Introduce Yourself : Introduction... by Amber Engel

Welcome Amber! :)

Welcome Amber. As one who also put of writing for too long, I wish you the best :)

Welcome to the Big Stage. I started late as well, but have written 16 feature screenplays. No sales yet.

Welcome!

Welcome, Amber. 'Go for it' is a great plan. All the best wishes, from Aus.

Hey, Amber Engel! My name is Kay, I'm the Community Manager here at Stage 32. If you'd like to learn more about myself and the Stage32 Team, we have an intro blog: https://www.stage32.com/blog/Meet-the-Stage-32-Team Nice to meet you and welcome to the community!

You've come to the right place! There are TONS of resources for new writers, so pace yourself LOL! A good place to start would be the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) where you can reach out and request a script exchange. However, since you're new to screenwriting, you may want to get professional notes first (we call it "Coverage" and on Stage32 it's called "Coverage by an Industry Reader") so you have a framework for giving notes to your Stage32 peers. Here's the link for that: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=23

I was looking over your profile, but you don't have much there. Maybe you could use some of this post to help build up your bio! Feel free to reference my blog post on "Polishing Your Profile" to help guide you: https://www.stage32.com/blog/Shape-Up-Your-Calling-Card-The-Importance-o...

Keep in mind that these lounges are like the VIP Filmmaker's Lounges at Film Festivals, so this is where you can meet the people doing the work, get advice on anything you're working on, and/or give back to those who may need advice. We're a very supportive and encouraging community! I think you'd also enjoy my intro blog post on how to engage with the Stage32 Community:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/Find-Your-Community-on-Stage-32

Enjoy exploring the lounges, and don't forget to comment and respond to others’ posts, too! It's the best way to really connect! And, of course, feel free to reach out at any time. Cheers!

Welcome to our Stage 32 family and happy networking Amber!

Welcome Amber, never too late to start, and If you've already started, then by definition you're already a writer. Happy to connect to read

Welcome here? Do you have any camera with you ? What kind of story is that you both are planning? Got any producers to collaborate with?

Thanks everyone, I'm learning a lot here already. Our first script is a female led revenge thriller, no camera and haven't yet had the chance to collaborate with anyone. I'm still trying to finish the last bit and then into the re-write. I've imagined that I'd start reaching out to collaborate and find interest once it's all polished and ready... what's your process for collaborating?

Stage 32 is a good place to start.

Hi Amber Engel . There is a movie called Eden Lake. Also check an Indian movie NH10 whose concept was taken from Eden Lake as well but slightly different story just alike your Logline "Biker Bitch".. Even your other logline have some resemblance to two other movies and its storyline I feel I might have read or seen similar concept long time ago. Cant remember clearly.

So do once a research on these aspects. Logline synopsis you have written are good. But like I pointed out because of similarities you might find it hard to get producers supporting the project. Just letting you know if you are trying to pitch those. Not trying to demotivate you but letting you know what might trouble you near future.

So 1. You may have to rework on the story and theme

2. Both Logline I liked it but didn't really made me feel I haven't seen it before..

3. Everyone's process is different and has to be different to bring their own nuances in film I feel..

When you said you are so passionate to make films. I felt that emotion too as even I have been out of creative work since long time working different job I realised I got to get back to my creative side and make films.

In my view if I was in your situation I would have first tried to get a decent video camera for myself and than shoot some videos and a short film may be a zero budget short film as soon as possible. I believe in learning while doing. My process is as such.

Got story idea than just write it your own way. Want to shoot just get people or if you got money buy a camera get some non professional actors and few people who are passionate and can collaborate and shoot a short film. .Thats it.. I dont care to go for festivals or competition, just make it and see how to make it.

Read about this film maker Rima Das from India. She just did the same. She got 2 cousins for her help, herself and few kids as actors. Done! Made a movie called Village Rockstars which even was at Oscar.. Do check its trailer online. That's my approach as well. Just minimalist and doing it.

I tried the usual way, sure its good but I got super tired when ran behind finding producers, festivals and actors seeking for help to my project.. Stupidly got tired. So learned my hard lesson.

If you are American its capitalist country anyway. Our got to learn or made to be hamster in a wheel if dont give something new each time I delete. So you got to find producers studio to fund your own unique project. Hence pointed about your Logline. Concept. So keep working on whatever seems work, job culture there. But do your own thing which keeps yourself your work authentic.

So only I asked you like do you have camera?

Pardon if I came across blunt. I just speak out as it is. I come here only once in a while just to check. So I often write whole thoughts behind my view form my phone and gone for days . Apologies for grammar mistaken.. I am currently writing my stories too and trying to make documentary and short film. Lets see where it goes. Hopefully we all cross path. There are many who will surely going to help you here. Do check Kay moderator here. She shares a lot of information I have seen here. Good lady. Even Jason and others.

Best of luck..

Glad you did not give up on your dream. Welcome back. I would also check with local screenwriter groups in your area for help as well once Covid is over with.

If you have an IPhone 11 or higher, it has an IMovie Icon that allows you to create a project. I saw a wonderful commercial that illustrated many ways to shoot using your phone.

Welcome to the club. :)

It's never late to start writing! I returned to screenwriting after raising a family myself. I always say, you must live first so you have something to write about. Good Luck!

I'm going to echo Stephen. Frankly you should have been giving yourself twenty minutes a day to write all along. It doesnt take much you know and yes I speak from experiance. Get yourself a how to book on formatting and have at it.

So true! Life is always, "if I knew then what I know now..." I do wish I would have done something small like taking those 20 minutes a day. Here's the thing though, I didn't... but that's ok because I have been living life, reading, learning and watching films the whole time and I've accumulated a TON of experiences, both good and bad.

I've already gotten so much great advice here, the most impactful so far being, to go make our movie ourselves. Taking these words to heart and thinking it through- we've decided, Hubby and I are going to do just that!

So, now we're editing and rewriting our script and researching different ways we can film affordably. Also, thinking we'll do a short to help garner some interest... not seeing any job postings in or around Seattle. Anyone from Washington state?

Here's to hoping my next post is to ask for cast and crew volunteers!!! :) Thanks for all the feedback and advice.