Screenwriting

Working with Savannah was a game-changer. She doesn’t just give surface-level notes—she dives deep into the nuance that can truly elevate your script. Whether it’s suggesting a subtle scene tweak to build chemistry or flagging a comedic beat that’s undercutting tension, her feedback is precise and invaluable. On top of that, she brings the eye of a true artist—poet, filmmaker, satirist—which makes her insights feel both sharp and refreshingly original. Grateful I got to work with her and hope I get to again.

One of the trickiest things in my screenplay Yohana’s World was writing scenes where Yohana sees something that isn’t there. I call them: A Surreal Phenomenon.

But the tone must not shift into fantasy.

That was the idea.

If her hallucinations felt like magic, the tension would collapse.

So a rule was set in place:

Everything she sees must fit inside the genre she thinks she is still in.

That meant:

- No dream logic.

- No sudden mood changes.

- No stylistic flourishes that give the trick away.

Instead, her hallucinations would blend with real space.

They speak in half-memories.

They interrupt her work like unwanted phone notifications.

The aim was that the audience must not ask, “Is this real?”

They need to ask, “Why does she need this to feel real right now?”

"That is the difference between a genre device and a psychological reveal."

The hallucinations should speak truth, not spectacle.

P.S - The First 21 Pages have many surreal phenomenon. Feel free to read about them.

Visit:

https://yohanasworld.com/ (now available for a direct sale)

I'm from a small town in North Carolina. One time during winter, I tried to get across a small ditch and fell off the wood board. The ditch was full of snow and ice, and I couldn't get out. It wasn't funny at the time, but it is now. Haha I eventually got out the ditch.

I plan on using what happened that winter for a scene in a Sci-Fi Comedy script I'm outlining. Have you ever written a script, scene, etc. based off a story, situation, or event where you grew up or live?

And here's the link to this week's blog for July Filmmakers Club if you missed it: www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-2-strategies-for-creating...

Complete the three challenges mentioned in the blog to be entered to win a Stage 32 Webinar! At the end of the month, we’ll draw winners for our Blackmagic Design grand prizes for members who participated all month!

Hello friends,

I hope you're all doing well. I’d like to ask for your advice — am I doing the right thing?

I’m a screenwriter looking for people who might benefit from my screenwriting skills and experience, so we could collaborate. That’s why I’ve been sharing some of the ideas I’ve come up with in the Logline section, along with short synopses for them. You’re welcome to check them out.

However, not all of these ideas have full scripts yet — some do, some don’t. Let me explain why.

Every idea I share, every film concept, I can see clearly in my mind — not just the beginning, but most importantly, the ending. Many screenwriters struggle with this: they can see the setup, maybe even the second act, but the ending often doesn’t come together. And when they do try to write the ending, they realize they have to rewrite everything — the opening, the midpoint, all of it.

That’s not the case for me. I always see the full arc.

The second thing is this: no producer will accept your script exactly as it is. You can spend a year or more writing a script, but when you try to sell it, the producer will almost certainly ask for major rewrites. You’ll end up spending even more time reworking the material — and much of that original effort might go to waste.

That’s why I prefer to first have a real conversation with a producer, to understand what they want to see — and only then write the synopsis and eventually the script tailored to that vision.

So here’s my question: am I doing the right thing by sharing only ideas and synopses at this stage? Or do you believe I should be writing full scripts from the beginning?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!Hello friends,

I hope you're all doing well. I’d like to ask for your advice — am I doing the right thing?

I’m a screenwriter looking for people who might benefit from my screenwriting skills and experience, so we could collaborate. That’s why I’ve been sharing some of the ideas I’ve come up with in the Logline section, along with short synopses for them. You’re welcome to check them out.

However, not all of these ideas have full scripts yet — some do, some don’t. Let me explain why.

Every idea I share, every film concept, I can see clearly in my mind — not just the beginning, but most importantly, the ending. Many screenwriters struggle with this: they can see the setup, maybe even the second act, but the ending often doesn’t come together. And when they do try to write the ending, they realize they have to rewrite everything — the opening, the midpoint, all of it.

That’s not the case for me. I always see the full arc.

