Neil Geisler: Filmmaker and screenwriter in Los Angeles, California.

Liked by Ryan Wilford and 19 others

Excited to Join! Egyptian Author Sharing My Thriller “Alter Ego”

Hi everyone, I'm Salma Hassaballa, an Egyptian novelist with 14 published books across genres (thriller, romance, social, and philosophical). Two of my novels have been optioned by producers, and I'm now developing Alter Ego, a psychological thriller that bridges the U.S. and Egypt, exploring identi...

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Salma Hassaballa

Rosie Schreiber Haha, that actually sounds like the perfect mindset for a storyteller! I love how you embrace that space—it’s such fertile ground for creativity.

Ryan Wilford

Impressive, great work! welcome Salma Hassaballa

Salma Hassaballa

Ryan Wilford Thank you so much! I’m excited to be here and really appreciate the kind words

Bryson Snider
Introducing me and Shared Space

Hey guys, the name’s Bryson. I’m a story writer, and a very creative person. I’m looking for help with writing a TV show, so if anyone has any questions please let me know. It’s called Shared Space, it’s a comedy. If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it. I have all the scripts done, it mig...

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Maurice Vaughan

Email contests@stage32.com, Bryson.

Bryson Snider

What is this for? Sorry, I’m not sure

Maurice Vaughan

You said you couldn't see the buttons on the Contests Page to enter contests, Bryson. Email contests@stage32.com, and they might be able to help you enter.

Corey Balbuena
Looking to grow!

Hello! I am an aspiring screenwriter, and I would love to connect with anyone and everyone who can help me learn more about the craft, and the business in general. I realize that there are A LOT of different people who fit together like a puzzle to create a film, and would love to learn from all of...

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Wyman Brent

Corey, good luck with your evolution. I stil live in a cave and rub sticks together to keep warm at night.

Corey Balbuena

@Smith Ade thank you so much! I would love to talk about all of that with you, especially structure! I definitely would like to know more!

And Wyman Brent hey, sometimes the old school tools and method...

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Rosie Schreiber

Corey Balbuena Not weird at all! I tend to have the go to of Joe vs the Volcano or Silence of the Lambs just as background movies and don't write really hard ever in either genre! #normalizefamiliarit...

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Maurice Vaughan

Hi, @Neil. I'm a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I deleted your comments from the posts in the Lounges. Stage 32 doesn't want members spamming posts. Let me know if you have any questions.

Xochi Blymyer
Relationships Are Everything

I really liked what Story Farm wrote today - sober my lifetime in the movie business I’ve found this to be true. Here’s some parts of the piece - @We don’t get hired only because of a badge on an online profile. We don’t get work because miracles fall into our lap. We get hired because someone who k...

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Xochi Blymyer

they trust you Maurice Vaughan and know your worth. :)

Asmaa Jamil

This is amazing and so true for any career.

Maurice Vaughan

And doing ghostwriting jobs and pitch deck jobs for the director-producer opened up an opportunity to pitch my projects to him, Xochi Blymyer.

Edward Lee Cornett
Filmmaking....

Filmmaking is fun....

Imola Orbán
How do I direct a car scene in my short film?

I have a short movie idea with strong vision.

At the beggining, the main character is picked up by a car on a dirt road.

My question is, how do I shoot such a scene?

I already have a plan, but I wonder if it's appropriate:

I'm not going to shooting a scene where the car is already visible behind my char...

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Edward Lee Cornett

What is the mood of this scene? Dialogue? Think about shooting it as a visual scene with minimal dialogue. How the scene is shot will convey to the audience the mood and any suspense. What the scene i...

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Shazz K
No light for the shadow

ok folks, so this i think is my most challenging work, it could be a complete disaster or a masterpiece, i try to evaluate my own work from an audience lens i feel this can be very big but then again opinions matter so please leave a feedback would upload the screenplay soon . here is the log-line :...

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Sherry McGuinn

You’re very welcome.

Neil Geisler

Sherry McGuinn:

A script is a legitimate way of telling a story. There are plenty of words in standard prose that readers don't understand, but are still able to read the novel. People watch movies muc...

