Hello everyone,
My name is Heidie Hattingh, and I am a new member from South Africa. I am an author and aspiring screenwriter with a passion for family-friendly mystery, adventure, and supernatural stories.
I recently completed my first feature screenplay, Cold Shivers: The Shadow in Room 13, based on the first book in my Cold Shivers trilogy. I have also completed two follow-up books, The Whispering Forest and The Abandoned Carnival, and I am currently working on adapting them into screenplays.
My dream is to see these stories reach an international audience and become films that inspire young people to be brave, believe in themselves, and never give up on their dreams. As a writer from South Africa, I hope to prove that great stories can come from anywhere in the world.
I'm here to learn, connect with fellow writers, producers, and filmmakers, and continue growing as a storyteller. I look forward to being part of the Stage 32 community and learning from all of you.
Thank you for welcoming me, and I look forward to connecting with you!
2 people like this
Welcome to Stage 32 Heidie Hattingh - so great to meet you! I'm always excited to meet a first-time screenwriter because it takes me back to when/how I started (which wasn't that long ago). I had written some books and during Covid, I got the worst of it and was bedridden for 8 weeks. My mind was alert so someone suggested I write that screenplay I've always wanted to. I've never looked back since. With that said...CONGRATULATIONS on that script!! Very excited for you!
And you are absolutely right in thinking internationally. It's where we are headed.
Be sure to stop by the screenwriting lounge and get to know some of your fellow scribes: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting
Also, here’s a great post that will help you navigate Stage 32: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-p...
Stay the course friend!
2 people like this
Hi Leonardo Ramirez,
Thank you for your kind welcome and encouraging message.
I really enjoyed reading about your journey into screenwriting, especially how you started during your recovery from COVID. It was both inspiring and motivating to hear how you turned such a difficult time into something creative and rewarding.
I will definitely take a look at the resources and links you recommended.
Thank you again for the warm welcome.
2 people like this
Nice to meet you
2 people like this
You are very welcome Heidie Hattingh.!
2 people like this
Welcome, Heidie! Finishing your first feature and having two follow up books already in the pipeline is a solid foundation, and a family friendly supernatural mystery series from South Africa brings a fresh perspective that could stand out in the market. What's been the biggest challenge in adapting your own books into screenplays?
2 people like this
Great to meet you @heidi and welcome to Stage 32! I wrote a blog piece to inspire the community that opportunity can come from the unexpected. It's a collaborating with other Stage 32 members. Check it out. I hope it inspires you too!
https://www.stage32.com/blog/the-unexpected-road-to-success-stories-from...
2 people like this
Hi Heidie,
Welcome to Stage 32!
Congratulations on completing your first feature screenplay and on building a trilogy around your Cold Shivers stories. Adapting your own books into screenplays is an exciting journey, and it’s inspiring to see your commitment to bringing those stories to the screen.
I also love your belief that great stories can come from anywhere in the world. As a writer based in Switzerland, I couldn’t agree more.
Wishing you continued success with your books, screenplays, and future adaptations. I look forward to seeing more of your work around the community.
Best,
Charmane
2 people like this
Welcome to Stage 32, Heidie Hattingh !
A free month of the Writers' Room will connect you with the industry professionals and fellow writers who can help you take this trilogy where it deserves to go: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip
Glad to have you here!