Screenwriting : How do you send your work out into the universe? by Jonathan Darrough

Hey, Jonathan Darrough. My first move is post it on my Stage 32 profile.

My screenplay exists in the universe :) But I send it to specific groups — three, to stay focused — because the universe is just too big. I send it to those who would like to watch the film, those who would like to make it with me, and those who would finance it to become a film.

Each group has different interests and will receive the screenplay in different ways. Once my script is ready, I’ll start looking for collaboration. The script won’t fly on its own, and every market has a different process. So, make a package, work on your pitch, look for collaboration with filmmakers, and then send it out into the world.

I used to try pitch sessions here. Now I try direct emails and contacting studios and agents.

Hey Jonathan Darrough Great question! The path from "polished script" to "getting it in front of decision-makers" is where many writers get stuck, so it's smart you're thinking strategically about this.

The Industry Reality:

Most traditional channels (agencies, production companies, studios) don't accept unsolicited submissions, which creates a chicken-and-egg problem: you need industry relationships to get read, but you need to get read to build industry relationships.

Stage 32's Solution:

This is exactly why Stage 32 created direct-access services that bypass the unsolicited submission barrier:

Pitch Sessions allow you to present your project directly to managers, agents, producers, and development executives who are actively looking for material. These aren't cold queries—they're structured meetings where industry professionals have agreed to hear pitches and request scripts from writers they connect with. You can select by genre, company, and specific executive mandates to find the right fit for your material. Many execs come to Stage 32 specifically because through pitch sessions, the process of scouting for new materials is made as turnkey and simple as possible. There's not digging through inboxes, there's dedicated time and focus for them to evaluate.

Script Services provide professional coverage and consultation from working industry executives. Beyond just feedback, many executives read your full scripts before consultations and will speak to you directly for a half hour or hour about your project's positives, negatives, and commercial potential. These consultations create legitimate industry relationships that can lead to representation, options, or development deals. Happened with writer Sean Farley, whose movie Neighborhood Watch starring Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, dropped in theaters this year. He met Manager/Producer Chris Bellant in a Script Consultation and Chris really loved the script, so he signed Sean and then took the movie all the way with RLJE Films distributing (now on AMC+).

The Strategic Advantage:

Rather than sending blind queries that get filtered by assistants or email bots, you're getting direct access to decision-makers who can actually advance your career. When an executive requests your script through Stage 32, it's a solicited submission—the kind that actually gets read.

Success Pattern:

Many writers on the platform have secured representation, options, and development deals by strategically using pitch sessions to get their material in front of the right people, then following up professionally when interest emerges.

What genre is your finished script? I can point you toward specific executives currently offering pitch sessions who work in your space. Just drop me a line at success@stage32.com and I'd be happy to continue the conversation!