I'm not new to Stage 32, but wanted to check in and say hello and read up on what everyone is up to.
I'm a writer and producer, working on a few projects. I'd taken a bit of a detour from the entertainment biz in 2006 and got into interior design. This year, after running my design business for 17 years, I phased out all of my design clients, although I do still decorate clients' homes for the holidays. I even got to do holiday decorating for a party honoring President Biden when he was in town a couple weeks ago.
Now I'm settling down to write a screenplay for hire - a job I got through Stage 32. Another project I wrote, and am producing, is hopefully starting production in the summer. I didn't get that job through Stage 32, but I am working with some people on it whom I met here.
Welcome to all the new members! Hello again to those who have been here for a while. Stage 32 is a fantastic resource for education and networking.
3 people like this
Happy Holidays, Maureen Mahon! Do you think about the interior design for locations when you write scripts?
3 people like this
A little bit, Maurice. Although, I don't use a lot of description in my writing - I do see it in my head.
3 people like this
I think about the interior design for locations when I write too, Maureen Mahon. Most of the interior design doesn't end up in my scripts, but thinking about it helps me write scenes.
3 people like this
Yeah, me too. Same with actors - I imagine specific actors playing the roles and it helps me give each character a unique voice.
4 people like this
Hello Maureen i am new in the writing industry i have started a script how do i get someone to look at it.
3 people like this
I do that, Maureen Mahon. Do you ever act out your scenes?
5 people like this
Here's a great blog for up-and-coming screenwriters, Jerri Passariello and Hasan Movahedzadeh: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...
And I suggest checking out this blog (https://www.stage32.com/blog/navigating-stage-32-for-your-best-experienc...). There's information in the blog about how to pitch your scripts to executives, producers, etc.
One last blog. This blog will tell you how to network successfully on Stage 32: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-network-successfully-on-stage-32-3356
4 people like this
Welcome back, Maureen. You can't take the writer out of the writer, right? You've got almost two decades of new material. And I bet your old material looks very different than the last time you visited them.
I'm not that active on this platform but have pitched several times and have taken numerous sabbaticals.
Grand success to you.
3 people like this
Hi Maureen Mahon - totally inspiring post! It's great to meet you on this IYW. And I love that you've propelled your creative career with relationships you've made here on Stage 32. So cool!! Can you share any details on the screenplay you're about to start writing?
2 people like this
Hi Maureen Mahon , so great to hear from you. You've are such a creative force. I'm still looking forward to seeing PIAF produced. Happy Holidays!
3 people like this
Awesome news on your film entering production in the summer. Lots of work, but hopefully fun work ahead and I wish you only the best in the new year. Stage 32 is indeed a fantastic resource for education and network!!
2 people like this
Hi Robin Gregory! Nice to hear from you! I've once again put PIAF on the back burner. It's a tough one to sell. Since I had the opportunity to work on these two features, I thought I'd focus on getting them made so I'll be in a better position to try again with PIAF. There's a film in the works right now about Piaf where they're using AI to recreate her voice and image. I know the people from the Piaf Estate who are working with Disney to make it, and I know it will be very, very different from my show. It might even help me because more people will learn who she is. How are you doing? Are you working on any new books?
2 people like this
Sam Sokolow, the script I'm starting now is an adaptation of a book - a memoir by a Vietnamese woman who lost her parents in the Vietnam war when she was only 4 years old. It follows her life as she and her young siblings navigate through a war-torn country where no one wants the burden of taking in orphans. She's eventually adopted at age 15 and moves to the States. It's a really compelling story. I spent the day with the woman on Friday to get to know her better, see her home, and where she works. I'm really excited to dig in.
3 people like this
Thanks, L. Tom Deaver! I'm super excited. We have an actor for the lead - he stars in the Number 1 Best Horror Movie of 2023 (according to IMDB), but I can't really announce it yet...
2 people like this
Jerri Passariello, there are resources here at Stage 32 to get your script read. I would submit it for coverage to get feedback to see if it's ready to pitch or send out. That's where I'd start. They also have executives here who you can pitch to and if they like the idea, they'll request to read your script.
2 people like this
Maurice (I'm suddenly seeing all these responses that didn't show up before!) - No, I don't act out my scenes. Hahaha!
2 people like this
Maurice, thank you for posting those links for Jerri and Hasan!
2 people like this
Thanks, Jim Ramsbottom. It looks like you have some interesting projects. To your comment about my old material - I have a stack of old scripts (back when we used to print them out on 3-hole-punch paper). One of these days I'm going to read them... Maybe even rewrite one or two of them. Who knows?
1 person likes this
You're welcome, Maureen Mahon. The book adaptation sounds incredible! Acting out scenes helps me write them, but I don't do full out acting like I'm on a set or stage. I just act out parts at my laptop.
3 people like this
Maureen Mahon Oh my gosh, the story of the Vietnamese woman sounds heartbreaking. But this kind of story can be so powerful as a depiction of the real costs of war. Can't wait to see it.