Screenwriting : Free Webcast this Thursday! After Coverfly: How to Best Position Yourself in 2025 and Beyond by Amanda Toney

Hi Amanda, I'm Monte Albers de Leon, a screenwriter since 2023 who finished his third script two weeks ago. On Friday I was surprised with the news that the California Foreign Press Awards named me Best International Screenwriter 2025. I'm honestly still getting used to the win and am very eager for advice as to how to best leverage this award and other accolades to garner the right attention with studios in an environment where repositories like Coverfly are shutting down and writers like me, who are new in the industry and do not yet have a network, struggle to get attention from the agents, managers and attorneys necessary to be taken seriously by the necessary decision-makers to get a movie made.

Thank you.

I have signed up for this - I hope I don't get the time zone wrong. I'm in Brisbane, Australia. I am very eager to hear what this incredible panel has to say!

This is big and exciting, Amanda Toney! I signed up.

Hi, Monte Albers de Leon. Congratulations on finishing your third script and winning Best International Screenwriter 2025!

Thanks Maurice!

You're welcome, Monte Albers de Leon. I suggest adding a detailed bio to your profile. It’ll help you build relationships/network on here. You could add things to your bio like why you became a screenwriter, your accomplishments, your goals, and what movies and shows you like. Click the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner of Stage 32, then select “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu and scroll down to "Bio" underneath "About Monte."

You could post your scripts on your profile. Producers search profiles on here for projects. Click the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and select “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu. Scroll down to “Loglines” and click “Add/edit loglines” to the right of “Loglines.” You can also post your scripts on your profile this way: www.stage32.com/loglines (near the top where it says “Add a Logline”)

How Amazing Amanda Toney! I've never wished to be a writer so much before with all of these wonderful assets presented by @Stage32! The gifts just keep coming! Congratulations!

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

Thanks so much Maurice Vaughan! Have added my bio and my scripts to my profile.

You're welcome, Monte Albers de Leon. Great, thanks.

What I want to know is how to integrate my hundreds of songs in combination with my show ideas to achieve success.

I received my confirmation to access this webinar, but no link to join.

Just got the link to join. Thanks.

Waiting to be let into the Zoom meeting.

Same

Got it.

Stage 32 is a great place for networking.

congrats Amanda Toney for all writing/producing success!

Is this the lounge link for questions too? The chat is disabled.

This is awesome. Thanks so much for putting this together!

I believe so Laurie Ashbourne - hi! :)

Will Stage 32 have the ability to add contest placements that were not recognized by Coverfly e.g. a Stage 32 contest that was not in the Coverfly system?

Will Stage 32 have the ability to include placements for contests that were entered through Coverfly where results have not been announced yet? For example, Final Draft will announce QF results in late August, after Coverfly shuts down.

A lot of my friendliest rejections have involved a version of "Love your script, love your concept, but we just don't have the bandwidth/capacity/space this year to take on something like this." How do you recommend either researching ahead of time to find the right producers/studios to reduce the probability of that answer or the right response to overcome an answer like that?

Specific to the new platform, will it mimic Coverfly's medal system for script rankings, or have something different?

QUESTION: is one of the things on the list a home for writers who don't necessarily play the contest game? IE I work for a lot of contests and therefore rarely enter. And never subscribed to the Coverfly engine. However, I still I have a portfolio of material that deserves to be discovered. (IE: the other list site that claims to be a place to be found but does a horrible job at it). Part two of that is the privacy of aspect of hosted material that we don't want to available to train AI.

Will there be a way to integrate film freeway accolades as well? I would love to have one singular place that houses everything.

QUESTION: RB sent a notification last night... but the link is broken. Coverfly similarly is "Down For Maintenance." So I hope the demo provides details.

QUESTION: After Coverfly's announcement, not all contest placements were placed on the Coverfly platform, so rankings were not updated based on new data. Will recent contest placements be able to be added to our profile thus increasing rankings?

Is there any chance that Coverfly will close down its webiste before we are able to transfer our profile?

Hey, All! This is the link to the Coverfly/Stage 32 Profile Syncing page. Once Coverfly is no longer paused for maintenance, you can use this link to sync your details: https://www.stage32.com/platform/integrations/coverfly

If you'd like to see the Deadline Announcement about Stage 32's Global Contest Hub, click here: https://deadline.com/2025/07/global-screenwriting-contest-hub-launched-s...

Love this partnership. Thank you for doing this. I loved Coverfly, and as a screenwriter and short fiction writer, I loved the many prose contests, "Cinematic Short Story Competition, Cinematic Book Competition," etc. Seeing how short stories are having a moment, will there be a continuation of the prose writing contests that existed on Coverfly? Or will this strictly be screenplays?

What if you can't afford to take part in these contests or pitch executives?

Now joining the conversation. Will follow on the details later!

Re the Global Contest Hub: All of the best contests, e.g. Nicholl's, Big Break, Page do not accept adapted screenplays, Are there any highly acclaimed contests that carry weight that do accept adapted screenplays?

Thank you for this fantastic chat - I'll keep trying the link to transfer the data. I appreciate everyone's time today!

for Mitch - IF you can talk about it, curious how much AI / LLM profile parsing will play a role in the matching, platform reconfiguration, etc. - and congrats to all! RB was decades ahead of what people thought possible online in this industry, so in a way ... not surprised this is happening :)

The email that RB just shared in the webcast is Success@Stage32.com! Take full advantage of reaching out to our success team directly, so they can give you curated advice, help, and resources!