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Sherry McGuinn

Well, good luck with that.

Ryan Thomas Hinrichs
ShoreScripts

Huge news! I’m thrilled to share that my new feature screenplay, “Absent” received a “RECOMMEND” from ShoreScripts!

This designation is notoriously tough to earn—only 1% of scripts make the cut—but after many rewrites, gallons of coffee, and relentless editing, I’m beyond grateful for this recognit...

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Maurice Vaughan

Congratulations, Ryan Thomas Hinrichs! I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I moved your post from the Screenwriting Lounge to the Your Stage Lounge. The Your Stage Lounge is a sp...

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Ryan Thomas Hinrichs

Thank you for all the kind words!

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Ryan Thomas Hinrichs. Hope the RECOMMEND helps you sell your script!

Todd Cramer
New Here

I have no idea what to expect here, but I’m excited to connect with like-minded creatives chasing their dreams. This is my first screenplay, adapted from my sci-fi thriller trilogy Miracle Man — wishing everyone the best of luck!

Maurice Vaughan

Hey, Todd Cramer. Welcome to the community. Stage 32 had a live Community Open House the other week. You can watch the recording here (www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-community-open-house-...

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Sydney S

Hey, Todd! Welcome to the Stage 32 community. We’re so glad you’re here! I love your surf pic — it has such a great vibe.

Your project sounds incredible. Adapting a sci-fi thriller trilogy is no small...

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Ashley Renee Smith

Welcome to Stage 32, Todd Cramer! I’m Ashley, the Head of Community here, and I’m so glad you’ve joined us. Adapting your sci-fi thriller trilogy Miracle Man into a screenplay is such an exciting mile...

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Sydney S
Upcoming Webinar: Writing with Authenticity: How to Develop a Distinct Voice in Your Script

One of the most valuable skills you can develop as a writer is learning how to write with a distinct, authentic voice. In a world where thousands of scripts cross the desks of agents, producers, and executives every day, your voice is the key that sets your work apart from the rest. When your writin...

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Sydney S

Can't wait to have Liliana Granados hosting again! You can sign up here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/writing-with-authenticity-how......

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Sydney S

Put any questions for the live Q + A for Liliana here!

Sydney S

Early bird sale ends tonight!

Geoffroy Faugerolas
What is your creative identity?

Writers! Creators! Filmmakers!

Through my many conversations with artists (yes - that's you!), I've been reminded of something we sometimes take for granted: behind every script is an artist. And that artist matters.

When talking to execs and producers, you want to be known as an individual, not just...

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Geoffroy Faugerolas

Here's a few of my favorite ones over the years:

As a Black gay man who grew up in the South and spent the majority of his youth in the Baptist church, the themes in Brandon’s writing usually center a...

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Maurice Vaughan

Thanks for the examples, Geoffroy Faugerolas!

Catherine Cole

Thank you Geoffroy!

Maurice Vaughan

Hi, @Neil. I'm a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know I deleted your comments from the posts in the Lounges. Stage 32 doesn't want members spamming posts. Let me know if you have any questions.

Brian Pracht
Oh hello!

I'm an LA-based writer and recent winner of the Stage 32 Comedy Feature Contest. Love writing comedies with heart. What about you? What kinds of stories do you love?

Maurice Vaughan

Congratulations again on winning the Stage 32 Comedy Feature Contest, @Brian! Mainly Horror and Action. Also Fantasy, Mystery, Comedy, etc. I mix genres a lot too.

Ashley Renee Smith

Hi Brian Pracht! I’m Ashley, the Head of Community here at Stage 32. Huge congratulations on your Stage 32 Comedy Feature Contest win, that’s an incredible achievement! I love that you focus on comedi...

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Brian Pracht

That's the goal [fingers crossed]!

Sam Rivera
Netflix Calls UK Production Ecosystem A Great Example For U.S.

Many may not know this, but Netflix's co-CEO Greg Peter on Wednesday talked up the company’s investment in UK production. If you haven't noticed, Netflix's UK production hub is very different from its US production hub. You can see a main difference in their productions if you look at their UK-based...

