Introduce Yourself : Been writing new movie ideas... by Stacey Strehlow

Welcome to the community, Stacey Strehlow. You wrote scripts, so you're definitely a screenwriter.

Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Screenwriters, directors, producers, executives, actors, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

And Stage 32’s Community Open House will help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry pros (www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-august-community-open-house). The recording is free to watch.

Here’s a blog for up-and-coming screenwriters I suggest checking out: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...

Stage 32 has other screenwriting resources:

Screenwriting Lounge: www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting

Screenwriting Blogs: www.stage32.com/blog/tags/screenwriting-25

Screenwriting Education: www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Screenwriting

Script Services (like script feedback): www.stage32.com/scriptservices

The Writers’ Room: www.stage32.com/writers-room (you can sign up for your first month of membership free here www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip)

I can suggest a couple of books that may be of benefit as a new writer. The first is "Kill The Cat" by Paul Guyot and "The Writer's Journey" by Christopher Vogler. Both of these books helped me at different points in my writing career.

Thank you, Scott!

I have some ideas that could be an interest. I even have business ideas. To be honest some are for Disney.

Jay — I figured as much! Not too worried. I’ve got a day job, just getting a bit tired of the lack of options at the theater lately. I’m positive it’s not because there’s a shortage of fantastic screenwriters — it’s probably more about politics and popularity. Unless you’re already well known, you’re often not even considered.

It feels a lot like corporate America — people get promoted for popularity instead of actual skill. I didn’t expect this industry to be any different than hi-tech from this perspective.

This was a shot in the dark

I agree!

Hi Stacey. I 100% agree that remaking the original concepts is the only way that Hollywood really stays afloat. I’ve had an uphill battle since the me too movement trying to make my feature film. The concept is 100% original and has never been done.

I have multiple LOI’s for funding, I also had a director attached, I also have a LOI for distribution from Archstone. I had a meeting with TWC through a contact but that same week Harvey Weinstein was arrested and there went that opportunity.

I can tell you this.There is hope. I’ve recently convinced my investors to buy shares of my feature and we are in development. We are making the film using AI and in conjunction with a leading AI studio in the NY area we are making the film the way it was written and without a studio or PC intervention. If you are serious about pursuing your goals consider developing using AI.

I can read it. Asked for an add.

Hi Stacey Strehlow, I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and first, I just want to say how great it is that you decided to turn that frustration into creativity! That’s exactly how so many incredible screenwriters begin. Taking the leap to write something original is no small thing, and it sounds like you already have two strong concepts to explore.

If you’re interested in learning how to get your work in front of the right people, I’d suggest spending some time in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). It’s a great space to share ideas, get feedback, and connect with others who can help you take your next steps. You might also enjoy the Stage 32 Writer’s Room, it’s a private community where writers of all levels collaborate and learn directly from working professionals, and you can even try your first month free here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip.

You’ve already done the hardest part by starting, now it’s all about finding your people, and you’ll find plenty of them here!

Thank you, Ashely. You know I have written super basic ideas. As far as detailed screen plays - yeah I wish someone can take my

Idea and run with it. I am

A Manager in hi-tech world so I am more of a techie than a writer. However, the theaters - I mean come on - let get it rolling more.

If I were to write out full screen plays

Including all dialogue, details etc that’s like writing a book and that would take time. I would want the idea to be recognized and loved prior to spending all that time (that I don’t have) on that.

Me? I’m a techie than- I can write AI to do work for you. Ai is useful but it’s going to places where I am concerned about humanity. You have no idea what’s coming. Anyway, tech world supports Hollywood so it’s intertwined and is the back bone. That is me, not a writer. But I have lots of ideas

I want people to sue their own brain for creativity and I would prefer to see human actors /actresses. Otherwise, I’m giving up.

How do you screenwriters work? Do you spend weeks on something and then hope to get that in front of something?

What’s your work flow like?

