I’m an emerging writer with one polished sample that’s currently getting reads, and I’m trying to make sure the rest of my slate is developing in a way that looks professional to managers.
Right now my slate includes:
• one complete script that I plan to rewrite
• one project with a strong draft but still in development
• one prestige project with a solid Act I and a clear direction
For those of you who’ve been repped or staffed — or for any managers here — is it normal to have multiple projects in different stages of completion? Or does it look unprofessional unless everything is fully drafted?
I want to make sure I’m building my slate the right way and presenting myself like someone ready for representation. Any insight is appreciated.
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Have everything written! That's the ammo...
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I hear you — having strong material ready is definitely the goal. I’m just trying to find the sweet spot in terms of what’s actually worth mentioning, because my development process is pretty involved. I tend to build out the whole concept, the beats, the acts, the lines, and then adjust from there, so I often have projects in different stages of completion.I’m making sure that doesn’t come across as unprofessional, since I know most writers develop multiple things at once and managers usually expect a slate with projects at different stages. Appreciate the insight and the perspective.
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hey Jason Green ! I think there's two buckets to think about here:
1) the work in development - shows your process, shows that you're thinking long term career, and that is good for a manager to see.
2) the completed scripts - especially at the beginning, managers will need to see you can deliver consistently on your scripts. Also, they can't 'sell you' to producers, talent attachments, etc., with partially completed projects. So they will ask to see completed work. But I think that you knew already, so sorry if I'm just repeating.
Most will tell you to have at least two polished scripts before you go out seeking representation. Or even when pitching execs, etc.
So my short answer would be that you would not be unprofessional to tell them about your other projects being at different stages of dev, but that you do want to have definitely one polished, preferably two or more, before approaching them.
Sounds like you already have the one polished sample so you're nicely on your way :) cheers
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Sebastian Tudores Thanks so much — this really helps. I think what I’m trying to sort out is the balance between what I know I can deliver on right now and the other lanes I want to grow into. I’m leading with my action script and my military‑grounded work, but I also have some horror and sci‑fi concepts that feel solid and I don’t want to lose momentum on those either.My development process is pretty structured — I tend to build out the whole concept, beats, acts, and lines before drafting — so I usually have a few projects moving at once. I’m just trying to figure out how writers decide where to put their focus when they have multiple things in different stages. Almost like a creative version of a decision‑making process: what’s most likely to get a yes, what broadens the slate, what strengthens the voice, etc.Really appreciate your insight — it’s helping me get a clearer sense of how to present things professionally while still developing the other lanes I care about.
this is clearly AI generated
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Beep-Boop
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Try everything and see what works. There is no one way!!
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Yes, it’s normal.
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hey Jason Green - glad to hear it helped a bit. A few more thoughts if I may, as I read your reply:
- pick whichever project is 1) closest to completion/completed and 2) most supported by your real life background and bring them to a polish. then get them out there to create real external industry momentum. And as those are getting exposure, you can continue to craft your other scripts, but you'll already have fishing lines in the water.
- from what I am hearing and reading, action and action thrillers with even a slight element of sci-fi look good these days - is there anyway to introduce that element for any of your character's experience down range?
- not sure if I mentioned this yet (ignore if I did) but you should also email Geoff's Development team here on Stage32 at success@stage32.com and they can help you determine a course of action.
and two more things
1) thank you for serving
2) what you did employed a tremendous level of creative-decision making. I would take as much of that experience not just into your storylines but also into the instinctual part of your career planning and process. cheers