Hi, my name is Kiara Cortes. I'm brand new to Stage32. I've been writing scripts since I was about 10 years old. It started off as a way to keep myself busy and soon enough it turned into a passion. At 16, I wrote my first short film and completed the project in 9 months. We encountered a lot of bumps along the way, but with some help we finished the project. My team has consisted of my mother (Reba Collection's LLC. Founder), makeup artist-in-training sister and my small group of friends from high school. A year after I made the short film, I got into making trailers for upcoming authors who wanted to get their books/fanfictions out there. From there, I met a great friend/author who is now partnering with me to make one of her books into a movie. We've been working hard on completing the arrangements needed to publish the book for about two years now. The book is to be published within this year and we're hoping to pitch the script about a year from now. We've tried opening doors, but they close on us when they find out we don't have an agent. I'm excited to learn more about the film industry with the help of Stage32. If you can help us out with finding a great film agent, please let us know. Feel free to come by and say hi!
Introduce Yourself : Introducing Myself by Kiara Cortes
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Welcome to Stage 32, Kiara!
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Thank you!
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So great to have you in the community, Kiara. Your passion and drive are evident! Congrats on all the success you've had already. Wishing you nothing but the best with the projects!
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Hi Kiara, welcome to Stage 32, I think there are professionals here who can give you the tips you need. Success with your project!
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Welcome, Kiara!
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Thank you all so much!
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So very nice to meet you, Kiara.
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Oh! I wish you luck and fun! that sounds like it's going to be great. nice to meet you!
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u are at the right place. network, network
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Thank you all so much! I'm looking forward to network and hopefully get this film on a roll.
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I can relate. I've self-published three novels, working on number four. As Stephen F. noted, networking is key. Also the author should have a formal marketing plan. Marketing is a major expense, but essential.
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I'd love to hear a little more about your experience self-publishing, Jan. Could you talk a little about the marketing plan? How long did you take to put that together? How many hours a day would you say you spent marketing and promoting after you published?
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Hi James: I use iUniverse to self publish. I've been happy with them. They offer quality editorial services as well as a wide array of marketing services. I have to admit that my marketing plan becomes more comprehensive with each book. I spend 2-3 hours minimum a day for marketing activities. My marketing plan includes: 1)identifying target audience 2) how can I position my book 3) marketing overview 4) identifying what makes me an expert on the subject matter 5) contacting potential endorsers of my book 6) what awards/contests should I go after 7) website goals 8) book signing campaigns 9) publicity 10) advertising I hired a local film company to produce a movie/book trailer for the first book in the series. Most book trailers do not use live actors. We did, which I believe makes a better trailer. If you want to discuss in more detail, you can contact me at jwalt43269@yahoo.com I hope all of this helps. I find myself learning something new all the time. Would love to hear your thoughts/feedback. Have a great week. Jan
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I find this all very interesting as well, Jan. Love to learn more. But let's not hijack Kiara's thread. Would you be willing to make a post (similar to what you have above) in our Authoring & Playwriting Lounge? We have thousands upon thousands of authors on this platform and the subject of self publishing comes up often. Sure they would appreciate the thread!
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Sounds like you're on your way! Keep up the great work!
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I second RB's idea. Like to see a discussion started so others can ring in. (And sorry Kiara.)
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It's perfectly fine, I love reading about everyone's experience. The author that I'm working with and I are learning everyday.
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Well, you've certainly got me beat. I didn't start writing screenplays until my mid-teens. Before that I wanted to do special makeup effects but my family members thought I was gonna grow up to be a serial killer so I had to stop, lol. (True story.)
Angel, that is too funny lol My sister does special effects makeup for her high school and she decides to practice right before we go to bed. My mother was definitely concerned when she walked out of her room with cotton balls and liquid latex stuck to her face lol. But it's good to try both areas out. She tends to do all of my makeup for events or projects that we have and we get to see the "Walking Dead" very often in the house.
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Very cool. Does she want to do it professionally? It seems really tough to do. I never realized how many different skills you have to master to do makeup effects until I started watching the show FACE OFF. Guess I was better of just sticking with the writing.
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Thank you. Yes, she hopes to do professionally one day. It's a timely and detailed area. Face Off is wonderful! She sits down and gets a few tips from the show. Now she wants to get her face casted to be able to make prosthetics. Writing is definitely a bit easier than special effects makeup lol
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Welcome Kiara! Glad to have you here!
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Thank you Daniel!
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Welcome Kiara. What an inspiring intro! Best of luck with your projects!
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Thank you everyone!
Welcome Kiara.