Introduce Yourself : A Multi-Optioned Foreign Screenwriter Says Hello by Juhani Nurmi

Hi ladies and gents, 

I've been a Stage 32 member for a few years, but have become much more active this year, having been a Quarterfinalist in the 2019 TV Pilot Contest. 

I'm a multi-optioned Hollywood screenwriter, currently developing among others a maritime horror thriller titled Stowaway (see link below) with established Hollywood director Marcus Nispel (Pathfinder, Conan). 

We've been at it for six long years, and as always with movie productions, get prepared for an emotional rollercoaster as making movies is far from always smooth sailing. What can look like the "sure thing" and ready to get greenlighted, can in fact fall into pieces before your very eyes, alas … when your financier suddenly walks away, at the last minute. We've had very positive feedback to the Stowaway script and we even have a Hollywood actress attached to the lead. We are still searching for that one elusive and crucial financier to make this amazing project a reality. 

However, as I keep telling my younger peers here at Stage 32, it's paramount for you not to remain a one trick pony. Do NOT put all of your eggs into the same basket. The "sure thing" can fall through at any minute (welcome to the harsh realities of Hollywood movie-making) so for your own sanity, you NEED to have that second, third and sometimes even the fourth script lined up and ready to go. This may sound like "tough love," but I sincerely feel that we screenwriters (young and old) need to be reminded of the realistic, sobering and often brutal truths of this business.

I love the vibe here at Stage 32, and I believe that so will you, newbies. Richard RB Botto and Jason Mirch have been extremely kind and helpful to me and others. Many execs/producers to whom I've live pitched (like for instance Cody Lyons and Jason Piette) have just been THE BEST. I just wanted to chime in and gently remind you that if someone like me, a foreign cinescribe and a LONG way from Hollywood can get his scripts optioned (I have several), SO CAN YOU. Never stop believing in YOURSELF, because if you won't, no one else will. 

Have an inspiring week pitching, (re)writing or whatever you do … but always remember that a writer WRITES. 

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/cannes-marcus-nispel-direc...