer Thinks...

Thanks Beth. :)

I agree with Peter on this one. The point of posting loglines here seems to be to get other writers to comment on it & offer ways to actually flesh out or improve or write the poster's story before they wrote it or finish it.

T.K., a big part of our community is to support one another and offer encouragement. Writing can be a lonely endeavor and often it can feel like you're working in a vacuum. Many value other members' opinions and many of our members are very generous and helpful. Plus, it's about building relationships. Connections often lead to possibilities. The more active you are the more visible you will be. So, truly, it is what you make it. It's all up to you. :)

I personally only add completed projects to the logline page &, at the moment, just the logline and a brief synopsis of the idea. The finished script is kept awaiting anyone who fancies a read of them. Although, so far, out of their twenty views, no one has left comment or been intrigued. I do think it all adds to the profile, though. It is much better to see a full profile on a friend request than a blank biography, no photos, no show-reels or examples of their talent / work. It gives an idea of style and personality.

Beth, I know you're a mod but are you being paid for the constant promotion you give in many of the threads now? dont take that in a bad way, im just curious.

you can talk.

Beth has pointed to three things that don't cost any money, so I would have to say she is being helpful. I see Beth all over the place, and I can assure you that her focus is simply to get people the information they need. I, on the other hand, am not paid at all, not a mod, and I am not a pretty man. But I am constantly pimping out the educational section because I have had such great experiences with it. If I know where to send people, I do. Because as Beth has mentioned, it is all about supporting and helping. Beth, I know you can save yourself, but I do adore you so.

I only ask for help on loglines after I have a completed script although some people on here ask for the entire story when I only need to make sure the logline hits main points including goal

I know a lot of writers look for feedback to flesh out their ideas, but I didn't realize they were actually posting those incomplete thoughts to their logline page. STOP THAT! Or at least stop it if you ever want your work to get anywhere. FYI: I have had producers (that I was not connected to at the time) contact me based solely on my logline(s) on this site. Every tab on your profile is a direct reflection of you, do yourself a favor and make it the best it can be.

Danny, no, I am not being paid specifically for "promotion." Just doing my job and giving my personal thoughts. These are free options for writers that I use myself and that have helped me. We (mods) are asked to point out features to new members -- the OP of this thread, T.K., just joined in August. :) I'm not thrilled either with those who post asking for other writers to basically do the work for them -- but that's a gray area. Some honestly are seeking opinions or reviews about finished work; others perhaps more. It depends on the post and what exactly the poster is asking for. People need to stop generalizing and accusing ALL Stage 32 members of bad posting behavior when most do not. That's rather cynical, no? As Laurie pointed out, your profile is a direct reflection of you. It is beneficial to have your profile complete, or at least offer some sense of who you are and what your work is all about. You may like to know that we (mods) have been asked to move posts about loglines to the Your Stage section. Anything that is self-promotional, or "look at me, look at me," is to be moved. And, as you already know, Danny, soliciting for clients within threads is not appreciated either -- not accusing, just saying for all members. Anyway, overall, things will continue to improve. The forums are for topic discussion and not for personal promotion. You should see less and less of posts about loglines in the Screenwriting section.

Thanks John! Much appreciated!

Stuart, feel free to spit ball in a discussion -- of course. It seems 'your stage' would be the appropriate lounge area to do so. It just makes no sense to post an incomplete idea as part of your profile page. Meaning, the logline/screenplay section of your profile should reflect complete work.

Virtually all other artists post their work. Writers, fearing theft from other writers, squirrel their work away and post vague descriptions. Personally, I'm too proud of my work not to post it to my profile for all to read and I am not under the impression that a producer is going to find it there. I just like sharing it with the world.

I think there's two separate conversations going on here. The OP was what's the purpose of posting loglines/screenplays to your profile. The answer to that is as stated, it's part of your profile and a sample of your work for people to see what you are doing and capable of doing. And yes, producers etc. do look at these and inquire if interested. The tangental discussion is posting work for feedback, especially when it is not fleshed out. That, certainly shouldn't need rules -- but if it has grown into a monster it's appropriate to tame it.

I was thinking the same thing that Laurie just stated. My thoughts on both issues: If I was marketing any of my scripts or myself, I would certainly have them posted on my profile. If I was trying to get opinions of a "logline in development"....I personally would never throw that question out to a group of writers in a public forum for two reasons. Firstly, I wouldn't want other people potentially riffing off of that idea and becoming potential competitors with the same type of script. Secondly, I feel it would make me look like a bit of an amateur who can't even formulate my own logline. If I had to do that, I'd run it by some people in private, but not in public.

I thought Peter Corey's post was very sharply observed. From what I've seen, he's right; I smiled when I read his post. But to each his own. The Lounge isn't any one thing with one purpose. Peter's right. Beth's right. Stuart's Wright/right. Etc. We each participate in only the threads that we feel are worthy of our time, and we connect personally more closely with some S32'ers than with others.

