I’m Ashley Smith, Head of Community and Blog Manager here at Stage 32. If we’ve crossed paths in the Lounges, comments, blogs, or events, hello again. If we haven’t met yet, I’m really glad you’re here!
Before joining Stage 32, I was a Development Executive, working in scripted development and talent management. During that time, I supported television and film projects in development with Amazon, FX, Paramount TV, Universal TV, Sony TV, MGM, Legendary Global, and more. I had the honor of working alongside some truly incredible screenwriters, producers, authors, and directors, helping bring stories to life on both the page and the screen.
At Stage 32, my role is all about connection and clarity. I help shape our community spaces, curate the daily blog, host events, and support members as they navigate every stage of their creative and professional journeys. What motivates me most is helping creatives stop spinning their wheels and start gaining real traction through thoughtful, authentic engagement, not just networking for networking’s sake.
Outside of work, I love cozy creativity and curiosity. I’m a big fan of binge-watching shows, traveling, cooking, puzzling, and playing both video games and board games with my husband, who is also my childhood sweetheart, and my sister. I’m also an avid comic book reader and a lifelong lover of fantasy, sci-fi, and romantasy, which probably explains my current creative focus.
One of my biggest personal goals this year is finishing the full first draft of a fantasy novel I’ve been writing in my free time. It’s a project that’s very close to my heart, and I’m determined to see it through. Long term, I hope to become a published author and use storytelling as a way to help people escape, reflect, and feel seen, just like stories have done for me.
At the core of everything I do, my goal is to be someone others can rely on for help that truly makes a difference. I believe deeply in building authentic community, breaking down barriers to access, and connecting people with the tools they need to grow and succeed. I feel most fulfilled when I’ve played even a small part in someone else’s progress.
One more thing before I wrap this up. I want to personally invite every single one of you to our upcoming Community Open House Webcast on January 28th at 12:00 pm PT. This is an entirely free, fully interactive event for all Stage 32 members, brand new and long-time alike. If you want to build stronger connections, work toward your goals with more intention, and better understand how Stage 32 can support you, this is for you. Every month brings a different conversation, and it’s always a great hang. If you can’t make it live, it’s still worth registering so you receive the full recording to watch or listen to on your own time. You can sign up for free here:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-commun...
I’d love to get to know you too, so I’ll leave you with this question:
What’s one project, goal, or creative curiosity you’re excited to lean into this year, and what made you say, “Now is the time”?
Looking forward to meeting you in the comments and around the Lounges. Don't be a stranger!
3 people like this
Hey, Ashley Renée Smith. Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend and Happy New Year! Cool shirt. Thanks for everything you do for the Moderators and community! I'm rooting for you to reach your goals! I'm excited to finish rewriting my Horror Action feature script.
3 people like this
Ashley Renée Smith
Happy New Year, Ashley! Wonderful to connect with you here on Stage 32. Wishing you a creative and successful year ahead.
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Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Ashley!
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I'm digging the shirt, Captain Ashley Renée Smith! Thanks so much for everything that you do. I don't know how you keep track of it all. Happy IY Weekend my friend.
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Hi Ashley! You do so much for us here in the community and we appreciate you so much. Happy IYW! I don't know how you do it all. I'm excited to dive into education resources and start shopping TETHERED around. It's ready.
Hi Ashley! AI Filmmaking-hub. Everyone who participates gets paid; we upvote projects; A friend at Netflix is interested. Let me know if this is in your wheelhouse.
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Hello,
happy IYW to you.
Thank you very much for the time and effort you dedicate to the community. I truly hope you accomplish all your goals.
As for me, my main goal right now is to continue working on my script, The Silent PFC War, and then move forward step by step until I can see it breathe happily on the big screen.
I’m deeply excited about this project because of its concept, its emotions, the lessons it carries, and the impact I hope it can have.
1 person likes this
Hey Maurice Vaughan! Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend and Happy New Year to you too. Thank you so much, that really means a lot, especially coming from you.
I love hearing that you’re deep into the rewrite of your Horror Action feature. That genre combo is such a sweet spot, and finishing a rewrite is no small feat. I’m rooting for you right back and can’t wait to hear how it evolves.
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Happy New Year, Allaguly Alyosh Klychev! It’s wonderful to connect with you as well. Thank you so much for the kind wishes, I’m wishing you a creative, productive, and successful year ahead too.
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Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Tennyson Stead!! Hope you had a wonderful weekend and got to fit in some Star Citizen time.
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Thanks, Leonardo Ramirez! I got it at Universal!
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Hi Elle Bolan! Thank you so much for the kind words, that truly means a lot. Happy IYW to you too.
I love hearing that you’re stepping into the next phase with confidence. That’s such an exciting place to be. Diving into the education resources while you start getting it out there is a smart, powerful combo, and I cannot wait to see where this project goes.
Cheering you on and really looking forward to watching Tethered make its rounds.
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B Burns That sounds interesting, but it’s not quite in my wheelhouse. I’m always happy to hear about what people are building, though, and I appreciate you looping me in. Wishing you the best as you explore and develop it further. Keep us posted on how things develop!
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Love seeing the community get to know the person behind so much of what makes this platform work.
Your Dev Exec background gives you such a valuable perspective on what writers are actually navigating when they're trying to break in. The fact that you're also writing your own fantasy novel means you're living both sides of this experience (which honestly makes you even better at what you do here!)
For me, 2026 is about making the industry more accessible and meritocratic. I've spent years watching great scripts get passed on simply because they landed in front of the wrong person. This year, I'm focused on creating clearer pathways so writers know exactly which executives match their genre, budget, and tone..so fewer opportunities get wasted and more connections actually move careers forward.
That's what I love about the Writers' Room. Members can connect directly with executives, pitch live, get script requests and submit to Open Writing Assignments (OWAs) that are leading to success stories, career opportunities and jobs!
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You're welcome, Ashley Renée Smith. Thanks. Writing a Horror Action script is fun, but it can be hard balancing the scares and action.
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Hi Ashley, happy new years
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Ashley Renée Smith I'm actually training for the Daymar Rally as a support pilot with a team called Misfit Parade in the buggy division! We'll be in the Cyclone RC, and the red-and-gold Carrack!
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Hey Ashley Renée Smith appreciate everything that you do for creatives , how exciting that you are writing a fantasy novel too.! And yes terrific shirt!