I spend 1-2 weeks outlining a feature script, Stacey Strehlow, 3-6 weeks writing the script, then 2-4 weeks rewriting the script, but each script is different. Some take more time, some take less.

Welcome Stacey Strehlow, I've been getting a lot from some of the books mentioned and Stage32 resources. I also have had my work read by local screenwriters at meetups and established local groups. One new writer in our group is a stock broker, but had a story to tell. Those groups can be informal. But, I share registered stuff. I was told years ago, when I started acting in a scene study class, that was the day I became an actor. You wrote a screenplay and so you are a hi-tech manager and a screenwriter. Awesome. The trick is to stay with it a bit more, you. can do it. You have a lot of skill sets that cross over. I hope you get something published, sell your work and all that. But in the meantime, you are the keeper of that script. The manager of the characters and their lives. Read poetry, novels and screenplays. Take them apart, and see how your story changes, or keeps it's voice. Chip away the mystery, and you may find you are a great storyteller and a great screenwriter. Tech it out.

Hi Stacey,

I completely understand what you mean — many films today feel repetitive, and it takes real passion to try creating something original. I truly admire that you decided to write your own stories instead of just watching from the sidelines.

I would love to hear more about your ideas, especially the horror one. I also write in that genre and have been developing a true story–based project that blends psychological fear with emotional truth. Maybe we could exchange thoughts or simply inspire each other.

Your creative spark is exactly what cinema needs — fresh voices and honest imagination. Don’t stop writing; sometimes the best ideas come from those who see films with a genuine heart.

Warm regards,

Ilay

IIay- I don’t speak - is it Turkish- I have traveled to Turkey a couple of times. I am not interested in using ChatGPT to translate. But thanks for response!

Thanks everyone. Maurice - I don’t doubt you spend that much time on this kind of work.

I’m not a screen writer and this is not my day job. I have some great ideas for movies though a few high level outline for a script.

I would rather fine tune the detail and have someone who does this way better than me write it - but I am determined to move forward with one of my movie outlines that I have.

You’re absolutely right, Stacey Strehlow, writing a screenplay can take weeks, months, or even years to get to a point where a writer feels it’s ready. And even then, that’s just the beginning. After the script is finished, there’s the long and often grueling process of getting it in front of the right people, pitching it, revising it based on feedback, and championing it until it finds the right home. It’s a tough road, but a worthwhile one if you’re passionate about the project and the experience. It truly takes both passion and perseverance to get something made in this industry.

It is possible to hire or collaborate with a professional writer to bring your idea to life, many producers or idea originators do this, but you’d still need to be involved beyond that stage to help shape the creative direction, secure funding, and guide the project through development and production.

If you’re curious to learn more about what that process looks like, I recently wrote a blog that breaks it down in detail: https://www.stage32.com/blog/understanding-the-development-process-what-...

It gives a behind-the-scenes look at how long it really takes to move a project from idea to screen.

You're welcome, Stacey Strehlow. There are a lot of talented screenwriters on Stage 32! You could make a post on the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs).

Hi Stacey,

Oh, that’s so lovely to hear! I’m really glad you’ve been to Turkey. May I ask which regions you visited, and did you enjoy your time there?

I’m always curious what visitors think of my country — I also meet many people who come to stay near my vacation home through timeshares, and it’s always interesting to hear their stories and impressions.

Thank you again for your kind reply. I hope we can stay in touch and maybe talk more about your film ideas too — it’s inspiring to meet creative souls who see stories in such a heartfelt way.

Warm regards,

Ilay

Super-interesting thread you've started Stacey Strehlow. I made the leap from authoring books to writing screenplays and agree with my friends here - it does take a while to sharpen a script before it's ready. Perhaps you might want to consider hiring someone to write it for you. I would imagine you could still get the "Story by" credit.

On a separate note, I write scifi/fantasy - some with a hint of dystopia so your comment, "You have no idea what’s coming." caught my eye. Curious about your thoughts there.