The second thing is this: no producer will accept your script exactly as it is. You can spend a year or more writing a script, but when you try to sell it, the producer will almost certainly ask for major rewrites. You’ll end up spending even more time reworking the material — and much of that original effort might go to waste.

That’s why I prefer to first have a real conversation with a producer, to understand what they want to see — and only then write the synopsis and eventually the script tailored to that vision.

So here’s my question: am I doing the right thing by sharing only ideas and synopses at this stage? Or do you believe I should be writing full scripts from the beginning?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

We live in an age of online connectivity. In many ways I love it. But I'm an introvert and being only online is both my dream life and not at all good for me. The online life also generally works well for writers. When Covid hit we all became experts at working remotely. But there's nothing quite like meeting and working with people face-to-face.

Question 1: Do you have either an in-person face-to-face working relationship with another screenwriter(s) or perhaps a writing support group you regularly meet with face-to-face? If yes, tell us about it. What it's like for you? Benefits? Challenges?

Question 2: If you don't have an in-person face-to-face group writing partner or group or support group, do you have an online partnership or group that you regularly meet with? How's that's working for you? Benefits, challenges, etc.?

I just go lambasted by a moderator for promoting an AI service or two. So lets start an honest discussion on what AI tools we use to write our scripts?

(Please note that this is done as it would be a script for a comic, I have a background in comics, so I use comic terms for the script. I do hope to get this made as a movie or short TV show. I'm looking for feedback on the pages, if you can take the time to read and leave a review in the comments. replace panels with shot.)

Chapter 4 Page 7 - (The Battle of Wits Begins) Four Panels

(Ch4 Pg7 Panel One)

Garerit rests his hand on his hip, observing Rebeck.

SB (Garerit - Calmly): "I could ask the same. Who are you to stand between me and Blonderbore's hoard?"

(Ch4 Pg7 Panel Two)

Rebeck laughs, tapping his temple.

SB (Rebeck - Mocking): "The one who holds the keys. But keys aren't given freely. Do you wager your mind against mine?"

(Ch4 Pg7 Panel Three)

Garerit narrows his eyes, intrigued but cautious.

SB (Garerit - Confidently): "A battle of wits? Very well. Name the rules."

(Ch4 Pg7 Panel Four)

Rebeck leans forward, eyes gleaming.

SB (Rebeck - Smirking): "Three riddles. Solve two, and you pass. Fail, and you belong to the cave." And all you have are mine.

I’m curious how other screenwriters test whether their pilot script actually grabs and holds attention.

I don’t mean just the plot — but also pacing, emotional impact, and structure.

Do you use test readers, feedback partners, focus groups, or any specific methods?

And how do you personally know when your pilot is “ready” for contests or to be sent out?

Any insight or practical advice would be greatly appreciated — thanks!

Looking to see if there are any Canadians on here because i haven't come across many in my time here lol feel free to join my network so we can connect!

Also, it's been a very long time since I've been on here and I don't know if I can say why cause it might be considered self promotion but let's just say I've moved on to bigger things so even though I don't do screenwriting anymore I'm still helping screenwriters in different way. I'm never far from home but I do miss hanging out here!

Project 1: “Bringing the Black Knight to Vietnam” In a country where the average monthly income is just $300, face-to-face English conversation with foreigners is a luxury reserved for wealthy urban families. Rural and low-income students are left behind, stuck in classrooms that focus on outdated grammar drills. Minh, a determined 20-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, envisioned a radical solution: hire fluent African English speakers as motorbike taxi drivers, turning each ride into a face-to-face English lesson. But while the idea sparked hope among young Vietnamese, it also sparked a backlash—skeptical investors, visa barriers, entrenched racism, and, ultimately, fierce opposition. When his partner's home is burned down by locals and innocent lives are taken, Minh is forced to confront the question: Can a dream built on unity survive in a divided world? Project 2: “Hell Across the Border”

After failing his college entrance exams and fearing to disappoint his parents, Minh runs away from home. But during a drunken reunion with old friends, he wakes up to find himself in Cambodia. Across the border, they force him to make scam calls to his own people, forcing him to meet a quota of 20 victims per month. If he fails, he will be brutally beaten and mentally tortured. When his limit is reached, Minh has only one choice: risk his life to escape that hell and flee to Vietnam – his homeland.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Which journal entry stood out to you?

Thanks so much in advance!