Is it possible to see the questions that have been submitted already?

Will Stage32 be including credit for non-placing but high scoring scripts in contests as done by Coverfly, ie, information provided by the contests to Coverfly.

What is your recommendation for a new screenwriter? I started a 1:1 class with an individual but feel I want more structure. Looking forward to this new experience.

Should we clean up our Coverfly profile before importing? For example, if we have multiple versions of the same script? What are some tips for making the most of your profile before you import it? I have a 2019 finalist win that I will want to display, but I think everything else may be superfluous.

Marilyn Marchetti, while we prefer for all questions to be asked here on the lounge post so that everyone can have an ongoing conversation about them, some were submitted through the Zoom Q&A box and are not here on the post.

QUESTION: RE Matchmaking. Can you talk about how the execs bios are vetted for accuracy?

I said weeks ago that this was going to be a hot July for Stage 32...and this webinar is proof that I was right <3 I'm excited!

I am a established production company owner and thriller novelists. My script THE JESUS DNA finished in the Top 10 finalists in your 12/23 thriller screenplay contest. Supposedly, I was going to be in the Look Book. And I didn't hear from one person after this contest. I bought feedback notes through Stage 32 pros and took them to heart and made the few changes that were suggested. I republished the novel that went to Best-Seller status. I also changed the screenplay. I am told it is now polished and ready to go. Where should I submit it to?

When you transfer Coverfly profile to my Stage 32 profile does it show up as a separate profile or does it replace my Stage 32 profile?

The Writers Room is an excellent place to meet and network with other screenwriters, practice pitching and meeting execs. I'd recommend it to anyone. I still work with screenwriters I've met through Stage 32's Writers Room.

Can we send our questions that haven't been answered to Success@Stage32.com?

Love R.B.'s Words of Wisdom. Thanks everyone.

Lol! Don't be a dead shark -- keep swimming!

I love the energy here and the total vibe!! I am excited for the future.

Definitely a lot to think about. And I very much appreciate the opportunities you are providing. And the frank honesty. Thank you!

Thank you all for joining today!

Your support reigns supreme! Thank you!!

The “executive matchmaking” aspects sound innovative and exciting. Great concept! Adding our pitch decks to Stage32 would be a dream come true. Thanks so much for today's webcast.

One of my scripts is top 1% on Coverfly, I'm so glad that data won't be lost!! Fantastic stuff coming soon around here...

joesy

Los Angeles

Reno

Thank you Geoff & team!

Vero Beach, Florida

Home of the Vero Beach Film Festival that will be held on April 9 - 12, 2026. Film submissions are being accepted.

Loving the "executive Matchmaking".

Actively looking for a European co-producer for my feature script!

TJ Berry Yes! You won't lose your data and now find even more opportunities, a great community and support :)

Jill A. Hargrave you certainly can! Please do email us: success@stage32.com

@Phil Savage, we often offer discounts and even opportunities for free resources. Keep an eye out on your email and the daily Stage 32 Blog! This month, I've been giving away free education, pitch sessions, consultations, and even contest entries to members participating in July Filmmakers Club every week! We do things like this all the time to make these resources accessible to everyone.

Thanks for time and energy today! Can't wait to see the evolution. So many questions.... :-)

Loved seeing everyone from so many different states and countries from around the world! Love the passion and enthusiasm from our community and love that you are excited about all the great things we are bringing to you!

Ashley Renee Smith Thank you Ashley, very good to know. It's hard to find certain things on the site sometimes as there is a lot of links and content but I will certainly try.

Phil Savage, it can definitely seem overwhelming. To make things easier, always check in on the daily blog. A lot of our big updates and events are announced there. For instance, here's the blog to jump in on this week's July Filmmakers Club challenges: https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-4-lets-talk-about...

Additionally, I host a monthly free webcast to help members get comfortable navigating Stage 32 and finding the resources available. The next one is happening on Wednesday and you can sign up here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-july-community-open-...

Very informative session. Thanks for the hard work; the community is in good hands.

Amanda Toney, what a great webinar. I really enjoyed it. All of you were great. Just interesting to see the gentlemen apparently doing a remake of Men in Black.

What a great expansion and so helpful for all writers! And with Stage 32, championing all work is such a great way to find community here!

Such an incredible opportunity for screenwriters and fantastic development with the CoverFly Team! Bravo!! Amanda Toney

Ashley Renee Smith TYVM Ashley, will do, this is really helpful.

Hi, Everyone!

Thank you all for your patience! Coverfly was down for much of the day yesterday and made changes that affected how the import works, but we’ve already fixed the issue on our side.

You can now import your Coverfly accolades and rankings directly to your Stage 32 profile again, and we’ve outlined the updated step-by-step instructions in today’s blog post. We want to make sure your Stage 32 profile remains your home base as we continue building a platform that showcases your work to the right executives and opportunities.

You can read the blog with the updated import instructions here:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/import-your-coverfly-profile-accolades-now-...

Hi everyone! Is there a replay of the webinar? If so, I can't seem to find it! Thanks in advance for your help.

Yeah where's the replay? I keep getting emails about it, but the instructions to access it don't work. I've emailed and asked for a direct link...radio silence.

Gary John Davies and Brooke Jay, you can access the on-demand webcast here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/after-coverfly-how-to-best-po...