Great comments. :) Yes, the OP was asking what's the purpose of posting loglines/scripts on your personal page, which has been answered. Just to add to the second question/discussion that has developed... it's not so much about "rules" but rather where to appropriately place posts. There is a method to all our wonderful madness. The site is organized. Yes, there are gray areas -- absolutely. There are threads that some of us may or may not wish to participate in, or engage, and "idea fishing" or testing has increased as of late -- not sure why? Again, it's all about discussion and connection. The Screenwriting section is the dominate section and a lot of members are simply posting things in the wrong place. Some are posting a title and a logline without a question -- that's considered self-promotion and thus should be moved to Your Stage. The key is to ask yourself is this a topic for discussion or am I posting something that really is self-promotional. For example, if you have some great news to share, like your script was optioned, or you placed in a competition, you have several places to post; on your own wall, Success Stories or Your Stage. Please post away! It's great to see good news! If you wish to promote your services, or your book, or your own web site do so in the Your Stage section or on your own profile page. :) Our membership has grown so dramatically we've had to tighten up site organization. The one thing we all understand; we are protective of our community. I just had management suspend 4 maybe 5 spammers from our site. The goal is to keep forums open for great discussion. Organizing posts either by subject or by intent helps to do just that. :)

Yes, we are a chatty bunch -- excessively so! I love it! As I said, the Screenwriting section is the dominate part of the site. Perhaps writers are just creatures of habit. ;) However, it does help to be thoughtful to what you are posting and where you post it. Perhaps consider the site more as a whole rather than part by part. Venture out now and again. :)

I'm okay with checking a posted logline as it is... and giving feedback. Many professionals say it is best to start with a logline of your story idea, fleshed out - to see if the basic storyline fits your logline, before going into a first draft - to see if it works. What I have a problem with is what someone stated, rewriting the logline and the storyline for the poster. It does neither him or us any good. When, in discussing the fallacies of a logline, the writer responds with more story, character and plot information, to give us a clearer picture as to what the logline/script is all about. This is a cheat, because when you pitch that logline or idea to a potential buyer or reader - that won't have all this information available on their initial read. So it means nothing at this initial step to them. The only thing that will get their attention is how you present your story through your logline and does it excite them enough to want to read further. I agree with others, every opportunity to promote your work in a professional manner, should be taken, here, on social media, and in your profile or areas of self-promotion presented here on S32.

I venture to say that some writers see ALL of Stage 32 as a writing group that you can throw out ideas to and get feedback on. Those people obviously and honestly need help making their ideas better. We all need that at some point. Whereas others, like myself, prefer to form a circle within a circle; a group of people, on or off Stage 32, that are trusted go-to people for this kind of feedback. Is one way right and the other wrong? I don't really think so. It's whatever you feel most comfortable doing. I've always thought Stage 32 should have a forum just for this sort of thing. Like many have said already though, ONLY post a logline on your profile once you know it is the bomb! Test it however you want to, but your profile here should be treated like your LinkedIn profile I reckon. Only your best shiz should be there :-)

Wow what great post! It's great to see so many different opinions yet everyone stays respectful. I am glad to be part of this group.

@ Phillip. The bomb. I see what you did there!!! :) Agree about the possibility of having a separate forum dedicated to posting ideas and seeking feedback. The current Stage 32 has been shaped on past experiences. So, based on present activity, this site can only continue to go onwards and upwards.

I’ve never posted a logline here; I’ve never given it much thought but from the depth and breadth of this post’s comments – I should probably give it a try. Logline coming soon.

@ Peter - I can't see posting my loglines without an actual story written. Any logline or synopsis I post has a script available upon request to read.

Hey Elvira Drake - thanks for being a part of the community and for the great question. Yes, Industry Professionals look through the loglines all the time. I just spoke with an executive who runs development for a company with a Fox Television deal. She asked specifically for the link so she could scroll through and find projects.

I also know of several other executives who are lurking and looking at loglines. They don't make a big fuss about it but they have connected with several writers. I am happy to give you more information - hit me up at j.mirch@stage32.com

Heyo! I can speak from first hand experience. I optioned my first script this way. Here's the blog post about it. https://www.stage32.com/blog/Ireland-Based-Screenwriter-Options-her-First-Script-through-Stage-32

The director/producer came to my profile because he was curious about me, found a script he really really liked, emailed me, and optioned it a few weeks later.

I'd been on S32 for all of a month.

So, yes, that does actually happen.

Elvira, do the best u can...whacha gonna lose? I mean if I saw A.K. Walker here talkin' this bout posting his new joint I'd say...let it be man, talk to you agent first...