A few years ago, I joined Stage 32 as a member and I found it to be most suited to my experience in the film industry, with very informative content and great networking facilities. I must say though, I am one of those cynical kinda members, probably from a lifetime of being an independent minded individual who thinks, if you want something done, do it yourself. As I continued to write, I realised how relatively easy it was to adapt a novel into a basic screenplay. At the same time I was following Stage 32 and noticed how accessible it is for an “Independent” writer to not only access and gain advice and valuable guidance, but also to present your work to an industry professional for comment and even have the possibility of your project being picked up and eventually maybe even getting the green light.

As acting Chief of the Clan Wallace Scotland, and following a serious back injury while filming Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR, I decided to use the knowledge gathered over many years, in particular focusing on the family legend of William Wallace (Braveheart), which has been a prominent and inspirational story in my life from a young age. Many previously unearthed facts became available regarding William Wallace as the years passed by. Anyone who ever hears the family accounts are astonished, realizing the family story is very different from the limited academic version or Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning feature, BRAVEHEART.

Seoras Wallace and Mel Gibson on the set of Braveheart

Everyone said I should write the story down some day...well that day came. Written in an epic tale for the first time and told in nine intimate narratives following the legend of William Wallace, a story that has been passed down through the Wallace family orally for generations, now Wallace, Legend of Braveheart.

Wallace, Legend of Braveheart book series Witten by Seoras Wallace

I thoroughly scanned my options on the world-web. After much research and scrutiny, I personally found that there was none comparable to suite my needs other than Stage 32. So I thought, "Ok, why not give this a shot, despite having luminary connections within the industry, even just to get feedback regarding the merit of my slate..." I can only say this in hindsight, "why did I wait so long?!”

I also appreciate that everyone regards their project or slate as “precious” and it is, and although many within the industry knew what I was doing with the “Wallace” and it’s potential, I would not let it go despite interesting offers, as I know there is only one way this story can be told and I hadn’t yet met anyone I felt could deliver.

Now that’s not a mistake, but holding back can also hamper the potential of your project. I took my time, prepared my projects as best I could and committed to testing the various offers Stage32 are making, after a very few good experiences and invaluable advice sessions, I listened, adapted and felt it was now time to commit. My first pitch session was with Alexia Melocchi of Little Studio Films.

Alexia Melocchi(R) with Stage 32 CEO Rich "RB" Botto(L) and Stage 32 Managing Director, Amanda Toney(C)

I have to say it was a revelation to me, as her professionalism was outstanding, matched only by her heartfelt understanding and insight regarding the subject(s). I hadn’t realised I was a wee bit nervous, mainly as my heavy Scots brogue can be daunting to a non-Scots speaking listener, but Alexia was very patient with me, allowing the connection to open and flow freely. I have worked on many productions over the years and had forgotten what it felt like to get excited about a project, but Alexia’s ability to see past the initial pitch, then with the follow-up Skype calls and conversations, I knew that my “precious” was going to be in the right hands.

I signed contracts with Alexia, who is now acting as my worldwide manager and representative, with Little Studio Films prepping the background work to produce and bring Wallace, the Legend of Braveheart to our screens as an epic television series!

I am really excited about this! William Wallace, as a renowned and much loved world hero, is perfect for the next generation of television storytelling and viewers. With so many recent high benchmark examples of great historical dramas being produced for world television audiences, Spartacus and Vikings to name a few, all now television legends and passed into history. I have no doubts whatsoever that the passion to which Alexia and Little Studio Films, partner Alexandra Yacovlef, have already shown me. They will not stop until they bring together a team to produce an outstanding iconic television series to our screens, to excite, enthrall and inspire past, present and future generations.

Seoras Wallace with Zach McGowan on the set of Robert the Bruce in 2018

My advice to anyone out there who feel or believes that they have a good story to tell, then Stage 32 has to be your first choice mentor into the industry. If you follow their advice, take up the opportunities that they provide, get your project analyzed then listen and adapt to what is required, there is no reason why these unique opportunities should be missed that could propel your project forward. Stage 32 provides an invaluable service, be it to aspiring writers or top industry professionals seeking new material, I can only say that I am so glad that I ditched my skepticism and took up the opportunity. What Stage32 provides for the industry is very affordable for the individual, but in the end, priceless... in my opinion.