I'm a screenwriter, director, and producer. I'm in the process of location scouting for my next short film, which I will direct in May/June 2026. I'm also working on gathering investors for my feature, which I hope to shoot in early 2027.
One thing I've learned is: there's always more to learn. I started by learning everything I could about writing screenplays, and then perfecting that craft. I, then, pivoted to producing in order to get my projects actually made, and in doing so I had to wear a lot of hats - and learn a lot more about producing, directing, and even craft services!
I started on Stage 32 by attending Thursday night Pitch Practice, where I found a great network of fellow screenwriters. From that I built writing groups, and partnerships. I now co-host that Pitch Practice, along with John Mezes, to give back to the next generation of screenwriters and to share all the knowledge I've gleaned along the way. I hope to see you all there!
I'll also be at SXSW 2026 in Austin, TX!
Currently, based outside Chicago, but I love any excuse to travel internationally, especially to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Hi, Noel Thompson. Hope you're doing great! I'm excited about your next short film and feature film! You're right. There's always more to learn. I'm learning more and more on Stage 32. Mainly about screenwriting, but also about other areas of the industry.
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Hi Noel! I've watched some of your pitch practices. I love seeing the writers feel empowered by the way you and John deliver notes. You two really do a great job in building confidence along with constructive critique.
I got to watch you guys break story this last week too, which was very interesting for me. Coming from a novelist background, I had never seen it so it was really neat to watch.
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Noel Thompson So awesome to see this intro! Hello from Texas, also love to travel, will literally take any excuse to go, particularly for me, Spain. I've learned so so much, and grown leaps and bounds since joining this really amazing, freeing space. What takes you to SXSW?
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Noel Thompson Tell us about your upcoming feature.
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That’s so inspiring for me as a beginner in the screenwriting path. Thank you very much for sharing. I hope you achieve all your goals for the next short film.
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I'm in Panama and a cat is meowing for some of my meat. I think I'll give it to him. It's hard on my teeth. When I'm able to make it to L.A., I might go scouting around looking for people to act in my show (even though not having Rob Reiner is still a dealbreaker), and film it with my fractured phone. If people don't pick up from that the message, then the world has lost its imagination. I don't paste labels on things and try to stay within the lines. I write from the heart. Sorry if it breaks your rules, less creative producers and executives but, as Selena Gomez said, the heart wants what it wants. And with a voice like hers, it gets what it wants. We'll see what happens. But for now Josh will have a close call but still not get caught after almost 20 episodes of successfully, with his sister's help, hiding his girlfriend from their parents. Sorry if this comment seemed to have nothing to do with your message but look at it this way. Your message inspired it.
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This is an incredibly inspiring journey. Best of luck with the location scouting for your short and the investor hunt for your feature. The 2026-2027 timeline shows impressive foresight and planning!
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Honored to meet you Noel Thompson and congratulations on progressing on your short - would love to hear the story! Happy IY weekend!
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Good stuff Noel Thompson Love seeing writers who've evolved into hyphenates—your path from screenwriting to producing to directing gives you real production knowledge that strengthens everything you create. Co-hosting Pitch Practice is great community contribution, and best of luck on your short and feature. Have fun at SXSW 2026!
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Hi Noel Thompson - i love this simple and true quote: "there's always more to learn". Awesome that you're producing as well as screenwriting and directing - and love that you've even done Crafty - very cool!!
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Hi Noel Thompson - great to meet you and I am eager to hear how your 2026 progresses. I hope you will keep us up to date.
Тень Драгу-Михай, эсквайр, Ipg
there will be no answer....................оr will there be?
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Couldn’t adore you more than I do Noel Thompson ! you are an inspiration and always filled with positivity and determination. Plus… the amount of knowledge that is in your brain is incredible. Love having you in the community and I’m glad to know you.
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Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Noel Thompson! =)