This is your annual motivation post. I joined Stage 32 just under ten years ago as a new screenwriter with a couple of scripts to my name and no idea what to do. I’d never even written fiction before that year, had no experience in the industry, had no contacts in the industry, and was located not just outside of LA but outside of the US itself within a rundown town in the UK.
Yesterday, my soon to be released book on the craft went to #1 on the hot new releases for film screenwriting on Amazon. Next week, we finish shooting a car chase for a film I’m a writer and producing partner on. The previous film I was a writer and producing partner on went to the film markets only last month. This year, a script hosting platform I launched to help my peers was covered in the press along side the Black List, Coverfly, and Inktip. This time last year, we had the launch event for the first feature film I’d written.
I share this partly because I’m proud of my achievements but mostly to inspire you to keep going. I know what it’s like to go through the struggle and how damn hard it is to keep going when you feel like you’re putting your heart and soul into something and getting nothing but rejection back. I can tell you that, even at my relatively low level within the industry, it’s worth the pain. A screenwriting career is a beautiful thing and even more wonderful the more you get involved with filmmaking overall. Keep your dream alive and your unique creative voice vivid.
Stage 32 and this lounge, which contains many of the same names still today as it did the best part of a decade ago, helped me no end when I had nowhere else to turn because it was the first group I found with real names, faces, and bios. It helped me look toward those who had climbed the mountain a little higher and follow their footing. It contains some amazing resources on craft, and while I’m an avid book reader, the webinars and classes are some of the best out there, coming from real working industry members. The blog is also packed with valuable information you can read for free, plus On Stage With RB provides similar content in a casual and fun style. I haven’t spent that much time in the Writers Room of yet but, from what I’ve seen, it’s another powerful resource writers are getting great results from.
If you’ve recently joined Stage 32 with your first screenplay planned or maybe already under your arm ready to take around town in the hope of turning a dream into reality, remember that you are no different to the writer I was back in 2012. Just focus on your craft, educate yourself on the industry, and stay motivated so you can get through all that self-doubt that everyone goes through. Be prepared to start small and work your way up. Everything you need is within you.
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So you've been busy writing a 'how-to-book' (I'll have to read it) all while writing scripts and delving into the filmmaking world - it tires me out just thinking about it. That's a lot of miles traveled and a well deserved tip-o-the- hat to ya. I've been on S32 like forever and I've watched an awful lot come & go. You certainly are an inspiration to all.
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Very interesting indeed! :)
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Fantastic news, my friend! And thank you for your encouragement - I really needed to hear it today HUGS across the pond. Preordering!
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Doug Nelson, that's very kind of you to write. Yeah, a lot's been going on and writing a book was an unexpected surprise. It actually worked out nicely since I couldn't travel to LA once again for a shoot. This kept me distracted.
The Stage 32 Lounge (and Stage 32 in general) gets a lot of love in the book as I talk about career building and remaining a happy creative.
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Evelyne Gauthier, glad you think so.
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Karen "Kay" Ross, glad to give you a little boost. Don't we all need one of those from time to time - or every other day LOL! Thanks so much for your support. The response to the book has been remarkable.
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That's cool that you included Stage 32 in your book, CJ Walley. Looking forward to it.
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Maurice Vaughan, absolutely! Every chapter in the book contains a section which details the mistakes I've made on my journey. This lounge comes up when I'm talking about the first time I gave up and found somewhere to rebuild.
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I'm looking forward to reading it! Congratulations! Just pre-ordered on Amazon :)
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Jerry Robbins, thanks so much, Jerry. With so many recent successes to your name, you should be writing a book of your own!
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Your comment has me excited for the book, CJ Walley. I like that it's a paperback. Ebooks are fine, but they're not like having a real book. Cool cover.
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I hear ya, Maurice Vaughan. I'm super happy with how it looks and had a lot of say in that. Kindle version will be coming out next year.
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Cheers Dan. Appreciate all your advice and support over the years.
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Hey CJ - take yer foot of the gas!
Leave a little meat on the bone for the rest of us!
Lol, etc…
…Good work my fellow countryman.
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Vic, you've seen the cover. Pedal to the metal 24/7, baby.
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@CJ Look forward to reading ur book n congratulations on your achievements in film all of which came as no surprise to me. I followed you from day one cos of your refreshing “speak the truth and shame the devil” and fearless approach to a wheels within wheels industry. You won!
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Love you for that, Debbie. Always there with your positive vibes. I owe you a drink or two.
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@CJ. Drinks on the cards cool but we better go dutch cos I’ve got a hollow leg.
Debbie, sounds like it will be a fun night.
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Boomer, that makes me a happy man to read. I love sharing what I've experience and learned. A book is an opportunity to do so that I never expected.
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Will it be available in ebook format?
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Ebook version coming in 2022, Evelyne Gauthier.
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Yay! It will be available in Canada?
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Absolutely!
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Thanks for this post CJ Walley . I look forward to ordering my copy. It's post like this that give people motivation. It's not coming from some privileged-studio-execs that bought their way in because they love the business of this industry and not the art.
I thank you. I command you.
Cheers mate..!
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That's really sweet of you to write, Kerson, It means a lot.
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Double yay! :
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Well the book launched today.
Hit #1 in screenwriting on Amazon.
Sold out globally on day one!
New copies already being shipped out to meet demand.
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Wonderful post, CJ. As a member of your website, it is good to hear it is getting good press. Indeed, this is a wonderful. resource. Stage 32 has so many opportunities.
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Just ordered it from Amazon. Always looking for new ways of doing things.