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Kat Spencer
What's Your Motivation?

Hi everyone! What is your motivation for writing? What keeps you going and what inspired you to become a writer?

Kat Spencer

That's awesome Montana Clayton! I can relate to losing something you love and trying to find your new path. I share your talent in "figuring out movie plots way too fast." hahaha. Though I have writte...

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William Joseph Hill

My main motivation for writing began with wanting to read my own science fiction stories. Then I transitioned to writing scripts for film and sketch projects I would film on Super 8 and VHS as a teen. I always looked at writing as part of my career along with acting and filmmaking.

Luis García

I was inspired by everything that Stanley Kubrick's films conveyed to me, A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket, 2001, but my biggest idol in this profession is Vince Gilligan, with his masterpieces,...

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Aaron Traikovski
Hello to all

Hi, I am new here and wanted to say a quick hello. I am aspiring to bring my movie pitch to life. In the process of writing up a synopsis and also making networks the best way possible. Looking forward to using this platform. All the best!

Sheldon Kaplan

hi Aaron: I too am a screenwriter with aspirations that I can get a manager for one of my scripts. would like to discuss the challenges in this adventure with you. Sheldon Kaplan

Ashley Renee Smith

Welcome to Stage 32, Aaron Traikovski! We’re so glad you’re here and taking those first exciting steps toward bringing your movie pitch to life. Crafting a strong synopsis and building your network ar...

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Sam Rivera

Welcome Aaron Traikovski! Great have you on with us!

Scott McConnell
Take the Screenwriter's Idiot Test! I Dare You

Professional screenwriting has established standards for a reason - they help your work get noticed and taken seriously. And they make you look like a pro screenwriter. Let’s see if you are a pro or not. Answer each of the following 12 questions honestly with a Yes or a No:

1. I write Film or TV scri...

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Robert Franklin Godwin III

I love the list and find it relevant. Your presumption that there are established standards is laughable.

Jim Boston

Scott, I answered "no" to all twelve of those questions...and since my second start on this screenwriting/TV-writing journey began in 2016, I answered #12 just last summer.

Great post!

Göran Johansson

I answered yes to question 3, because I learned by directing no-budget projects rather than going to film school. I also answered no to question 12 because I prefer to receive comments from multiple peers rather than one consultant.

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh
No dialogue/mime scenes

Hey again y'all~

What are your thoughts about scenes with no dialogue that's all action, basically miming?

I'm writing quite a few in my current script and I'm enjoying it a lot. One I wrote right now is almost a page long and (hopefully) comes off just as sad as it feels for me haha.

In my humble opin...

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Andrew McKee

It’s all in the effectiveness of the description. Honestly, the Wall-E screenplay is a masterclass in this.

Art Arutyunyan

I personally enjoy watching AND writing scenes with no dialogue.

Dolf Van Stijgeren

I just finished watching the stunning new British series, Adolescence, which is full of long, silent shots (in fact, each episode feels like one continuous long take). I was struck by how beautiful those silences are, and it makes me wonder why we don't see them more often in series or films.

Sydney S
Looking to finance your independent film?

Hey Stage 32!

If you’re looking to finance your independent film, check out this 4-part class with Viviana Zarragoitia, an expert who’s worked with top producers and closed financing on over 100 films! You’ll learn how to raise funds, navigate financing strategies, and structure deals, more, email e...

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Sydney S

Hi, David + Nick, lovely to hear you both have projects! shoot me an email about Viviana's class and we can get you all set up! Class is currently on early bird sale too. Email me at edu@stage32.com h...

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Sam Sokolow

What a great opportunity to work dirctly with Viviana. She's amazing. With the global independent film boom this is the perfect time for this class. Flagging it for my network. Thanks for sharing, Syd...

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Sydney S

I couldn't agree more Sam! Thank you for flagging for your network, much appreciated!

Neil's network

Larry Biela
Xochi Blymyer
Minh Koby Nguyen
Arthur Charpentier
Sandra Isabel Correia
Ryan Thomas Hinrichs
Vital Butinar
David Hunt
Rahul Sonawane
Rosie Schreiber
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